Editors: David O’Coy & Kerry Thomas dave@fusedmagazine.com kerry@fusedmagazine.com Sales: Annelise Francis annelise@fusedmagazine.com Writers: Craig Bush, Rebecca Checkley, Annelise Francis, Maisie Jeynes, William Lambie, Luke McNaney, Kimberley Owen, Natasha Parker, Katie Pinner, Tom Richardson Front Cover: Emma Morris Content Image: Martin Pickard
DISCLAIMER Reproduction of all editorial/images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission. We cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. While we aim to make sure all listings are correct we can not be held responsible for any incorrect entries. Readers should check venues before arrival. Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily the publishers. This is a Fused Publication © Fused 2010 © Area Culture Guide 2010.
AREA Culture Guide, 315 The Greenhouse, Gibb Square, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA tel: 0121 246 1946 area@fusedmagazine.com www.areacultureguide.co.uk
The Culture Guide is monthly and Adverts cost just £165 for a page (£85 for a half page). To book call 0121 246 1946 today or email a d s @ f u s e d m a g a z i n e .c o m . Full rates can be found on areacultureguide.co.uk. We are NOW booking for the February, March & April issues. 03
ART
04
FESTIVE FLAIR / QUEEN VIC DESIGNER MAKER FAIR Light House & Wolverhampton Art Gallery 11 December 11am-4pm
Christmas shopping can be a chore - especially when you’re faced with the same chain-stores on every street, shifting the same identikit tat that they were hawking last year. For the shopper who wants to find something unique for their loved ones’ stockings, traipsing around the stalls and malls of the Midlands can be a futile exercise. But help may be at hand, thanks to two festive fairs hosted by Wolverhampton’s Light House and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The two institutions have teamed up to provide a showcase for the region’s best makers of hand-crafted gifts, cards and decorations, which organisers are touting as an opportunity to “find something unique and hand-made for everyone.” Running in tandem, both events will play host to stalls from 40 of the region’s best designers and makers, selling everything from illustrations and photography to textiles and jewellery. This year’s editions of the well-established designer fairs will be the second time that Festive Flair and Queen Vic have teamed up to offer a festive alternative to the monotony of high-street shopping, after collaborating last year. Getting into the festive spirit, the Queen Vic leg of the event will feature storytelling, craft activities and local choir performances, as well as a Santa’s grotto to keep younger members of the family entertained. Those less enthralled by the man in red will be able to enjoy a glass of mulled wine as they browse the stalls. A chance to buy something one-of-a-kind and escape the shopping-centre madness in the run-up to Christmas? We know where we’ll be on December 11th. TR 05
ART
DOMESTIC GLAMOUR
The Lighthouse, Wolverhampton 28 January - 24 March 2011 Monica Fernandez, originally from Tenerife, is a photographic artist now based in the Midlands. From 28th January her Domestic Glamour exhibition will be on show at Wolverhampton’s Light House Gallery. The show celebrates women and their everyday beauty rituals. The subjects all have a personal link with Fernandez, allowing her to capture them in a more vulnerable state, giving the images an unstaged feel, and really brining the women in them to life. The photographs reflect this intimacy, embracing the women’s natural beauty, as well as raising questions about ageing and ageism. The original catalysts for the exhibition were family ties and the strong women in her life with whom Fernandez, whose Spanish roots strongly influence her work, feels a connection. If you’re looking for something a bit different to inspire you in the new year, and a good dose of real human warmth, this could be just the show to visit. WL
06
DAVID RUSHTON
Models and Metaphors, Concepts and Conceits Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Lanchester Gallery (Coventry School of Art and Design) Until 3 January 2011 Influential Coventry-born conceptual artist David Rushton returns to his hometown with this two-part exhibition examining his past and present work. Taking place in Coventry’s Herbert and Lanchester galleries, the exhibition includes examples of Rushton’s interpretations of early conceptual art, his meticulously-crafted 1/24 scale models of places, and records of his activities as a student activist. Rushton was a member of the Turner Prize-nominated Art and Language group, founded in 1967 by four artists who began collaborating whilst teaching art in Coventry. The group, which had a huge influence on conceptual art in the UK and the US, railed against conventional forms of ‘non-linguistic’ art such as painting and sculpture, publishing journals which challenged long-standing conventions of art criticism and production. His work has been displayed worldwide, including major installations at New York’s MoMA and galleries across Britain. TR 07
ART
010
Brilliantly Birmingham Various venues throughout Birmingham Until 9 January 2011
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Birmingham’s metal industries died in the Black Country Museum. Rusty coal shafts and enamelled roasting trays may be the prime features of Birmingham’s forgotten industries, but Birmingham’s ugly duckling saw many swans emerge from its tinkering in iron and steel. Brilliantly Birmingham is the city’s salute to the rich history of jewellery-making that went on, and is still going on throughout the Midlands and the world today. Back for its 11th year, Brilliantly Birmingham returns to show off all that glitters in the innovative and historic Jewellery Quarter, home to hundreds of creative businesses and still a global hub for design. This year’s festival sees Taiwanese artist and Birmingham graduate Li-Chu Wu (pictured) appearing as a profiled designer throughout the festival. LiChu creates paper jewellery and is inspired by the varied uses and sculptural possibilities of the material. Layering, cutting and arranging paper into wearable adornment, she creates unique pieces which develop traditional forms. The festival takes in venues throughout Birmingham’s arts scene, including the newly refurbished mac in the south of the city. Mac will host Flux, a unique event which helps generate exposure for up-and-coming designers and makers. The exhibition and selling event runs alongside the festival. Brilliantly Birmingham is an internationally recognised festival which showcases inspiring pieces in a range of unusual materials and designs, and which puts a little more gold on Birmingham’s streets than just the autumn leaves. RC 011
ART
