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ANDY PARSONS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands TOURS TO THE REGION

WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S APRILON 2017 Worcestershire ISSUE 376 APRIL 2017 ’

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

inside:

Your 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

AmericanRICH HALL funnyman brings his deadpan humour to

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Huntingdon Hall

BRITTEN OBOE performQUARTET a mixed programme at Bromsgrove’s Artrix TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK

celebratingDISNEY 100 ON years ICE of magic at the Genting Arena

WORCESTER OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY CELEBRATE 125 YEARS AT THE SWAN THEATRE. Contents April Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:51 Page 1 Contents April Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 21:19 Page 2

April 2017

Contents

Bubbly Black Girl - Kirsten Childs’ quirky comedy heads to the Belgrade feature on page 8

Bruno Mars La Cage aux Folles Out Of This World the list

Grammy Award winner Doo- John Partridge talks about his Mark Murphy’s genre-defying Your 16-page Wops to the Barclaycard Arena role in the hit West End musical work visits Warwick Arts Centre week by week listings guide Interview page 17 Interview page 26 page 33 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 16. Music 24. Comedy 28. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MAGAZINE GROUP Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox 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 April Warwickshre NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:52 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Something ‘Wondrous Strange’ in Stratford for Shakespeare’s birthday William Shakespeare’s birthday is being cele- brated in style this month by the world-famous Stratford theatre company that bears his name. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is host- ing a selection of events on Saturday 22 April to mark the bard’s 453rd birthday. The day’s programme includes the return of Wondrous Strange - an outdoor acrobatic Shakespeare-themed performance - a range of free family-friendly activities and a perform- ance of Julius Caesar in the Company’s main theatre.

Route confirmed for new Arts Council funding for Wardrobe. Dodie Smith’s delightful tale has been trans- Vélo Birmingham bike ride Birmingham Dance Hub formed for the stage by Debbie Isitt, writer Full details of the Vélo Birmingham 100-mile Arts Council England has confirmed that it and director of the hugely popular Nativity! fully closed cycling road route have been an- will provide £5million to develop a Dance films. Isitt’s stage show, Nativity! The Musi- nounced. Hub at Birmingham’s Hippodrome theatre cal, begins its national tour at The REP in Oc- The autumn event, taking place on Sunday over the next three years. tober. 24 September and starting on the city’s Broad The new space will include a large studio, of- Tickets for The Hundred And One Dalma- Street, will take 15,000 cyclists on a ‘breath- fice spaces and meeting rooms that will con- tians, which runs from Thursday 30 Novem- taking journey’ from city to country, passing nect to studio, performance and social spaces ber to Saturday 13 January, are available now through Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, within the wider complex. from the REP box office on 0121 236 4455 or at Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Commenting on the project, Peter Knott, Area birmingham-rep.co.uk To find out more, visit vélobirmingham.com Director of Arts Council England, said: “As the nation’s developer of arts and culture, we want to invest in bold schemes. The Birming- Lottery grant set to help The patter of tiny hooves ham Dance Hub promises to be just that, en- Coventry showcase its at Stratford’s Tudor farm ticing audiences and enhancing the city’s reputation. cultural creativity Mary Arden’s Farm is set to hear the patter of “When artists and The city of Coventry is set to develop a num- tiny hooves this month when one of the creatives think of a ber of new events and art commissions after venue’s Arapawa goats gives birth to her first great place to lo- receiving £1.5million from Heritage Lottery kid. cate their practice, Fund and Arts Council England. “We’re delighted to be welcoming such a rare we want them to The money will fund projects including a cel- and special new addition,” says Abi Moore, recognise Birming- ebration of Coventry’s medieval and modern the venue’s farm site manager. “As well as ham and the wider architecture, a theatre project looking at the Arapawa goats, the farm is expecting other city region as the importance of the workplace in bringing cul- new spring arrivals, including the rare breeds place to choose.” tures together in the city, new city trails and of Norfolk Horns, Cotswold and Portland artist-designed mapping, and a major new lambs and new calves throughout the year. arts commission for Coventry Cathedral. We’ve already welcomed a gaggle of goslings Commenting on the award, Laura McMillan, and can’t wait for visitors to experience the 101 Dalmatians in Brum Manager of the Coventry City of Culture farm at such a wonderful time of year. Birmingham Repertory Theatre is going dotty Trust, said: “It will take time to develop the “We also have a range of new activities for dogs this Christmas when it presents a programme but from 2018 we will see some planned for the season, including our brand brand new stage version of The Hundred And exceptional events and projects engaging all new Tudor crafts area and the mysterious lo- One Dalmatians. ages in the city’s heritage, architecture and tions-and-potions hut, featuring the Tudor The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker, cultural life. Wise Woman. takes the helm for the festive-season family “This award will also help build capacity and “There really is something for everyone down show. Tessa has previously directed the showcase the creativity of our independent at the farm, and we hope that people will venue’s yuletide productions of A Christmas cultural sector.” come along for some good old Tudor fun!” Carol and The Lion, The Witch And The

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First Word

BRB announces Warwickshire’s bear at the castle... new ballet season An eight-foot sculpture of a bear and staff - the iconic county em- Firm family favourite Aladdin will blem of Warwickshire - is currently on display outside Warwick kickstart Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Castle’s aptly named Bear Tower. 2017/18 season in the autumn. The sculpture was created by willow-weaving artist Juliette Hamil- Artistic Director David Bintley’s criti- cally acclaimed show, which boasts ton and commissioned by the organisers of The Handmade Fair, music by award-winning composer which makes its Ragley Hall debut from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 Carl Davis, heads up a year-long pro- May. Presented by Kirstie Allsopp, the event brings together gramme of dance work that also fea- Britain’s best handmade products, crafts supplies and artisan tures Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s foods. The show also takes place at Hampton Court Palace, where Romeo & Juliet, Concerto and Elite it’s already enjoyed three highly successful years. Syncopations. Commenting on the forthcoming event, Ali Atkinson, marketing Sir Peter Wright’s Nutcracker puts in its usual and always greatly appreci- manager for The Handmade Fair, said: “We’re very excited to be ated festive appearance, and is fol- launching a second event in Warwickshire - and what better way to lowed a month later by his exquisite mark the celebration than by constructing a giant version of the production of The Sleeping Beauty. county emblem and having it displayed at the iconic Warwick Cas- For full details of the company’s sea- tle. The Handmade Fair is all about showcasing the talent and cre- son, visit brb.org.uk ativity we have here in the UK, and this willow-weaving sculpture is just a glimpse into the wonderful things the artists and makers in our country can create.” For more information or to book tickets for the Warwickshire ver- sion of the show, visit thehandmadefair.com/ragley

HMS Pinafore Stratford Literary Festival turns 10 sets sail for Stratford-upon-Avon’s Literary Strictly judge 125th birthday Festival is celebrating 10 glorious brings new Dusty celebration years this month (Sunday 23 to Springfield show Worcester Operatic & Dra- Sunday 30 April). matic Society (WODS) is One of the most significant get-to- to the Midlands this month presenting a gethers of its kind in the UK, the A ‘heartwarming’ new musical new version of Gilbert & popular event presents a fusion of showcasing the songs of Dusty Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore as debates, workshops and celebrity- Springfield is stopping off in Birm- part of the company’s 125th author talks. ingham this autumn. anniversary celebrations. Familiar names taking part in the Directed and choreographed by festival’s 2017 edition include Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig HMS Pinafore And Other Mary Berry, poet Simon Armitage, Revel Horwood, Son Of A Preacher Infernal Nonsense, an ex- Man visits the city’s New Alexandra panded version of the origi- journalist and writer Andrew Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday nal show, runs at the Swan Marr, and political figures Ken Liv- 16 September. Theatre, Worcester, from ingstone and Paddy Ashdown. The production will feature a selec- Tuesday 25 April to Satur- There’s also plenty planned for tion of the late singer’s best-loved day 29 April. younger visitors to enjoy, includ- songs - including the famous title ing the highly rated Birmingham track, with which she enjoyed a For more information and transatlantic hit in 1968. to book tickets, visit Stage Company presenting Horri- Tickets for the show are on sale now wods.co.uk ble Histories’ Best Of Barmy and can be purchased at Britain. atgtickets.com/birmingham. For a full festival line-up, visit For more information about the pro- stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk duction, visit sonofapreacherman- musical.com Facelift for historic Worcester street A historic street in Worcester city centre is set to receive a £1.2mil- lion facelift. The busy thoroughfare known as The Shambles will benefit from brand new resurfacing, new litter bins, improved positioning of its seating areas and clearer linage between the pedestrian areas and loading bays. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Spring Walks Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:24 Page 1 Spring Walks Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:24 Page 2

Put a Spring in your step

After what’s felt like an eternal winter, warmer days are finally on the horizon. With that in mind, What’s On has put together a list of its favourite spring walks in and around Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Breathe in the fresh air, bask in the sunshine and revel in the beauty of the lush, green landscape...

Ryton Pools & Wood breed Jacob's sheep, wild hares and fallow boating lake make this perfect for family With its picnic areas, miniature railway and deer to swooping swallows, woodpeckers, outings. well-surfaced paths, Ryton Pools is a hotspot jays and kingfishers, this spectacular park is Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, for Coventry families, covering 100 acres of teeming with unusual birds and beasts. CV32 4AA public parkland in the city. But thanks to Spring is the perfect time to visit the carefully Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, it also offers tended Victorian flower gardens, while mown Malvern Hills access to one of the country's largest grassy paths make for easy buggy and surviving, semi-natural ancient woodlands, wheelchair access. An Act of 1884 means that people can walk with areas dating back to at least the 11th Charlecote Road, Warwick, CV35 9ER anywhere on the Malvern Hills for all time. century. Boasting around 40 species of trees The only period when the Hills were closed and shrubs, as well as carpets of bright was during the foot-and-mouth outbreak of Welcombe Hills primroses, wood anemones and bluebells in 2002. For visitors who like to follow a spring, this 85-hectare wood is one of Located just outside town beside The designated route, the Malvern’s Area of Warwickshire's best sites for moths and Welcombe Hallmark Hotel, this 60-hectare Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) boasts butterflies. park offers peaceful walks through grassland seven discovery walks. And with the Hills and woodland in Stratford-upon-Avon. separating the counties of Worcestershire Ryton Road, Coventry, CV8 3BG Woodpeckers, little owls, sparrowhawks and and Herefordshire, walkers are guaranteed finches are frequent visitors, as well as some truly breathtaking views across the Middleton Lakes brimstone butterflies in spring. Look out for green and pleasant land of the Midlands Tucked away in the Tame Valley just south of yellow meadow anthills and the historic well region. Tamworth on the Staffordshire/Warwickshire where Margaret Clopton - said to have Earnslaw car park, Wyche Road, Malvern, border, this secluded RSPB reserve is one of inspired Shakespeare's Ophelia - drowned in WR14 4EG the region's hidden gems. Home to over 100 1592. A Shakespearean audio trail by Playbox bird species, three purpose-built viewing Theatre is available to download from the Wyre Forest platforms and an additional Lookout hide, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust website. it's the ideal retreat for nature-lovers. Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, From strolling in the forest to taking on the Seasonal highlights include the pirouetting CV37 6XR not-inconsiderable challenge of the sedge warbler, the fluting skylark and black Worcestershire Way, the Wyre Forest has cap, the unmistakeable cuckoo and the walks to suit pretty much everybody. If you’re Jephson Gardens acrobatic lapwing with its distinctive ‘peewit’ looking for somewhere pleasant to pass a call. Located in the centre of Leamington Spa, this couple of hours while enjoying a little formal Victorian garden is an excellent way exercise, there are numerous circular routes Bodymoor Heath Rd, Tamworth, B78 2AE to enjoy green space without travelling miles from which to choose, ranging in length out of your way. Great design and a mix of from two to eight miles. Longer walks include Charlecote Park insect-friendly native plants and more exotic the aforementioned Worcestershire Way, a 31- Discover a wildlife haven steeped in history species have earned it multiple awards. A mile undertaking, and the even longer North in the Capability Brown-inspired grounds of lush tropical glasshouse, sensory garden, Worcestershire Path (37 miles). the 16th century Charlecote Park. From rare- sculpture collection, kids' play area and Callow Hill, Kidderminster, DY14 9XQ whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Bubbly Black Girl DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:42 Page 1

FEATURE

Bubbly Black Girl...

Kirsten Childs’ intelligent, quirky and hugely entertaining comedy this month heads to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

On 15 September 1963, four girls were Partly, this is down to background and dolls of different colours and asked which murdered in an infamous Ku Klux Klan protective parenting. As a middle-class they preferred. There are recordings of terror attack in Birmingham, Alabama. girl living in LA, Viveca doesn't witness these kids speaking really openly about it The bombing marked a major turning the kind of direct violence that would and it's quite shocking.” point in American racial politics, have been a daily reality for many in the Known as the Clark Test, this experiment contributing to the passing of the Civil ’60s. Yet throughout her life, she's still was initially run in the late 1930s by Rights Act the following year. subtly undermined by stereotyping and psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark. discrimination. Rather than confronting But not everyone was au fait with the Regardless of their own race or this head-on, however, her father movement at the time. A combination of background, the vast majority of children encourages her to keep smiling and try to fear, denial and internalised racism expressed a preference for the white doll, ignore what's happening. Her mother, on prevented many from reacting, at least selecting it as “good” and “pretty” while the other hand, is not convinced that's openly, to the event. Among them is the black doll was picked out as “bad” healthy. Kirsten Childs' semi-autobiographical and “ugly”. The evidence this provided of heroine Viveca Stanton, the title character “That conflict creates a dichotomy within internalised racism came to be used in the in her Offie Award-nominated musical, the child,” explains Trevor A Toussaint, landmark 1954 Civil Rights case Brown v The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her who plays Daddy. “She starts wondering, Board of Education, credited with ending Chameleon Skin. Fully aware that any one 'Who am I? What's wrong with me segregation in American schools. Yet of those dead girls might have been her, aspiring to be like a white person? Why more than half a century later, repeat Viveca decides that she'll protect herself are black people telling me that I'm experiments have continued to show by ‘being white’. Assuming the wrong?' I think the reason this show similar results, and not only in the US. unthreatening nickname ‘Bubbly’, she really resonates with people is because it's In Act Two, meanwhile, Viveca's internal restyles herself as a giggling optimist about that whole question of, 'Am I good conflict is physically depicted when Jack, floating through life, shielded from its enough?'” who plays her as a child and teenager, harsh realities by relentlessly positive In Act One, this dichotomy is represented joins the adult Viveca - as played by thinking. through Viveca's conversations with her Mackay - on stage, representing the Following a run at London's Theatre Royal Chitty Chatty - a talking, white-skinned character's unspoken inner thoughts. Stratford East, this intelligent, quirky and doll in a frilly dress with bright blue eyes This isn't the only way Viveca changes hugely entertaining comedy heads for and flowing blonde hair, which she over time. Spanning four decades of Coventry's Belgrade Theatre this month. favours over her short-haired black doll, history, the show sees her try on multiple dressed in a pair of red dungarees. “I think at a young age, Viveca is very guises, from taking tips from her Black sheltered,” says Karis Jack, who plays her, “As a young girl, Viveca aspires to be like Panther schoolmate to hanging out with a sharing the role with co-star Sophia Chitty Chatty,” says Jessica Pardoe, who crowd of hippies, and from working as a Mackay. “She’s not necessarily aware of brings the doll to life on stage. “It's typist to giving big-shot directors what she all the things that some of her school actually based on a test that was done thinks they want in dance auditions. And friends are aware of.” with children where they were given two then there are the desperately

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by Heather Kincaid

inappropriate boyfriends... neighbour Gregory. “Everyone is a bit of a adds Gove, “and I think maybe someone chameleon - you're different when you're who wrote music wouldn't have written “My character is a very different sort of with your friends to when you're at work. them like that. It's quite challenging - person than Viveca has ever met before,” We all put up these fronts to be accepted.” sometimes every line could almost be a says Llandyll Gove, who plays the separate song.” magnificently named Cosmic Rainbow. “It “It's very much about identity,” agrees doesn't really matter to him who she is or Matt Dempsey, who plays the young Above all, though, this is a show that's what colour she is. But there's a really Viveca's unconsciously racist old ballet thoroughly good fun, underlined by a cringeworthy scene where he meets her teacher, as well as the slightly creepy wicked sense of humour which emerges mum. I suppose in his head, he's trying to Broadway doyen, Director Bob. “Yes, race partly from the musical theatre be on their level and say the things that he is a very deep-rooted theme, and it’s conventions which Viveca's artificial thinks they would want to hear.” Kirsten writing about what she felt, but cheeriness simultaneously exploits and that struggle with identity is something subverts. It's also a classic coming-of-age “Lucas believes he is a sexy, smooth, that we can all relate to.” tale, with all the usual comically clumsy charismatic guy who will get any lady he awkwardness of adolescence. wants if he does his chat-up lines, and it It's not just Viveca who changes with the works for him with Viveca,” says Ashley times either. The show also features a “Despite the fact that it's so layered, and Joseph, who plays the self-styled lothario. fabulous and totally unique score that that's the beautiful thing about it, it still is “It's all based on something that his echoes pop trends through the decades, a really fun night out,” says Williams. grandma told him when he was a kid, from ’60s Motown to ’80s power ballads. “There are some great numbers, great which he probably didn't fully understand singing, and at the evening shows, we can “It's really interesting and not like at the time.” hear the audiences laughing all the way anything I've ever done before, especially through. People are going away having In many respects, Lucas functions as a in terms of how it was put together,” says had an amazing time, and that's really warped mirror image of Viveca, breezing Shelley Williams, who plays Viveca's important to us.” through life responsibility-free, having lighter-skinned ballet classmate Yolanda, constructed a persona that protects him as well as Lucas' “evil” Granny. “Kirsten from worrying about the world around didn't write notated music, so she The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her him. This realisation is a big step towards recorded herself singing each line of the Chameleon Skin shows at the Belgrade Viveca’s eventual awakening. harmonies on different tape recorders, Theatre, Coventry, from Wednesday 5 and then put them all together.” “The important part of the title is that she to Saturday 15 April sheds her chameleon skin,” says Jay “People who know their music will be able Marsh, who plays her nice-guy next-door to hear how complex the harmonies are,”

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Food

Popular Stratford-upon-Avon venue reopens after refurb A popular Stratford-upon-Avon bar, restaurant and B&B has reopened following a major refur- bishment. The Grade II listed Townhouse, formerly The Church Street Townhouse, has had its interiors enhanced and updated. To celebrate the relaunch, the venue’s executive head chef, Antony Ely, has devised a new menu of seasonal, rustic and ‘flavourful’ British dishes, made using the best locally sourced produce. Commenting on the refurb, The Townhouse’s manager, Neil Hanson, said: “The venue is al- ready popular, and the refurbishment will only enhance what’s already there to create an even more enjoyable place to drink, dine and stay.” To find out more, visit stratfordtownhouse.co.uk

pickled walnuts and cranberry ter’s night. When selecting his dressing. I’m not exaggerating main, my dining partner when I say this was one of the dithered over the choice of liver, best first courses I’ve tasted in a as it wasn’t something he nor- long time. The combination of mally went for, but he was de- flavours was perfect, with special lighted with his choice. mention to the walnuts, which We argued over dessert, as we added a piquant flavour and both wanted the same thing: crunchy texture to this superb lemongrass panna cotta, passion dish. First class. fruit compote and mango sorbet. My dining partner chose spiced I won, and enjoyed a subtly lamb kofta kebab, tzatziki and creamy and zingy end to my herb pitta bread, with a spicy meal. The apple and rhubarb (but not too spicy, apparently!) crumble with custard my friend red pepper salsa. To quote him, selected was similarly gorgeous. “Delish”. Thumbs up all round A good wine list (my mate’s Ar- so far. gentinian Melbec went down After exactly the right length of particularly well), perfect serv- REVIEW: The Howard Arms time for a breather, I was served ice, and most mains coming in at with my main - stew of the day, around £14 to £15 and puddings A warm welcome in Ilmington which on the night I visited was at £6.50; the Howard Arms is a lamb and mint (£13.50). Hearty great dining experience that isn’t Nestling in the charming village modern, narrow lighting fixtures and full of depth, this came with likely to break the bank either. of Ilmington, between Stratford- (which I’d have set a little bit perfectly cooked new potatoes, Highly recommended. Jack Rolfe upon-Avon and Shipston-on- lower to create a more intimate wilted greens, sugar snap peas Stour, is the 400-year-old feel). and baby carrots. I don’t often Food: Howard Arms. With stone floors rave about vegetables but these nnnnn The menu, which features Service: and oak beams, this is the epit- were top notch. My only gripe nnnnn around eight choices per course, Ambience: ome of a Cotswold hostelry. was that I’d have liked a couple nnnnn mixes simple offerings such as Overall value of dumplings with the stew to nnnnn Part pub, part hotel, part restau- soup of the day and hamburger OVERALL nnnnn rant, its atmosphere is warm, and chips with plenty of other soak everything up. welcoming and calm. The restau- options for the more ambitious My friend opted for pan-fried The Howard Arms rant is primarily located on a palate. calves liver with mash, tomato Lower Green Ilmington slightly raised area with un- For starters (ranging from £4.50 and mushroom and a smoked clothed tables. Oversized ceiling bacon gravy (£13.50). More com- Shipston-on-Stour to £8.50), I plumped for confit CV36 4LT lamps are juxtaposed against fort food, perfect for a late-win- duck leg served with roast pear, Tel: 01608 682226

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Food

New Thai restaurant opens in Birmingham A new Thai restaurant has opened in Birmingham city centre. Siamais (pronounced Siam-aze) serves modern Thai food with a twist. The eatery is the brainchild of young businessman Nishil Nathwani, who also owns Aluna Cocktail Bar by the water’s edge at The Mailbox. “Aluna has been a huge success as a ‘mixology’ specialist cocktail bar,” says Nishil. “There, we combined sumptuous interiors, experimental cocktails and lively music, all de- signed to appeal to young profession- als. And as a secondary offering, you Cry ‘Havoc!’, and let slip the hotdogs and more... can also choose from our Thai-in- The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has launched an intimate new dining space on the first spired food menu. floor of its main theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. “With Siamais, we’ve reversed the Circle Bar And Dining boasts impressive views across the River Avon and features a menu including concept and created a magical restau- pressed ham & pea terrine and sirloin of dry aged roast beef with gratin potatoes and a side salad. rant as the primary offering. There’s a A vegetarian option is also available, as well as a selection of seasonal desserts. completely curtained off, separate bar The Company has also introduced a range of gourmet hotdogs at Susie’s Café Bar, which is based at - with a choice of up to 60 cocktails - its recently reopened venue, The Other Place. to complement the food.” Commenting on the new launches, RSC Executive Chef Simon Malin said: “Food, like the theatre, brings people and families together. This is why I'm excited to introduce our brand new dining space and food offer, plus a range of fantastic gourmet hotdogs, to open up more of the RSC to peo- All-vegan eatery open ple who’re looking for a great shared culinary experience.” For more information, visit rsc.org.uk for business in Brum A new all-vegan eatery has opened in Birmingham. International acclaim for talented Midlands bartender Natural Healthy Foods’ new café on A talented Birmingham bartender is in celebratory mood after winning a prestigious international Suffolk Street, Queensway, offers visi- competition. tors a selection of gluten-free, hot and Toby Heap, who works at The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge, scored his success in raw food and organic vegan options. the jazz pop category of the Ysabel Regina Fusion Competition, a contest that focuses on the imagi- The new venue seats 54 people and native bringing together of drinks and music. Toby’s winning drink, which he called Love In Vain, stocks more than 1,500 products. was inspired by Eric Clapton’s Layla, Unplugged. Shaking it up at TGIs New monthly tour explores Brum American-style eatery TGI Fridays has launched a range of Ultimate Shakes city centre’s culinary hotspots and mocktails. A monthly ‘food tour’ has been launched in Birmingham. The popular chain’s new drinks selec- Described as ‘a relaxed, guided walk with gastronomical tion includes the imaginatively flavour’, the tour provides participants with the chance named Basil Berry Smash, Choccyli- to sample offerings from the city's local independent cious and Birthday Cake Shake. restaurants, cafes and street food providers. “Our new range of drinks taste just as Commenting on the new initiative, its founder and host, incredible as they look, especially the Rhiannon Simpson, said: “The tour is like a lazy, grazing Ultimate Shakes,” says Terry McDow- lunch with sites, facts and fun along the way. My aim is ell, TGI Fridays’ head of food & drink. to engage guests, share stories about this fantastic city “We also know that not everyone and promote the best local, independent food busi- wants to drink alcohol on a night out, nesses.” and we don’t want them to miss the The food tour's up-and-coming dates are Saturday 8 April fun. That’s why we’ve created a new and Saturday 6 May. Both tours take place in the city cen- selection of refreshing, alcohol-free tre from midday to 4pm. To book a place, visit birming- mocktails for our guests.” hamfoodtour.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Readers' Awards Warwicks_Worcs DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:58 Page 1

Readers’ What’sOn Awards WINNERS announced... With over 45,000+ votes cast in the What’s OnReaders’ Awards 2017 - we are delighted to announce your winners...

