What's On Nov - Jan 2020

NOV 2019 - JAN 2020

WHAT’S ON Entertainment Pop Rock Families Jazz Folk World Roots

BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk

WELCOME HOW TO BOOK

By phone: 0121 780 3333

Online: www.thsh.co.uk

In person: Town Hall Box Office is open two hours before the start time of a performance.

Symphony Hall Box Office, in the ICC is open 10am - 6pm (Monday - Saturday). Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays except when there is an event (open two hours before event starts).

HOW TO REACH US

Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ.

Symphony Hall is located within the International Convention Centre, 8 Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA. Please check and plan your journey in advance Town Hall and Symphony Hall remain open as work to extend West Midlands Metro continues to spring 2020 on Broad Street. A number of bus services will be diverted from Broad Street but cars, taxis and delivery vehicles can access Broad Street between Sheepcote Street and Gas Street.

A pedestrian diversion is also in place between Chamberlain Square and Paradise Circus until 28 October 2019 and all businesses and destinations, including Town Hall, remain open as usual.

For further information visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit Funded by

2

Town Hall renovation also funded by

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

BOOK NOW 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk

Symphony Hall has launched an exciting building project which is about far more than giving visitors a warmer welcome to one of Birmingham’s best venues.

The Making an Entrance plan is for a large extension on the front, to make room for more free, informal music performances in the foyers. They will provide a platform for talented local artists and make the building more accessible to the whole city. Nick Reed, Chief Executive of Town Hall Symphony Hall, says: “We currently reach more than 18,000 people with our learning and community programme and over the coming years we will be able to reach thousands more in the transformed spaces that this project will create.

There’s something unique about a live performance. It’s unrepeatable, it just happens now in this space, and it lives in the memory. Listening to music together is unifying and something we should cherish, especially in these fractious times.”

If you, like us, believe that music should be accessible for all, please visit making-an-entrance.thsh.co.uk or call 0121 644 5007 to make a donation.

The Football Ramble

The Tallest Man On Earth

Join The Football Ramble podcast gang, expect all your favourites from the show as they cast an eye over the best moments from the footballing circus.

Kristian Matsson is a singer-songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden, who performs under the stage name of The Tallest Man on Earth.

Date: Fri 1 November Venue: Town Hall

Date: Sat 2 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £30.50*

NOVEMBER

Time: 8PM Tickets: £22*

Sold Out

James Morrison Since first breaking through in 2006, James Morrison’s achievements include two #1 albums, five Top10 singles, a BRIT Award and record breaking sales.

Date: Mon 4 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £25.50*

4

OMD 40 Years: Greatest Hits OMD are celebrating 40 years at the top. Since 1980 they have become part of the fabric of how today’s pop is made.

Date: Tue 5 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £38*

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Ben Fogle - Tales From The Wilderness Thrilling tales from a modern day explorer, Ben Fogle. Join Ben in this uplifting and exciting show, when he’ll be sharing his stories of the wilderness.

Date: Tue 5 November Venue: Town Hall

Marillion with Friends From The Orchestra Live In 2019 + Harry Pane Marillion will be playing songs spanning their 14-album career with Steve Hogarth, as they celebrate 30 years of him joining the band.

NOVEMBER

Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £30.50*

Date: Wed 6 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £40.50*

Christopher Cross: Take Me As I Am Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards.

Date: Thu 7 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £38*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

5

Pilgrimage An eclectic night of rock-induced, New Orleansinspired, brass band madness as Pilgrimage, curated by Young Pilgrims, returns with some of the country’s most exciting and creative bands for a night of unadulterated music shenanigans.

Date: Thu 7 November Venue: Hare & Hounds Time: 8PM Tickets: £10

Frank Skinner - Showbiz NOVEMBER

An unmissable opportunity to see comic legend Frank Skinner perform brand new stand-up.

Date: Fri 8 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £28*

Sold Out

Dumteedum Live Who could resist a night out with The Archers’ Emma Grundy? Presenters Roifield Brown and Lucy Freeman will be recording a live Dumteedum podcast.

Date: Sat 9 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 2PM Tickets: £12

6

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

“Demonstrating

the highest realm in arts.”