Nightmare Before Christmas VIVID 18 December, 8.30pm till late www.vivid.org.uk Tickets £5
VIVID will be hosting a Christmas party with a difference to mark the close of its 2010 programme of events. Nightmare Before Christmas will feature a line-up of winter horror, creepy electronica and spectral pop. There’ll be DJ sets from COLOUR, Lärmlicht, John Napier and Dan Le Trap, bringing you a mix of dark and jagged sounds combined with intense, psychedelic visuals. And to help you get in the right spirit, The Princes of Risborough have put together Jugend Horror Mix, a free playlist available for download at www.jugendklub.co.uk. As well as bringing down the curtain on VIVID’s whole year, the party will be closing the LANGUAGE season (3rd - 18th December) which ends with work and performance by Aura Satz, who explores the uncanny aspects of technologies of mechanical reproduction, often focussed on unusual sonic devices and automata. Nightmare Before Christmas forms part of The Garage Presents, a brand new series of one-off events encompassing music, live arts, installation, performance and digital and sonic media. WL Image credit: Malcolm Le Grice. Berlin Horse (1970). Image courtesy the artist. 012
a budget Christmas We are all sick of hearing the repetitive recession talk on the news, but Christmas is coming so it’s time to get cheery. How can you get into the Christmas sprit when you’re brassic, we hear you cry? Well, follow our guide to being a ‘recessionista’ and you can celebrate like a happy little elf all festive season without breaking the bank! 1. Get Practical It’s time to get to grips with the make-do-and-mend attitude that our ‘rents’ embraced when funds were scarce. Rekindle your childhood creative side and arm yourself with glitter, glue and coloured pens to make your own Crimbo cards! Anyone can buy into commercialisation at Christmas, so instead wow your friends with your imagination and make your cards this year. Personalise them and your buddies will think, “Wow how thoughtful.” Forget Moonpig! 2. Make like Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen So you barely have a scrap of tinsel from last year? Get the girls over and have a Christmas decoration-making party! It may sound crass but after a bottle of wine it’s amazing how the creative juices will flow. How about making oldschool paper chains out of white paper and any pink Financial Times you can get your hands on? Or embrace our celebrity culture and cut out your sleb of choice and make them into an angel for the top of your tree. Our choice will be Dame Vivienne Westwood – quirky but achingly fashionable, the perfect tree-topper. 3. Party with a slice of frugality It’s the time for celebrations, but you can get merry on the cheap. When attending Christmas parties always pretend you are bringing wine/champers for someone’s birthday in a pressie bag then drink it on the sly yourself. Way 014
cheaper than the bar! Or be the ‘hostess with the mostess’ and hold a house party, asking everyone to bring a bottle. You will always end up with a truckful of leftovers! Alternatively, get on lots of networking lists – there will always be free drinks at these bashes, so make like Vince Vaughn and gatecrash. 4. Give ‘thoughtful’ gifts If you want to give, think “less is more”. A sure-fire way into people’s hearts is to cook. Unleash your inner Nigella and get making a batch of Christmas biscuits you can put in mini gift-boxes for friends. Thoughtful and cheap but oh-so-tasty. Even your most diet-conscious friends will thank you for their festive delights; after all you did slave away to make them … or why not make old-school mix CD’s? 5. Be a Christmas Cracker First make your own crackers with a kit from the internet – genius. If you’re worried about your party outfit why not have a pre-Christmas switching party? Swap clothes with your best buddies, or if that’s not your cup of tea, get customizing. A few rhinestones, ribbons, and DIY hair decorations will always update an outfit. Pre-party go to a department store and get your make-up done for free – cheap and chic. Whatever you decide to do this Christmas it’s time to think creatively and regain that old-fashioned festive spirit. Be thankful for what you have, but most of all have fun! KO Image: Wrapping paper to get you started on your crafty way from Muji. 015
MUSIC
Rocking Around the Bullring:
A Xmas Gig Guide We often associate Christmas with quaint home comforts: turkey sarnies, chestnuts roasting on open fires, ‘horrid’ jumpers from Nan that we’d probably splash £40 on if they were hanging off a rack in Urban Outfitters. But what to do if we want to hit the town, yet can’t stomach the thought of yet another mulled wine at the famous Xmas market? Round up some pals and go to a gig, silly! With some big names hitting some of the biggest venues in and around Birmingham, you can experience some top festive music this December away from Mum’s countless Christmas carol CDs – maybe expect a tongue-in-cheek cover of ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ somewhere down the line, though… You could do worse than kicking off the party with Scissor Sisters at the LG Arena on 3rd December. They’ve rediscovered their credibility without losing any of the fun on third album Night Work, and their show, featuring Hurts as the opening act, is sure to be camp as Christmas. (Like you didn’t see that coming.) If you’ve got any energy left, keep on dancing at Wolves Civic the following night when the Sisters’ electro-pop forebears Human League treat us to their back catalogue of classics.
016
Back in Brum, those who prefer the quieter kind of Crimbo can indulge in poetic acoustics from Mercury-nominated Villagers on 5th December at the HMV Institute – he’ll undoubtedly be wearing a fuzzy festive jumper. Keeping it twee, the following night beloved Scots Belle and Sebastian will be at Symphony Hall, playing music for lovelorn geeks everywhere to kiss under the mistletoe to. Or, if The Boy with the Arab Strap passed your generation by, catch pop-punkers You Me At Six the same night in Wolverhampton. Feel like the whole ‘birthday of Jesus’ thing warrants a sense of occasion? You can’t get more epic than Arcade Fire on 8th December, who’ll deliver a simultaneously gloomy yet lifeaffirming sermon at the LG. The fact that prince of cool Devendra Banhart is supporting is enough to seal the deal, surely? If you’re looking for a Christmas knees-up, Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Ever on the 9th at the HMV Institute’s Library sounds like a great addition to party season - even if Phil Spector will be eating another turkey dinner behind bars this year. Meanwhile, Suggs and his band Madness will get even Santa skanking at the 02 Academy on 11th December, while Martha Reeves & the Vandellas represent a ghost from Christmases past at the Institute on the 17th.
