What’s On

WHAT’S ON living

WHAT: Black Voices WHEN: 22 May WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Breaking out from being backing singers for artists like UB40, Ruby Turner and Fine Young Cannibals, the all-female a cappella group Black Voices now shines centre stage with distinctive vocal harmonies set to an eclectic mix of music from jazz to pop and reggae to gospel.

WHAT: Easter Egg Hunt –Easter Sunday WHEN: 12 April WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, tel: 0121 212 3383 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Loads of fun and games at this cracking annual Easter Egg Hunt. Meet the Easter bunny and award-winning clown Bibbledy Bob as well as sweet treats and a chance to win a year’s free membership for the family.

WHAT: Beethoven’s Eroica WHEN: 29 April WHERE: Symphony Hall, tel: 0121 780 3333 www.cbso.co.uk/whats-on Mozart often directed his own music from the violin – and that’s exactly what Julian Rachlin will be doing as, together with viola player Sarah McElravy, he performs what might be the greatest concerto Mozart ever wrote.

WHAT: Chris Ramsey WHEN: 17 April WHERE: Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham The critically-acclaimed comedian and star from last season’s Strictly is hitting the road for his biggest ever stand-up tour. Having filled venues across the country to rave reviews, don’t miss your chance to catch him live on stage in Brum.

WHAT: Birmingham Wine Weekend WHEN: 24 to 26 April WHERE: Various venues, www.birminghamwineweekend.co.uk A long weekend of sipping delicious wines in some of the city’s best venues. To take part, all you need to do is buy your wristband. From charming wine bars to stylish hotels, there are some cracking venues taking part in this great event aimed at novices, connoisseurs and everyone in between.

WHAT: RHS Malvern Spring Festival WHEN: 9 to 12 May WHERE: Three Counties Showground, tel: 0844 811 0050 www.rhsmalvern.co.uk An awesome collection of top medalwinning show gardens with six of the main show garden designers presenting for the first time. New for this year is a designated houseplants section as well as a whole host of special guests who will be sharing their expertise.

WHAT: The Twang WHEN: 5 April WHERE: Glee Club www.glee.co.uk/birmingham The Brummie Indi rock band comes to town as part of its Month of Sundays Acoustic Tour for a series of Sundays that will feature all the fans’ favourites in an intimate and acoustic setting. WHAT: Seven Drunken Nights WHEN: 11 April WHERE: Belgrade Theatre, tel: 02476 553055 www.belgrade.co.uk An unforgettable night of classic tunes and Irish craic that’s guaranteed to have you singing and clapping along as Seven Drunken Nights returns with the Story of the Dubliners.

WHAT: The Comedy of Errors WHEN: 25 April to 3 October WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk A man arrives in a strange town only to find that everyone knows his name but thinks he’s someone else. A woman wonders why her husband is not the man he was but starts to rather like it. Confusion mounts as everyone uncouples from themselves. Starring Miles Jupp.

WHAT: Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival WHEN: 30 April to 3 May WHERE: Resorts World Arena, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Get ready to enter a world of adventure featuring daring tales from across the kingdom in this Disney On Ice extravaganza. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Mickey and all your favourites as this wonderful wonderland returns to Birmingham.

WHAT: Oliver Twist WHEN: 29 April to 9 May WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk This bold, brutal and beautiful new play (not a musical) of Oliver Twist sends you on a dark adventure through the streets of London. Adapted by award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery whose previous work includes the Lovely Bones, Treasure Island and Frozen.

WHAT: Creeper WHEN: 18 April WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute www.academymusicgroup.com/o2institutebirmingham The self-styled English horror punk band is in Brum as part of its God Can't Save Us Tour supporting the new album Sex, Death & the Infinite Void, due out next month.

WHAT: KIDZ BOP World Tour WHEN: 11 April WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Ashton, Max, Mia and Twinkle bring the interactive, live family-friendly concert experience to Birmingham as part of the first-ever headlining tour for the British KIDZ BOP Kids, who have sold more than 215,000 albums to date.

WHAT: The Nolan Band Party Night WHEN: 24 April WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk There’s a real treat in store as Shane Nolan returns to the Hall with his amazing band. Entertaining with hits through all the ages from the Sixties to the Noughties, this will be an awesome night.

WHAT: Message In A Bottle WHEN: 8 and 9 April WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, www.birminghamhippodrome.com A spectacular, new dance-theatre show from triple Olivier Award nominee and Hippodrome associate Kate Prince, featuring iconic hits by Sting, including Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, and an Englishman In New York. A truly uplifting story of humanity and hope.

WHAT: Harry Styles WHEN: 15 April WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com The One Direction heart-throb is travelling the world on his Love On Tour in support of his upcoming album Fine Line. Some extra tickets have been released for the Birmingham gig, so grab one if you can.

WHAT: Bosie WHEN: 1 to 4 April WHERE: Old Rep, www.oldreptheatre.co.uk A one-man show about Oscar Wilde’s lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, from awardwinning actor Rik Barnett. A daring look at his disastrous family, illicit love affairs and the destruction he caused.

WHAT: K’antu Ensemble WHEN: 25 April WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk This intriguing and multi-talented vocal and instrumental ensemble is known for its unique fusion of early, world and folk music.

WHAT: Mini Madness WHEN: 4 to 26 April WHERE: British Motor Museum, tel: 01926 927823 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk Take a seat as Mini Madness presents a host of marvellous Mini-themed family activities. A chance to join the Mini Factory costumed characters on a family tour, design and make a Mini, or explore the Museum with the Fix It Family Trail. Over the Easter Weekend there’s also a traditional Easter Egg hunt with a Mini twist!

WHAT: Joel Dommett WHEN: 8 April WHERE: Redditch Palace Theatre, tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Join Joel as he brings you bang up-to-date on his life since his last live show. He has become a regular face on TV, from hosting I’m a Celebrity Extra Camp, touring with Joel and Nish VS the World and of course hosting the smash-hit, Masked Singer.