—Chi Cao, Principal dancer of Birmingham Royal Ballet, star of Mao’s Last Dancer

“

“There is a massive power in this

I’ve reviewed about

4,000 shows. None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

that can embrace the world.

It brings great hope…

It is truly a touch of heaven.”

—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

—Richard Connema, Broadway critic

“Exquisitely beautiful! It was an extraordinary experience for us and the children.”

—Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress

“Enchanting and enlightening!

A whole new way to view the world!”

—Brian May, CBE, Queen guitarist and songwriter

“Go see it to believe it,

“Mesmerising! Reclaiming the divinely inspired cultural heritage of China. I encourage everyone to see and all of us to learn from.”

—Donna Karan, fashion designer, creator of DKNY

because otherwise, you are going to miss the most important thing in your life.”

—Joe Heard, former White House photographer, watched Shen Yun 6 times

—Broadway World

31 Dec 2019 – 2 Jan 2020

THE ICC BIRMINGHAM

3 – 5 JAN 8 – 11 JAN 13 – 14 JAN 17– 26 JAN

Liverpool Empire Theatre New Victoria Theatre, Woking Palace Theatre Manchester Eventim Apollo, London

ShenYun.com/UK

0208 168 1111

NOVEMBER

Spectacular Classics Following sold out shows in 2018, Spectacular Classics is back! Enjoy classics including Nessun Dorma, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory, plus an explosive 1812 Overture complete with cannon effects and indoor firework finale.

Date: Sat 9 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM & 7:30PM Tickets from £19.50*

8

Jason Byrne: Wrecked But Ready Jason Byrne returns with his brand-new show.

After 23 consecutive years Jason is wrecked but he is as ever ready (which is a battery, but he’s more Duracell than Eveready).

Date: Sat 9 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets from £22.50*

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

The Music of Bond Nobody Does it Better than the world’s most famous secret agent. From Goldfinger to Skyfall and beyond. Experience the thrills, kills and loves of James Bond through this hit show of iconic music performed by a powerhouse live orchestra.

Featuring, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, From Russia With Love, Skyfall, Live And Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, Moonraker, The Man With The Golden Gun, A View To A Kill and many, many more…

Date: Sun 10 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 3PM Tickets from £17.50*

Gospel Goes Charity 2019 This year it will be a full concert featuring the only choir to ring out praises in the centre of Birmingham. It promises to be another unforgettable night for all the family.

Date: Sun 10 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 6:30PM Tickets from £12

The Lighthouse Family NOVEMBER

The Lighthouse Family, one of the most successful bands of the late 90s and early 00s, return with a new studio album after a gap of 18 years.

Date: Mon 11 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £28*

Sold Out

Jack Savoretti The English solo acoustic singer of Italian descent, Jack Savoretti, returns with his stunning new album, Singing to Strangers.

Date: Tue 12 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £29*

Sold Out

10

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Living Dangerously offers a personal journey through Sir Ranulph Fiennes life.

The Stylistics The Stylistics are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy-nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New. Support by Sounds of The Supremes.

Date: Thu 14 November Venue: Symphony Hall

Date: Wed 13 November Venue: Town Hall

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £32*

NOVEMBER

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £28*

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Jazzlines Free Gigs: Shivraj Singh

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is widely considered to be one of the best blues/rock guitarists (James Brown once referred to him as ‘one of the wonders of the world’).

Unwind to the sounds of jazz musician, Shivraj Singh.

Date: Thu 14 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £33*

“Town Hall Symphony Hall played a major part in my development as a young musician” Shivraj Singh Date: Fri 15 November Venue: ICC Hall 5 Time: 5PM Tickets: FREE

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

11

The Overtones have a new tour announced, a new track out plus a new member Jay James, who has joined the band following the departure of Lockie Chapman.

Were you shocked to get the phone call, Jay? Jay James: “Yeah completely. I’ve supported the boys on a number of occasions and I remember doing my set and going out to watch them. Within 45 seconds - that’s no exaggeration - the audience would be on their feet dancing and singing. You’d be happy to see that at the end of the show. For that to happen right at the start shows how special it is. To be part of that is unreal.”