Local music fans get an early present in the form of Wolves troubadour Scott Matthews appearing at his city’s Slade Rooms venue on the 10th, three nights before The View, who will hopefully have some new jeans waiting in their stocking this year. Birmingham heroes The Twang also headline a Christmas homecoming gig at the Institute on 20th December. Nothing taken your fancy as of yet? Rock around the Xmas tree with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the O2Academy on 7th December. Stop by the ever-lovely Glee Club on the 12th to witness the sufficiently Christmassy-sounding Trembling Bells. Or tickle your funny bone with white and nerdy Weird Al Yankovic on the 2nd at O2 Academy, or Jimmy Carr at Wolves Civic on 17th December. There’s easily something for everyone then, and what better way to while away the cold nights than getting to the front at a must-see gig? There’s only one way to wrap up this Christmas’s musical merriment though, and that’s with a trip to see The Pogues at the O2 Academy on 18th December. Raise a glass during ‘A Fairytale of New York’ and your own fairytale Birmingham Christmas will surely be one to remember. LM
017
MUSIC
Echo & the Bunnymen O2 Academy 4 December
Those latecomers to these Liverpool legends, who may not have been born when the Bunnymen’s 30-year career started, are in for a treat. The Scousers will be playing through the entirety of their first two albums, a duo of gems that should belong on any serious collector’s shelf. Classics like ‘Do It Clean’, ‘Rescue’ and ‘Pictures on My Wall’ will all be played in order, a rare feat for any band, let alone one of the most influential in the British scene for the last few decades. So wipe the dust off those two classic albums (and if there is dust on them, shame on you) and get yourself prepared for one of the final must-see events of the year. CB 018
MUSIC
020
Belle and Sebastian Symphony Hall 6 December
After a two-year hiatus, Belle and Sebastian, the typically lowkey purveyors of twee indie music, return to promote new album Write About Love backed by a 40-piece orchestra. And, far from the sticky-floored rock venues where you might normally expect to see them, the Glaswegian seven-piece are bringing their inimitable brand of indie-pop to the decidedly more upmarket confines of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. Not that fans should expect too radical a departure. Write About Love - the band’s eighth studio album since genre classic and permanent fixture on any self-respecting indie fan’s iPod, Tigermilk - is a return to their trademark wistful, sometimes melancholic vocals and off-the-wall musical arrangements. Though the band started humbly enough in 1996, they’ve gone on to build a worldwide cult following which includes film stars and directors; their music has soundtracked movies like Juno and High Fidelity, and Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan provided guest vocals on the new album’s title track. Indeed, it’s actually not the first time frontman Stuart Murdoch and co. have been accompanied by a fully-fledged orchestra; they played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to a sell-out crowd at LA’s Hollywood Bowl in 2006. But this, Belle and Sebastian’s first UK tour in four years, will be the first time they’ve played to a home audience with some 40-odd extra members - in this case the London Contemporary Orchestra. The Birmingham leg of the 2010 tour, which also includes a curatorial slot at December’s ATP-branded Bowlie 2 event, is one of only three UK dates to feature the orchestra. Sure to be a special event, it’s a rare chance to catch one of the UK’s most influential and best-loved indie groups. TR 021
MUSIC
Enter Shikari
From humble beginnings in St. Albans in 2003, Enter Shikari went on to obliterate the meaning of the word ‘genre’ as their post-hardcore electronic fusion gripped both the music press and angsty teens alike. From the smallest tents at UK festivals, the band has since toured the US with the Vans Warped Tour, and count groups such as The Prodigy as friends. Ahead of their tour supporting 30 Seconds to Mars, which will see them playing some of their largest UK shows to date, it seems like now might be the time to reflect on the year that has seen the group move up the ladder of musical domination. Bassist and backing vocalist Chris Batten shares his thoughts. You’ve been guests of some big artists in the past. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the support larger acts have given you? We’ve definitely felt overwhelmed by the size of the organisation and how impressive a live show a band like The Prodigy can put on. You think you reach a certain level where things have got pretty big, then you support The Prodigy and you feel like school children again, realising you’re only at the beginning. They were so kind to us in regards to looking after us also. Such nice dudes. Festivals aside, these will be some of your largest audiences to date. Will you treat it like any other show or do you feel like you have to up the ante? They’re definitely up there. We did some pretty large arenas in Europe with The Prodigy, and also a few big ones with Linkin Park and Billy Talent too. Being a support band you don’t get any control over production really, so it’s 022
hard to up the ante in the usual way with installing a massive lighting and sound system, so we’ll just go out there and use whatever we can to our advantage, anything we can do to go towards a better stage performance. Take to the Skies was released on your own label, Ambush Reality. What made you go to Atlantic Records and then return to your own label? We first made our own label because no one at the time was willing to take a risk on us. We knew we were ready to start releasing music and we’ve never been a band to sit around and wait for things to happen. We made a deal with Atlantic for the second record as we felt we needed to step things out and we didn’t really have the funding ourselves to do so. As it turned out the major label experience didn’t work out for us as expected. All the people working with us were lovely, and we’re thankful for that, but really it was a bit of a clash of cultures with the more businessminded people there. We moved back to a completely independent set-up because it was frustrating for us to have to have decisions approved, or ideas turned down because a business-affairs person looking at the label’s accounts feels we’re not worth investing a lot of money into. The way we’re set up now we get a lot of things done quickly. If we want to make a one-off digital-only release, or perhaps release a limitededition live CD, we have no chain of command we have to go through.
So what can we expect from the next Enter Shikari album? We like to push ourselves; we aim to make the songs sound and feel new and exciting. I’d expect a lot of new ideas and directions. It’s hard to say much about it at the moment. We start writing properly for the record early next year, so it’ll only become obvious to us which direction we’re heading once we all get in the rehearsal room together and start busting out our ideas. What have been your highlights of 2010? Personally for me, the Warped Tour was a real highlight. It was the first time we saw the hard work we’ve done in the States paying off. We didn’t know what to expect and some of the reactions we received were mind-blowing. Reading and Leeds Festivals were also highlights. They always are to be honest. Reading is the festival we all went to as kids so it’s always an honour to play there, the reaction is always intense too. The other major highlight for us was the European tour with The Prodigy. We’re all massive fans and we had a great time on the tour. We also got to support them at the Milton Keynes Bowl at their largest headline UK show. Playing in front of 60,000 people is a pretty damn good experience, not to mention a total high. Enter Shikari will playing the Birmingham NIA on 1st December. NP 023
MUSIC
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club O2 Academy 7 December
There was a time not so many years ago when it seemed that rock might be in a state of terminal decline, in the days of wall-to-wall Coldplay, Keane, and Cowell and co’s manufactured X-Factor pop. BRMC are one of the bands who restored the faith of many a distraught music-lover and helped to bring a bit of balance back to the musical landscape, definitively answering the question “Whatever Happened to my Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Their heady blend of heavy, hard-rock riffing and thunderous rhythms, combined with lighter, folkish moments and psychedelic washes, with constant overtones of doom and damnation, blasted through the prevailing conditions like a blaze in a fireworks factory. And now they’re back in the UK, after touring earlier in the year to promote their latest album, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo. (Coming soon is the DVD of their sell-out show at London’s Kentish Forum.) But this time around you can expect more of a greatest-hits show as they build up to their 1000th gig, at Brixton Academy on the 11th. So make sure you’re in top moshing form, get your big boots on ready for a good stomp, and don’t be surprised if you wake up the next day with ringing ears and a sore neck. WL 024
Frankfurt Christmas Market Victoria Square and New Street Until 23 December
Get your mittens, woolly hat and big coat on and make sure your stomach is empty, ready for the return of Birmingham’s most festive of events. The lights will be up and there’ll be dozens of wooden-chaletstyle sheds, full of nick-nacks and plenty to indulge your sweet tooth. Those of you who have passed the threshold into adulthood and are looking for something a bit stronger can wash down your bratwurst with a wide range of German beers and Glühwein (that’s mulled wine to the less Bavarian-literate among us). Lift your mugs and glasses while attempting to sing along to Oompah bands and maybe some more traditional carols. So wrap up warm and be prepared to stay up late (although the stalls are open throughout the day), get caught up in that holiday feeling and don’t be surprised if you find yourself riding the merry-go-round after a few too many cherry lagers. ‘Tis the season. CB Image Courtesy of visitbirmingham.com 026