Midlands Large Theatre Best Kids Show Best Midlands Arts/ WINNER WINNER Disney On Ice presents Frozen Cultural Festival Birmingham RUNNER-UP Gangsta Granny WINNER Birmingham Comedy Festival Hippodrome RUNNER-UP International Dance RUNNER-UP Best Amateur Dramatic/ Festival Birmingham Wolverhampton Operatic Group Grand Theatre WINNER Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company (MUSCOM) Midlands Arts Centre RUNNER-UP Old Joint Stock Musical WINNER mac, Birmingham Theatre Co. RUNNER-UP Warwick Arts Centre Best Amateur Production Best Touring Musical WINNER Legally Blonde - WINNER Mamma Mia! Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Society RUNNER-UP Mary Poppins RUNNER-UP Jekyll & Hyde - Bournville Musical Theatre Company Best Touring Play WINNER The Full Monty Best Dance Production RUNNER-UP Of Mice & Men WINNER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker Best Home-Produced Show In The RUNNER-UP Matthew Bourne’s Best Exhibition Midlands Sleeping Beauty WINNER Wildlife Photographer of the WINNER Gangsta Granny - Birmingham Year 2016 - Wolverhampton Art Gallery Stage Company RUNNER-UP Inspire 16 - Birmingham RUNNER-UP The Wind In The Willows - Museum & Art Gallery The Old Rep Best Independent Best Pantomime Cinema In The Midlands 2016/17 WINNER Electric WINNER Aladdin - Wolverhampton Cinema - Birmingham Grand Theatre RUNNER-UP Light RUNNER-UP Dick Whittington - House Media Centre - Birmingham Hippodrome Wolverhampton

Best Midlands Comedian Best Classical Production WINNER Greg Davies inc Opera RUNNER-UP Joe Lycett WINNER WNO - Sweeney Todd RUNNER-UP Birmingham Opera Best Midlands Company - Dido ‘n’ Aeneas Comedy Break-through Best Orchestra/Choir WINNER WINNER CBSO Sarah Johnson RUNNER-UP Birmingham Philharmonic RUNNER-UP Orchestra Tom Christian 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers' Awards Warwicks_Worcs DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:58 Page 2

Readers’ Awards

Best Midlands Comedy Night Best Midlands Live Band Best Midlands WINNER Comedy Carousel at The Glee WINNER The Twang Retail Shopping Club, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Ned’s Atomic Dustbin Centre RUNNER-UP Comedy at Henry Tudor WINNER Bullring - House, Shrewsbury Best Midlands Chef Birmingham WINNER Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Bham) RUNNER-UP intu Best Midlands Music Venue RUNNER-UP Adam Stokes (Adams, Merry Hill - (Large: 1000+ capacity) Birmingham) Brierley Hill WINNER Symphony Hall Best Midlands Food Festival Midlands Entertainment - Birmingham WINNER Ludlow Food Festival Personality of the Year Award RUNNER-UP RUNNER-UP Great British Food Festival WINNER Doreen Tipton O2 Academy - - Shugborough RUNNER-UP Julie Walters Birmingham Best Midlands Best Midlands Music Festival Street Food WINNER Shrewsbury Folk Festival Vendor RUNNER-UP Moseley Folk Festival WINNER Buddha Belly Best Midlands Musician RUNNER-UP WINNER Laura Mvula Vegan RUNNER-UP Libby Gliksman Grindhouse And the winners in your region...

Best Independent Cafe Best Festival Coventry & Warwickshire WINNER The Big Comfy WINNER Asparafest, Best Arts/Theatre Venue Bookshop, Coventry Nr Evesham WINNER RST, Stratford-upon-Avon RUNNER-UP The RUNNER-UP Worcester RUNNER-UP Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Steamhouse, Music Festival Leamington Spa Best Music Venue Best Visitor Attraction WINNER Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Best Nightclub WINNER Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley RUNNER-UP The Assembly, WINNER Kasbah, Coventry RUNNER-UP West Midland Safari Park Leamington Spa RUNNER-UP Smack, Leamington Spa Best Independent Best Festival Restaurant WINNER Godiva Festival Worcestershire WINNER The Royal RUNNER-UP Stratford River Festival Best Arts/Theatre Venue Oak, Evesham Best Visitor Attraction WINNER Artrix, Bromsgrove RUNNER-UP The Olive WINNER Warwick Castle RUNNER-UP Malvern Theatres Branch, Worcester RUNNER-UP Coventry Transport Museum Best Independent Best Event Cafe WINNER WINNER Godiva Festival Word Of RUNNER-UP Mouth, Art In The Park, Evesham Leamington Spa RUNNER-UP Lorita’s Best Gallery Exhibition/Gallery Space Bakehouse, WINNER Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Bromsgrove RUNNER-UP Coventry Music Museum

Best Independent Restaurant Best Music Venue Best Nightclub WINNER La Coppola, Leamington Spa WINNER The Iron Road, Evesham WINNER Tramps, Worcester RUNNER-UP Cheals Of Henley, RUNNER-UP Huntington Hall, Worcester RUNNER-UP 57 Monkeys, Bromsgrove Henley-in-Arden whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical & Gigs Warwicks April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:44 Page 1

Classical

Chandos Symphony Orchestra Malvern Theatre, Sun 2 April Malvern’s very own amateur orchestra is here joined by conductor Richard Laing and bassoon soloist Rebecca Eldridge. An occasional collabo- rator with Welsh Na- tional Opera, Rebecca will be per- forming Nino Rota’s lyrical bassoon con- certo. The piece is pre- ceded in the programme by Stravin- sky’s fantastical Fire- bird and followed by Tchaikovsky’s Pathé- tique symphony.

Leonore Piano Trio Laura Van Der Heijden Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Sat 29 April Plays Tchaikovsky Performing as part of Leamington Music Festival, the Leonore Piano Trio features violinist Stratford Artshouse, Tues 11 April Benjamin Nabarro, cellist Gemma Rosefield and pianist Tim Horton - three musicians well A performance by Laura van der Heijden known to Warwickshire audiences as members of Ensemble 360. The trio have been per- is always a joy. The 2012 BBC Young Musi- forming together for the last five years, and here present a programme featuring music by cian of the Year has established herself as Haydn, Schubert, Lalo and Leamington’s very own Howard Skempton. one of the country’s leading musical tal- ents, and here performs alongside the Or- chestra of the Swan in a concert Britten Oboe Quartet conducted by Julian Lloyd Webber. English Symphony The evening’s programme features Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 7 April Orchestra: Bach’s Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525 It’s been said of oboist Nicholas Daniel and violinist St John Passion and Symphony no40 in G minor K550. Per- Jacqueline Shave that, were there to be assembled a Coventry Cathedral, Fri 14 April formed between these is Tchaikovsky’s chamber music equivalent of a fantasy football Rococo Variations, a work which perfectly team, they would both undoubtedly be in the exemplifies the composer’s love of squad. They’re joined in the Britten Oboe Quartet by Mozart’s music and the 18th century style. two other hugely talented musicians - cellist Caro- line Dearnley and Clare Finnimore on viola. The evening’s programme includes compositions by Mozart, Lennox Berkeley, Moeran, Schubert, Richard Rodney Bennett and Françaix.

A favourite at Eastertide, Bach’s St John Passion - a re-telling of Christ’s betrayal and death - con- tinues to be one of classical music’s most profound experi- ences. The highly rated English Sym- phony Orchestra are here joined by Saint Michael's Singers - Coventry Cathedral’s resident choral society, now in its 54th year. 16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical & Gigs Warwicks April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:44 Page 2

Gigs

Hannah James’ Jigdoll Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 28 April A rarity in folk music, Hannah James is a singer, musician and innovative clog dancer. Her first solo project, Jigdoll, allows her to combine all the talents for which she’s become best known. Mentors Sonia Sabri - a practitioner of kathak, a form of In- dian dancing - traditional musician Karen Tweed, percussionist Cormac Byrne and choreographer Bush Hartshorn have helped to bring the show together.

Bruno Mars B.o.B’s Nothin’ On You and Travie McCoy’s Billionaire. Mars is one of the best-selling Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, artists of all time, having sold in excess of Mon 24 - Tues 25 April 100 million singles and albums worldwide. Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, His three albums to date are Doo-Wops & Craig David record producer, voice actor and choreogra- Hooligans, Unorthodox Jukebox and the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Sat 8 April pher Bruno Mars became recognised as a hugely anticipated 24K Magic. solo artist after his vocals featured on Best known for hits such as 7 Days, I’m Walking Away and Re-Rewind with Artful Dodger, Craig David has sold over 15 million albums, achieved 16 top-ten hits and The Shires tion of their rock opera/double album reached multi-platinum status in more than Tommy, as well as a selection of their great- 20 countries. See him in Coventry as part of Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 25 April est hits. The evening also features a brand his Following My Intuition arena tour, his British duo Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle new video programme specially produced biggest in the UK for 15 years. combine the classic pop-rock drive of Fleet- for the tour. wood Mac with the uplifting singalong an- thems of The Lumineers. The duo formed after Ben appealed on Face- The Bootleg Beatles book for a female country singer to work New Theatre, Malvern, Fri 7 April with him. Friend-of-a-friend Crissie replied Formed in 1980 from the cast of the musical to his message - and when the pair met up Beatlemania, the Bootleg Beatles remain the very next day, they discovered they had one of the most popular tribute acts in the an instant chemistry. country, despite the emergence of numerous Their most recent album, My Universe, rivals. Their ongoing success is down to the reached number three in the charts and is accuracy of their portrayals, not only man- currently the fastest-selling UK country aging to look uncannily like the Fab Four album of all time. but also sounding incredibly authentic. The Who Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 12 April Joining The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, My Generation, Won’t Get Fooled Again and Pinball Wizard legends The Who complete the holy trinity of British rock. The band are here performing a special acoustic presenta- whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:05 Page 1

THU 6 APRIL, 7.30PM VAMOS THEATRE present THE BEST THING A swinging sixties story of unconditional love from the UK’s leading full mask the- atre company. It’s 1966. The record player’s on, her hair’s bobbed and eye- lashes curled: for seventeen year old Susan, life is an adventure waiting to begin. 12+

TUE 11 APRIL, 2.30PM MONSTERSAURUS Brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants is monster-ously good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky in- ventions and incredible monsters, but he has a problem – now he has made them all, what is he going to do with them?! 3+

WED 3 & THU 4 MAY, 7.30PM SCORCHED 1941. Egypt. WWII. An escaped German officer. A two day chase across the brutal Sahara. 1991. England. Jack reigns from the armchair of his rest home, a local leg- end. Memories are, by his own hand, tat- tooed on his body but dementia is eroding his mind.

SAT 6 MAY, 11AM & 2PM M6 THEATRE company present ONE LITTLE WORD A beautiful and gentle story of friend- ship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. We meet two characters who play together–exploring a new space, new objects, dressing up and tak- ing turns – but struggles arise when one of them wants to be the ONLY Captain of the ship! 3+

SAT 3 JUNE,11AM & 2PM THE BUILDING DANCE SHOW Let your imagination run riot as hun- dreds of cardboard boxes are stacked, squashed and rebuilt. Help create entic- ing caves, precarious castles and fabu- lous creatures as together we experience an incredible story. A story where we learn the strongest thing we can build is friendship. 6+

MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:29 Page 2

Festivals

SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE As another summer approaches, we're already looking forward to the warm weekends of the 2017 festival season, promising pop par- ties, metal mayhem, indie extravaganzas and some folking good fun, along with (mostly) jazz, funk and blues. Over the winter, we asked you to vote for the best venues and events across the region - and now that the polls have closed, we can officially reveal a hand- ful of the finalists. Here are your favourite music festivals, plus a few more to watch out for in the coming months.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival Swingamajig Shrewsbury Folk Festival Various venues, Wed 26 April - Mon 1 May The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, This six-day celebration ranks among the Sun 30 April Fri 25 - Mon 28 August country's best-loved jazz events, attracting in Voted the Midlands' Best Music Festival by excess of 20,000 visitors each year. you, our readers, Shrewsbury Folk has long Taking place in the centre of Cheltenham, the been a firm fixture in any folkie's calendar. festival brings together up-and-coming UK Some of the finest folk acts from across the talent with international icons of the highest UK and further afield gather here each year calibre. Previous star contributors have in- to share songs and stories, dancing and cluded Eartha Kitt, Van Morrison, Stephane drinks. Steeped in history, Shrewsbury is the Grappelli and Ornette Coleman. perfect setting for this celebration of cen- And it's not just for die-hard jazz enthusiasts turies-old tradition, yet it’s far from stuffy. either. With its friendly atmosphere, diverse Vintage glamour meets 21st century electron- With an emphasis on collaboration and a acts and mix of free and paid concerts, Chel- ica in a show like no other, curated by Birm- growing move towards inventive fusion tenham Jazz is a great way to introduce the ingham's very own Electric Swing Circus. styles, the folk scene is where you'll find uninitiated to what the genre has to offer. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Dig- some of the most interesting and original 2017 line-up includes: Laura Mvula, Gregory beth's railway arches in the city's old indus- artists performing in Britain today. Porter, Jack Savoretti, Will Young, Paul Car- trial heartland, Swingamajig fuses 1920s 2017 line-up includes: Chris Difford, Jim rack, Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, Rick Wake- decadence with jungle, hip-hop, gypsy jazz Moray, Jon Boden, The Unthanks, Sam man, Mica Paris & Booker T Jones and pounding electrobeats. Expect circus Carter, Oysterband, The Young'uns, Loudon and cabaret, toe-tapping dance classes, spec- Wainwright III, Le Vent du Nord, The Rheni- tacular showmanship, an extensive vintage gan Sisters and The Transports market, well-dressed punters and an eclectic, off-the-wall array of sights and sounds. Music line-up includes: The Correspon- dents, Featurecast, Electric Swing Circus, Freestylers & Sir Real, Sam & The Womp, Rhino & The Ranters, Dutty Moonshine, Mr Switch and C@ in the H@ Cabaret line-up includes: Miss Betsy Rose, Florian Brooks, Vicky Butterfly, The Flaming Feathers, Joe Black, Dr A Szydlo and Missy Malone

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:29 Page 3

Festivals

V Festival Godiva Festival The Acoustic Weston Park, Staffordshire, War Memorial Park, Festival Of Sat 19 - Sun 20 August Coventry, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Great Britain Bringing together the Among Coventry's claims Uttoxeter Racecourse, biggest artists from across to fame is being home to Fri 2 - Sun 4 June all genres, Virgin's V Festi- the UK's biggest and best Standing out from the val has, over the last 20 free music festival. crowd of ever-louder elec- years, blossomed into one of the UK's “We’ve always been proud of the Godiva tronic festivals, The Acoustic Festival of biggest and best-known music events. Festival,” Councillor Abdul Khan told the Great Britain marks a welcome return to the Born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Coventry Telegraph. “It brings a massive basics of good quality music. Cocker put forward the idea of playing in profile to Coventry as a city." Stripped back, unplugged performances are two outdoor venues over two days, V Festi- Over the years, the festival’s hosted an array the focus of this relaxed, friendly event: be- val is unique in taking place in two separate of big-name acts, from The Happy Mondays yond that, it's open to music of all genres. locations simultaneously. Chart-topping to Mercury Rev, The Enemy to Echo & The With a five-star-rated camping infrastruc- acts take to stages in Staffordshire and Bunnymen and Buzzcocks to The Boomtown ture, glamping options, seated food tents Chelmsford, visiting one on Saturday and Rats. With Coventry having now entered its and kids' play areas, it's the perfect way to the other on Sunday. City of Culture bid, expect a festival that's spend a lazy weekend with the family. bigger and better than ever, with markets, a 2017 line-up includes: P!nk, Jay Z, Rudi- 2017 line-up includes: Fairport Convention, mental, Pete Tong, Craig David, Ellie Gould- funfair, and family-friendly shows and activ- ities in addition to a fabulous music line-up. Wishbone Ash, Nell Bryden, Hoosiers, Nick ing, Jess Glynne, Stormzy, George Ezra, Harper, Seize The Day, Boy On A Dolphin, Emeli Sandé, Jason Derulo, Madness and 2017 line-up includes: The Darkness, Tom Ed Tudor-Pole, Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Dizzee Rascal Clarke (The Enemy) and The Stranglers Doonican

Moseley Folk Festival Slam Dunk Birmingham Pride Moseley Park, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 27 May Birmingham Gay Village, Sat 27 - Sun 28 May Fri 1 - Sun 3 September It’s 20 years since Birmingham Pride took a Tucked away behind the busy streets of first tentative step onto the city’s events cal- Birmingham, Moseley Park is one of the endar. city's many hidden gems. Each year, as the Plenty has changed since 1997’s debut bash, festival season draws to a close, it's trans- not only with regard to the festival itself but formed into an enchanting escape by one of also in terms of the LGBT community’s na- the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. tional profile. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend As usual, this year’s event has plenty of seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psyche- great entertainment on offer. The line-up in- delia and indie favourites against a magical cludes popular music acts performing on the backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush fo- main stage, the Manchester Airport-spon- liage and a beautiful lake. The perfect way to sored cabaret marquee, a dance arena, a see out the summer. women’s arena and a host of community 2017 line-up includes: Laura Marling (pic- Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, stalls. A Saturday lunchtime carnival parade tured), Jose Gonzalez, Amy MacDonald, Kate punk and ska, this three-stop touring festi- through the city streets provides a lively and Rusby, Shovels & Rope, Courtney Marie An- val last year moved its Midlands date from colourful curtain-raiser to a weekend of fun drews and John Moreland Wolverhampton to the NEC, allowing for and partying. easy access from across the country. 2017 line-up includes: Dua Lipa, Basement Linked to the Leeds-based club nights and Jaxx, Gabrielle (pictured), Sophie Ellis-Bex- indie record label of the same name, Slam tor, Jonas Blue, Jamelia, Louisa Johnson, Dunk takes place over the May bank holiday Saara Aalto, M.O. weekend and boasts more than 40 acts over multiple stages, as well as DJ sets, exclusive signings and a riotous afterparty to round things off. 2017 line-up includes: Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Bowling For Soup, Neckdeep, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Deaf Havana, Beartooth, Tonight Alive and We Are The Ocean

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:29 Page 4 Laura Mvula DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:06 Page 1

INTERVIEW

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Laura Mvula DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:06 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

LauraVoted Best Midlands Musician in the What’s On Readers’ AwardsMvula 2017, Laura Mvula’s road to soul-singing stardom started with the a capella group Black Voices. A Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, she started writing music while working as a supply teacher, and has recently written the score for the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of Antony And Cleopatra. Laura took time out from her busy schedule to big up her Brummie roots...

What’s your earliest musical memory the critics say, as I know it’s just a longer, but it was such a special of performing, Laura? sublime production and I’m super proud experience for me. My brother and sister It happens to be at the Midlands Arts of the music. The RSC has been such a joy were playing in the orchestra also. As far Centre. When I was 11, I entered a to work with, and it’s all been a superb as my career goes, that will remain one of competition where I gave my first piano learning curve for me. Off the back of this, my highlights. I’d love to do more in theatre. recital, playing Gypsy Tango. What’s your favourite memory of being Equipped with the experience you’ve How did your involvement in the a Birmingham Conservatoire student? gained over the past 12 years as a project come about? I would say meeting my ex-husband. I professional musician, what advice The director, Iqbal Khan, was set on to my remember the day I met him. We had to would you give to your younger self as first album by his fiance, Kim, who’s also sing in the chorus - the whole year group. an undergraduate at Birmingham a director. Iqbal just decided that he’d like I would also say my final recital. That was Conservatoire? to work with me, so I met up with him at the first time I gave a singing I would say, be yourself, work really hard Shoreditch House in London and he performance. and exercise more. I would’ve encouraged asked me whether I’d consider writing the Do you have any plans to visit the new myself to have gotten better sleeping music for Antony And Cleopatra. Of venue when it opens this summer? course I jumped at the opportunity. He habits too. Yeah, I’d love to, if I get the invite. It was interested in my writing style and my would be amazing to play there as well! If What’s surprised you most on your philosophy that there are no rules - or if I ever have children, I’d love them to go journey from Black Voices to where you do have rules in writing, then just there too. you are today? break them. Being able to perform to lots of people What are you most proud of as a You’re up for Soul Artist Of The Year in throughout the year and still feel Brummie? the Jazz FM Awards. How important passionate each time. I’m impressed with are such nominations and, hopefully, My schools, my Brummie accent, Cannon the progress in my voice. I’m not as subsequent award wins? Hill Park and Aston Villa. nervous as a performer these days. I used to hate talking, full stop - both in between Awards kind of mean everything and So is Birmingham still home? songs and in interviews - but now I quite nothing at the same time. I try to be Not any longer. I live in London out of like it. appreciative of any acknowledgement, peer pressure, but my mum still lives in but at the same time, I’ve sort of given up Birmingham. Is there a single artist who’s been your chasing awards. I realised that the most biggest inspiration? important thing for me is writing music Finally, what would you like to say to At the moment my biggest inspiration is that connects with people. As long as I the readers of What’s On who voted my younger brother, James. I went to see see evidence of that, which I do every day, you Midlands Musician 2017? then I’m okay. his first gig with his string quartet, Dixit, I just want to say a really big, genuine last Saturday. They totally blew me away. Amongst your many collaborations, is thank you. It means so much to even be I bought their music on iTunes and I’ve there one which remains the most considered. Big up Birmingham! been listening to it ever since. memorable? Tell us about writing the score for I think my collaboration with The Antony And Cleopatra at the RSC... Laura plays Cheltenham Jazz Festival Metropole Orkest, which was directed by on Wednesday 26 April. It’s my very first composer gig - and so far, Jules Buckley, the conductor. We recorded For more information and tickets, so good. We have opening night on an album together at Abbey Road which is head to cheltenhamfestivals.com Thursday [23 March], so I guess that will basically an orchestral version of my first be judgement day. I don’t really care what album. I think we did two days, or maybe

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy April NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 14:45 Page 1

Angela Barnes Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffordshire, Thurs 6 April; The Comedy Loft, B’ham, Fri 14 - Sat 15 April

When her inspirational dad died in 2008, Angela Barnes decided to follow the ad- vice he’d given her and launch a career in stand-up comedy. And judging by the success which has fol- lowed, she certainly made the right deci- sion. A BBC New Comedy Awards winner, An- Andy Parsons: Peak Bullsh*t gela recently took over as the host of Radio Four Extra's topical sketch show, Evesham Arts Centre, Fri 7 April; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 8 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 27 April; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 13 May; Newsjack. “As a self-confessed lifelong Huntington Hall, Worcester, Fri 19 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 May radio comedy nerd,” she said of her new With complimentary reviews including such observations as 'what he lacks in hair, he more role when it was announced in December, than makes up for in originality', Andy Parsons is a sharp and topical comedian who's well “I don't think 'dream job' is too strong a known from TV show Mock The Week and topical monthly podcast, The Slacktivist Action phrase. Hopefully there'll be some inter- Group. esting stories to get stuck into - heaven “If I have to summarise the new show,” he says of Peak Bullsh*t, which tours to the Mid- knows 2016 was a bit of a slow burner on lands in the coming months, “it's asking, has the world gone mad, what it means to be the news front..." British in 2017, what it means to be a patriot - and is it true that we only like immigrants if they can win us gold medals at the Olympics?” Andy’s big bag of jokes includes: “If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in Rob tonight’s episode of EastEnders, they must have been acting better than they usually do.” Deering Henry Tudor House, Marcel Lucont’s Whine List Shrewsbury, Wed 26 April The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 6 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 27 April Rob Deering has Marcel Lucont’s current touring show is de- successfully scribed by the French flaneur’s publicist as “a built on the ben- kind of self-help group where everyone poten- efit of having a tially leaves more depressed. Expect louche mus- face that was ings, deadpan wit and Gallic superiority.” made for comedy by turning himself into It’s a description which will undoubtedly chime a rather splendid example of a profes- with people when they go to see the show - al- sional comedian. He’s been described as a though leaving at the end of the evening feeling man with ‘clownish physicality’ and ‘easy ‘more depressed’ really isn’t an option; Lucont is charm’ - and it’s on the back of such qual- way too amusing for that. ities that he’s nurtured a small army of British comedian Alexis Dubus is the man behind hugely dedicated fans, all of whom are ut- Marcel, and has been performing as the wine- terly addicted to the pleasures of an drinking, sexist philosopher for many a year now. evening in the company of his razor-sharp Not surprisingly given that fact, he wears the wit. Jokes include: “I used to be in a very character like a comfy old slipper. tidy rock band. OC/DC.” 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy April NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 14:45 Page 2

Comedy

Rob Auton: The Sleep Show Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 23 April Although Rob Auton recognises he’s been lucky in life, he nonetheless finds day-to- day living a bit of a struggle. “I find it really hard to look at the news because it has such a bad effect on me,” he explains. “That’s why my shows tend to be about topics where my judgment hasn’t been clouded.” The topics he’s chosen so far have been ‘yel- low’, ‘the sky’, ‘faces’, ‘water’, and now, sleep’. This one-subject-per-show approach distinguishes Auton from other stand-ups, many of whom tend to prefer a more scatter- gun strategy when it comes to the business of being funny.

