What’s On

WHAT’S ON living

WHAT: Crufts 2020 WHEN: 5 to 8 March WHERE: Birmingham NEC, tel: 0844 338 0338 www.crufts.org.uk More than 20,000 dogs are competing at the world’s biggest and best dog show this year. Which one will win the prestigious title of Best in Show?

WHAT: Antiques for Everyone WHEN: 2 to 5 April WHERE: NEC, www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk The largest antiques, interiors and collectables fair outside of London returns with hundreds of specialist dealers offering a huge variety of desirable, rare and quirky items at prices from £10 to £100,000.

WHAT: Pussycat Dolls WHEN: 8 April WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com The era-defying, chart-topping, button-pushing, mega-group is back! The girls will be performing together for the first time in more than a decade, bringing their smash hits back to life with their iconic dance routines and show-stopping vocals.

WHAT: RHS Malvern Spring Festival concert WHEN: 9 May WHERE: Three Counties Showground, www.threecounties.co.uk/buy-tickets As part of the 35th anniversary celebrations, Music at Malvern is a new element to the Malvern Spring Show that includes an evening where Radio 2’s Jo Whiley will DJ a curated set of music chosen by the show’s special guests and exhibitors.

WHAT: Susan Boyle – The Ten Tour WHEN: 17 March WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The original star of Britain’s Got Talent is heading back out on tour for the first time in four years with a spectacular new show celebrating 10 years since her iconic BGT audition catapulted her to global fame.

WHAT: Swan Lake WHEN: Now to 4 April WHERE: Birmingham Royal Ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome, www.brb.org.uk Ballet’s greatest love story returns in this lavish production that tells the romantic fable of ill-fated passion, powerfully illuminated by Tchaikovsky’s legendary score.

WHAT: Tartuffe WHEN: 20 March to 4 April WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Tartuffe has the gift of the gab. A spirituality. A certain aura about him… that comes only when you claim to have Allah on your side, hundreds of Twitter followers and access to the family’s bank account. Eventually, the lies and deceit unfold in this wickedly hilarious Brummie comedy.

WHAT: 100 Years of Movie Magic WHEN: 27 March WHERE: Symphony Hall, tel: 0121 780 3333 www.cbso.co.uk/whats-on There’s nothing quite like the sensation of hearing film music played live in concert by the 90-strong City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. From favourites such as the Dam Busters and Gone With the Wind to 21st century classics like Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings and La La Land, just sit back and enjoy. WHAT: Jess Fostekew: Hench WHEN: 15 March WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk The absolute powershed, host of the Guilty Feminist and the Dave Comedy award nominee explores her big strong strength. Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench’ as a compliment? It’s like watching a snake eat but funny.

WHAT: An evening with Kit Harington WHEN: 29 March WHERE: Birmingham ICC, www.anexperiencewith.com Enjoy an exclusive Game of Thrones-themed dining and fan experience with one of the show’s leading lights. Guests will be treated to a 20-piece orchestra as well as Game of Thrones fandom and have the chance to bid on exclusively signed Kit Harington Game of Thrones auction items.

WHAT: Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil WHEN: 11 March WHERE: Glee Club www.glee.co.uk/birmingham His last tour provided a hilarious analysis of the departure of any visible sign of intelligence from modern life. This new show raises the stakes with a tongue-in-cheek critique of a world on fire.

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: Friends! The Musical Parody WHEN: 28 March WHERE: Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham This cracking show celebrates and pokes fun at the wacky misadventures of the group of 20-something pals we love from the hit TV show as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life and love in 1990’s Manhattan

WHAT: Francis Rossi WHEN: 25 March WHERE: Redditch Palace Theatre, tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The legendary Status Quo lead singer shares the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock ’n’ roll when he takes to the stage for this intimate evening of chat and music.

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. Will they ever find themselves again? And do they really want to?

WHAT: Louise WHEN: 16 March WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute www.academymusicgroup.com/ o2institutebirmingham The diminutive pop star’s first full UK tour since her sell-out Intimate and Live mini tour at the start of 2018 and her 2017 comeback show at Under the Bridge in London. Supporting her new album, Heavy Love, expect a selection of her greatest hits, too.

WHAT: Spring Pink Ball WHEN: 28 March WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk The stunning Black/Pink Tie Ball returns to the Hall for a great night out which raises vital funds for Breast Cancer medical equipment for local hospitals. Entertainment from Rang-ATang & David Lawrence plus after show disco with DJ Franco.

WHAT: John Archer: Against the Odds WHEN: 22 March WHERE: The Old Rep, www.oldreptheatre.co.uk The semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent and support act for Tim Vine finally takes to the stage in his own oneman show. A rare chance to see baffling magic with a dash of comedy thrown in by the man who many consider to be the best comedy magician in the UK.

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 Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Mickey and all your Disney favourites as this winsome wonderland returns to Birmingham.

WHAT: An Evening with Frankie Bridge: Open WHEN: 6 March WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Hear the ex-member of the Saturdays open up on her battle with mental illness in a discussion of her new book Open, published in collaboration with Mind, drawing on her own experience and observations, as well as expert guidance from the team of professionals that aided her recovery.