027
COMEDY
Andy Parsons - Gruntled Wolverhampton Civic Hall 29 January 2011
With his unmistakable West Country accent, Andy Parsons has been consistently delivering comedy to a very approving public. Following his meteoric rise to mainstream fame, appearing on BBC comedy staple Mock The Week, Parsons is back touring the live circuits, meaning fans no longer have to share him with five other egos. His cheeky comedic style sees him recalling questionable anecdotes (does anyone remember the time he found some underpants in a jar of mayonnaise?), and whilst we know that these stories are almost certainly embellished, and quite possibly completely fabricated, there’s something about Parsons that means it really doesn’t matter. This time, he’s back with Gruntled, which promises to provide enough comedy to laugh away your post-Christmas blues. MJ 028
competitions
WIN! a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LP headphones worth £199.99 Developed over the span of four years in collaboration with the world’s top musicians, DJs and producers, the Crossfade LP headphones deliver epic sound with a distinct design composed of luxurious fabrics and lightweight metals. Designed to be the ultimate multi-purpose headphone, Crossfade LP performs perfectly while on the move, at the gym or on stage. With the Crossfade LP, music lovers experience a sophisticated headphone with a true fashion-forward look. Constructed of lightweight metals and luxurious fabrics, the Crossfade LP is available in White Pearl, Phantom Chrome and Gunmetal Black. For people on the move, the Crossfade LP is equipped with a detachable cable, featuring a three-button remote control and high-fidelity microphone to easily change volume and answer or end phone calls. We have 3 pairs of these stylish headphones to give away. To win a pair tell us: How many colour ranges are the Crossfade LP headphones available in? Send your answer along with your name, address, telephone number and date of birth to competitions@fusedmagazine.com. Deadline for entry is 16th December, 2010. Crossfade LP is available for £199.99 Carphone Warehouse stores and online. Please visit v-moda.com for more information. 030
Angelos Epithemiou and Friends Christmas Show HMV Institute 8 December
As famous for his award-winning burger van as he is for his appearances on TV show Shooting Stars, Angelos Epithemiou is travelling the UK with a rag-tag group of friends to bring some festive cheer into your lives. Having done lone stand-up tours for several years now, Angelos Epithemiou (a character created by actor Renton Skinner) shot to fame after harassing guests and recounting his stories on the Reeves and Mortimer comedy quiz. Always with shopping bag in hand, Angelos went on to replace George Dawes and become the show’s scorekeeper, entertaining with his raving techno music and dry humour. Not a lot is known about what the show will entail, but here is what the man himself promises: “It’ll be jokes and questions and magic and songs and stuff like that dragged out for an hour and a half I think. Come along.” You will also get to see Angelos at Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall on 22nd February 2011. CB 031
THEATRE
christmas theatre It’s that time of year again, the time of year when our bank balances seem permanently in the red, when we’re forced to spend time with irritating relatives, and when otherwise respectable establishments become overrun with Dames, Genies, and Handsome Princes. We’re talking about Christmas. More specifically, about Panto season. This year, the West Midlands has done us proud, hosting an array of plays, musicals and ballets to cater for all tastes. If it’s uber-camp, fairytale mischief you’re after, we’ve got it. A more serene and poignant tale for the children? No problem. Breathtakingly beautiful ballet? Of course. And if you’re after simple good old-fashioned fun, then we can do that too. Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated for Area’s guide to the best of Birmingham’s Christmas Theatre. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Cinderella (pictured) Birmingham Hippodrome Until 12 December Directed by David Bintley, Cinderella celebrates Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 20th anniversary, bringing the classic tale back to life through mesmerizing choreography and a spellbinding score. Designer John Macfarlane creates a magical setting for the fairytale to truly come to life. 032
The Lost Happy Endings mac Until 3 January Imagine if all the happy endings to stories got lost. Imagine if the only person who could save them was caught in the clutches of an evil witch. Written by award-winning Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, The Lost Happy Endings invites the audience to engage in this original and inspiring story, which promises surprising twists and turns around every corner! The Secret Garden The REP Until 8 January The Secret Garden is the story of ten-year-old Mary Lennox who is forced to live in her uncle’s gloomy Manor house in the Yorkshire countryside. Mary despises the whole situation, until she meets local boy Dickon, and together they discover a secret garden. The REP have transformed this children’s tale into a musical stage production, which offers the perfect Christmassy treat for children of all ages.
The Firework Maker’s Daughter The Old Rep Until 22 January The Firework Maker’s daughter is a magical tale of adventure. Protagonist Lila goes on a journey to find royal sulphur, before she faces a race against time to rescue her father by hosting the best fireworks display the world has ever seen. This play provides excitement and wonder for children and adults alike who are looking for a little bit more substance to their Christmas fairytale. Aladdin Wolverhampton Grand 11 December – 30 January With Christopher Biggins playing Widow Twanky, you know exactly what you’re going to get from this panto classic. Staying true to Christmas Pantomime roots, this version of Aladdin will have you booing and hissing in all the right places. Slapstick comedy for the kids, with the odd innuendo slipped in for the parents, this is camp Christmas mayhem at its finest. Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 18 December – 30 January The Hippodrome have pulled out some great names this year, with Dick Whittington starring Joan Collins, Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Keith Harris. Another panto favourite, Dick Whittington promises impressive special effects and relentless tomfoolery. A great evening out for some frivolous family fun.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Birmingham Town Hall 21 December – 12 January This is the delightful adaptation of Michael Rosen’s magnificent children’s picture book. Watch the explorers on stage as they hunt to find the elusive bear; facing long grass, squelchy mud, and all sorts of other inventive hindrances. Expect lots of noise, lots of singing, and lots of laughter. Perfect for younger children, or for those of us who want to reminisce about this enticing childhood adventure. MJ 033
THEATRE
Spamalot
Alexandra Theatre 7 December 2010 – 1 January 2011 The classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail has its spin-off, Spamalot, coming to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre. This Tony Award-winning musical has had audiences in hysterics since 1995. Eric Idle and John Du Prez won the Tony Award for Best Musical 10 years later in 2005. Eric Idle is obviously known for his roles during the Python years and John Du Prez is also well qualified to work on the musical, having composed additional music for Life of Brian. Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, killer rabbits and French people. Including the famous ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’, audiences will be singing along, always assuming they can sing in between fits of laughter. Spamalot is a must-see for all Monty Python fans. The Pythons attract all generations to their shows and films, with youngsters laughing at the slapstick humour, and those of a more mature age finding their double entendres hilarious. This Holy Grail of comic theatre is always a hit at the box office and makes for a welcome alternative to the Christmas pantomime usually enjoyed throughout December. KP 034
FOOD&DRINK
Fusion
Broadway Casino, Broadway Plaza, 219 Ladywood Middleway broadwaycasino.co.uk Usually when you think of casinos you automatically think of a stenchfilled, ghetto-tastic evening with dozens of uncouth gentlemen. However, a trip to Broadway Casino in the heart of the city changed all that. The casino itself is mammoth, and unless you have been there you can’t entirely appreciate its TARDIS-like appeal. With its ambient surroundings, friendly staff and live entertainment you are sure to hit the jackpot here. Fusion restaurant has a plethora of cuisines , so there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. The menu offers an array of dishes from Thailand, China, India and Italy to name just a few, while the chic setting offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, rare for a casino. This is a great datespot with a difference. Try the deep-fried red snapper if you like your food to leave a hot, tingly afterburst, or sample the Thai green curry for a delicious dead cert. KO For booking at Fusion Restaurant call 0121 456 5557. 036
FASHION&SHOPPING
038
039
FASHION&SHOPPING
040
041
FASHION&SHOPPING
042
043
competitions
win crumpet & skirt gifts
win a lazy oaf goody bag
This gorgeous new gift and homewares collection, designed by Elizabeth Pinnock, offers up a kitsch range of products that showcase vintage images of saucy 50s ladies. All tastefully attired in undies and assuming coquettish poses they are a must for discerning pin-up devotees.