Mark Franks: “It was really hard keeping the news about Jay a secret because we’ve been so excited. The response has been awesome.

Everyone’s saying: ‘What a perfect fit’. With our new song that we’ve released - September everyone now gets to hear how we sound as a new four-piece as well, which has been great.”

The fans must have been excited to know it wasn’t the end of the band. Did you consider carrying on as a three-piece?

Mike Crawshaw: “We always felt like The Overtones needs to be a four-piece. After the tragic loss of Timmy (Matley) we carried on, released an album and toured. Lockie decided he wanted to go down a different avenue and focus on a solo career – which is fine and we wish him all the best. We decided we wanted to have another member in the band for the dynamics, the harmonies, and the routines. We never saw The Overtones as a three-piece. Jay fits in so perfectly in every way, it feels like he’s always been in the band.”

There will always be that legacy of Timmy on stage. Will you do anything to honour his memory on the new tour?

Mark: “We know he would be so proud of us.

Jay got to meet Timmy and I think he’d be over-the-moon. It’s about respecting that legacy and also looking to the future and doing what

The Overtones do best - and that’s make people smile.”

Darren Everset: “The last tour was a tribute to Timmy. We had his picture on screen. No doubt we’ll talk about it but I think it’s important to put on a great show and remember the good times and make people smile.”

Jay: “For the announcement of me joining we thought about how we do it and came up with the film trilogy idea. We thought it important we pay tribute to the past Overtones at the beginning and moving forward. It’s so nice so many people picked up on that. It was very much acknowledging that The Overtones are bigger than this moment and I think that will always be the case. I’ve always considered myself a Toner. It’s got to be respected and celebrated.”

You’ll be bringing your own fans along Jay, so there will be twice as many at the tour now.

Jay: “They’re buzzing, the Jay Team as they call themselves. I’m really lucky to have a really dedicated fan base of amazing fans from everywhere. They’ve already connected with The Overtones fans (Toners) both during the previous tours we did together and now through the news I’ve joined the band. They’ve come together and now they’re the best of friends. I know the majority of them have already got five/six dates earmarked for the tour in December, which is wicked.”

It sounds like it’s been an effortless move into the band. Has it been easier Jay than your X Factor experience?

Jay: “The X Factor by no means was a natural thing for me. Standing in front of the camera and being an amplified, characterised version of yourself in order to be noticed felt a difficult thing. That’s not by any means what everybody

wants to do when going on shows like the X Factor – for me it wasn’t about looking for fame.

In many ways, I felt I spent years trying to get that mainstream spotlight and when I found it on The X Factor I realised that maybe what I wanted was just to do music and be able to perform. To see what the boys do - and have done for the last nine years - is incredible. They’ve managed to stay relevant, sell out tours, and have great success whilst staying true to their own morals and principles, being themselves, which in this game seems really rare. I feel like that’s all I ever wanted, so in many ways - to answer your question - it felt really natural stepping into a group of friends that have the same beliefs that you do. That’s been easy.”

It’s hard in this day and age to sustain a fan base like The Overtones have. Do you feel like you don’t get enough credit for your achievements?

Darren: “We don’t take it for granted. We work hard and we want to grow. We are so thankful for the success that we have. We can’t wait to put on the best tour yet.”

Mike: “Our fan base seems to be getting younger, which is great. You’ve got 10-year-old kids singing Why Do Fools Fall In Love and telling you they love Runaround Sue. They’ve been introduced to these classics. A lot of children love our music because it’s feel-good, makes you happy and want to dance. That’s an amazing energy to spread.”

The Overtones return to Symphony Hall on Tue 3 December.

Foy Vance The award-winning Northern Irish singersongwriter Foy Vance will be performing his two new albums, From Muscle Shoals and To Memphis with his band. With BEOGA support.

Date: Sat 16 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £25.50*

NOVEMBER

Now That’s What I Call The 80s Live NOW That’s What I Call Music is the biggest selling compilation brand in the UK. Presented

by Gary Davies. Performed by a powerhouse live showband with sensational singers Sandy Grigelis, Paige Cook, Cedric Neal and Shellyann.