Russell Brand: Re:Birth grows up to be like me or, worse, date some- one like me?...” Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs Bursting onto the scene via Big Brother’s Rich Hall’s Hoedown 13 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 9 May ‘Big Mouth’ spin-off show, Brand has had no Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, trouble finding a spotlight in which to stand This new touring show is Russell Brand’s Wed 19 April; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, over the last few years. Sat 22 April; Stourbridge Town Hall, Fri 19 first since becoming a dad. “How do we His more high-profile exploits have included May; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 26 May make sense of the madness of our lives once an ill-starred marriage to Katy Perry, an of- His official biogra- we become parents?” he asks, in explaining fensive voicemail call to the Fawlty Towers phy somewhat less his motivation for Re:Birth. “What am I actor Andrew Sachs and his controversial than modestly de- going to tell my daughter about conformity decision to urge people not to vote in the scribes American and responsibility? What happens if she 2015 general election. funnyman Rich Hall as ‘a comic genius’ - albeit a ‘grouchy, deadpan’ one. With much of his Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age comedy focusing on Stourbridge Town Hall, Sun 30 April making fun of life This man's official publicity blurb has included the following: across the pond in his homeland, Rich is “Love. Race. Politics. Class. Strap in for some super-speed sun- best known for his creation of Otis Lee Cren- derings and inconvenient sociology in an hour of self-soiling shaw, a bourbon-swilling redneck jailbird merriment that will leave you with rickets.” from Tennessee whose many wives have all In short, Russell Kane is a very funny man - and it’s not just his been named Brenda. publicist who thinks so. Kane’s been drawing a crowd since Publicity for this latest touring show - ‘a bursting onto the scene way back in 2004, serving up liberal mash-up of music, comedy and gratuitous doses of high-quality humour in an act which also features coloration’ - reveals the following: ‘Perform- some considerably weighty and thought-provoking material. ing will be Rich’s regular band of talented His latest touring show, Right Man, Wrong Age, is described as and chronically unemployable urchins. The ‘a performance about growing up, growing down, and why farts floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams.’ will always be funny’. whatsonlive.co.uk 25 John Partridge DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:13 Page 1

FEATURE

I am what I am! John Partridge talks about the message behind La Cage aux Folles which returns to the Midlands next month...

La Cage aux Folles is coming to Birmingham and Wolverhampton as part of it’s first ever tour of the UK. Presented by Bill Kenwright, the lavish new production of the award-winning musical extravaganza stars John Partridge as Albin/Zaza, Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb as Jacqueline. What’s On caught up with John in rehearsals to talk about his role as the lead in the highly anticipated hit Broadway musical.

You’ve starred in La Cage aux Folles What would you say the true message from a man into a woman which is all since early January. How has it been of the show is? done by illusion really because I already going and what has the crowd reaction have all of the make up on from the start. That you can be whoever you want to be been like? I just unveil myself more and more as the no matter what race, religion, or sexuality show goes on. I have to shave everywhere It’s been going fantastically. Even though you are. We all have to learn to accept, because, as a lady, you cant have any of it’s never toured before, we’ve had the celebrate, acknowledge and respect each the unwanted hair that seems to be all most amazing response to the show and it other’s differences. We need to realise over my body. This is a real female just feels so wonderful. that we are all individuals living together illusion so I have three pairs of tights, so we have to all get along. With the current rise of right-wing spanks, padding and gaffer tape for conservatism and extremism in both What is it like singing the iconic song ‘I tucking. In the first half alone I have 14 Europe and the United States, do you Am What I Am’? costume changes, some of which are only think the story of La Cage is 90 seconds long. The costumes are For an actor like me, getting to stand up particularly relevant right now. There’s completely out of this world - it’s such an on stage and share that moment with the a strong comparison to be made opulent and fabulous show. audience is completely life-affirming and between Anne’s father in the show, a the response that I’ve had has been Have you always been a fan of the right-wing politician, and Donald absolutely wonderful. show? Trump? There must be quite a lot of I first saw the show in 1987 at the London Yes, it’s definitely very topical. The story preparation involved for your role as a Palladium when I was 14 and it became of La Cage aux Folles is just as relevant as drag queen. What is it like playing the soundtrack to my youth. I never it was when it was first performed on Albin/Zaza? thought in a million years that I’d be able Broadway in the 80s as it is now, if not to be a part of this wonderful show. It’s an more so. We haven't had one show where It’s exhausting for want of a better word! I honour to sing these songs and bring this there hasn't been a standing ovation and have to get to the theatre a good two show to life. When we took the show to that’s because they’re applauding the hours before the show starts to start Wimbledon, 10 of the original cast message and the essence of the show. putting on my make up. After a song members came to watch us which was That’s why it is just so heartwarming for called ‘A Little More Mascara’ I transform just wonderful. It felt like a real La Cage us.

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by Lauren Cox

aux Folles family and it’s great to be a absolutely can not wait to get Zaza into part of that. the Hippodrome to have some fun with the Brummie crowd because I know they You did a lot of musical theatre before will be really receptive to it. you starred as the lovable Christian in Eastenders. Does it feel good to really You were also in Birmingham over be getting back in to it? Christmas performing in Chicago. How do the roles differ? Yes, it’s all about progression for me. It’s about learning and continuing to grow They are very different shows but in and develop as an actor whether that be some ways they aren't that on television, in musical theatre, dissimilar. Billy Flynn and Zaza performing in a one man band, singing in are both showmen, or rather one concerts or through any other medium showman and one showgirl. within the arts. Right now I’m learning a Billy is quite the consummate lot about being a lady! That’s not showman so I’m sure if something I ever thought I’d say. anyone could give Zaza a run for her money it would be Do you have a preference between Billy. In fact, I think they're a television and theatre? match made in heaven. Zaza They’re both very different. With theatre Flynn, who knows? you get an instant reaction from an Are you looking forward audience so you know straight away to coming back to Brum whether or not they’re enjoying it. There’s in May? nothing better than holding an audience in the palm of your hand and being able Yes, I love being in to hear a pin drop followed by an Birmingham. I’m from applause. It’s an instant buzz. Television the North West so it’s is different because you’re not necessarily close enough to my sure how it’s going to be received and home that I get to see sometimes you have to wait as long as my family and my mum, eight months before you even see it, but I who is suffering with like and respect both platforms and dementia. I have lots of friends in mediums. and around Birmingham now too so it’s great that I can catch up with Musical theatre must get pretty them, even though with eight shows exhausting doing up to eight shows a a week I barely get any time week for months on end. How do you off. I love performing at the make each show as exciting as the Hippodrome because it’s a first? great venue to play. It's a You have to be disciplined. It’s very tiring beautiful theatre so I'm to give your all that many times a week really looking forward to but your training and professionalism getting back and performing guide you through. I trained at the Royal there again. Ballet School from the age of nine to 16 La Cage aux Folles and that really helps. You also have to plays at work a little bit harder for some audiences Birmingham because they all vary from city to city. So, Hippodrome in a way, you have to adjust your from Tuesday performance to fit those venues and 16 to Saturday cultures. 20 May and You’ve performed in Birmingham a Wolverhampton number of times with CATS, Miss Grand Theatre, Saigon and in panto. What is the Tues 27 June to Birmingham audience like? Saturday 1 July The audience in Birmingham is always great, warm, and very much up for it. I Laura Whitmore DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:37 Page 1

FEATURE Laura Whitmore DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:37 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

LAURA WHITMORE talks about sinking her teeth into playing the lead in Peter James’ Not Dead Enough...

What persuaded you to appear in this Cleo is very strong. I feel she's got a lot to being a sponge and trying to absorb as world premiere production of Peter prove, and she's in love with a guy who is much as I can. There's no better way to James’ Not Dead Enough, Laura? probably not the best guy to be in love learn. with. She's also quite headstrong and I wanted to get back into acting. It was Will going home to Dublin be a special doesn't like to show vulnerability, which I about finding the right team and the right stop on the tour? don't either. There are a few times in the role; something that had a bit of depth to play where something happens and she Absolutely - and it's a beautiful theatre. I it and which would be a challenge. I met doesn't want him to know because she'd moved to London eight years ago and I Peter, Ian (Talbot, the director) and Joshua rather deal with it herself. I quite like that. don't get home often. I’m really excited to (Andrews, the producer), and I just knew She's very stubborn, and I guess I am too. have the opportunity to perform this play it was a team I wanted to work with. I fell to a home crowd in Dublin. And to be able in love with the script and Peter's books. You trained in drama, so what’s it like to have my mum and dad come to see it I've read a few of them, and it felt like the revisiting that discipline after doing will be great. right thing to do. Plus, Cleo, my character, presenting work? is a bit feisty - a strong woman. It’s a role I Do you have any pre- or post-show It's been ages since I did theatre, since I can sink my teeth into. routines or superstitions? won a competition to be an MTV presenter The first two Peter James stage plays about eight years ago. I did a few local Pre-show and before doing live TV, I just have been huge hits. Why do you think productions in Dublin, and it's something like five minutes of time to myself. There's audiences are so enthralled by his I wanted to get back into. I suppose so much hustle and bustle, especially with stories? presenting is acting, in a way. And in live television, that it's nice to just doing Strictly Come Dancing, I found that disappear for a few minutes. They're based on reality. Everything Peter I really enjoyed becoming a character for does is researched so well and based on those few minutes while doing a dance. I So you can act and dance - what's the some sort of truth. found the acting part helped me get one skill you don’t have but wish that you did? Were you familiar with Peter's work through the dancing. Growing up, I was before this? obsessed with theatre and that ‘live’ I wish I could play an instrument well. I feeling. Even more so than going to the play guitar badly, but I wish I was that I know his books from airports. I fly so movies, I loved watching live theatre, and person who could just pick up a guitar at a much for work, and I'll go, “I must pick up I was very lucky that that was my little party and play any song. a new book, what's in the top ten?” - and treat from my dad. My parents weren't there's always one of his there, right at the together and once a week my dad would Peter's stories are very scary. What are top! take me to see a play. you scared of in real life? Explain a little bit about Cleo... Any nerves? I'm scared of showing vulnerability because in this industry you have to be She wants a commitment from Roy More butterflies - but if you don't get quite strong. (played by Bill Ward), who’s the wrong butterflies, there's no point doing it. man to want a commitment from. I think it's hard for a woman when there's an ex- What are you enjoying most about the wife or a past relationship, and there's so tour? Not Dead Enough plays at Theatre much uncertainty here. When is this Severn, Shrewsbury from Monday 8th The routine and the structure of it. When woman going to come back? Is she dead? until Saturday 13th May getting back into acting, the best thing How do you deal with someone who's a you can do is theatre. I love working with ghost but is also real? It's not the easiest of a great team and a great director, and times. Gary Delaney DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:35 Page 1

FEATURE

Gary Delaney

Solihull’s king of the one-liner talks Twitterati, visualisation, and why Midlands audiences are amongst the best...

In a meme-dominated era, half the Solihull's own king of the one-liner is comics thought I was mad for giving away country seems to fancy themselves among those who've made the most of the material for free,” explains Gary. “But I comedians on the internet. But though new medium, ideally suited to the pithy, very quickly built up a decent base on Twitter offers users the possibility of well-formed jokes he favours. But there there, and when I did my first Edinburgh fleeting fame for one good gag, social are difficulties, too. Ahead of his show in 2010, about a quarter of the media stars fall as quickly as they rise. forthcoming stand-up show at the Old tickets were sold to people who had seen And as the pros like Gary Delaney will tell Rep Theatre, we spoke to Delaney about my stuff online. Now everybody puts you, sustaining that success is where the the internet, memory palaces and how to jokes on Twitter, it's nowhere near as real hard graft comes in, from slogging craft the perfect show. effective.” through the touring admin to making sure “When I started on Twitter back in 2008, Being drowned out by Twitterati vying for he writes enough to use online and in live nobody was putting jokes on it, and other attention isn't the only pitfall for a sets. Gary Delaney DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:35 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

creative on social media today. As Twitter another two-thirds. So it's roughly the you can flesh out with additional use has expanded and his followers have best third of the best third that actually material. Some crowds are a bit more arty swelled in number to more than 60,000, end up in the show.” and prefer things more subtle and Delaney's had to be more circumspect highbrow; others like things a bit ruder Writing them is one thing, but about what he shares, so as not to spoil and darker. Personally I like to have a bit remembering 200 unconnected jokes material for his gigs. Moreover, he's had of both because it gives texture to the while up on stage without a prompt is run-ins with other websites publishing his show, but often I'll lean a bit more one quite another. For comedians who tell jokes without consent and failing to credit way or the other. The biggest laughs come stories or deal with themes or issues, at him as the original author. when an audience finds you 'cheeky', and least one thought will follow naturally that's not always going to be the same “Many years ago a comic would have 20 from another. But for a one-liner point.” minutes of killer jokes that would serve specialist like Delaney, the pressure's them for their career. Unless they did even greater. Of course, when you're trying to edit them on Saturday night telly, they could down, it helps to be married to a “I don't actually have a great natural carry on using them in the clubs for years successful comedy colleague. In 2013, memory, but I knew a few comics had and nobody would know or mind because Delaney married Sarah Millican, and explored this before, and I read up on audiences changed so much. Now your while testing material out on loved ones is memory systems, mainly in a book called best stuff gets burnt really quickly a “wearying” rookie error, having Moonwalking with Einstein. You know because even if you've never shared it someone to come along with you to new- how on Sherlock he has his 'Memory publicly yourself, other people will put it material nights and give constructive Palace'? Well, it's exaggerated in that, but online. It's frustrating, but I think on criticism is a definite bonus. they're actually a real thing. It's what the balance I've probably gained more in Greeks and the Romans used to use “Generally you already know whether marketing than I've lost in material, and before printing, when academics had to something has worked or not anyway, so ultimately something that forces you to learn these huge amounts of data. the most useful notes are suggestions for keep writing a junkload of new material how you might fix something that didn't helps make you a better writer.” “It's all based on visualisation. The quite work, or even just noticing that the human brain is still a caveman's brain, In the case of a comic who trades on reason a certain joke didn't land was which is why it's much easier for us to quickfire wordplay, “junkload” might well because somebody opened a door at the learn locations than numbers and words. be an understatement. Each new show back of the room and nobody heard the So you take what you already know, and contains around 200 jokes sifted out from punchline.” you map what you want to learn onto it. literally thousands of discarded ideas. When I do a show, every joke is stored in Originally hailing from near Birmingham, “It takes me about three years to write a my head as a mental image of different and having performed his first new show, so I don't feel any shame in points around my house, beginning with professional gig in Moseley, it's perhaps trying to squeeze two years out of a tour! when I wake up in bed in the morning, not surprising that the West Midlands I'm basically always trying to write jokes, and ending with when I walk out of my (along with his wife's native North East) is though I do it a bit more attentively when front door. I'm pretty sure every one-liner among his favourite places to tour. I've got to get a new show together. The comic uses some variation on this. It “Comics always say their favourite crowds jokes themselves just come from things I probably takes me about five hours to are whoever they're trying to sell tickets hear - I used to carry a notebook around fully memorise a show, but once you've to, but I do genuinely look forward to but now I just jot things down in my got it, you have a bit of freedom to move Brum, Coventry, Newcastle and phone. around within that.” Sunderland because they're really fun “Every week or two, I'll book myself into a This flexibility is crucial for a stand-up, and up for it. Nobody's so up their own new-material night somewhere - often the particularly in terms of playing to bottom that they take things seriously and Birmingham Glee or the Manchester different sorts of audiences. Delaney is a get offended, but they're still sharp Comedy Store. Then I'll take my list of firm believer in the idea that a good enough to get something that's a little bit ideas, pick maybe 20 or 30 that I think comedian should be able to perform to subtler, so that gives you more variety in have legs, write them up into proper jokes different crowds in different sorts of the sort of jokes you can do.” and read them out on the night to find the venues. best ones. From there, I'll get it down to “For me, there's a certain core of about 70 about the best third, which I'll start Gary Delaney plays the Old Rep to 80% of a set that always works and is dropping in at the beginning of current Theatre, Birmingham, on there for everyone, like a skeleton that tour shows, and then I'll probably lose Thursday 6 May Theatre April MM - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:09 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Absolutely electrifying!’ - READ THE ★★★★★ REVIEW AT WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK ‘ Billy Elliot ing the Midlands as part of its first ever UK tour. “Billy Elliot tells two different stories about trying to overcome adver- Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 29 April sity,” says Scott Garnham, who plays Billy's older brother and local Based on the hit movie of the same name, Billy Elliot is set in the strike ringleader, Tony. “One is about a little boy trying to escape his north east of England against the backdrop of the historic 1980s min- environment, the other is about the strike. And where one succeeds, ers' strike. the other fails spectacularly. Billy wants to be a dancer but feels that he must keep his ambition se- “When we take the show to places near mining communities, I feel cret, to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family... like they really get what we're trying to say with our story. In Sunder- The award-winning show - it’s bagged 10 Tonys and five Olivier land, you could see fully-grown men crying in the audience when we Awards - features the iconic music of Sir Elton John and is here visit- talked about how there'd be no pits left in 10 years’ time.”

To Sir, With Love to make a difference in a rough East End Noise school. Lulu co-starred as one of the students The REP, Birmingham, and enjoyed a massive hit with the movie’s The Old Rep, Tues 25 April - Sat 6 May Birmingham, title track. Adapted for the stage by East Is Thurs 13 - ER Braithwaite’s novel is best known from its East playwright Ayub Khan-Din, the play is Sat 15 April 1967 film version, which saw Hollywood here being presented by The Young REP. “Noise discusses heavyweight Sidney Poitier crossing the At- topics in the lantic to star as a black rookie teacher trying The Testament Of Mary LGBTQ community and emphasises Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, the importance for Wed 12 - Sat 15 April communication and connection,” explains Three-time Booker Prize nominee Colm its writer, Thomas Moran. “It follows the Tóibín’s 2013 novella is here adapted for the story of two young boys who, in the midst of stage and presented by the production team the madness of their first year at university, behind the venue’s immersive promenade begin a relationship. It’s a heart warming show, A Passion For Birmingham. story of love, loss and togetherness.” Years after Christ’s death, his mother Mary is Moran has turned to crowdfunding to help under pressure to support the claim that her get this particular show on the road. son was the Messiah. But Mary is grieving for Noise follows on from his previous project, a her loss, and can’t bring herself to believe short film funded by O2 which he wrote, di- that the child she bore was actually the Son rected, filmed and edited himself. of God...

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Out Of Order New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 10 - Sat 15 April Take a cast of familiar television faces and a storyline that involves a government min- ister, a dead body and some truly delightful lingerie, and what do you get?... A Ray Cooney farce, that’s what. Cooney’s best-known work is long-running West Ender Run For Your Wife, the success of which has led to the 84-year-old play- wright being labelled ‘the master of farce’. Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, Extras) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools & Horses, Green Green Grass) top the bill in this reti- tled revival of the 1980 show, Whose Wife Is It Anyway?

Private Lives Julius Caesar Jack is intent on leading a quiet life... One-time Likely Lad and New Tricks favourite Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, James Bolam stars alongside Last Tango In Tues 25 - Sat 29 April Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 9 September Halifax’s Anne Reid. Written in 1930 with all of his humourous This bloody story of conspiracy and murder, élan, Private Lives is one of Noel Coward’s noble intentions and ignoble actions begins sharpest comedies. It tells of a divorced cou- the RSC’s Rome season. ple - Amanda and Elyot - who meet each When Caesar is assassinated by a group of other again on their second honeymoons in prominent senators, one of his staunchest Deauville, and begin to consider dumping supporters, Mark Antony, manages not only their new loves to try and rekindle their rela- to turn the crowd against the conspirators tionship. but also to defeat them in battle... Typically replete with Coward one-liners, Pri- Angus Jackson returns to the directorial chair vate Lives is a cynical portrayal of married following his sell-out RSC productions of Op- life, infidelity, selfishness and insecurity. penheimer (2014) and last year’s Don Quixote. Ready Or Not mac, Birmingham, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 April Kali Theatre further enhance their reputation for championing groundbreaking new stage- The Underground Man work by South Asian women with this tour- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, ing production of Naylah Ahmed’s pacy Fri 21 - Sat 22 April political thriller. Telling the story of a retired Mick Jackson’s 1997 Booker-shortlisted novel and tormented teacher who takes hostage an is here adapted by Nick Wood. It tells the idealistic young Muslim, the show contem- story of William John Cavendish Scott- plates the way in which feelings of fear and Bentinck, an eccentric English aristocrat well paranoia are known both for his nowadays en- reclusive behaviour hanced by Fracked! and his curious de- the distorted Malvern Theatre, Mon 24 - Sat 29 April velopment projects. version of re- Political satirist Alistair Beaton makes a wel- It was one such proj- ality pre- ect - an extensive sented in come return with this provocative new com- edy. Retired academic Elizabeth decides it’s network of under- blogs, chat- ground tunnels - that rooms and time to take action when the idyllic English village in which she lives is threatened by an inspired the title via the 24- shared by the origi- hour global energy company intent on drilling for shale gas. By comparison, Elizabeth’s husband nal novel and this news cycle. subsequent play.