Quirky London designers Lazy Oaf are offering one of our lucky readers a £100 goody bag filled with gifts, accessories and clothing from their awesome store. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer this question: in what AREA of London will you find a Lazy Oaf store?
The cleverly titled Peek-a-Boo mug collection has virginal white bone china on the outside, but when tipped for a slurp of tea a rather alluring ‘Tease Maid’ is revealed inside. Guaranteed to raise a smile with your morning brew! Once you’ve had your tea the Pin up Tea towel could come in handy. Featuring one of the most popular ladies, Veronica, the tea towel is 100% cotton and should get the chaps rushing to do the washing up! We’ve got a mug and tea-towel set to give away.
044
win a pair of etnies
Those cool guys at Etnies have kindly offered us three pairs of men’s trainers to give away to our readers in sizes 8, 9 and 10. Just answer this question to win: what is the name of the punkrock hardcore festival which Etnies sponsor?
win a moleskine notebook
WIN A SANYO VIDEO CAMERA The SANYO Xacti GH1 is YouTube ready, making it simple to upload your footage of festive fun (including the embarrassing bits, because we all love them). The GH1 is lightweight and sleek, with 14 mega pixels and a 12 x wide range zoom.
Moleskine notebooks should be the default setting for anyone with creative ambitions, or even if you just want a diary that’s a cut above. Used by such literary and artistic heavyweights as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin - who coined the name “Moleskine” - they are proving just as popular with a new generation of scribblers and sketchers.
Prices start from £199 in Curry’s. To be in for a chance of winning this very cute and functional piece of kit just tell us: According to Buggles what killed the radio star?
And now one great cultural icon has been joined by another. Pac-Man celebrated his 30th birthday this year, and to mark this occasion Moleskine have produced a range of limited edition notebooks featuring Pac-Man cover art and mini-stickers. We have five of the pocket notebooks to give away.
Entry details
Please send your answer (if there is one - just your details if not) along with your name, address, contact number and date of birth, to competitions@ fusedmagazine.com no later than 16th December 2010. Please put the name of the competition in the subject box. If entering the Lazy Oaf competition please include your gender. 045
FASHION&SHOPPING
WHITE STUFF COMPETITION 41/42 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EE 0121 665 6741 15% discount at White Stuff, and win a wardrobe worth £350! White Stuff is offering an exclusive 15% discount in its new Birmingham shop this month*. The new branch on Cannon Street in Birmingham city centre promises to bring an all-new shopping experience to the area. The brand is known for quirky events, weird and wonderful window displays and unique Just take this page to the interior designs, and this store is no Birmingham White Stuff store this exception. month and redeem your 15% discount at the till. *The offer is Retro wallpaper, vintage lamps and valid until the 23rd December, doors made from old vinyl records 2010. are just some of the features. Plus, the gorgeous products focus on Win a White Stuff wardrobe worth quality, distinctive print and amazing £350! Simply answer the question attention to detail. Dresses, kaftans, below: knits and shirts are designed for the casual and girly layered look, while What is the door in the shop made unique accessories and leather from? footwear give you the chance to a) CDs kit yourself out head to toe. White b) Vinyl records Stuff’s menswear collection of c) Cassette tapes vintage-feel denim, slim-fit checked shirts and graphic tees are easy to Send your answer along with your wear and perfect for the man who name, address and date of birth hates shopping! to competitions@fusedmagazine. com. Please write ‘White Stuff’ in the subject box. Deadline for entries is 16th December 2010. 046
Wednesday 1 December MUSIC Urban Fox Club The Yardbird 8pm MUSIC Thirty Seconds To Mars NIA 7.30pm MUSIC Johnny Foreigner, Stagecoach, The Neat The Flapper 7pm THEATRE The Secret Garden Birmingham Rep 2.30pm THEATRE The Arsonists by Max Frisch Crescent Theatre 7.45pm DANCE Birmingham Royal BalletCinderella Birmingham Hippodrome 2pm & 7.30pm 048
Thursday 2 December ART Free Art Bus Ikon, Barber Institute, RBSA 5pm - 9pm
MUSIC Weird Al Yankovic 02 Academy 7pm
THEATRE That’ll Be The Day Alexandra Theatre 7.30pm
MUSIC The Subterraneans Jam House 9pm
THEATRE Top Girls Library Theatre 7.30pm
MUSIC Pendulum NIA 7.30pm MUSIC Meat Feast, The Glass Gods The Rainbow 7.30pm CLUB Strax The Victoria 8pm CLUB Soul Cafe Sunflower Lounge 8pm CLUB White Boy Shit! The Bulls Head 9pm
SPOKEN WORD An Audience with Benji Reid, Will Power & Toby Wilsher Birmingham Rep 7.45pm
Friday 3 December
Saturday 4 December
MUSIC Scissor Sisters LG Arena 7.30pm
MUSIC Gallows Civic Hall 7pm
MUSIC The Herbaliser HMV Institute 6.30pm MUSIC Kano HMV Institute 6.30pm COMEDY Wil Sylvince The Drum 7pm COMEDY Windsor, Wil, Wayne Deakin, Geoff Norcott Highlight 8pm
MUSIC Echo & The Bunnymen 02 Academy 6.30pm MUSIC Young Gods, This Is Radio, Deadfilmstar Eddie’s Rock Club 7pm MUSIC Athlete HMV Institute 6pm
Sunday 5 December THEATRE Birmingham Royal BalletCinderella NIA 7.30pm THEATRE Process Double Bill Birmingham Rep 6.30pm ART Saturday Art Club The Public 10am SPOKEN WORD John Cooper Clarke HMV Institute 7pm
CLUB Howl The Victoria 8pm
MUSIC Human League Civic Hall EVENT 7pm Celebrate St.Nikolaus CLUB Day Soul & Centre for the Child Mowtown Central Library Dance Party 10am The Public 8pm
CLUB The Beat Room Island Bar 9pm, Free
CLUB Vertigo The Victoria 8pm
MUSIC Chaos Acoustic Club Old Moseley Arms 9pm MUSIC Little Sister Kitchen Garden Cafe 7.30pm MUSIC Mike Peters of The Alarm Civic Hall 7pm CLUB Live Foreer The Bulls Head 7.30pm, Free THEATRE The Lost Happy Endings Mac 11am
049
Monday 6 December
Tuesday 7 December
MUSIC Belle & Sebastian Symphony Hall 8pm
MUSIC Black Rebel Motorcycle Club O2 Academy 7pm
MUSIC Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band Town Hall 8pm MUSIC Night of the Unexpected Glee Club 7.30pm MUSIC Bullet For My Valentine NIA 6.30pm THEATRE The Firework Maker’s Daughter The Old Rep 10am & 1.30pm SPOKEN WORD Speakeasy: A Forum For Theatre Makers The Drum 6pm
050
Wednesday 8 December THEATRE Spamalot Alexandra Theatre 7.30pm
MUSIC Arcade Fire LG Arena 7.30pm
DANCE Street Dance Classes The Public 6pm
MUSIC The Crooked Empire The Rainbow 7.30pm
MUSIC The Intentions The Jam House 9pm, Free SPOKEN WORD Poetry MUSIC Workshop Electric Six The Drum O2 Academy 6pm 7pm MUSIC You Me At Six Civic Hall 7pm MUSIC Disturbed, Papa Roach NIA 7.30pm COMEDY The Laughing Sole Comedy Club The British Oak 8pm CLUB Swampmeat Sunflower Lounge 8pm
COMEDY Tim Minchin NIA 7.30pm COMEDY Angelos Epithemiou HMV Institute 7.30pm COMEDY Laughing Cows Kitchen Garden Cafe 7pm CLUB The Likely Lads Sunflower Lounge 8pm THEATRE Secrets and Gardens Birmingham Rep 7pm
Thursday 9 December MUSIC Dreadzone, She Is Danger O2 Academy 7pm
Street The Old Joint Stock 8pm
THEATRE Hamlet MUSIC The Moulettes Lighthouse 6.45pm Hare & Hounds 7.30pm SPOKEN WORD Public MUSIC Reggaelicious Address Mac The Lake at 7.30pm Barston 7pm MUSIC Jazz @ The Vaults The Vaults 7pm MUSIC Kerrang Xmas Party O2 Academy 7pm COMEDY Comedy Night Paragon Hotel 7pm CLUB Soul Cafe Sunflower Lounge 8pm THEATRE Miriam on 34th
Friday 10 December
Saturday 11 December
MUSIC Hatebreed HMV Institute 6.30pm
MUSIC MadnessFamily Matinee O2 Academy 2.30pm (Evening performance at 6.30pm)
MUSIC Faithless NIA 7.30pm COMEDY John Bishop Civic Hall 6.45pm COMEDY Acting Up! The Drum 7.30pm CLUB Zombie Club Sound Bar 8pm
MUSIC The Heartbreaks HMV Institute 7pm MUSIC Mona The Flapper 7pm COMEDY Gary Delaney, Tom Stade, Ian Stone Glee Club 7.30pm
CLUB The Beat Room CLUB Island Bar Fatman D’s 9pm, Free Birthday Bash Custard Factory CLUB 9pm Freestyle: Sam Redmore CLUB The Bulls Head Zombie Prom 9pm Rainbow Warehouse CLUB 9pm Fidget Friday Rainbow THEATRE Warehouse The Lost 10pm Happy Endings 051
Mac 2.30pm THEATRE My Perfect Desi Bride The Drum 7.30pm EVENT Christmas Craft Drop-In Session Weoley Castle 1.30pm EVENT Bar Boot Sale Hare & Hounds 11am - 4pm Free EVENT Festive Flair Maker Fair Lighthouse 11am Free
052
Sunday 12 December
Monday 13 December
Tuesday 14 December
MUSIC Bonobo HMV Institute 7pm
MUSIC Weekly Reggae Session The Bulls Head 8.30pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Lizard The Yardbird 7pm
MUSIC James O2 Academy 7pm
MUSIC Broken Amp Acoustic MUSIC Evening Chaos Adam & Eve Acoustic Club 7.30pm Old Mosely Arms 9pm MUSIC Sonic Boom MUSIC Six Trembling O2 Academy 2 Bells, Don’t 7pm Move Glee Club MUSIC 7.30pm The View Slade Rooms COMEDY Civic Hall Frankie Boyle 7pm NIA 8pm EVENT Christmas THEATRE Gift Fair Miriam on 34th Kitchen Street Garden Cafe Old Joint Stock 6pm - 9pm 2.30pm EVENT THEATRE Film & TV Quiz My Perfect Lighthouse Desi Bride 8pm The Drum 5pm
MUSIC The Red Lemons The Jam House 9pm COMEDY Young Guns Comedy Night Wagon & Horses 7.30pm CLUB Jagerbomb HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE Sunflowers & Sheds Birmingham Rep 1.30pm SPOKEN WORD Poetry Workshop The Drum 6pm EVENT Burlesque Workshop The Jekyll & Hyde 8pm
Wednesday 15 December
Thursday 16 December
Friday 17 December
Saturday 18 December
COMEDY Lee Mack Symphony Hall 8pm
MUSIC Kings Of Leon NIA 7.30pm
MUSIC Dopamine O2 Academy 3 6pm
MUSIC The Pogues O2 Academy 7pm
COMEDY Kevin Bridges Civic Hall 7pm
MUSIC Jazz @ The Vaults Jazz 7pm
MUSIC Kings Of Leon NIA 7.30pm
CLUB The Likely Lads Sunflower Lounge 8pm THEATRE Dad’s Army Crescent Theatre 7.30pm THEATRE Sunflowers & Shed Birmingham Rep 1.30pm EVENT Story Telling Cafe: The Twelve Ways of Christmas Kitchen Garden Cafe 6pm £7
MUSIC Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra MUSIC NIA MUSIC Dog Food, Miss 7.30pm Freinds of the Halliwell Stars Sunflower Lounge MUSIC Symphony Hall 7.30pm Gundogs, Max Level 3 Raptor, Turn 5.30pm-7pm, Free MUSIC Off The Sun Detroit Soul The Flapper MUSIC Jam House 7.30pm The Jolly 9pm Boys MUSIC HMV Institute COMEDY Detroit Soul 7pm, £12.50 Jimmy Carr The Jam House Civic Hall 9pm CLUB 6.30pm The Book Club COMEDY Hare & Hounds CLUB Dave Fulton, 7.30pm Friendly Fire Steve Hare & Hounds Williams, CLUB 11pm Mark Olver, Strax Paul The Victoria THEATRE Tonkinson 8pm Raggarella Glee Club The Drum 7.30pm EVENT 7.30pm Murder CLUB Mystery THEATRE Vertigo Evening Dad’s Army The Victoria Highbury Hall Crescent Theatre 8pm 7pm 7.30pm 053
Sunday 19 December
Monday 20 December
Tuesday 21 December
CLUB Zombie Prom Rainbow Warehouse 9pm
MUSIC Mick Sullivan, Jimmy Cassidy Irish Centre 5.30pm