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Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

Mamma Mia! Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 18 - Sat 29 April 2017; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 6 - Sat 24 February 2018 This legendary show is of course a nicely con- trived vehicle for the chart-topping music of 1970s Super Troupers Abba. The Swedish Fab Four scored mega-hit after mega-hit with catchy numbers including Wa- terloo, Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game, The Winner Takes It All and Take A Chance On Me, all of which are present and correct in this blockbuster offering. A 2008 movie version of the show received a thumbs up from many if not most of Mamma Mia!’s adoring fans - despite former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan having rather un- wisely been given a Licence to Sing...

Sunny Afternoon The Emperor’s The half-hour comedy show was originally screened in the late 1960s and saw Howerd - The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, New Clothes Tues 18 - Sat 22 April in the guise of his character, a slave named Lichfield Garrick, Tues 11 April Lurcio - regularly breaking the fourth wall Stuff And Nonsense Theatre Company pride and speaking directly to the audience. themselves on presenting shows that are ‘en- The stage show contains adult humour that ergetic, thought-provoking and playfully mis- may not be suitable for young children, so chievous’. parental discretion is advised. Their adaptation of this much-loved caution- ary tale certainly ticks all of those boxes. The Verdict When a clothes-loving emperor declares he hasn’t a stitch to wear - despite owning a Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 18 - Sat 22 April; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 2 - wardrobe ‘the size of Paris’ - two 'designers' Sat 6 May create an outfit that will see him making Barry Reed’s novel scored such a hit that it quite a spectacle of himself... The show is This clever homage to Swinging ’60s super- was made into an Oscar-nominated movie a suitable for children aged three-plus. stars The Kinks has been wowing audiences mere two years after being published. Paul and critics in equal measure since opening in Newman and James Mason starred. the West End in 2014 - so much so, in fact, Dial M For Murder When washed-up lawyer Frank Galvin takes that it won the Laurence Olivier Award for on a medical malpractice case that nobody New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Best New Musical. Fri 28 April - Sat 20 May thinks he can win, he finds unexpected sal- Adapted from Joe Penhall’s book, with an Frederick Knott’s erotic tale of betrayal, pas- vation from the addiction to drink that’s ruin- original story by Kinks guitarist, vocalist and ing his life... songwriter Ray Davies, it features plenty of sion and murder is best known from its 1954 Alfred Hitchcock-directed film version star- Well-known television actors Clive Mantle the band’s best-known tunes, including (Casualty) and Jack Shepherd (Wycliffe) take iconic tracks You Really Got Me, Waterloo ring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly. When Tony becomes convinced that wife top billing in this Middle Ground Theatre Sunset, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, All Company adaptation of the book. Day And All Of The Night and Lola. Sheila is having an affair, he devises a means of having her murdered while at the same time ensuring he has a watertight alibi. But not everything goes according to plan...

Up Pompei Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 April Ambient Night Productions make a welcome return with this stage adaptation of the cult television series starring Frankie Howerd.

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Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region Theatre

Lori Hopkins: The Explorer mac, Birmingham, Wed 12 April The Explorer of the title is a hand- carved string puppet who, having crash-landed on an unusual island inhabited by wild beasts, finds her- self involved in all manner of adven- tures - one of which sees her experiencing a rather bumpy ele- phant ride! Puppeteer Lori Hopkins is the woman pulling the strings in a show that’s followed by an interactive question- and-answer session for youngsters aged between three and eight.

Winnie And Wilbur Monstersaurus Elmer The REP, Birmingham, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Tues 11 April mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Thurs 20 April Fri 31 March - Sat 22 April Having created a whole world of whacky in- Suitable for children aged three-plus, this There’s magic aplenty to enjoy in this brand ventions and incredible monsters, young in- lively production tells the story of a patch- new show. And why wouldn’t there be, given ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with work elephant who determines to hide his that one of its two lead characters is a spell- them all... ‘true colours’ in an effort to blend in, only to casting witch? Winnie’s her name and wav- The creators of Aliens Love Underpants make find that he feels happiest when he’s simply ing a magic wand is her game - as is wearing a welcome return with this brand new and being himself. The faith-based Riverside Per- bright stripy tights, eating pumpkin soup and ‘monster-ously good show’, which comes forming Arts ensemble is the company be- adoring her big black cat, Wilbur... complete with original music and plenty of hind this latest stage presentation of David Bringing to life the picture-book characters audience participation. McKee's much-loved creation created by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul, Mike Kenny’s stage show features songs, The Little Mermaid The Tap Dancing Mermaid laughs and slapstick fun for children aged three and older. The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Malvern Theatre, Wed 5 Apr; Stafford Gate- Mon 10 April house Theatre, Sat 15 April ‘A brand new musical pantomime adventure’ Puppets, original live music and (of course) is how this stage adaptation of the famous tap dancing all feature in this critically ac- Hans Christian Andersen story is being de- claimed touring production for youngsters scribed. It’s presented by the globe-trotting aged three and older. A one-woman show Panto Company, visiting the Midlands after originated by Tessa Bide, it sees the Moon re- recently completing a sell-out tour of China. counting the story of a tap dancer shuffling Expect ‘stunning’ scenery, ‘eye-catching’ cos- and stomping on the boardwalk to the tumes, ‘fantastic’ songs and loads of audi- sounds of the sea. But one moonlit night, the ence participation. dancer meets a mysterious boy swimming in the ocean, and her life is changed forever... The Very Hungry Fantastic Mr Fox Caterpillar Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, The Core, Solihull, Thurs 13 April Tues 18 - Sat 22 April Eric Carle’s 1969 story of The Very Hungry Roald Dahl's much-loved story follows the Caterpillar has been translated into more desperate efforts of three ‘greedy, smelly, hor- than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 mil- rid’ farmers to do away with the fox who reg- lion copies. ularly steals food from their farms. This stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale But Boggis, Bunce and Bean have bitten off is presented alongside three other popular more than they can chew in trying to outwit children’s stories by the same author - The the fantastic Mr Fox... Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Sea- The show is suitable for children aged five- horse and The Very Lonely Firefly. The show plus. features no fewer than 75 ‘lovable’ puppets.

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

April 2017 20th - Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa 21st - The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury May 2017 4th - Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock 5th - The Swan Theatre, Worcester June 2017 1st - The Core, Solihull 3rd - The Palace Theatre, Redditch www.BalletTheatreUK.com

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Pasha Kovalev Lichfield Garrick, Sun 2 April Grand Theatre, W’hampton, Sun 9 April Royal Spa Centre, Thurs 13 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 17 April Prince Of Wales Centre, Wed 19 April Malvern Theatre, Fri 19 May The Core, Solihull, Tues 23 - Wed 24 May Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 25 May The romance of the rumba, the joy of the jive and the power of the paso doble are brilliantly exemplified by Strictly star Pasha Kovalev in this brand new touring show. Pasha is joined by four talented dancers and his long-time dance partner Anya Garnis, herself a former Strictly star, for an evening that sees the much-loved per- former bringing together ‘experiences in dance with those in life’.

Alice In Wonderland Albany Theatre, Coventry, Fri 7 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington, Thurs 20 April Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 21 April; Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thur 4 May; The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Fri 5 May; The Core, Soli- hull, Thurs 1 June; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 3 June Leicestershire-based Ballet Theatre UK have built their impressive reputation on producing accessible stage- work inspired by classical dance, theatre, popular cul- ture and literature. The company’s currently touring take on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s book is brimming with wit, hu- mour and charm. And as you’d expect, it also comes complete with the story’s familiar cast of out-of-this- world characters, including the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

Out Of This World Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 25 - Wed 26 April A ‘woozy descent into the depths of a Rosalind medically induced coma’ is chronicled DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, in this genre-defying piece from Mark Birmingham Hippodrome, Murphy. The acclaimed writer and direc- Thurs 6 - Fri 7 April tor once again brings to bear his trade- Winner of the inaugural New Adventures mark blend of original text, special Choreographer Award in 2011, James effects and aerial choreography to pay Cousins’ ensemble visit the region with a an action-packed visit into the dark re- show created in collaboration with Korean cesses of the human mind. dancers and artists. The piece follows its Described as ‘both intense psychologi- eponymous central character - a courageous cal thriller and heartrending medical woman modelled on the headstrong hero- drama’, the 80-minute show is per- ine of Shakespeare’s As You Like It - as she formed without an interval by Murphy’s embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a critically acclaimed V-TOL company. modern-day metropolis.

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Film

Guardians Of The Galaxy CRITIC’S CHOICE Vol. 2 CERT tbc Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, with the voices of Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Kurt Russell, Karen Gillan, Eliza- beth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Glenn Close Directed by James Gunn (USA) The fifteenth film in the so-called Marvel Cin- ematic Universe, this tongue-in-cheek inter- galactic joyride continues where the last one left off. Cosmic cop Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still trying to sort out his genealogy, along with the irascible racoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and the walking tree ‘Baby Groot’ that sounds like Vin Diesel. It’s differ- ent. The first film was a blast of fresh air and will be a hard act to follow, but at least the original writer-director, James Gunn, is back at the helm. Gunn was hoping to talk David Bowie into a cameo, but that was not to be. Released Fri 28 April

Film highlights released in April...

City Of Tiny Lights CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Riz Ahmed, James Floyd, Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo, Roshan Seth Directed by Pete Travis (UK) The city in question is London, a teem- ing multicultural metropolis and the beat of Asian private eye Tommy Akhtar (Ahmed). When a prostitute goes miss- ing, it leads Tommy into a very danger- ous world of religious fanaticism. Based on the 2005 novel by Patrick Neate. Released Fri 7 April

The Boss Baby CERT U (97 mins) Going In Style CERT 12a (96 mins) With the voices of Alec Baldwin, Miles Bakshi, Starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Arkin, Joey King, Matt Dillon, Ann-Margret Tobey Maguire Directed by Tom McGrath (USA) Directed by Zach Braff (USA) Like policemen, animated characters just Bearing in mind the age of the septuagenar- seem to get younger and younger. The protag- ian thieves who broke into the jewellery vault onist of this cartoon is a baby in a suit with a in London’s Hatton Garden in 2015, this grey- briefcase. But can he stop the shenanigans of haired heist comedy is not so far-fetched. The the CEO of Puppy Co. from undermining the actor Zach Braff previously directed Garden primal force of love? Based on the picture State and Wish I Was Here. book by Marla Frazee. Released Fri 7 April Released Fri 7 April

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Film highlights released in April...

Fast & Furious 8 world of crime by a mysterious woman and is forced to betray those closest to him – CERT tbc and all off the back of his honeymoon with Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). Who would Chris Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kurt Rus- have thought that Dom could be so weak? sell, Scott Eastwood, Charlize Theron, Helen The new director is F. Gary Gray, the force Mirren Directed by F. Gary Gray (USA) behind the critically applauded Straight It’s hard to imagine how Universal Pictures Outta Compton, and locations include Ice- could have upped the ante of Furious 7, but land, Cuba, Atlanta, Cleveland and New they’ve had a go. Here, they’ve thrown a York City. The last film, Fast & Furious 7, is couple of Oscar-winning actresses into the now the sixth highest-grossing movie of all mix and made Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) time. a bad boy. The latter is seduced into a Released Fri 14 April

CRITIC’S CHOICE

I Am Not Your Negro CERT tbc Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson Directed by Raoul Peck (USA/France) Nominated for the Oscar for best documen- tary, Raoul Peck’s film traces the history of racism in modern America through the recol- lections of the civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The words are provided by the late, great James Baldwin, adapted from his unfinished memoir Remember This House. Released Fri 7 April

A Quiet Passion Table 19 CERT 12a (87 mins) CERT 12a (128 mins) Starring Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, June Squibb, Lisa Kudrow, Stephen Merchant Di- Starring Cynthia Nixon, Jennifer Ehle, Duncan rected by Jeffrey Blitz (USA) Duff, Emma Bell, Keith Carradine, Jodhi May Directed by Terence Davies (UK/Belgium) Eloise McGarry (Anna Kendrick) was to be Britain’s critically favoured filmmaker Ter- the maid of honour at her friend’s wedding ence Davies now turns his attention to the when the best man changed his mind. She’s life of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), the reclu- then relegated to Table 19 at the reception, sive American poet. The reviews so far have along with all the other outsiders that the been extremely positive. happy couple hoped wouldn’t turn up. The romcom did not receive kind reviews from Released Fri 7 April the American press. Raw CERT 18 (88 mins) Released Fri 7 April Starring Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Naït Oufella, Laurent Lucas, Joana Preiss Directed by Julia Ducournau (France/Belgium) At veterinary college, a vegetarian is forced to undergo a carnivorous hazing ritual. After- wards, she discovers that she has developed a liking for human flesh… An award-winner at both the Cannes and London film festivals, Raw nevertheless caused a rumpus when it screened in Toronto. Paramedics were called out to treat a couple of more sensitive view- ers. Released Fri 7 April

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Film

Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience CERT U (73 mins) With the voices of Harley Bird, Macey Dan- ger, Morwenna Banks, David Mitchell, Jo Brand Directed by Mark Baker (UK) Peppa does get around. Here, the peri- patetic pig visits London and meets the Queen and also pops down to Australia to catch up with her old friend Kylie Kanga- roo. Not so much a cinematic experience as nine short episodes strung together. Ex- pect a few nursery rhymes. Released Fri 7 April

together to make a propaganda picture in Their Finest CERT 12a (117 mins) the hope of boosting British morale. Based Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Bill on Lissa Evans' 2009 novel Their Finest Nighy, Jack Huston, Helen McCrory, Eddie Marsan, Richard E. Grant Hour and a Half. From the director of An Ed- Directed by Lone Scherfig (UK) ucation, One Day and The Riot Club. In the early 1940s, a team of filmmakers get Released Fri 21 April Unforgettable CERT 15 (100 mins) Starring Katherine Heigl, Rosario Dawson, Rules Don’t Apply Lady Macbeth CERT tbc Geoff Stults, Isabella Rice, Cheryl Ladd Directed by Denise Di Novi (USA) CERT 12a (127 mins) Starring Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, Alden Hilton, Naomi Ackie, Christopher Fairbank Mentally unstable, recent divorcee Tessa Ehrenreich, Annette Bening, Alec Baldwin, Directed by William Oldroyd (UK) Connover (Katherine Heigl) sets out to Matthew Broderick, Candice Bergen Directed by In nineteenth-century Northern England, a Warren Beatty (USA) make the life of her former husband and young woman is sold into marriage with a his new fiancée absolute hell. Expect some Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty) applies strict middle-aged man. Subjected to a subordinate pretty strong sex. rules to his staff: nobody in his employ is al- role in the household, and not subjected to Released Fri 21 April lowed to dally with an ac- any carnal pleasure, young Katherine finds tress. But then Hughes’ driver her thoughts turning to murder… This is not The Sense Of An Ending Frank (Alden Ehrenreich) the first film adapted from meets the gorgeous Baptist Nikolai Leskov's 1865 CERT 15 (108 mins) virgin Marla Mabrey (Lily novella, but it is the first in Starring Jim Broadbent, Harriet Walter, Collins) who is on the brink English. And the critics Michelle Dockery, Emily Mortimer, Matthew of appearing in the movies… Goode, Charlotte Rampling have liked it enormously. Directed by Ritesh Batra (UK/USA) Released Fri 21 April Released Fri 28 April A man facing old age looks back on his past and braces himself for the permuta- Heal The Living CERT 12a (133 mins) tions of what has gone before… Based on The Promise CERT 12a (104 mins) Starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, Chris- the critically acclaimed novel by Julian tian Bale, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Shohreh Agh- Barnes. Starring Tahar Rahim, Emmanuelle Seigner, Anne Dorval, Bouli Lanners dashloo, Tom Hollander Released Fri 14 April Directed by Katell Quillévéré (France/Belgium) Directed by Terry George (Spain/USA) In 1914, during the final days of the Ottoman Accidents will happen. Here, the victim of a Empire, a love triangle plays out between an car crash draws different people together over Armenian medical student (Oscar Isaac), an the prospect of an organ Armenian-born woman raised in France transplant. Based on the (Charlotte Le Bon) and an American journalist award-winning 2014 (Christian Bale). From the director of Some novel by Maylis de Mother’s Son, Hotel Rwanda and Reservation Kerangal. Road. Released Fri 28 April Released Fri 28 April

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Works Of Mercy Wildly British The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, 1 April - 2 July Fri 7 April - Sun 21 May Lauren van Helmond often utilises uncon- Italian-born Birmingham-based photogra- ventional materials when creating her art- pher Attilio Fiumarella has used a 17th cen- work. She takes her inspiration from visits tury painting by Caravaggio as his starting to Heritage sites and the decorative objects point for this thought-provoking exhibi- she observes during museum visits. tion. This latest exhibition sees Lauren taking Caravaggio’s depiction of the seven corpo- the viewer for ‘a surreal wander through ral acts of mercy in traditional Catholic be- the British wilderness’. She does so via a lief has inspired Fiumarella to create a series of paintings, 2D and 3D illustrations series of dramatic images. and a number of embellished sculptural His 14 photographs depict homeless peo- creations. ple and prostitutes from the streets of Por- tugal’s second city, Porto. Revealing the constant interplay of light and dark, body and spirit, male and fe- male, life and death, Fiumarella uses his subjects’ nakedness or semi-nakedness to highlight their vulnerability. In so doing, he encourages the viewer both to feel com- passion for the individuals and to reflect on the values of contemporary society.

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Visual Arts

I Want! I Want!: Art & Technology Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 1 April - Sat 30 September The contribution of artists to the social, cultural and technological revolution of the last 20 years is the subject matter of this curated selection of works from the Arts Council Collection. Taking its title from a print of the same name by visionary artist William Blake, the exhibition includes work by Rachel Maclean, Julian Opie, Ed Atkins, Rose Finn-Kelcey, Thomson and Craighead. Key loans from other major collections are also featured in the show, which contains adult themes.

Ann Sutton: On The Grid Brick Wonders The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 27 August 7 April - 4 July Developing a reputation Although for most people Lego bricks are for producing cutting-edge simply a toy with which to keep small chil- work back in the 1960s dren entertained, for some - including and ’70s, Stoke-born tex- Brick Wonders’ exhibitor Warren Elsmore - tile artist Ann Sutton re- they’re an enjoyable modelling medium. mains at the forefront of The versatility of the bricks is much in evi- her craft. dence in Warren’s new exhibition, which This touring exhibition features models of the Seven Wonders of sees her using the grid as the Ancient World. a starting point from Modern constructions and natural won- which to create three-dimensional drawings - ders - including the Great Barrier Reef - are or ‘spacial drawings’, as she calls them. also featured in a show that boasts in ex- “The two-dimensional qualities of drawing cess of 70 hugely impressive models. were there to be challenged,” Ann explains. “Why shouldn’t the lines lift off the surface and work with each other, and against each other? The viewer is needed: the slightest Oliver Beer ated with the involvement of 2,500 Birming- movement, even of the eyes alone, results in ham children - ranging in age from early changing imagery.” Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 4 June years to 13 - each of whom drew a single film still. These were then put in order according to the children’s ages, meaning that the ani- Rhyme Around The World mation becomes increasingly ‘grown up’ as it Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, proceeds. until Sun 7 May Thirty-one-year-old Seven Stories, The National Centre for Chil- Beer has developed dren’s Books, is the organisation behind this an international rep- new touring exhibition for pre-school kids. utation through his The display explores verse gathered from use of film and across the globe - with a particular focus on sculpture - mediums nursery rhymes, the most familiar form of via which he ex- children’s literature - and provides lots of op- A ‘re-animation’ of a scene from Walt Dis- plores his preoccu- portunities for youngsters to play and learn. ney’s The Jungle Book takes pride of place in pation with both the There’s plenty of delightful artwork to enjoy this most-comprehensive-to-date exhibition physical properties too, including contributions from Axel Schef- of work by British artist Oliver Beer. and emotional value fler, who’s best known for his numerous Reanimation (I Wanna Be Like You) was cre- of objects. book collaborations with Julia Donaldson.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 12 - Sun 16 April Get your skates on for the return of Dis- ney’s ever-popular ice spectacular, com- plete with high-energy music, glittering sets and dramatic choreography. This particular theatrical extravaganza fea- tures over 50 of the Mouse House’s most popular stars, including Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and characters from Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio. Disney/Pixar favourites from Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story also take a spin on the ice, in a show that pays homage to a century’s-worth of storytelling magic.

Animal-themed Easter Who Do You Think Holiday Activities You Are? Live NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 April Across various Ironbridge Gorge Museums sites, Sat 8 - Sun 23 April The world’s largest event of its kind brings There’s plenty of ‘animal magic’ for together some of the country’s most Easter visitors to enjoy at Ironbridge renowned experts in family history, all of Gorge Museums. whom will be on hand to help visitors with Themed family activities include Enginu- ongoing research or offer advice about how ity workshops to make ‘sticky critters’ to start an investigation into a family tree. and build ‘wicked wings’, egg dancing Other attractions at this latest edition of and an Easter bonnet parade at Blists Hill the popular show include the chance to Victorian Town (where visitors can also catch up with Casualty and Strictly Come meet working horses and learn about Dancing favourite Sunetra Sarker, and to pigs), and animal-themed workshops at go behind the scenes of hit BBC Two series the Jackfield Tile and Coalport China mu- The Victorian Slum. seums. There’s also an exotic zoo to visit, com- plete with snakes, spiders, iguanas and MotorFest other creepy crawlies. Weston Park, Staffordshire, Check out Ironbridge Gorge’s website for Sun 16 - Mon 17 April the full programme of activities. Up to 1,000 vehicles, including American clas- sics, classic tractors and stationary engines, feature in this 29th edition of the popular Mid- lands motor event. Other attractions at the 2017 show include trader and autojumble stalls, a special Easter egg hunt for youngsters, and an interactive arena timetable featuring vehicles from the 1940s to the 1980s. Vintage music specialists The Glamophones and five-piece rock and soul band The Quik Beats perform live, and there’s also the ever- popular Decibel Duel to enjoy, a competition aiming to find the loudest vehicle at the event. Ear plugs at the ready...

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Events previews from around the region Events

Spring Horse Trials Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9 April A well-established element of We- ston Park’s annual events calen- dar, the horse trials take place twice a year, in spring and au- tumn, and incorporate dressage, cross country and show jumping. Commenting on this month’s event, joint organiser Janet Plant said: “We’ve been very lucky with the weather and, between wet days, have put out Weston's courses. The team is really enthu- siastic about the April event, and we’ve had such fun putting 59 portable fences out. It’s a real buzz and privilege to design on such a fabulous estate.”

The Antiques For Everyone Spring Fair Shropshire Scale NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sun 9 April Modellers’ Show The 90-year-old English Ceramic Circle pro- items ranging in price from as little as £10 RAF Museum Cosford, Shropshire, Sun 2 April vides the feature exhibition at this latest edi- right up to £100,000, the four-day fair offers tion of Antiques For Everyone, presenting a the perfect opportunity to mix the antique The well-established Shropshire display of diverse ceramics from 1640 to 1970. with the modern by picking up some unusual Scale Modellers return to Cosford The ever-popular event features more than gifts. this month for their annual show, 200 dealers showcasing their wares. With laying out their intricately detailed models of aircraft, cars, bikes and trucks in the spaces between the venue’s on-display collection of aircraft and military vehicles. The Harlem Globetrotters Insomnia60 The 2017 event has more than 100 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 14 April NEC, Birmingham, Fri 14 - Mon 17 April modelling clubs and traders in at- tendance, and provides a wide The Harlem Globetrotters have been playing ex- range of materials and kits for en- hibition basketball games for the best part of a thusiasts of all ages and abilities. century, participating in more than 20,000 matches in 100-plus countries. This year’s touring show boasts a star-studded roster (subject to change) featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm. Female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson also take part. The UK’s biggest gaming festival has recently re- Slam-dunkin' fun is a guarantee. located to Birmingham’s NEC, having outgrown its previous home at the Ricoh Arena in Coven- try. Insomnia60 is a four-day event combining ‘all the best bits of video-gaming’. The show features LAN gaming halls, a huge ex- hibition hall, special guests ‘doing cool interac- tive content’, large-scale eSports tournaments and a wide selection of activities tailored to gamers of all ages. Live music on this occasion comes from Years & Years, Chase and Status, Wretch32, Jaguar Skills and Disciples.