MUSIC Fugative O2 Academy 3 7pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Lizard The Yardbird 7pm
CLUB Adventures In Stereo HMV Institute 10pm
MUSIC Chaos Acoustic Club Old Moseley Arms 9pm
CLUB Godskitchen Christmas Party Air, 10pm
CLUB Live Forever Bulls Head 7.30pm
THEATRE Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 2.30pm & 7.15pm EVENT Christmas Teddy Time Centre for the Children Central Library 10am
THEATRE Raggarella The Drum 6pm THEATRE Christmas Wassail Crescent Theatre 7.30pm THEATRE The Nutcracker Lighthouse 3.45pm EVENT Retort Cabaret Show Kitchen Garden Cafe 6.30pm, ÂŁ9
054
MUSIC Grouper The Jam House 9pm THEATRE Raggarella The Drum 7.30pm THEATRE The Secret Garden Birmingham Rep 7.30pm
CLUB Swampmeat Sunflower Lounge 8pm CLUB Jagerbomb HMV Institute 10pm EVENT Christmas Craft Workshops Solihull Arts Community Centre 10.30am EVENT Burlesque Workshop The Jekyll & Hyde 8pm DANCE Street Dance Classes The Public 6pm
Wednesday 22 December
Thursday 23 December
MUSIC Solid Soul Jam House 9pm
MUSIC The Bashful Albert Experience The Actress & Bishop 8.30pm
MUSIC Ginger & The Wildhearts Wulfrun Hall 7pm COMEDY Comedy Night Christmas Special St Andrews Stadium 7pm CLUB Club Bomb Island Bar 8pm CLUB Full Moon HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 2.30pm, 7.15pm THEATRE Christmas Extravaganza! Crescent Theatre 7.45pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Open Mic Island Bar 8pm CLUB Soul Cafe Sunflower Lounge 8pm CLUB Strax The Victoria 8pm
Friday 24 December In Boots’ Kitchen Garden Cafe 7pm, £10
CLUB The Cult Club HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE The Lost Happy Endings Mac 11am, 2.30pm THEATRE Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 1pm, 5.15pm THEATRE Christmas Extravaganza! Crescent Theatre 7.45pm
CLUB Heducation Xmas Party Hare & Hounds 8pm THEATRE Christmas Extravaganza! Crescent Theatre 7.45pm THEATRE The Dirty Old Folkers present ‘Puss 055
Saturday 25 December
Sunday 26 December
Monday 27 December
Tuesday 28 December
Christmas Day!
CLUB Cocoon: Sven Vath HMV Institute 10pm
MUSIC Broken Amp Acoustic Evening Adam & Eve 7.30pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Lizard The Yardbird 7pm
Merry Xmas from the team at Area & Fused xxx CLUB Xmas Cracka The Custard Factory 10pm CLUB Tin Tin Subway City 10pm THEATRE The Secret Garden Birmingham Rep 7.30pm
MUSIC Weekly Reggae Session The Bulls Head 8.30pm COMEDY Real Deal Comedy Jam Town Hall 7.30pm THEATRE Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 7.15pm THEATRE Spamalot Alexandra Theatre 7.30pm
056
CLUB Swampmeat The Sunflower Lounge 8pm THEATRE Magic Orleans Old Orleans 7.30pm
Wednesday 29 December
Thursday 30 December
Friday 31 December
MUSIC Reggae Rock: The Winter Chill Jam House 9pm
MUSIC Cobweb Collective Jazz Session The Yardbird 9pm
MUSIC The Subterraneans The Jam House 9pm
CLUB The Likely Lads Sunflower Lounge 8pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Open Mic Island Bar 8pm
MUSIC Cracked Actors Adam & Eve 7.30pm
CLUB Full Moon HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE The Lost Happy Endings Mac 2.30pm, 6.30pm
MUSIC Del Camino Jam House 9pm
MUSIC Snooty Bobs Yardbird 8pm
CLUB Apt The Bulls Head 8pm, Free
CLUB NYE: Winter Gathering Rainbow Warehouse 8pm
EVENT Stand Up Comedy Course Custard Factory 1pm
CLUB Eclectricity New Years Eve Extravaganza HMV Institute 9pm
The Emporium Coalville 8pm CLUB The Cult Club HMV Institute 10pm EVENT New year’s Eve Gala Symphony Hall 3pm & 9.30pm
CLUB Godskitchen New Years Eve Club Air 9pm CLUB Sander Van Doorn 057
Saturday 1 January
Sunday 2 January
Monday 3 January
Tuesday 4 January
EVENT Brilliantly Birmingham Jewellery Festival Mac 9am
MUSIC Sunday Jazz The Old Joint Stock 1pm
CLUB Jam Jah Mondays Bulls Head 8.30pm
MUSIC Acoustic Lounge Lizard Yardbird 7pm
EVENT Soul Food Project Free Party Hare & Hounds 2pm
058
CLUB Live Forever Bulls Head 7.30pm
CLUB Swampmeat Sunflower Lounge 8pm EVENT Retro Quiz Night The Jekyll & Hyde 8.30pm
Wednesday 5 January
Thursday 6 January
Friday 7 January
Saturday 8 January
CLUB Club Bomb Island Bar 8pm
CLUB Soul Cafe Sunflower Lounge 8pm
MUSIC Sicknote Wagon & Horses 8pm
CLUB The Likely Lads Sunflower Lounge 8pm
CLUB Apt Bulls Head 8pm
MUSIC Jackpike, Sons of Beaches Sunflower Lounge 7.30pm
CLUB Full Moon HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE James & The Giant Peach Crescent Theatre 7.15pm SPOKEN WORD The Birmingham Writer’s Group Birmingham Central Library 6pm
DANCE Salsa Night The Public 8pm
MUSIC Vault of Eagles, Motherless, Paradise Valley The Actress & Bishop 8.30pm CLUB Fidget Fridays Rainbow Warehouse 10pm
MUSIC Neon Asylum EP Launch Hare & Hounds 8pm CLUB On The Rocks Island Bar 8pm CLUB Zombie Prom Rainbow Warehouse 9pm CLUB Adventures In Stereo HMV Institute 10pm THEATRE The Final Curtain Birmingham Rep 11am ART Saturday Art Club The Public 10am
059
Sunday 9 January
Monday 10 January
Tuesday 11 January
Wednesday 12 January
MUSIC Sunday Jazz Old Joint Stock 1pm
THEATRE The Firework Maker’s Daughter The Old Rep 10am, 1.30pm
EVENT Burlesque workshop The Jekyll & Hyde 7pm
THEATRE Claire Dowie Double Bill Crescent Theatre 7.15pm
060
EVENT Sound & Vision Pub Quiz The Victoria 8pm
Thursday 13 January
Friday 14 January
Saturday 15 January
Sunday 16 January
THEATRE Arsehammers and The Year of the Monkey Crescent Theatre 7.15pm
MUSIC Thin Lizzy Civic Hall 7pm