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Events previews from around the region Events

St George’s Day Celebrations Tamworth Castle, Staffs, Sat 22 April There’s an interesting job opportunity for animal lovers at this year’s St George’s Day event - the chance to incubate a dragon egg! The egg belongs to the new-for-2017 interactive dragon, a highlight among highlights at the ever-pop- ular annual get-together. The 2017 line-up of entertainment also includes joust- ing, archery, a living history camp, water and land zorbing and bungee trampolines. There’s a dedicated ‘children’s zone’ too, complete with a Robin Hood nerf shootout and an eight-foot inflatable jester. Walkabout characters, a medieval fashion show, children’s pot- tery-making workshops and a puppet show telling the story of the dragon-slaying Beowulf also feature.

Festival Of Power jabi community. Other festival attractions include top DJs, live Shakespeare’s Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire, music, performances by dhol drummers and Fri 14 - Sun 16 April Bollywood dancers, free face-painting, Birthday: Knights And Promising a memorable weekend for families henna tattoo artists, ’80s retro film screen- Nymphs Garden Party and dyed-in-the-wool drag racing fans, Santa ings, a fancy-dress competition, ‘bonkers’ Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon, Pod’s three-day Easter celebration boasts a game shows like Bhangra Bingo and Play Sat 22 April bumper package of entertainment. As well as Your Uncle Ji’s Cards Right and a mini Indian Tales of birthday boy William Shake- enjoying spectacular racing by two and four- street-food bazaar. speare are recounted by a Tudor sto- wheeled vehicles, visitors to the event can ryteller at this unusual garden party, also look on as a huge array of cars and mo- an event which younger visitors are torcycles hit the national championship trail. Egg-citing Easter invited to attend dressed either as a Off-track programming includes monster knight or a nymph. trucks and stunt displays, funfair rides and a Activities Family fun including face painting family circus. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, and a ‘delicious’ barbecue also fea- Sat 8 - Sun 23 April ture in this lively celebration of the As usual the Black Country Living Museum Stratford bard’s 453rd birthday. is, er, eggs-tending its programme of enter- tainment for the Easter holiday period. As well as all the usual attractions, including Play In The Place the chance to experience life in an 1850s coal Burton Market Place, Burton-upon- mine and attend a Victorian school lesson, Trent, Staffordshire, Sat 15 April the venue is also hosting an Easter egg hunt This one-day event is the highlight across its 26-acre site. of the Brewhouse’s three-week Bur- Traditional egg-rolling contests, a selection of ton Children’s Easter Festival, an eggy craft activities, an Easter quiz, street event which brings together theatre, games and the chance to grab a freshly baked workshops and numerous activities. hot cross bun from the bakery also feature. Included in the Play In The Place line-up is family-friendly street the- The Holi Rave Festival atre, a ‘giant balloon’ show, a per- No21 Digbeth, Birmingham, formance by comedy duo Floggit & Sat 15 April Skarper, workshops for pre-school- The chance to chase friends and strangers age children and the chance to expe- with coloured powder is the top attraction at rience the topsy-turvey delights of this popular festival. an anti-gravity box. The two-day event is now in its third year. There’s a special show for three to Signifying the Hindu victory of good over eight-year-olds to enjoy too, as Egg evil, the end of winter and the arrival of Box Theatre present an interactive spring, the Holi festival is celebrated as a adventure about the moon. thanksgiving for a good harvest by the Pun-

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Your week by week listings guide April 2017 thelist

The Shires at Warwick Arts Centre - Tuesday 25 April

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more! What’s On Sat 1 to Sun 9 April Mon 10 to Sun 16 April Mon 17 to Sun 23 April Mon 24 to Sun 30 April

Ghost The Musical at Malvern Easter Adventure Quest at Dick & Dom Live at The Core, Eastnor Chilli Festival at Theatre Kenilworth Castle Solihull Eastnor Castle Mon 3 - Sat 8 April Fri 14 - Mon 17 April Sat 22 April Sun 30 April - Mon 1 May

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April GOROD & EXMORTUS The Asylum, B’ham THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs Mon 3 Apr, The Rain- BLACKBERRY SMOKE Fri bow Venues, B’ham 7 Apr, O2 Academy, BILLY OCEAN Mon 3 Birmingham The Hive, Worcester JORJA SMITH Sat 1 Apr, Apr, Symphony Hall, Visual Arts HATCHED! Recent picture-book publi- O2 Academy, B’ham FAUSTUS Fri 7 Apr, The Birmingham Fleece Inn, Evesham cations from the University of MAMA - TRIBUTE TO Worcester illustration staff team, until THE ELO EXPERIENCE Artrix, Bromsgrove GENESIS Sat 1 Apr, FRANCES Fri 7 Apr, O2 Wed 26 Apr Tues 4 Apr, The Swan Huntingdon Hall, Institute, Birmingham NEW BIRMINGHAM BRANCH OF THE EM- Theatre, Worcester BROIDERER'S GUILD: LOOKING BACK - NEW PUBLIC ART STUDENT SHOW An Worcester WE THREE KINGS - OF exhibition of work from second-year ATTILA Tues 4 Apr, O2 LOOKING FORWARD This year marks the EMILY MAGUIRE Sat 1 ROCK N ROLL Fri 7 Apr, students on the Art & Design and Academy, Birmingham branch's 30th anniversary. The exhibi- Apr, Artrix, Broms- Palace Theatre, Red- Fine Art courses at the University of tion demonstrates the skills and cre- grove KING NO ONE Tues 4 ditch ativity of both longstanding and newer Worcester, Sat 29 Apr - Thurs 4 May Apr, Hare & Hounds, SURREAL PANTHER Sat REBECCA NASH ATLAS members, Wed 26 Apr - Sun 21 May Birmingham Fri 7 Apr, Symphony Worcester City Museum & Art 1 Apr, The Iron Road, Evesham THE BUDAPEST CAFE OR- Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Gallery CHESTRA Tues 4 Apr, DIRE STREETS Sat 1 THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Art Gallery NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS An annual Number 8 Community Apr, Evesham Arts Fri 7 Apr, Malvern The- showcase for new contemporary art Arts Centre, Worces- BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT Birming- Centre atres ham Big Art Project is commissioning by fine art or visual arts graduates of tershire CARO EMERALD Sat 1 - COMPANY OF PLAYERS a major new work of public art for the the five university art schools in the BLAENAVON Wed 5 Apr, Sun 2 Apr, Symphony Sat 8 Apr, Studio The- city. The exhibition of shortlisted region - Birmingham City, Coventry, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and Hall, Birmingham atre @ The Other artists’ proposals is here on the final ingham Place, Stratford-upon- Worcester - plus, for the first time this DESPERATE JOURNALIST leg of its tour. This is the last chance FEAST OF FIDDLES Wed Avon year, Hereford College of Arts, until Sat 1 Apr, The Sun- to see the models and have your say, 5 Apr, Huntingdon until Sun 23 Apr Sun 14 May flower Lounge, B’ham MINI MIX - THE LITTLE Hall, Worcester MIX TRIBUTE Sat 8 Apr, DAVID COX AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES GORDON DAVIS AS ELVIS NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS An annual FEEDER Wed 5 Apr, The Albany Theatre, Drawing on the gallery's extensive PRESLEY Sat 1 Apr, The showcase for new contemporary art Empire, Coventry Coventry by fine art or visual arts graduates of collection of paintings by Birming- Core Theatre, Solihull ham-born artist David Cox and sup- TORY LANEZ Wed 5 Apr, THE SHOWHAWK DUO the five university art schools in the re- SUPREME QUEEN Sat 1 ported by high-profile British O2 Academy, B’ham Sat 8 Apr, Hare & gion - Birmingham City, Coventry, Apr, The River Rooms, Museum loans of works by Consta- Hounds, Birmingham Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and Stourbridge HARRY PAIN Thurs 6 Worcester - plus, for the first time this ble and Turner, the exhibition ex- Apr, Hare & Hounds, MOOMIN Sat 8 Apr, GHOST Sat 1 Apr, O2 year, Hereford College of Arts, until plores Cox's place within British art, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- until Sat 3 June Academy, Birmingham Sun 14 May ALUNAH Thurs 6 Apr, ingham CREEPER Sat 1 Apr, O2 ENQUIRING MINDS Featuring drawings The Flapper, B’ham THE AMY WINEHOUSE by naturalist John Gould, land and Institute, Birmingham Compton Verney Gallery, STEVE GUNN Thurs 6 EXPERIENCE…A.K.A LI- Warwick cityscape watercolours by HH Lines THE LOVELESS Sat 1 ONESS Sat 8 Apr, The and local artefacts discovered by fa- Apr, The Glee Club, CREATING THE COUNTRYSIDE 1600-2017 Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, Iron Road, Evesham mous archaeologist Pitt Rivers, until Birmingham A major new exhibition that explores Stourbridge Sat 11 Nov PIANO MAN - THE MUSIC AN EVENING WITH our relationship with the countryside, BRUTUS Sat 1 Apr, Kas- OF BILLY JOEL Thurs 6 HAFDIS HULD Sat 8 Apr, until Sun 18 June bah, Coventry Artrix, Brosgrove Other VISUAL ARTS Apr, Huntingdon Hall, LETHAL BIZZLE Sat 1 Worcester THE MATT MONRO RAY HILL Forge Mill Needle Museum, Ray's current body of work Apr, Kasbah, Coventry STORY Sat 8 Apr, Artrix, is inspired by the natural world. The TOSELAND Thurs 6 Apr, Redditch THE BEE GEES SATUR- Bromsgrove vibrant images explore the relation- O2 Institute, B’ham NEW RETRO KIDS CARTOONS Marvel DAY NIGHT FEVER PARTY ship between a real and heightened THE ACADEMIC Thurs 6 FURY Sat 8 Apr, The artist Lee Bradley presents his own WITH STAYIN' ALIVE Sat landscape, until Mon 8 May, Eve- Apr, The River Rooms, Marr's Bar, Worcester unique take on popular comic-book 1 Apr, Nailcote Hall, sham Arts Centre Stourbridge SUBHUMAN RACE Sat 8 and cartoon characters from the Berkswell, Warwick- Apr, Route 44, Birm- 1980s and ’90s, Sat 8 Apr - Sun 14 THE PLAY'S THE THING Family-friendly shire NE-YO Thurs 6 Apr, O2 RSC exhibition full of treasures from Academy, Birmingham ingham May YOUNG CULTURE COL- the archives and the museum collec- THE DEAD 60S Sat 8 LECTIVE Sun 2 Apr, The THE TOASTERS Thurs 6 tion, including rarely seen props, Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- Herbert Art Gallery & Actress & Bishop, Apr, The Iron Road, costumes and original set designs, ingham Museum, Coventry Birmingham Evesham until Sun 10 Sept, The Swan Theatre JON BELLION Sat 8 Apr, FACE TO FACE: PORTRAITS THROUGH ROGER ROBERTS Sun 2 FEMI TEMOWO Thurs 6 Stratford O2 Institute, Birming- TIME Explore a centuries-old fascina- Apr, Drummonds Bar, Apr, Symphony Hall, DRAW NEW MISCHIEF Exhibition ex- ham tion with capturing our own image. Worcestershire Birmingham Featuring paintings, photographs, ploring 250 years of Shakespeare YUNGEN Sat 8 Apr, O2 GOODNIGHT LENIN Sun KEKE Fri 7 Apr, The As- sculptures and interactive activities, and political cartoons, until Fri 15 Institute, Birmingham Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 2 Apr, Hare & Hounds, sembly, Leamington until Sun 4 June Stratford-Upon-Avon Birmingham Spa MIKE ZITO Sat 8 Apr, NEW COVENTRY ARTS CONSORTIUM 2017 Palace Theatre, Red- TEMPLES Sun 2 Apr, BROKEN WITT REBELS NEW THE RUGBY COLLECTION Social ditch The 14th exhibition of work by local history exhibition British Thomson O2 Institute, B’ham Fri 7 Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE GHOST RIDERS IN artists, showcasing a broad variety of Houston and Whittle, marking the GROVE STREET FAMILIES THE SKY & WACO Sun 9 themes, artistic styles and techniques, 80th anniversary of the first jet engine Sun 2 Apr, The Marr's THE VIBRATORS Fri 7 Apr, The Sunflower Sat 1 - Sun 23 Apr test, Sat 15 Apr - Sat 3 June, Rugby Bar, Worcester Ap, The Marr's Bar, Art Gallery & Museum Worcester Lounge, Birmingham OKKULTOKRATI Sun 2 Leamington Spa Art Gallery & T R DALLAS Sun 9 Apr, Museum Apr, The Flapper, Birm- CHARLES DEXTER WARD & THE IMAGINEERS Fri 7 Irish Centre, B’ham NEW THE OPEN 2017 A biennial exhibi- ingham Apr, The Tin Music MELANIE C Sun 9 Apr, tion of work by professional artists MONA Mon 3 Apr, Hare And Arts, Coventry O2 Institute, B’ham based in the West Midlands, Fri 14 & Hounds, B’ham REAL FRIENDS Fri 7 Apr, Apr - Sun 25 June HAVOK, WARBRINGER, 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks 1 - 9 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:25 Page 2

Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April

FROM EGYPT TO EIRE: 40TH ANNIVER- Classical Music Comedy SARY OF GAODHAL'S VISION Using a fu- Theatre sion of music, dance and backdrop imagery, Gaodhal’s Vision tells the LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS The IVO GRAHAM, GEOFF NORCOTT, BOBBY TALES AND TONIC Opportunity to pre- story of the Milesian people leaving Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orches- MAIR & KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN Sat 1 view the work-in-progress being pro- Egypt and setting out for Eire, the is- tra present Mendelssohn's great ora- Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham duced by The Rep's brightest new land about which Moses had spoken torio based on the biblical account of JOJO SMITH, EDD HEDGES & DAVID LON- talent, until Fri 7 Apr, The REP, B’ham to them, Fri 31 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Bel- the prophet Elijah, a work that has GLEY Sat 1 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Iqbal Khan re- grade Theatre, Coventry been popular since its premiere in Club, Birmingham turns to the RSC to direct Shake- Birmingham in 1846, Sat 1 Apr, LIch- LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN Oscar speare’s tragedy of love and power, field Cathedral STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Sat 1 Wilde’s sparkling and witty assault on Apr, mac, Birmingham until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shake- prejudice and hypocrisy, Fri 31 Mar - BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 8 Apr, Hall Green Little Theatre, ETY Featuring David Wynne (conduc- ROB ROUSE Sat 1 Apr, Artrix, Broms- ONE LOVE: THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL Birmingham tor) & Kevin Gill (piano). Programme grove Premiere of a new musical focusing includes works by Chopin, Pearsall, WINNIE AND WILBUR A new play based on a defining period in the life and Brahms, Elgar, Faure, Parry, on the bestselling picture books cre- career of Bob Marley, until Sat 15 Apr, Whitacre, Tavener & Joubert, Sat 1 ated by Valerie Thomas and Korky The REP, Birmingham Apr, Ladywood ARC, St John’s & St Paul, Fri 31 Mar - Sat 22 Apr, The Peter’s Church, Birmingham BILLY ELLIOT The smash-hit West End REP, Birmingham musical stops off in Birmingham as CHANDOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fea- THE HYPOCRITE ‘Riotous’ new comedy part of its first UK tour, until Sat 29 turing Richard Laing (conductor) & from writer Richard Bean (One Man Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome Rebecca Elridge (bassoon). Pro- Two Guvnors) and directed by Phillip gramme includes works by Stravin- JULIUS CAESAR Angus Jackson di- Breen, Fri 31 Mar - Sat 29 Apr, The sky, Nino Rota & Tchaikovsky, Sun 2 rects Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, as Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Apr, Malvern Theatres KEITH FARNAN, MIKE NEWALL, FUNMBI the politics of spin and betrayal turn OMOTAYO & DARRELL MARTIN Sat 1 bloody and brutal, until Sat 9 Sept, STRATFORD UPON AVON SYMPHONY OR- Apr, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- CHESTRA Programme includes works ford-upon-Avon by Parry, Elgar & Grainger, Sat 2 Apr, NICK DOODY, MIKE WILMOT & COMEDY Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON NOT DEAD ENOUGH Shane Richie and Avon Thurs 6 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham Laura Whitmore star in the world pre- BRIAN CONLEY Thurs 6 Apr, Lichfield miere of Peter James’ new stage Garrick play, adapted from the third novel in the author’s award-winning Roy MICKEY SHARMA, TANYALEE DAVIS & Grace series, Mon 27 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, JOHNNY SORROW Fri 7 Apr, Katie Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE TOMMY COOPER SHOW John Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge A PASSIONATE WOMAN Liza Goddard Hewer portrays the comic genius LAURA LEXX, ADDY VAN DER BORGH & takes the lead in Kay Mellor’s roman- whose impeccable timing, misfiring RUSSELL HICKS Fri 7 Apr, Jongleurs tic comedy. Antony Eden, Hasan magic and quickfire gags made him Comedy Club, Birmingham Dixon and Russell Dixon also star, an international star, Sat 1 Apr, The ELEANOR CONWAY Fri 7 Apr, Artrix, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Malvern The- Bear Pit Theatre - The United Re- formed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon MURRAY PERAHIA Programme com- Bromsgrove atres prises Beethoven’s Emperor Con- ANDY PARSONS Fri 7 Apr, Evesham BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY THE MAGIC RECIPE BOOK Join in the certo, Wed 5 Apr, Symphony Hall, Arts Centre Award-winning musical which tells fun, songs and audience participation Birmingham MARCEL LUCONT Fri 7 Apr, The Glee the story of how Buddy Holly in popular plays for two to nine-year- olds, Sat 1 Apr, Swan Theatre, CBSO PERFORM RACHMANINOV’S THIRD Club, Birmingham changed the face of popular music forever, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, New Worcester Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (con- SUZI RUFFELL, KEVIN GILDA, RAY PEA- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ductor), Oliver Janes (clarinet).ė Pro- COCK & MICHAEL FABBRI Fri 7 - Sat 8 THE GRAND THEATRE'S GREAT GATSBY gramme also includes works by Apr, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham DEATH IN HIGH HEELS Amateur staging NIGHT A party night of razzle dazzle, Weinberg & Copland, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 of Richard Harris’s ‘clever thriller with featuring some of the greatest dance NICK DOODY, MIKE WILMOT, JONNIE Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham a touch of class’, Wed 29 Mar - Sat 8 music from the golden jazz era, Sat 1 PRICE & COMIC TBC Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, Apr, The Priory Theatre, Kenilworth Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE LEO QUARTET With Liz Larner Fea- The Glee Club, Birmingham turing Liz Larner (guitar), Byron CYMBELINE Amateur production pre- MMORPG Fusion of improvised com- LAURA LEXX, RUSSELL HICKS & COMIC Parish & Elizabeth Golding (violins), sented by Lichfield Garrick Youth edy with table-top gaming in ‘an epic, TBC Sat 8 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Amy Fawcet (viola) & Kate Setterfield Theatre, Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, sprawling, open-world, entirely- Club, Birmingham (cello). Programme comprises Ivor Lichfield Garrick made-up fantasy quest of the audi- McGregor's Guitar Quintet, Fri 7 Apr, ROB BECKETT Sat 8 Apr, Birmingham ences own devising’, Sat 1 Apr, Old DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE All & Sundry CBSO Centre, Birmingham Town Hall Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham present David Edgar’s dramatic BRITTEN OBOE QUARTET Programme in- JAMES CAMPBELL Sat 8 Apr, Royal adaptation of Robert Louis Steven- NOT ABOUT HEROES A moving play cludes works by Mozart, Lennox Spa Centre, Leamington Spa son’s classic horror story, Thurs 30 which centres on the friendship of Berkeley, Moeran, Schubert, Richard MARK WATSON, ALUN COCHRANE, AVA Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, Rodney Bennett & Francaix, Fri 7 Apr, VIDAL, SCOTT GIBSON & ELF LYONS Sat Birmingham Sat 1 - Sat 8 Apr, The Crescent The- Artrix, Bromsgrove atre, Birmingham 8 Apr, Albany Theatre, Coventry HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITH- BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featur- OUT EVEN TRYING Birmingham Ormis- GHOST THE MUSICAL Bill Kenwright's ing Yan Pascal Torterlier (conductor), ton Academy’s Year 13 Musical staging of the timeless story of love, Jonathan Scott (organ) & the CBSO Theatre students present their ver- Mon 3 - Sat 8 Apr, Malvern Theatres Chorus.. Programme includes works sion of Frank Loesser's satire, which THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty by Roussel & Saint-Saëns, Fri 7 Apr, looks at the rise and rise of J Pierre- Towers meets Noises Off in this Symphony Hall, Birmingham pont, who uses a little handbook to award-winning comedy, Mon 3 - Sat ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: FA- climb the corporate ladder from lowly 8 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CADE & THE ENDURING ENGLISH ECCEN- window washer to high-powered ex- A PICTURE OF YOU The Young Rep TRIC Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, Swan Theatre, ecutive, Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, The Seniors present Morgan Sproxton's Worcester Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham drama, which centres around the whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Warwicks 1 - 9 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:25 Page 3

thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April 17th birthday party of Ashley Smith - Following in the footsteps of other exploration of the political and social the pressures of family, school and an occasion that Ashley would’ve ’60s jukebox musicals about The history of Britain between the wars, growing up, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, Bel- loved had he not died in Year 7, Tues Beatles and The Kinks, All Or Nothing Wed 5 - Sat 8 Apr, The Bear Pit The- grade Theatre, Coventry 4 - Thurs 6 Apr, The REP, Birmingham tells the story of mod favourites The atre - The United Reformed Church, MYRA DUBOIS Rotherham’s least cele- SINGIN’ THE RAIN Amateur production Small Faces, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Apr, New Stratford-upon-Avon brated daughter presents an evening presented by the Peterbrook Players, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER of acid-tongued conversation, razor- Tues 4 - Sat 8 Apr, The Core, Solihull THE BEST THING Vamos Theatre pres- CHAMELEON SKIN A life-affirming com- sharp observation, song and dance... THE MACHINE STOPS Pilot Theatre and ent a Swinging ’60s story of uncondi- ing-of-age story about a bright girl Fri 7 Apr, mac, Birmingham York Theatre Royal present an ac- tional love, Wed 5 Apr, Artrix, from a black middle-class family in claimed production of EM Forster’s Bromsgrove LA who dreams of becoming a classic short story, providing an ex- THE TAP DANCING MERMAID Pigtails dancer, Wed 5 - Sat 15 Apr, Belgrade ploration of, and chilling prediction Productions present Tessa Bide's Theatre, Coventry about, our increasingly complex rela- mystical story about a tippetty-tap THE BEST THING Vamos Theatre pres- tionship with technology, Tues 4 - Sat dancer and her encounter with a 'wa- ent a Swinging ’60s story of uncondi- 8 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry tery' boy named Leo, Wed 5 Apr, tional love, Thurs 6 Apr, Bridge Malvern Theatres House Theatre, Warwick READY OR NOT Kali Theatre present THE VISIT OF THE OLD LADY Newman Naylah Ahmed’s story about a retired University Drama Department present teacher who takes an idealistic young Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s exploration of LONDON-PARIS-ROAM! New one- man hostage and embarks on a dan- justice, morality and just how much woman show which sees Sarah Tul- gerous game of hide and seek with money can buy, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Apr, lamore providing a ‘funny and the truth, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 Apr, mac, mac, Birmingham moving’ account of her globetrotting Birmingham life so far, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, Old Joint A DARKER SIDE OF BEIGE All & Sundry Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS THE MUSI- present a bitter-sweet comedy set in CAL! Witty and irreverent celebration the Autumn Leaves Nursing Home... WIFE AFTER DEATH Rural Theatre Play- LEGALLY BLONDE Leamington & War- of musical theatre, Wed 5 - Sat 8 Apr, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, Palace Theatre, ers present Eric Chappell’s comedy, wick Musical Society present the Talisman Theatre, Coventry Redditch Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, Malvern Theatre West End and Broadway smash-hit TIME AND THE CONWAYS Second TRUTH OR DARE Belgrade LifeStage BURLESQUE HALL OF FAME Featuring musical comedy, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Apr, the best of burlesque and cabaret Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Thoughts Drama Group present an students follow three intertwining sto- amateur production of JB Priestley's ries about young people dealing with from all over the UK and Europe, Sat ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL 8 Apr, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham

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Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April

NAOMI'S WILD & SCARY Naomi is nett, Michael Cera. The Roses The- elry, Sat 8 Apr, Warwick Castle joined live on stage by some scary Film atre, Tewkesbury, Sat 8 - Wed 12 Apr THE WOLF RUN The only Wild Run in creatures, including a carpet python, the UK, the Wolf Run is a demanding an alligator snapping turtle, a giant NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 10K across raw, natural terrain, in- centipede and a tarantula! Up-close INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: cluding open ground, woodland, handy cam action, a giant screen and LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Music. Star- Released from Fri 7 Apr, showing at lakes and thick mud, Sat 8 - Sun 9 loads of interaction, Sat 8 April, Birm- ring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. The selected cinemas Apr, Welsh Road Farm, Warwickshire ingham Town Hall Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until THE BOSS BABY (U) SPRING HORSE TRIALS Incorporating THE TAP DANCING MERMAID Pigtails Mon 3 Apr; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed CITY OF TINY LIGHTS (15) dressage, cross country and show Productions present Tessa Bide's 5, Fri 7, Sun 9 - Mon 10 Apr GOING IN STYLE (12a) jumping, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Apr, Weston mystical story about a tippetty-tap ELLE (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Is- Park, Staffordshire PEPPA PIG MY FIRST CINEMA EXPERI- dancer and her encounter with a 'wa- abelle Huppert, Anna Consigny. For- ENCE (U) NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the tery' boy named Leo, Sun 9 Apr, mac, eign language, subtitled. Warwick Birmingham Nimrod and learn about its intelli- Arts Centre, Coventry, until Wed 5 A QUIET PASSION (12a) gence-gathering role in the Royal Air THREE HALF PINTS IN BAD GUYS Brand Apr TABLE 19 (12a) Force, Sat 8 - Thurs 13 Apr, RAF Cos- new comic misadventure, packed THE SPACE BETWEEN US (PG) Adven- I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (tbc) ford, Staffordshire with songs, slapstick, silliness and ture/Drama. Starring Gary Oldman, RAW (18) EASTER AT BECKETTS FARM Visit lambs, accidental derring-do!, Sun 9 Apr, Ar- Asa Butterfield. The Roses Theatre, trix, Bromsgrove chicks and a selection of other ani- Tewkesbury, Sat 1 Apr mals, Sat 8 - Mon 17 Apr, Beckett's FIFTY SHADES DARKER (18) Drama. Farm, Wythall, Birmingham Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dor- EASTER CASTLE EGG HUNT Ruby the nan. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Events Tamworth Castle Dragon has mis- Sat 1 Apr placed her eggs - join the hunt to find Dance MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. them, Sat 8 - Fri 21 Apr, Tamworth With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, THE HERBAL GARDEN Learn about the Castle plants that have been used for thou- ROSALIND Presented by James Auli'i Cravalho. The Roses Theatre, EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- sands of years in herbal remedies, Cousins Company and created in Tewkesbury, Sat 1 Apr; Artrix, Broms- gramme of activities at the Shake- their cultivation, harvesting and use. collaboration with Korean dancers grove, Sat 8 Apr speare Family Homes, Sat 8 - Sun 23 The experienced tutor will guide you and artists, this choreographed piece TRESPASS AGAINST US (12A) Apr, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Strat- through planning a medicinal herbal takes Rosalind’s passion and elo- Crime/Drama. Starring Michael Fass- ford-upon-Avon garden which should provide you quence beyond words, to some- bender, Brendan Gleeson. Warwick with crops to use for years to come, ANIMAL THEMED HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES where only movement can transport Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Sat 1 Apr, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- Two weeks of fun animal-themed ac- you, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Apr, DanceX- Apr change, The Patrick Centre, B’ham grove tivities, workshops and demos across 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) the museum sites, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, THE FAST SHOW The first performance ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ballet Theatre Comedy/Drama. Starring Annette Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Shrop- and modified car event on the calen- UK fuse captivating choreography, Bening, Elle Fanning. Royal Spa cen- shire dar, Sun 2 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, wit, humour and charm to present a tre, Leamington Spa, Sat 1 - Sun 2 unique take on Lewis Carroll’s most Northants EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy live shows Apr; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, from the resident magicians, ventrilo- famous tale, Fri 7 Apr, Albany The- PRE-PLAY TALK: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA Fri 7 - Sun 9 Apr quists and more, with giggles and atre, Coventry Join Dr Elizabeth Dollimore, Outreach TIME OF THEIR LIVES (12A) Comedy. games for the whole family, Sat 8 - & Primary Learning Manager, for an PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE Starring Joan Collins, Pauline Collins. Sun 23 Apr, Cadbury World, introduction to Antony And Cleopa- NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 1 Bournville, Birmingham tra, Thurs 6 Apr, Shakespeare's Birth- Come Dancing star, his spectacular & Tues 4 Apr dancers and special guest Anya Gar- place, Stratford-upon-Avon CHARCOAL MAKING WITH MAURICE AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (U) Drama/Mu- CLOTHER Join the expert woodworker nis, Sun 9 Apr, Wolverhampton SPINNING Full-day course led by ex- sical. Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie and forester for a two-day charcoal- Grand Theatre perienced spinner and tutor Marylin Caron. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- making course, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Apr, Wright, Thurs 6 Apr, Avoncroft Mu- bury, Sun 2 Apr Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire seum, Bromsgrove THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE SPRING HAS SPRUNG How has nature Drama/Romance. Starring Michael WARDROBE TRAIL Climb through the transformed the park and gardens Fassbender, Alicia Vikander. Stour- wardrobe and into the magical land Talks since the turn of the year? Join the bridge Town Hall, Mon 3 Apr of Croft on this mystical outdoor trail, rangers to find out and explore the Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Croft Castle, nr ASH DYKES: SURVIVING MADAGASCAR DENIAL (12a) Drama. Starring Rachel beautiful landscape, Thurs 6 Apr, Leominster Join Ash as he talks about his record- Weisz, Tom Wilkinson. The Roses Charlecote Park, Warwick Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 3 - Wed 5 EGGS-ELLENT EASTER Fun for all the breaking, world-first crossing of WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE The Apr family, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Drayton Madagascar and his adventures world’s largest family history show, Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs climbing eight of the island’s highest FENCES (12a) Drama. Starring Denzel Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, NEC, B’ham mountains along the way, Tues 4 Apr, Washington and Viola Davis. The UPTON EXPLORER TRAIL Orienteering- ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR Malvern Theatres Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 4 Apr; style trail around the gardens, Sat 8 - Refresh your home with stylish an- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 4 - Sun 23 Apr, Upton House & Gardens, AN EVENING WITH ADAM HENSON Join tiques and collectables, Thurs 6 - Sun Wed 5 Apr Warwickshire Adam as he shares stories about his 9 Apr, NEC, Birmingham farming life, his TV career and the BEST (GEORGE BEST: ALL BY HIMSELF) EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Easter activ- EASTER RAG RUG WREATH WORKSHOP running of the Costwold Farm Park, (12a) Documentary. Starring George ities for the whole family, all included Join craft specialists to create some- Thurs 6 Apr, Stratford Artshouse, Best, Angela Best. Warwick Arts Cen- in the standard admission price, Sat thing truly unique to adorn your Stratford-upon-Avon tre, Coventry, Thurs 6 Apr 8 - Sun 23 Apr, West Midland Safari home Sat 8 Apr, Birmingham Back to and Leisure Park, Bewdley DALJIT NAGRA: WORDS An evening BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (U) Backs with the British poet whose works ex- Fantasy/Musical. Starring Emma Wat- GTI SPRINGFEST The one-day show for THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIAEVAL BANQUET plore the idealism and reality of multi- son, Dan Stevens. Royal Spa Centre, enthusiasts of all VAG marques, It’s the year 1471 and you’ve been cultural Britain with ‘wit, intelligence Leamington Spa, Fri 7 Apr SEAT, Skoda, Audi and Volkswagen, summoned by the infamous Earl of and a sense of mischief’, Sun 9 Apr, Sun 9 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) Anima- Warwick for an unforgettable evening Artrix, Bromsgrove Northants tion/Action. With the voices of Will Ar- of eating, drinking and mediaeval rev-

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW WARWICKS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:27 Page 1

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April Fitzgerald's, Stour- E3UK LIVE Sat 15 Apr, Budd (Evangelist), James Geidt Gigs bridge Barclaycard Arena, Classical & (Jesus), Greg Skidmore (Pilate), An- BRITISH SEA POWER Birmingham gela Hicks & Katie Trethewey (so- Thurs 13 Apr, O2 Acad- THE MICK PINI BAND Sat prano), Martha McLorinan (alto) & MÉLANIE PAIN Mon 10 emy, Birmingham 15 Apr, The Iron Road, Opera Bradley Smith (tenor), Fri 14 Apr, Apr, Hare & Hounds, Evesham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham PATIENCE English Touring Opera poke GREAT YTENE + RAVENS ST MICHAEL’S SINGERS: BACH’S ST YOU ME AT SIX Mon 10 fun at the eccentric affections of Sat 15 Apr, The Tin JOHN PASSION Fri 14 Apr, Coventry Apr, O2 Academy, barely-disguised Victorian celebrities, Music And Arts, Coven- Cathedral Birmingham including Oscar Wilde and his follow- try ers, Mon 10 Apr, Wolverhampton BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: HANDEL'S GILES ROBSON Tues 11 LEAMINGTON PUNK FES- Grand Theatre MESSIAH Featuring the Baroque Apr, The Iron Road, TIVAL Sat 15 Apr, The Chamber Orchestra & Paul Spicer Evesham Assembly, Leamington (conductor) Fri 14 Apr, Wolverhamp- TWELFTH DAY & EMILY Spa ton Grand Theatre MAE WINTERS Tues 11 EARL Sat 15 - Sun 16 Apr, Kitchen Garden JOHN MCCUSKER BAND Apr, Symphony Hall, Cafe, Birmingham Thurs 13 Apr, mac, Birmingham Birmingham STORMZY Tues 11 Apr, Comedy ROXY MUSIQUE Sat 15 O2 Academy, B’ham OVER ATLANTIC Fri 14 Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham Apr, The Empire, ANNETTE FAGON, MAUREEN YOUNGER NOBLE JACKS Wed 12 Coventry Wed 12 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Apr, The Iron Road, MARY OCHER Fri 14 Apr, NOVANA Sat 15 Apr, The Birmingham Evesham The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry Assembly, Leamington LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH SUZI RUFFELL, GARETH EDWARDS & GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed Spa THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- 12 Apr, The Jam PETER MYLETT Fri 14 CHANTEL MCGREGOR Sat cludes works by Howells, Bach, SON Thurs 13 Apr, The Glee Club, House, Birmingham Apr, Irish Centre, B’ham 15 Apr, Artrix, Broms- Mascagni, Wagner & Dupre, Mon 10 Birmingham DOG'N'STYLE FREEZE THE ATLANTIC Fri 14 Apr, grove Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Wed 12 Apr, The Sun- The Iron Road, Eve- RICK ASTLEY Sat 15 - TOSCA English Touring Opera present flower Lounge, B’ham sham Sun 16 Apr, Symphony Puccini's visceral depiction of love in SUPERNOVA THE WHO Wed 12 Apr, Fri 14 Apr, Hall, Birmingham the midst of a war-torn Rome, Tues Barclaycard Arena, Drummonds Bar, 11 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand The- Birmingham Worcester atre BURY TOMORROW YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS Fri 14 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN Featuring OF JAPAN Wed 12 Apr, Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham Laura van der Heijden (cello) & Julian Malvern Theatres THE RED LEMONS Fri 14 - Lloyd Webber (conductor). Pro- THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- Sat 15 Apr The Jam gramme includes works by Mozart & TIES TRIBUTE SHOW House, Birmingham Tchaikovsky', Tues 11 Apr, Stratford Wed CHARLIE BAKER Fri 14 Apr, The Glee Artshouse 12 Apr, Palace Theatre, DIZZY LIZZY Fri 14 Apr, Club, Birmingham Redditch The Roadhouse, B’ham LAURA VAN DER HEIJDEN Programme SUZI RUFFELL, GARETH EDWARDS, SOL MARIE CLAIRE BERREEN includes works by Mozart & HOT 8 BRASS BAND Fri BORN IN THE EIGHTIES BERNSTEIN & DAVE JOHNS Fri 14 - Sat Wed 12 Apr, The Red Tchaikovsky, Wed 12 Apr, Birming- 14 Apr, O2 Institute, Sat 15 Apr, The River 15 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham Birmingham ham Town Hall Rooms, Stourbridge ANGELA BARNES, MIKE WILMOT, MATT 10CC Wed 12 Apr, Sym- VIVALDI IN VENICE Wed 12 Apr, Eve- QUARTZ Fri 14 Apr, LIZZIE AND THE BAN- WELCOME & STEVE HARRIS Fri 14 - Sat phony Hall, B’ham sham Arts Centre Route 44, Birmingham SHEES Sat 15 Apr, The 15 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: EMMA JOHN- SARI SCHORR & THE EN- SECRET AFFAIR Fri 14 Marr's Bar, Worcester BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 15 GINE ROOM Thurs 13 SON PLAYS MOZART Also featuring Apr, The Assembly, CHAPTER XIII FESTIVAL Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Diane Clark & Nick Bhattacharjee Leamington Spa Sat 15 Apr, The Rain- Worcester (flutes) & Màtè Hàmori (conductor). ANDREW LAWRENCE Sat 15 Apr, mac, FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 14 bow Venues, B’ham Programme also includes works by Birmingham HORSEBEACH Thurs 13 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove PAT BRESLIN Sat 15 Apr, Haydn & Gluck, Thurs 13 Apr, Apr, Hare & Hounds, ALLYSON SMITH, JOE BOR & LIAM WITH- THE OTHER COVERS TRIO Irish Centre, B’ham Malvern Theatres Birmingham NAIL Sat 15 April, Jongleurs Comedy Fri 14 Apr, The Marr's KARMA GREEN & JASPER club, Birmingham PWR BTTM Thurs 13 Bar, Worcester IN THE COMPANY OF OTH- Apr, Hare & Hounds, THE LIQUOR AND POKER ERS Sat 15 Apr, The Birmingham BAND Fri 14 Apr, The Sunflower Lounge, THE ED SHEERAN EXPERI- River Rooms, Stour- Birmingham ENCE Thurs 13 Apr, The bridge DANNI G BAND Sat 15 Theatre River Rooms, Stour- BAD COMPANY UK Fri 14 Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, bridge Apr, Hare & Hounds, Stourbridge BEST OF BRITISH Performing arts show LEAH MCFALL Thurs 13 featuring the ‘Best of British’ past and Birmingham GIGGS Sun 16 Apr, O2 Apr, The Sunflower present, Mon 10 Apr, Bridge House RUBIO Fri 14 Apr, Katie Institute, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Theatre, Warwick Fitzgerald's, Stoubridge MURIEL O CONNOR Sun TWELVE FOOT NINJA CBSO: MAHLER’S FIFTH Featuring Ed- OUT OF ORDER Shaun Williamson, Sue FRENCH MONTANA Sat 16 Apr, Irish Centre, Thurs 13 Apr, The Flap- ward Gardner (conductor) & Jean- Holderness, Andrew Hall, James 15 Apr, O2 Academy, Birmingham per, Birmingham Guihen Queyras (cello). Programme Holmes & Arthur Bostrum star in a Birmingham STEVE LINFORTH Sun 16 includes works by Haydn & Mahler, MARTY WILDE & THE new staging of Ray Cooney’s Olivier CARDI B Sat 15 Apr, O2 Apr, Drummonds Bar, Thurs 13 Apr, Symphony Hall, B’ham WILDCATS Thurs 13 Apr, Award-winning comedy, Mon 10 - Sat Institute, Birmingham Worcestershire EX CATHEDRA: GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST Palace Theatre, Red- 15 April, New Alexandra Theatre, JOHN PASSION ditch STANTON WARRIORS Sat BOOTLEG ABBA Sun 16 Featuring Ex Cathedra Birmingham 15 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, The Iron Road, Choir & Baroque Orchestra, the Ex SMOKIN PILCHARDS THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES Stuff Birmingham Evesham Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, Thurs 13 Apr, Katie And Nonsense Theatre Company Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Jerry present an inventive romp through 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW WARWICKS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:27 Page 2

Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April

the classic tale of an Emperor who LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Presented loves clothes more than anything, by Dynamik Theatre, Wed 12 - Sat 15 Tues 11 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Apr, The Bear Pitt Theatre, Stratford- MONSTERSAURUS Energetic show full upon-Avon of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem, LION BOY ‘Gripping adventure' in- Tues 11 Apr, Bridge House Theatre, spired by Zizou Corder's bestselling Warwick novels about Charlie’s attempts to rescue his parents with the help of a pride of lions, Thurs 13 & Sat 15 Apr, The Dream Factory, Warwick MURDER BY GASLIGHT A ghoulish audi- ence with two of the most infamous poisoners in British history - William Palmer and Harvey Crippen, Thurs 13 Apr, Evesham Arts Centre, Worcester- shire THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Stag- ing of Eric Carle’s classic children’s book, Thurs 13 Apr, The Core The- HAYWIRE Lichfield Players present an atre, Solihull amateur staging of Eric Chappell’s farce, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Apr, Lichfield NOISE Little Arden Theatre Company Garrick and Mr Millerman present Thomas Moran's 'frenetic' production about MINDGAME Staging of Anthony how we choose whether or not to Horowitz mindbending psychological cope, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Apr, The Old thriller, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Apr, Malvern Rep Theatre, Birmingham Theatres The Tiger Who Came To Tea THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 14 - Sun 16 April DICK & DOM LIVE A show of madcap Theatre present a heartwarming challenges and audience-participa- adaptation of Julie Donaldson and Following on from a hugely successful West End season, the tea-guz- tion games, Wed 12 Apr, Lichfield Axel Scheffler's bestselling book. zling tiger is back in town, dropping in on Sophie and her mum just Garrick Suitable for ages three-plus, Fri 14 - as they’re settling down for an afternoon cuppa... Adapted by David THE EXPLORER New marionette show Sat 15 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall performed by puppeteer, Lori Hop- Wood OBE from Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show comes kins, Wed 12 Apr, mac, Birmingham without an interval, features singalong songs and boasts plenty of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Keith Chegwin magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of course! stars in an all-singing, all-dancing, ‘laugh-a-minute’ ride through the fun and frolics of Pantoland, Wed 12 Apr, Apr; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Bedworth Civic Hall Fri 14 - Sun 23 Apr YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN Talks LION (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Brand new show described as ‘visu- Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel. Warwick ally spectacular, high energy and ex- AN EVENING WITH BOYCOTT & AGGERS Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 10, Wed plosive’, Wed 12 Apr, Malvern Theatre The BBC’s Test Match Special cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew chal- 12 - Thurs 13 Apr JESUS MY BOY John Dowie’s one-man THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage lenges Geoffrey Boycott to justify his MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. show tells the story of Jesus as seen adaptation of Judith Kerr's much- forthright views on the game and life Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle through the eyes of Joseph, Wed 12 loved picture book for children, Fri 14 in general... Tues 11 Apr, Malvern Williams. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 11 Apr, Malvern Theatre - Sun 16 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Theatre - Fri 14 Apr LOUIS PEARL: THE AMAZING BUBBLE Coventry THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (12) Crime, MAN Show featuring comedy, artistry, THE SOOTY SHOW A ‘spectacular mix’ Drama. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, live music, audience participation of magic, music and mess, Sat 15 Emma Watson. The Electric Cinema, and spellbinding bubble tricks, Wed Apr, The Core, Solihull Birmingham, Wed 12 Apr 12 Apr, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- Film upon-Avon ELMER Adapted from the well-loved TONI ERDMANN (15) Comedy/Drama. children’s book by David McKee, Sat Starring Sandra Hüller, Peter Si- 15 - Thurs 20 Apr, mac, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: monischek. The Roses Theatre, CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Circus, slap- THE FOUNDER (12a) Biography/Drama. Tewkesbury, Wed 12 Apr stick, comedy and magic from Clive Starring Michael Keaton, Nick Offer- MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. Webb and Danny Adams, Sun 16 man. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre bury, Mon 10 - Tues 11 Apr Auli'i Cravalho. Artrix, Bromsgrove, GOLD (15) Adventure/Drama. Starring Wed 12 - Sat 15 Apr Matthew McConaughey, Edgar I, CLAUDE MONET (U) Biography. War- Ramírez. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 13 Dance bury, Mon 10 - Wed 12 Apr Apr TRESPASS AGAINST US (12A) HARRY POTTER & THE PRISONER OF PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE Crime/Drama. Starring Michael Fass- AZKABAN (PG) Adventure/Fantasy. THE TESTAMENT OF MARY Piecing to- NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly bender, Brendan Gleeson. Warwick Starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley gether memories of Jesus’ last days, Come Dancing star, his spectacular Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 10 & Wed Winters. The Electric Cinema, Birm- Mary brings a mother’s powerful per- dancers and special guest Anya Gar- 12 Apr ingham, Thurs 13 & Sat 15 Apr spective to a very complex and nis, Thurs 13 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, human story of turmoil and sacrifice, Leamington Spa BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (U) AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (U) Wed 12 - Sat 15 Apr, The Old Joint Fantasy/Musical. Starring Emma Wat- Drama/Romance. Starring Cary Stock Theatre, Birmingham son, Dan Stevens. Royal Spa Centre, Grant, Deborah Kerr. The Electric Cin- Leamington Spa, Mon 10 - Wed 12 whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW WARWICKS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:27 Page 3 The List NEW WARWICKS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:27 Page 4