MUSIC King Pleasure & Biscuit Boys Hare & Hounds 8pm
MUSIC Mama Rosin Hare & Hounds 8pm
THEATRE The Lady In The Van Hall Green Little Theatre 7.30pm
MUSIC Drake NIA 7.30pm MUSIC Renegrade Messiah The Actress & Bishop 8.30pm
MUSIC Bang Bang Romeo Actress & Bishop 8.30pm
THEATRE Danny the Champion of the World Crescent Theatre 2.30pm
THEATRE Danny the Champion of the World Crescent Theatre 7.15pm CLUB Zombie Prom Rainbow & Warehouse 9pm
061
Monday 17 January
Tuesday 18 January
Wednesday 19 January
Thursday 20 January
THEATRE The Firework Maker’s Daughter Old Rep Theatre 1.30pm
THEATRE The Firework Maker’s Daughter Old Rep Theatre 10am, 1.30pm
MUSIC Smoke Fairies Glee Club 7.30pm
MUSIC The Nock, Black Bears O2 Academy 6.30pm
COMEDY Mark Thomas: The Wall Mac 8pm
COMEDY Mark Thomas: The Wall Mac 8pm EVENT Burlesque Workshop Jekyll & Hyde 8.30pm
062
COMEDY Mark Thomas: The Wall Mac 8pm SPOKEN WORD Birmingham Writer’s Group Birmingham Central Library 6pm
MUSIC Folk For Free: Rob Fellows Symphony Hall 5.30pm SPOKEN WORD Afternoon Tea Ikon Gallery 2.30pm
Friday 21 January
Saturday 22 January
Sunday 23 January
Monday 24 January
MUSIC Wombats HMV Institute 6.30pm
MUSIC Live Rock, Indie, Acoustic Wagon & Horses 8pm
MUSIC Metronomy Hare & Hounds 8pm
MUSIC Ani Difranco Glee Club 7.30pm
MUSIC The Walkmen Glee Club 7.30pm
COMEDY Stephen K Amos Civic Hall 7pm
MUSIC Crowbar O2 Academy 6pm CLUB Friendly Fire Hare & Hounds 11pm
CLUB Smoove & Turrell Hare & Hounds 9pm CLUB Adventures In Stereo HMV Institute 10pm
063
Tuesday 25 January
Wednesday 26 January
Thursday 27 JanuaRy
Friday 28 January
MUSIC Acoustic Sessions Jam House 6pm
MUSIC Attack Attack! O2 Academy 7pm
MUSIC Alasdair Roberts Glee Club 7.30pm
MUSIC Band of Horses O2 Academy 6.30pm
MUSIC John Otway Hare & Hounds 7.30pm
MUSIC Hey Collosus, Ultraphallus Wagon & Horses 8pm
CLUB We Love Wednesdays The Bulls Head 8pm Free
MUSIC Vault Of Eagles O2 Academy 6.30pm COMEDY Milton Jones Wulfrun Hall 7pm COMEDY Felix Dexter Birmingham Town Hall 8pm
064
THEATRE Blood Brothers Hall Green Little Theatre 7.30pm EVENT Birmingham Social Media Cafe Coffee Lounge 10am Free
Saturday 29 January
Sunday 30 January
Monday 31 January
THEATRE Blood Brothers Hall Green Little Theatre 7.30pm
MUSIC Transatlantic Sessions Symphony Hall 7.30pm
MUSIC Roxy Music LG Arena 7.30pm
CLUB Zombie Prom Rainbow Warehouse 9pm
THEATRE Blood Brothers Hall Green Little Theatre 7.30pm
065
Venue Directory MUSIC VENUES Actress & Bishop 36, Ludgate Hill, B3 1EH 0121 236 7426 BOTANICAL GARDENS 12A Westbourne Road Edgbaston, B15 3TR 0121 454 1860 birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk BULLS HEAD 23, St. Marys Row, Moseley, B13 8HW bullsheadmoseley.co.uk Civic/Wulfrun Hall North Street, WV1 1RQ. 0870 320 7000 wolvescivic.co.uk The Flapper Kingston Row, B1 2NU. 0121 236 2421 Hare & Hounds 106 High Street, B14 7JZ. 0121 444 2081 hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk HMV Institute 78 Digbeth High St, Digbeth hmvinstitute.com 066
Island bar 14-26 Suffolk Street, B1 1LT. 0121 632 5296 bar-island.co.uk
Town Hall Victoria Square, B3 3DQ 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk
The Jam House 3 - 5 St Pauls Square Birmingham, West Midlands B3 1QU 0121 200 3030 thejamhouse.com
The Victoria 48 John Bright Street, B1 1BN. 0121 633 9439 thevictoriabirmingham. co.uk
Jekyll & hyde 28, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6BJ KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE 17 York Road, Kings Heath. 0121 443 4725 kitchengardencafe. co.uk
YARDBIRD Paradise Place, Birmingham, B3 3HJ ART VENUES BM&G Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH, bmag.org.uk CUSTARD FACTORY Gibb Street, B9 4AA custardfactory.co.uk
O2 Academy 08444 772 000 o2academybirmingham. The Drum co.uk 144 Potters Lane, Aston, B6 4UU, 0121 333 2444 Sunflower Lounge the-drum.org.uk 76, Smallbrook Queens way, Birmingham, B5 EASTSIDE PROJECTS The Rainbow 86 Heath Mill Lane, B9 160 High Street 4AR, 0121 771 1778 Deritend, B12 0LD. eastsideprojects.org THE SLADE ROOMS Broad Street Wolverhampton
IKON EASTSIDE Fazeley Street, Digbeth ikon-gallery.co.uk
Ikon Gallery Oozells Square, B1 2HS 0121 248 0708 ikon-gallery.co.uk INTERNATIONAL PROJECT SPACE Maple Road, B30 2AA 0121 331 5763 internationalprojectspace.org The Lighthouse The Chubb Building Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT 01902 716 055 light-house.co.uk MAC Cannon Hill Park macarts.co.uk The Public New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PG 0121 533 7161 thepublic.com RHUBARB EAST GALLERY Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth hubarb-rhubarb.net VIVID 140 Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, B9 4AR 0121 766 7876 vivid.org.uk
Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield St, WV1 1DU 01902 552055 wolverhamptonart. org.uk COMEDY VENUES The Glee Club The Arcadian, B5 4TD. 0871 472 0400 glee.co.uk
Theatre 4 Temple Row West B2 5NY, 0121 200 1892 oldjointstocktheatre. co.uk Birmingham Rep Centenary Square, 0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk
HIGHLIGHT 259-262 Broad Street, B1 2HF THEATRE VENUES Alexandra Theatre Station St, Birmingham 0844 847 2302 alexandratheatre.org.uk BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Hurst Street 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com CRESCENT THEATRE Sheepcote Street, B16 8AE, 0121 643 5858 crescent-theatre.co.uk The Old Joint Stock Pub and 067