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April ema, Birmingham, Fri 14 Apr EASTER FUN Arts and crafts, bug hunt- A CURE FOR WELLNESS (18) ing and spring activities for little ones, Fantasy/Horror. Starring Dane De- Mon 10 Apr, Birmingham Botanical Haan, Jason Isaacs. The Roses The- Gardens atre, Tewkesbury, Fri 14 Apr DISCOVER: SHAKESPEARE'S WORDS A EASTER PARADE (U) Musical/Romance. fun and lively session that will have Starring Judy Garland, Fred Astaire. you quoting Shakespeare like a pro- The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri fessional, Tues 11 Apr, Clore Learning 14 Apr Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CINEMA EXPERI- INTRODUCING SINGING Sing your heart ENCE (U) Animation/Family. With the out with an RSC voice coach. No ex- voices of Morwenna Banks, David perience necessary. A fun introduc- Graham. Warwick Arts Centre, tion to singing and projection, Tues Coventry, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Apr 11 Apr, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon A QUIET PASSION (U) Biography/Drama. Starring Cynthia EXPLORE: VOICE AND TEXT Learn about Nixon, Jennifer Ehle. Warwick Arts how actors prepare, rehearse and Centre, Coventry, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Apr perform in this practical workshop, Tues 11 Apr, Clore Learning Centre, KONG: SKULL ISLAND (12a) Stratford-upon-Avon Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Tom Hid- dleston, Samuel L. Jackson. The EASTER CRAFT: MAKE YOUR OWN SUN- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 14 - CATCHERS Use a variety of craft mate- Wed 19 Apr rials to create your own Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Easter-themed suncatchers, Tues 11 - Various dates from Thurs 13 - Tues 18 April at Charlecote Park, War- KUBO & THE TWO STRINGS (U) Anima- Tues 18 Apr, Blakesley Hall, B’ham tion/Adventure. With the voices of wick; Croft Castle, nr Leominster; Packwood House, Solihull and Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson. mac, TALL TALES - CINDERELLA FAMILY STORY Greyfriars House & Garden, Worcester Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Apr TOUR AND CRAFT An interactive telling Who better to organise an Easter egg hunt (or several) than those of Cinderella, Wed 12 Apr, Aston Hall, NEVER ENDING STORY (U) Birmingham lovely people at Cadbury? The chocolate-making Birmingham com- Adventure/Drama. Starring Noah pany are this Easter coordinating more than 250 hunts at National DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS Hathaway, Barret Oliver. The Mock- Trust properties across the UK. And there’s plenty more besides for ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 15 OF MAGIC Be charmed by a cast of Apr over 50 Disney characters, Wed 12 - egg-seeking families to enjoy on their fun-filled day out, from fighting Sun 16 Apr, Genting Arena, B’ham fiery dragons and solving mysteries to helping friendly animals throw WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (U) Ani- mation/Adventure. Starring Bob GOLDEN EGG TRAIL Follow the birds a carnival. And what’s more, all participants will be rewarded with a Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd. The egg trail around the gardens in sure-to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each completed Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, search of the Golden Egg, Wed 12 - hunt. Please check with individual venues for dates. Sat 15 Apr Mon 17 Apr, Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcester BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Michael J. EXPLORE: STAGE FIGHTING - ROMAN BAT- TLES A day of stage combat. Show Fox, Christopher Lloyd. The Mocking- bonnet competitions plus an Easter been invited to compose one of six your new-found skills to family and bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 15 Apr egg hunt around the venue, Fri 14 - new pieces of music as part of the friends with a demonstration at the Mon 17 Apr, Cadbury World, Shakespeare In South Asia exhibition HARVEY (U) Comedy/Drama. Starring end of the day, Thurs 13 Apr, Clore Bournville, Birmingham and here shares an exclusive insight Jimmy Stewart. The Electric Cinema, Learning Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham, Sun 16 Apr EASTER AT EASTNOR Easter Treasure into the process of musical composi- CADBURY EGG HUNTS Explore the Hunt around the castle and grounds. tion inspired by Shakespeare, Sat 15 grounds and unravel the clues to Chocolate for everyone who takes Apr, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Strat- claim a chocolatey prize, Thurs 13 - part and a chance to win an enor- ford-upon-Avon Tues 18 Apr, Charlecote Park, War- mous Easter egg, Fri 14 - Mon 17 HOLI RAVE Spectacular party of wick Events Apr, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Here- colours where friends and strangers EASTER CRAFT: POMPOM PRINTING Use fordshire chase each other with coloured pow- pegs, paints & pompoms to make INSOMNIA60 Featuring the latest and der, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Apr, No21 Dig- EASTER FELT WORKSHOP Learn how to printed Easter-themed cards, Thurs greatest in games, interactive zones, beth, Birmingham make felt and turn it into a Spring pic- 13 - Thurs 20 Apr, Blakesley Hall, music and live stage shows, Fri 14 - EASTER MARKET AND AFTERNOON TEA ture or cute Easter critter, Mon 10 Birmingham Mon 17 Apr, NEC, Birmingham An Easter egg hunt in the village, with Apr, Charlecote Park, Warwick THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Fri 14 EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Be a chal- The Little Vintage Cake Company INTRODUCING: ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham lenge champion! A courtly character serving afternoon tea, Sat 15 - Mon Fun games and simple rehearsal FESTIVAL OF POWER Action packed from the past will help you crack the 17 Apr, Fargo Village, Coventry techniques to introduce your child to Easter weekend of family Drag Rac- clues as you explore. There's a re- MOTORFEST Featuring classic cars, Shakespeare and his stories, Mon 10 ing entertainment, Stunt Displays and ward for successful adventurers, so motorcycles, military 4x4s, perform- Apr, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, more, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Apr, Santa Pod be sure to join in the fun, Fri 14 - Mon ance cars, classic commercials, trac- Stratford-upon-Avon Raceway, Northants 17 Apr, Kenilworth Castle tors and stationary engines, Sun 16 - DISCOVER: ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA With daily EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Be a chal- Mon 17 Apr, Weston Park, Stafford- Discover the story and themes in lenge champion! A courtly character shire Antony And Cleopatra as you work as from the past will help you crack the MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT Medieval an actor does, on your feet, Mon 10 clues as you explore. There's a re- music, dancing and talented re-enac- Apr, Clore Learning Centre, Stratford- ward for successful adventurers, so tors demonstrating the arts of archery upon-Avon be sure to join in the fun, Fri 14 - Mon and cookery in the Middle Ages, Sun EXPLORE: SET DESIGN Work with an 17 Apr, Witley Court, Worcestershire 16 - Mon 17 Apr, Harvington Hall, RSC assistant designer to create a NORTH INDIAN LITERATURE, SHAKE- Worcestershire set design, Mon 10 Apr, Clore Learn- SPEARE AND MUSIC Jason Singh has ing Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW WARWICKS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:28 Page 1

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April The Slade Rooms, ABIGAIL’S PARTY Amanda Abbington Wolverhampton Comedy (Mary Morstan in Sherlock) takes the SKABUCKS Fri 21 Apr, lead in Mike Leigh’s undisputed clas- The Roadhouse, B’ham sic, Mon 17 - Sat 22 Apr, Malvern TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 17 Apr, Theatres THE BEE GEES STORY - The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham NIGHTS ON BROADWAY THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON Les Pe- LAUGH OFF - COMEDY BATTLE Tues 18 Fri 21 Apr, New Alexan- tits Theatre Company present a stag- Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham dra Theatre, B’ham ing of David Walliams' space RICH HALL Wed 19 Apr, Stratford adventure for children aged three- ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BACK THE Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon plus, Tues 18 Apr, mac, Birmingham YEARS WITH DAVID HAMILT ON Fri 21 Apr, MICK FERRY, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS-ELLENT ADVEN- The Swan Theatre, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- TURE From the team behind Marty Worcester SON Thurs 20 Apr, The Glee Club, MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s Birmingham Christmas Cracker comes ‘the most WHITE TYGER Fri 21 Apr, chocolatey Easter show ever’, Tues DANNY BAKER Thurs 20 Apr, New The River Rooms, 18 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Stourbridge ton Spa REJJIE SNOW Fri 21 Apr, Courtney Pine - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry FANTASTIC MR FOX Roald Dahl's tale O2 Institute, B’ham about greed, pride and the power of Birmingham 51 STONE Fri 21 Apr, friendship, performed with accompa- Gigs THE ORIELLES Thurs 20 Route 44, Birmingham nying live music and songs, Tues 18 - Apr, The Sunflower GAZ BROOKFIELD Fri 21 Sat 22 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- Lounge, Birmingham try PUMAROSA Mon 17 Apr, Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, Hare & Hounds, B’ham THOMAS TRUAX Thurs Stourbridge SUNNY AFTERNOON Olivier Award-win- 20 Apr, The Tin Music ning musical telling the story of one THE SOLID SILVER 60S THE ELVIS YEARS – THE And Arts, Coventry STORY OF THE KING Sat of Britain's greatest-ever bands, The SHOW Mon 17 Apr, Kinks, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Apr, Wolver- THE SHIMMER BAND 22 Apr, The Swan The- STEVE ROYLE, SULLY O'SULLIVAN, JOSH Birmingham Town Hall hampton Grand Theatre Thurs 20 Apr, O2 Insti- atre, Worcester PUGH & BARRY DODDS Fri 21 Apr, DREAM THEATER Tues 18 Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton tute, Birmingham ALEXIS TAYLOR - PRINCE EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS-ELLENT ADVEN- Apr, Symphony Hall, TURE From the team behind Marty JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN TRIBUTE Sat 22 Apr, SEAN PERCIVAL, TOM LUCY, LUKE TOUL- Birmingham SON & CAIMH MCDONNELL MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s WALKER Thurs 20 Apr, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Fri 21 - Sat PALACE Tues 18 Apr, O2 22 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Christmas Cracker comes ‘the most The Glee Club, B’ham THE MOTHERS EARTH EX- Institute, Birmingham MICK FERRY, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, GUZ chocolatey Easter show ever,’ Wed FRANKIE VALLI AND THE PERIMENT Sat 22 Apr, COAST TO COAST, BETTER KHAN & ANDRE VINCENT Fri 21 - Sat 22 19 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry FOUR SEASONS Thurs 20 The Sunflower Lounge, THAN NEVER, PINE & Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham MR BLOOM’S NURSERY - LIVE! Theatre Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham LUKE RAINSFORD Tues for younger audiences, featuring Birmingham TALON - THE BEST OF EA- RICH HALL Sat 22 Apr, Huntingdon 18 Apr, The Asylum, song, play and plenty of interaction, GLES Hall, Worcester Birmingham THE TOASTERS Thurs 20 Sat 22 Apr, Birm- Wed 19 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Apr, The Flapper, Birm- ingham Town Hall KEN DODD Sat 22 Apr, New Alexandra URBAN SOUL FAMILY Birmingham ingham THE TOTAL STONE ROSES Theatre, Birmingham Tues 18 Apr, The Jam House, Birmingham RICHARD ASHCROFT Sat 22 Apr, The Empire, DANA ALEXANDER, GLEN MOORE & Thurs 20 Apr, Barclay- Coventry WINDSOR Sat 22 Apr, Jongleurs Com- BLOOD RED THRONE Tues card Arena, B’ham THE DECADES BAND edy Club, Birmingham 18 Apr, The Rainbow Sat Venues, Birmingham STEVE TURNER Thurs 20 22 Apr, The River ROB AUTON Sun 23 Apr, Warwick Arts Apr, Evesham Arts Cen- Rooms, Stourbridge Centre, Coventry CIGARETTES AFTER SEX tre THE FULL SHA BANG Wed 19 Apr, Hare & BLUES BROTHERS TRIB- Hounds, Birmingham GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY Thurs 20 Apr, UTE ACT Sat 22 Apr, TEMPERANCE & EVYL- The Roses Theatre, Irish Centre, Bi’ham TYDE Wed 19 Apr, The TEECHERS Stage2 presents an ama- Tewkesbury DUB PISTOLS Sat 22 Apr, Theatre Iron Road, Evesham teur production of John Godber’s THE SEARCHERS IN CON- The Assembly, Leam- THE MATT MONRO STORY take on life at a modern comprehen- CERT Thurs 20 Apr, The ington Spa Wed 19 Apr, The Core EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS-ELLENT ADVEN- sive, Wed 19 - Sat 22 Apr, The Cres- Core Theatre, Solihull REBEL REBEL (DAVID Theatre, Solihull TURE From the team behind Marty cent Theatre, Birmingham BAD GIRLFRIEND & BRY- BOWIE) Sat 22 Apr, MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s DAN OWEN Wed 19 Apr, CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC 2017 Direct from ONY WILLIAMS WITH Route 44, Birmingham Christmas Cracker comes ‘the most Ort Cafe, Birmingham a hit season in London’s West End, SLEEP TERMINAL & LYCIO THE KOOKS Sat 22 Apr, chocolatey Easter show ever’, Mon the world-class illusionists return with ZAPPATIKA - A NIGHT OF Fri 21 Apr, The Sun- O2 Academy, B’ham 17 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove 'a spectacular night of mystery', FRANK ZAPPA! Wed 19 flower Lounge, B’ham MODS VS ROCKERS LL BUCKET LIST Powerful story of one Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Apr, The Crescent Apr, The Roadhouse, MARC SPENCE Fri 21 Mexican woman's fight for justice, Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Sat 22 Apr, Artrix, Birm- Apr, The Assembly, ingham told through physical storytelling, live A DARKER SHADE OF BEIGE All & JOHNNY LLOYD Wed 19 Leamington Spa instrumental music and song, Tues THE ULTIMATE ‘PARTY AN- Sundry present a bitter-sweet com- Apr, The Sunflower 18 - Thurs 20 Apr, The REP, B’ham THE CORE Fri 21 Apr, IMALS’ NIGHT WITH RANG edy set in the Autumn Leaves Nurs- Lounge, Birmingham Drummonds Bar, A TANG Sat 22 Apr, Nail- ing Home... Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Apr, LAURENCE JONES Wed Worcestershire cote Hall, Berkswell, Artrix, Bromsgrove 19 Apr, The Assembly, RAYMOND FROGGATT Fri Warwickshire LION BOY ‘Gripping adventure' in- Leamington Spa 21 - Sat 22 Apr, Palace GORDON GILTRAP Sun 23 spired by Zizou Corder's bestselling SPLASHH Thurs 20 Apr, Theatre, Redditch Apr, The Fleece Inn, novels about Charlie’s attempts to Hare & Hounds, B’ham FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 21 Evesham rescue his parents with the help of a pride of lions, Thurs 20 & Sat 15 Apr, CHAINSKA BRASSIKA'S Apr, The Marr's Bar, COURTNEY PINE Sun 23 The Dream Factory, Warwick REGGAE CARNIVAL Thurs Worcester Apr, Warwick Arts Cen- 20 Apr, Hare & Hounds, SINCERELY YOURS - THE VERA LYNN TAX THE HEAT Fri 21 Apr, tre, Coventry 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW WARWICKS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:28 Page 2

Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April

STORY A journey through the career Dance: Dangerous Games features of the forces’ sweetheart, who cap- new staging, cutting edge technol- tured the hearts of the nation during ogy, new costumes and choreogra- the 1940s, Fri 21 Apr, Huntingdon phy, world champion acrobats and Hall, Worcester 40 of the world’s most outstanding AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING: THE young performers all directed by TRIBUTE A ‘high-energy, emotional Michael Flatley, Wed 19 - Sun 23 Apr, rollercoaster of an evening’, featuring Symphony Hall, Birmingham ‘breathtaking choreography and ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ballet Theatre buckets of nostalgia’, Fri 21 Apr, The UK fuse captivating choreography, Core, Solihull wit, humour and charm to present a HANSEL & GRETEL Courtyard Produc- unique take on Lewis Carroll’s most tions use puppetry, original song and famous tale, Thurs 20 Apr, Royal Spa humour to bring the much-loved chil- Centre, Leamington Spa dren’s classic to life, Fri 21 Apr, Artrix, DIVERSITY: GENESIS The 2009 Britain’s Bromsgrove Got Talent winners present the con- cluding part of their fantasy epic, which featured the much-acclaimed Limitless: The Reboot, Sat 22 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham CINDERELLA Vienna Festival Ballet present a choreographed staging of the much-loved rags-to-riches fairy- Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games tale, Sun 23 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 19 - Sun 23 April Since catapulting Irish music into the limelight back in 1996, Michael TAMBURLAINE Yellow Earth presents Christopher Marlowe’s story of a Flatley’s choreographed adventure has become an international phe- lowly shepherd who rises to power Talks nomenon. The production presents a tale of good versus evil, in the and conquers half the world through process combining precision dancing with state-of-the-art lighting sheer brutality and self-belief, Fri 21 and pyrotechnics. Apr, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham ONLY CONNECT WITH EMMA GANNON & For those who're interested in the story as well as the dancing, the OLIVIA SUDJIC THE UNDERGROUND MAN A blend of Lively and thoughtful conversation about how we connect show recounts the journey of the Lord Of The Dance as he travels fact and fiction in which the intriguing through a mythical universe of love, danger and desire to protect his details of a complex life are explored in the digital age, Fri 21 Apr, The Stu- through the vibrant imagination of a dio, Library of Birmingham people from the evil powers of Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord. gentle soul, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Apr, Bel- HONOUR AMONG THEBES Writer, broad- This Birmingham performance is part of a 23-city nationwide tour. grade Theatre, Coventry caster & comedian Natalie Haynes ROBIN HOOD Gareth Gates stars as presents a humorous history of An- Robin in what promises to be a cient Greece, Sat 22 Apr, The Studio, ‘laugh-a-minute, all-singing, all-danc- Cannon Street, Birmingham passions, as told through two vol- FINDING NEMO (U) Animation/Adven- ing rollercoaster ride through Pan- EVERYWOMAN Yardley MP Jess umes of diaries, Sun 23 Apr, Stratford ture. With the voices of Albert Brooks, toland’, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Apr, Palace Phillips tells the truth about speaking Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon Ellen DeGeneres. Abbey Theatre, Theatre, Redditch the truth, Sat 22 Apr, The Studio, Li- LORD ROY HATTERSLEY: THE CATHOLICS Nuneaton, Tues 18 Apr THE GIRL FROM MARS The Martian in- brary of Birmingham The highly respected politician and FINDING DORY (U) Animation/Adven- vasion is moving to Birmingham with BEETLE QUEEN WITH MG LEONARD Join historian tells the story of the ture. With the voices of Ellen De- the arrival of ‘the ultimate Britpop mu- the Waterstones-shortlisted author Catholics in Britain and Ireland, from Generes, Albert Brooks. Abbey sical’, Sat 22 April, The Crescent The- and poet as she talks about her the Reformation to the present day, Theatre, Nuneaton, Tues 18 Apr atre, Birmingham books and her infectious enthusiasm Sun 23 Apr, Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon ENSONGLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE Brand for beetles, Sat 23 Apr, Thinktank, new show from John Hinton, suitable Birmingham for children aged seven-plus. Expect BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL FI- atoms, Big Bangs, cells, X-rays and NALE We Need To Talk About Kevin more, Sat 22 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove author Lionel Shriver looks at an Film DICK & DOM LIVE Featuring madcap America that’s changing faster than challenges and audience-participa- fiction can imagine, Sat 23 Apr, Stu- tion games, Sat 22 Apr, The Core, dio Theatre, Library of Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Solihull THE VICEROY’S HOUSE (12a) Drama/History. Starring Gillian Ander- IT'S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD (15) son, Michael Gambon. The Roses Drama. Foreign language, subtitled. Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 17 - Tues Starring Vincent Cassel, Marion Cotil- 18 Apr lard. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Dance A QUIET PASSION (U) Tues 18 - Wed 19 Apr Biography/Drama. Starring Cynthia MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET'S CINDERELLA Nixon, Jennifer Ehle. Warwick Arts Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Vienna Festival Ballet present a cho- Centre, Coventry, Mon 17 - Wed 19 Williams. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 18 reographed staging of the much- Apr - Fri 21 Apr loved rags-to-riches fairytale, Mon 17 PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CINEMA EXPERI- Apr, Evesham Arts Centre SIR ROY STRONG: A LIFE IN DIARIES The STORKS (U) Animation/Adventure. bestselling author and former director ENCE (U) Animation/Family. With the With the voices of Andy Samberg LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS of both the National Portrait Gallery voices of Morwenna Banks, David and Jennifer Anniston. Artrix, Broms- GAMES With all the precision and and the Victoria & Albert Museum Graham. Warwick Arts Centre, grove, Wed 19 Apr thrills of the original, Lord of the chats about his fascinating life and Coventry, Mon 17 - Sun 23 Apr ELLE (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring Is- whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW WARWICKS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:28 Page 3

April 2017

Saturday 8th April Sunday 9th April Saturday 15th April HAFDIS HULD BAD GUYS CHANTEL MCGREGOR ONE OF ICELAND’S MOST WITH CBEEBIES STARS THE SUPERB BLUES-ROCK LOVED SINGERS THREE HALF PINTS GUITARIST

Friday 21st April Friday 28th April Saturday 29th April HANSEL & GRETEL HANNAH JAMES’ I’M SORRY I’LL JIGDOLL READ THAT AGAIN CLASSIC TALE WITH SONGS, SINGER, MUSICIAN & ...AGAIN! PUPPETRY AND HUMOUR INNOVATIVE CLOGDANCER WITH TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR

COMING SOON: Emily Maguire, Rob Rouse, Vamos Theatre, Eleanor Conway, Britten Oboe Quartet, Matt Monro Story, Fleetwood Bac, Genesis Connected, Ensonglopedia Of Song, Mods vs Rockers, Vienna Festival Ballet, Sean McLoughlin, Phil Beer, Scottish Falsetto Socks, Upbeat Beatles…

Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or @artrixarts download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Free parking on-site

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW WARWICKS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:28 Page 4

Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April

Thurs 20 Apr, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire TALL TALES - SLEEPING BEAUTY FAM- ILY STORY TOUR AND CRAFT Join the king and queen for Aurora’s Chris- tening party, Wed 19 Apr, Aston Friday 28 April at 7.30pm Hall, Birmingham DORIC STRING QUARTET JUBILEE STRING QUARTET PLAY IN A DAY: 11-12 YEARS Create Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn Octet your very own shortened version of Antony And Cleopatra in just one ...... day, with help from an RSC expert, Saturday 29 April at 12 noon Wed 19 Apr, Clore Learning Centre, LEONORE PIANO TRIO Stratford-upon-Avon Haydn, Schubert, Howard Skempton, Lalo SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST RE- ...... SEARCH CONVERSATIONS Opportunity Saturday 29 April at 2.30pm to find out more about the Shake- WARWICKSHIRE MUSIC speare and Stratford-upon-Avon-re- Annual Concert lated research taking place at The Big Bang Camper & Bus Show - Santa Pod Raceway, Northants Shakespeare Centre and in the ...... wider world, Wed 19 Apr - Wed 13 Saturday 29 April at 7.30pm DAME FELICITY LOTT Soprano abelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte. For- mance. Starring Judy Garland, Fred Dec, Shakespeare's Birthplace, MICHAEL COLLINS Clarinet eign language, subtitled. The Roses Astaire. mac, Birmingham, Sun 23 Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 19 Apr Apr MICHAEL McHALE Piano BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW Fam- Spohr, Britten, Weber, Saint-Saëns, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (U) Fan- ily-friendly show. All Vee Dubs wel- Noel Coward, Schubert tasy/Musical. Starring Emma Wat- come, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Apr, Santa son, Dan Stevens. Royal Spa Pod Raceway, Northants ...... Centre, Leamington Spa, Tues 19 - NEW FILMS ON GENERAL Sunday 30 April at 12 noon RELEASE: BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL: RAPHAEL WALLFISCH Cello Thurs 20 Apr JOHN YORK Piano Released from Fri 21 Apr, showing THE SPRING EDITION Featuring an HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Schumann, Schubert, Franck at selected cinemas eclectic range of talks, perform- Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. ances & workshops. Guest artists Henson, Octavia Spencer. Royal FINDING FATIMA (tbc) ...... include best-selling American novel- Sunday 30 April at 3.00pm Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 21 THEIR FINEST (12a) ist Lionel Shriver & nature writer LEONORE PIANO TRIO - Sun 23 Apr Narrator RULES DON’T APPLY (12a) Jess Phillips, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Apr, ESTHER SHERIDAN THE OLIVE TREE (15) various Birmingham locations in- Drama. Starring Why Beethoven threw the stew Family Anna Castillo, Manuel Cucala. For- THE BELKO EXPERIMENT (tbc) cluding the Library Of Birmingham, Based on storybook by Concert Ages 5+ eign language, subtitled. Warwick THE TRANSFIGURATION (tbc) Centrala Gallery & Birmingham REP renowned cellist Steven Isserlis Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 21 & Sun UNFORGETTABLE (15) SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY: KNIGHTS & 23 Apr ...... NYMPHS GARDEN PARTY Celebrate Sunday 30 April at 7.30pm FREE FIRE (15) Action/Comedy. Star- Shakespeare’s birthday in style, Sat RODERICK WILLIAMS Baritone ring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy. 22 Apr, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon- IAIN BURNSIDE Piano Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri Avon Schubert Die schöne Müllerin 21 - Sun 23 Apr Events YARDLEY ARTS DAY A day of arts & ...... FERNGULLY - THE LAST RAINFOREST craft activities, Sat 22 Apr, Blakesley Monday 1 May at 12.30pm (U) Animation/Family. With the EXPLORE: MUSIC After an exclusive Hall, Birmingham KINSKY PIANO TRIO voices of Samantha Mathis, Tim tour that highlights the music be- ST. GEORGE'S DAY Medieval living his- Haydn, Schubert, Dvořák Curry. Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- hind the plays in the new exhibition, tory in the castle, re-enactments in ...... try, Sat 22 Apr The Play’s The Thing, work with an the castle grounds, Sat 22 Apr, Tam- Monday 1 May at 7.30pm SEVEN SAMURAI (PG) RSC musician to create your own worth Castle, Staffs RODERICK WILLIAMS Baritone ENSEMBLE 360 Adventure/Drama. Starring Toshirô soundscape recordings, Tues 18 ZIGZAG ENSEMBLE Composing and Mifune, Takashi Shimura. Foreign Apr, Clore Learning Centre, Strat- improvising group for 12 to 18-year- Beethoven, Maxwell Davies, Howard language, subtitled. The Electric ford-upon-Avon Skempton’s The Rime of the Ancient olds, Sun 23 Apr, CBSO Centre, Mariner Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 23 Apr RUNAROUND DAYS Children’s quiz Birmingham EASTER PARADE (U) Musical/Ro- and activity checklist, Tues 18 - ...... MUSIC MAZE Creative, participatory Tuesday 2 May at 12 noon workshops for children aged be- GILDAS STRING QUARTET tween eight and 11, Sun 23 Apr, JACK McNEILL Clarinet CBSO Centre, Birmingham Haydn, Howard Skempton, Schubert, ST GEORGE’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Me- Howells dieval re-enactment, children’s en- ...... tertainers, face painting and crafts Tuesday 2 May at 7.30pm in the 11th century castle courtyard, DANTE STRING QUARTET Sun 23 Apr, Dudley Zoological Gar- WILLIAM HOWARD Piano dens Beethoven, Schubert, Franck Quintet DOGS UNITE! Sponsored dog walk to ...... support guide dogs, Sun 23 Apr, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Bromsgrove For tickets and STRATFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL Fea- full details turing an eclectic line-up of guest www.leamingtonmusic.org speakers & performances, Sun 23 - Sun 30 Apr, Stratford Artshouse or call Knights & Nymphs Garden Party - Halls Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon 01926 334418 whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW WARWICKS 24 - 30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:29 Page 1

thelist Monday 24 - Sunday 30 April THE ELO EXPERIENCE Apr, The River Rooms, AN EVENING OF MUSIC & DANCE WITH Gigs Tues 4 Apr, The Swan Stourbridge Classical Music BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET Featuring Theatre, Worcester WE THREE KINGS - OF the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and with ATTILA Tues 4 Apr, O2 ROCK N ROLL Fri 7 Apr, David Bintley as compere, Sat 29 JORJA SMITH Sat 1 Apr, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Academy, Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- ditch DAME FELICITY LOTT (SOPRANO) Also THE BUDAPEST CAFE OR- cludes works by J.S Bach, C. Pe- MAMA - TRIBUTE TO GEN- featuring Michael Collins (clarinet) & CHESTRA Tues 4 Apr, REBECCA NASH ATLAS Fri pusch, Elgar, A, Hollins & ESIS Sat 1 Apr, Hunt- Michael McHale (piano). Programme Number 8 Community 7 Apr, Symphony Hall, Mendelssohn, Mon 24 Apr, Birming- ingdon Hall, Worcester includes works by Spohr, Britten, Arts Centre, Worcester- Birmingham ham Town Hall EMILY MAGUIRE Sat 1 Weber, Schubert & Saint-Saêns, Sat shire THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove 29 Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, Leam- STEVE TILSTON & JEZ Fri 7 Apr, Malvern The- ington Spa SURREAL PANTHER Sat 1 LOWE Tues 4 Apr, The atres Apr, The Iron Road, LEONORE PIANO TRIO Programme in- Roses Theatre, Tewkes- COMPANY OF PLAYERS Evesham bury cludes works by Haydn, Schubert, Sat 8 Apr, Studio The- Howard Skempton & Lalo, Sat 29 DIRE STREETS Sat 1 Apr, BLAENAVON Wed 5 Apr, atre @ The Other Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, Leaming- Evesham Arts Centre Hare & Hounds, B’ham Place, Stratford-upon- ton Spa CARO EMERALD Sat 1 - Avon FEAST OF FIDDLES Wed MARK PADMORE AND PAUL LEWIS Per- Sun 2 Apr, Symphony 5 Apr, Huntingdon Hall, MINI MIX - THE LITTLE form Schubert’s Die Schöne Müllerin, Hall, Birmingham Worcester MIX TRIBUTE Sat 8 Apr, Sun 30 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall GORDON DAVIS AS ELVIS Albany Theatre, Coven- FEEDER Wed 5 Apr, The KRISTIINA ROKASHEVICH PIANO RECITAL LEONORE PIANO TRIO AND ESTHER PRESLEY Sat 1 Apr, The try Empire, Coventry Programme includes works by Schu- SHERIDAN Entertaining family concert Core Theatre, Solihull TOSELAND Thurs 6 Apr, THE SHOWHAWK DUO bert, Debussy & Bartok, Mon 24 Apr, packed with well-known tunes, sur- SUPREME QUEEN Sat 1 O2 Institute, B’ham Sat 8 Apr, Hare & Birmingham Town Hall prising facts and witty anecdotes that Apr, The River Rooms, Hounds, Birmingham NEAL MORSE Thurs 6 CHOPIN PIANO CONCERTO WITH LOUIS bring Beethoven and his music to Stourbridge Apr, O2 Academy, MOOMIN Sat 8 Apr, Hare SCHWIZGEBEL Also featuring Fabien life, Sun 30 Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, CIERAN CLIFFORD AND Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham Gabel (piano) & the City of Birming- Leamington Spa THE HIGH DRIVES Sat 1 ham Symphony Orchesta. Pro- THE ACADEMIC Thurs 6 THE AMY WINEHOUSE EX- RAPHAEL WALLFISCH & JOHN YORK Apr, Irish Centre, B’ham gramme includes works by Berlioz, Apr, The River Rooms, PERIENCE…A.K.A LI- Programme includes works by Schu- Chopin & Franck, Wed 26 Apr, Sym- GHOST Sat 1 Apr, O2 Stourbridge ONESS Sat 8 Apr, The mann, Schubert & Franck, Sun 30 Academy, Birmingham Iron Road, Evesham phony Hall, Birmingham Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, Leaming- NE-YO Thurs 6 Apr, O2 BOCCHERINI STRING QUARTETS Featur- ton Spa CREEPER Sat 1 Apr, O2 Academy, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH Institute, Birmingham HAFDIS HULD Sat 8 Apr, ing Gabriel Dyker & Amanda Lake RODERICK WILLIAMS & IAIN BURNSIDE THE TOASTERS Thurs 6 Artrix, Brosgrove (violins), Amy Thomas (viola), David Sun 30 Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, THE LOVELESS Sat 1 Apr, Apr, The Iron Road, THE USUAL SUSPECTS Powell (cello) & Sally Morgan (dou- Leamington Spa Katie Fitzgerald's, Evesham ble bass). Programme comprises Stourbridge Sat 8 Apr, The River FEMI TEMOWO Thurs 6 Rooms, Stourbridge Boccherini's Three String Quintets, BRUTUS Sat 1 Apr, Kas- Apr, Symphony Hall, Op.39, Thurs 27 Apr, CBSO Centre, bah, Coventry Birmingham THE DEAD 60S Sat 8 Apr, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham LETHAL BIZZLE Sat 1 STONEBRIDGE Fri 7 Apr, SCOTT BROTHERS DUO Tom & Apr, Kasbah, Coventry Hare & Hounds, B’ham JON BELLION Sat 8 Apr, Jonathan Scott perform works by O2 Institute, B’ham THE BEE GEES SATURDAY ROAD TRIP Fri 7 Apr, O2 Rossini, Schubert, Tarrega, Albeniz, NIGHT FEVER PARTY Academy, Birmingham CREEDS CROSS: THE Beethoven, Bach, Saint-Saens & WITH STAYIN' ALIVE Sat 1 CELTIC JOURNEY Sat 8 Liszt, Thurs 27 Apr, Malvern Theatre KEKE Fri 7 Apr, The As- Apr, Nailcote Hall, Berk- Apr, Evesham Arts Cen- ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: A SCANDINA- sembly, Leamington swell, Warwickshire tre VIAN SERENADE Spa Programme includes ROGER ROBERTS Sun 2 RAY PRINCE GOSPEL works by Mendelssohn, Grieg & THE SMITHS INDEED Fri 7 Apr, Drummonds Bar, BAND AND SURGE OR- Dvo ák, Fri 28 Apr, Number 8 Com- Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Worcestershire CHESTRA Sat 8 Apr, munityř Arts Centre, Pershore Worcester mac, Birmingham SAVOY MOTEL Sun 2 CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: BRITISH THE VIBRATORS Fri 7 Comedy Apr, Hare & Hounds, JOHN MAYER'S INDO JAZZ BLOCKBUSTERS Featuring Nicholas Apr, The Marr's Bar, Birmingham FUSION Sat 8 Apr, mac, Dodd (conductor) & Mark Kermode Worcester Birmingham (presenter), Fri 28 Apr, Symphony FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 26 Apr, The GOODNIGHT LENIN Sun 2 CHARLES DEXTER WARD Hall, Birmingham Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, MIKE ZITO Sat 8 Apr, & THE IMAGINEERS Fri 7 MITCH BENN Wed 26 Apr, Royal Spa Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- ASTARIA STRING QUARTET Fri 28 Apr, Apr, The Tin Music And ditch Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Centre, Leamington Spa TEMPLES Sun 2 Apr, O2 Arts, Coventry STEVE WILLIAMS, ANGELA BARNES & Institute, Birmingham THE BOOTLEG BEATLES FRED ZEPPELIN Tribute Sat 8 Apr, Victoria Hall, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- SHAWN CUDDY Sun 2 band to Led Zeppelin, Stoke-on-Trent SON Thurs 27 Apr, The Glee Club, Apr, Irish Centre, Birm- Fri 7 Apr, The Road- Birmingham ingham house, Birmingham BEN VICKERS Sun 9 Apr, Drummonds Bar, TEZ ILYAS Thurs 27 Apr, mac, B’ham GROVE STREET FAMILIES REAL FRIENDS Fri 7 Apr, Worcestershire MIKE GUNN, ANDRE VINCENT Thurs 27 Sun 2 Apr, The Marr's The Asylum, B’ham Apr, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield Bar, Worcester THE GHOST RIDERS IN BLACKBERRY SMOKE Fri THE SKY & WACO Sun 9 ANDY PARSONS Thurs 27 Apr, War- MONA Mon 3 Apr, Hare 7 Apr, O2 Academy, Apr, The Sunflower wick Arts Centre, Coventry & Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham MARCEL LUCONT Thurs 27 Apr Royal GAVIN JAMES Mon 3 FAUSTUS Fri 7 Apr, The THE MUFFIN MEN Sun 9 DORIC AND JUBILEE STRING QUARTETS Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Apr, The Glee Club, , Fleece Inn, Evesham Apr, The Robin, Bilston Programme includes works by Birmingham SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 28 Apr, Artrix, FRANCES Fri 7 Apr, O2 MELANIE C Sun 9 Apr, Haydn, Mozart & Mendelssohn, Fri Bromsgrove BILLY OCEAN Mon 3 Apr, Institute, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham 28 Apr, Royal Pump Rooms, Leam- Symphony Hall, B’ham ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 28 Apr, Bed- THE ONE LOVE BAND Fri 7 ington Spa 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW WARWICKS 24 - 30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:29 Page 2

Monday 24 - Sunday 30 April

worth Civic Hall version of Dennis Potter’s simple tale, MIKE WILMOT, BRENNAN REECE & PAUL which takes place on a summer after- MYREHAUG & MANDY KNIGHT Fri 28 - noon during WWII, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Sat 29 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Apr, Swan Theatre, Worcester STEVE WILLIAMS, ANGELA BARNES, TO SIR, WITH LOVE New staging of ER JAKE LAMBERT & ANDREW STANLEY Fri Braithwaite's powerful story, adapted 28 - Sat 29 Apr, The Glee Club, Birm- for the stage by the writer of East Is ingham East, Ayub Khan-Din, Tues 25 Apr - Sat 6 May, The REP, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, JARLATH REGAN, SAM AVERY Fri 28 - Sat 29 Apr, Jongleurs STREETS PAVED WITH GOLD BY VICTOR Comedy Club, Birmingham RICHARDS A short one-man play set in the present and exploring recent his- SARA PASCOE Sat 29 Apr, The Old tory from the 1950s onwards, Wed 26 Rep Theatre, Birmingham Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham KEN DODD Sun 30 Apr, Malvern The- DOREEN’S GRAND NIGHT OUT Evening atres of satirical stand-up, music and sketches, Wed 26 Apr, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE LEGEND OF MIKE SMITH UPRIZE Imbalance By Joli Vyann presents a staged performance of Theatre DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, award-winning jazz and hip-hop star Wed 26 - Thurs 27 April Soweto Kinch’s album, featuring jazz THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE FAMILY improvisation, a driving hip-hop score Former stunt man and circus artist Jan Patzke and ex-gymnast and Join writer-performer and UK poetry and choreography from Jonzi D, Wed dancer Olivia Quayle form Joli Vyann, a company whose new fusion slam champion Ben Norris as he bat- 26 - Sat 29 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, style blurs the boundaries between dance and circus skills. Real-life tles against the country's most notori- Coventry couple Jan and Olivia here present the story of a relationship made ous service stations and the perils of THAT'LL BE THE DAY Popular musical dysfunctional by the impact of digital-age technology, in the process lower-league football in search of the romp through the rock’n’roll years, man who became his father, Mon 24 Wed 26 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, contemplating what people’s obsessive dependence on their smart Apr, The REP, Birmingham Leamington Spa phones may be costing them in terms of human interaction. DOREEN’S GRAND NIGHT OUT Evening AUSTENTATIOUS An irreverent take on of satirical stand-up, music and the works of Jane Austen, Thurs 27 sketches, Mon 24 - Tues 25 Apr, Apr, Stratford Arts House, Stratford- Stourbridge Town Hall upon-Avon time’, Fri 28 Apr, Old Joint Stock The- style comedy which sees amateur atre, Birmingham detective John Jobling enlisting his FRACKED! James Bolam and Anne housemaid to help him uncover the Reid star in a new comedy about an METHUSALEM Newman University whereabouts of missing gin magnate idyllic English village threatened by presents Ivan Goll’s groundbreaking Cornelius Juniper, Sat 29 - Sun 30 an energy company intent on drilling play, blending Expressionism and Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham for shale gas, Mon 24 - Sat 29 Apr, Surrealism in a compelling fusion of Malvern Theatre realism and fantasy, Fri 28 - Sat 29 HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN Apr, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Featuring a host of favourite charac- SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF ters from Britain’s barmy past - FLEET STREET Amateur production YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN Boudicca, Henry VIII and Dick Turpin presented by Studley Operatic Soci- Brand new show described as ‘visu- included, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Apr, Strat- ety, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, Palace The- ally spectacular, high-energy and ex- ford Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon atre, Redditch plosive’, Sat 29 Apr, New Alexandra MIDDAY VARIETY: STARS OF BLACKPOOL Theatre, Birmingham ROCK OF AGES West Bromwich Oper- Featuring legendary comedy act The atic Society present an amateur pro- 600 PEOPLE Third Angel explore how Grumbleweeds, cabaret singer Jo duction of the hit West End musical. we think about evolution and intelli- Ashcroft, Lancashire's mirthful musi- Contains some sexual references and gence, belief and invention, commu- cian Andy Eastwood and special mild swearing, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, nication and space travel, Sat 29 Apr, guest star John Bowdler, Thurs 27 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre mac, Birmingham Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry PRIVATE LIVES Noel Coward’s comedy ANNABELLE’S SKIRTINGBOARD ADVEN- FORBIDDEN NIGHTS All-male variety of manners, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, The TURE A brand new theatre show for show with full theatre production and Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham young children that combines anima- ‘explosive’ choreography, as seen on tion, film and music, Sat 29 Apr, Ar- HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITH- Britain’s Got Talent and Towie, Thurs trix, Bromsgrove OUT EVEN TRYING Solihull On Stage 27 Apr, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham THERE AND BACK AGAIN: AN ODYSSEY presents Frank Loesser's satire about I’M SORRY I’LL READ THAT AGAIN... One-man show adapted and per- STOCKHOLM Bryony Lavery’s story the rise and rise of J Pierrepont, who AGAIN! Classic radio comedy show formed by Patrick Lynch, Sun 30 Apr, takes audiences on a journey into uses a little handbook to climb the featuring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Sat 29 Artrix, Bromsgrove darkness and a violent romance, Fri corporate ladder from lowly window Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove 28 - Sat 29 Apr, The Dream Factory, washer to high-powered executive, Warwick Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, The Core, Soli- hull WILDE WITHOUT THE BOY Dramatic in- terpretation of De Profundis, the letter HMS PINAFORE... AND OTHER INFERNAL Oscar Wilde wrote from his prison Dance NONSENSE Celebratory production cell in Reading gaol to his lover, Lord marking 125 years of Worcester Op- Alfred Douglas, Fri 28 Apr, Palace OUT OF THIS WORLD Mark Murphy's V- eratic & Dramatic Society (WODS), Theatre, Redditch TOL presents the story of a woman's Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, Swan Theatre, woozy descent into the depths of a Worcester SCORCHED Open Sky fuse new writ- medically induced coma, Tues 25 - ing, visual physical theatre and pe- BLUE REMEMBERED HILLS Swan The- Wed 26 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, riod music to create ‘the workings of atre Amateur Company presents its Coventry a mind sinking into the sands of THE GIN CHRONICLES Vintage radio-

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thelist Monday 24 - Sunday 30 April brink... Wed 26 Apr, Stratford Arts A QUIET PASSION (12a) House, Stratford-upon-Avon Biography/Drama. Starring Cynthia BEN AND ANTONY HOLDEN The histo- Nixon, Jennifer Ehle. The Roses The- rian and filmmaker father-and-son atre, Tewkesbury, Tues 25 - Thurs 27 team present an evening of ‘poems Apr to make grown women cry and bed- GODZILLA (18) Drama/Horror. Starring time stories for grown-ups’, Wed 26 Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata. For- Apr, Stratford Arts House, Stratford- eign language, subtitled. The Electric upon-Avon Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 27 Apr ANDREW MARR: THE HISTORY OF MOD- JACKIE (15) Drama. Starring Natalie ERN BRITAIN The BBC political inter- Portman, Peter Sarsgaard. Artrix, viewer and presenter of Radio Four’s Bromsgrove, Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Apr Start The Week considers the victory PERSONAL SHOPPER (15) Drama/Mys- of shopping over politics in the UK, tery. Starring Kristen Stewart, Lars Ei- Wed 26 Apr, Stratford Arts House, dinger. Warwick Arts Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon Coventry, Thurs 27 & Sat 29 Apr ALISON WEIR - ANNE BOLEYN: A KING’S MULHOLLAND DRIVE (15) Drama/Mys- OBSESSIONS One of the UK’s top-sell- tery. Starring Laura Herring, Naomi ing female historians gives a talk on Watts. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, an extraordinary young woman, born Donington Historic Festival - Donington Racing Circuit, Derby Fri 28 & Sun 30 Apr into an ambitious family and destined to be the focus of slander and scan- LOST CITY OF Z (15) Adventure/Biogra- GIOVANNI PERNICE ‘IL BALLO È VITA’ shaped by, world events, from the phy. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Tom (DANCE IS LIFE) Strictly Come Danc- Cold War to the EU Referendum, dal, Thurs 27 Apr, Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon Holland. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- ing’s Giovanni Pernice and Luba Mon 24 Apr, Stratford Arts House, bury, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr Mushtuk star in an elegant and beau- Stratford-upon-Avon STEPHEN MOSS: PLANET EARTH II - A tiful tale in which Giovanni thinks he’s TERRY WAITE CBE: TAKEN ON TRUST To NEW EARTH REVEALED One of Britain’s found love. But not everything is as mark 25 years since his release from premier wildlife writers and presen- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: easy as it first appears... Wed 26 Apr, captivity in Beirut, the envoy gives a ters takes a look at some of the most Released from Fri 28 Apr, showing at Albany Theatre, Coventry personal account of his harrowing ex- amazing places on Earth, Sat 29 Apr, selected cinemas Stratford Arts House, Stratford-upon- IMBALANCE BY JOLI VYANN Combining periences... Mon 24 Apr, Stratford GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (tbc) acrobatic skills and athletic dance, Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon Avon LADY MACBETH (12a) this energetic, thought-provoking per- MY ROAD TO PUBLICATION Three au- MARY BERRY Mary talks about the phi- formance explores our obsessive de- thors - Harriet Cummins, Ruth Hogan losophy behind her new book, and SUNTAN (tbc) pendence on technology, asking & Emma Slade - provide an insight her decision to stay with the BBC, Sat THE PROMISE (tbc) whether our lives are ‘in’ or ‘out’ of 29 Apr, Stratford Arts House, Strat- into the writing experience, Tues 25 HEAL THE LIVING (12a) balance?, Wed 26 - Thurs 27 Apr, Apr, Stratford Arts House, Stratford- ford-upon-Avon DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, upon-Avon AUTHORS SPOTLIGHT Debut novelist Birmingham Hippodrome KEN LIVINGSTONE - BEING RED: A POLI- David Savill explains how personal TICS FOR THE FUTURE The former stories can become political drama, Mayor of London serves up an in- and offers advice about how to get a sider’s account of the Labour Party at first novel published, Sat 29 Apr, The Events a pivotal moment in its history, Tues Hive, Worcester Talks 25 Apr, Stratford Arts House, Strat- BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS The ford-upon-Avon world’s top darts stars compete for BOOTS ON THE GROUND: BRITAIN AND SIMON ARMITAGE: THE UNACCOMPANIED the prestigious title, Thurs 27 Apr, HER ARMY SINCE 1945 Lord Richard Join the award-winning poet as he Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Dannatt tells the story of how the presents his 11th volume of work, Film DO IT YOURSELF Make your own bath British Army has shaped, and been which documents a world on the bombs and body scrub, Thurs 27 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Apr, Manor House Museum, West Bromwich DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL One of A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) Europe's biggest historic motorsport Biography/Drama. Starring David festivals, attracting hundreds of price- Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Stour- less machines dating as far back as bridge Town Hall, Mon 24 Apr the 1920s, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr, Don- THE SALESMAN (12a) Drama/Thriller. ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Starring Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh THE VINTAGE NATIONALS Get-together Alidoosti. Foreign language, subti- of traditional hot rods and customs, tled. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr, Santa Pod Race- Mon 24 - Tues 25 Apr way, Northants FREE FIRE (15) Action/Comedy. Star- STRATFORD UPON AVON FESTIVAL OF ring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy. War- MOTORING Featuring hundreds of vin- wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 24 - tage and classic cars, Sun 30 Apr - Thurs 27 Apr Mon 1 May, Stratford-upon-Avon HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Town Centre Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. EASTNOR CHILLI FESTIVAL All things Henson, Octavia Spencer. Royal Spa chilli to try and buy, live music, bars, Centre, Leamington Spa, Tues 25 Apr hot food, a children’s cookery school, CERTAIN WOMEN (12a) Drama. Starring a chilli-eating competition and cook- Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart. ery demonstrations, Sun 30 Apr - Betway Premier League Darts - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 1 May, Eastnor Castle Deer Thurs 27 Apr Park, Herefordshire 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BMAG F/P April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:31 Page 1 RSC Titus Andronicus F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 18:33 Page 1