Date: Sat 16 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £30*

Gala Concert: Bach, Handel & Haydn with Birmingham Bach Choir Birmingham Bach Choir celebrates 100 years.

Paul Spicer conducts JS Bach, Handel & Haydn with Baroque-style orchestra, world class soloists, and choir.

Date: Sat 16 November Venue: Lichfield Cathedral Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £18*

14

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Whirlwind Recordings presents a programme of original and arranged compositions from Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated Christine and Ingrid Jensen (with focus on their release ‘Infinitude’), featuring the Whirlwind Recordings Jazz Orchestra.

Reuben James Reuben James is a singer-songwriter and pianist, best known for his ongoing collaborations with Sam Smith. Reuben co-wrote the title track from Smith’s most recent album The Thrill of it All, as well as the album’s anthem Him.

NOVEMBER

Ingrid & Christine Jensen with The Whirlwind Recordings Jazz Orchestra

Date: Sun 17 November Venue: Symphony Hall Stage Time: 8PM Tickets: £13

Date: Sat 16 November Venue: CBSO Centre Time: 8PM Tickets: £18*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

15

Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited 2019 For the first time ever, Steve Hackett will perform the seminal Genesis album Selling England by The Pound in its entirety.

Date: Mon 18 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £37.50* Sold Out

NOVEMBER

John Mayall 85th Anniversary Tour For over 50 years, John Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music, rightly earning him the title, ‘The Godfather of British Blues’.

Date: Tue 19 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £33*

Shakespears Sister Ride Again Shakespears Sister will be performing all their classic hits including Stay, You’re History, Hello (Turn Your Radio On) and I Don’t Care.

Date: Tue 19 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £36.50*

16

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Ardal O’Hanlon: The Showing Off Must Go On Ardal O’Hanlon, star of Death in Paradise, Father Ted, and My Hero, continues his acclaimed standup shows worldwide. Because he loves it. And it’s a compulsion. And the world is a funny place.

Date: Thu 21 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 8PM Tickets: £25*

Top Indian comedian and Netflix superstar, Vir Das, returns with an exclusive performance of Loved. Following acclaimed Netflix specials Abroad Understanding and Losing It, Vir seeks to discover what it truly takes to love.

Date: Fri 22 November Venue: Town Hall

NOVEMBER

Vir Das

Time: 7:30PM Tickets

Hawkwind 50th Anniversary UK Tour This show follows on from an incredible 2018 which saw them tour their groundbreaking production In Search of Utopia - Infinity and Beyond.

Date: Sat 23 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets from £27.50*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

17

Sixties Gold 2019

SIXTIES

GOLD THE BIGGEST LINE UP THE MOST HITS

Sixties Gold 2019 returns with an even stronger line-up of artists that, between them, scored over 50 chart-topping UK hits. Herman’s Hermits, The Merseybeats, Marmalade, Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders and Steve Ellis. Relive the magic of the 1960s with five of the biggest chart acts of the decade.

Date: Sun 24 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £38*

NOVEMBER

Gordon Buchanan ‘Animal Families & Me’ Have you got any burning wildlife questions?

TV wildlife presenter and cameraman Gordon Buchanan has travelled the planet and will definitely have some interesting answers!

Date: Mon 25 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £25.50*

Adam Ant From his early punk days in London to his explosion on the world stage that would lead to him becoming an icon, Adam Ant’s musical career spans the course of 9 albums and 22 charttopping singles worldwide.

Date: Tue 26 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £38*

18

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Show Of Hands Show of Hands, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer have reunited with Miranda Sykes for a brandnew and this show. The trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne, back by popular demand.

Date: Wed 27 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £29*

The past 15 years have seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet ever!

Date: Thu 28 November Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £28*

NOVEMBER

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Hansu-Tori: In Search of Common Paradise

Migration Music and Visuals For Large Ensemble David Austin Grey and Hansu-Tori will explore the relationship between composed and improvised material, and how this might relate to playing and spontaneously recreating music within a large ensemble framework.

Date: Thu 28 November Venue: Symphony Hall Stage Time: 8PM Tickets: £13 *Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

19

NOVEMBER

This year, Town Hall Symphony Hall are launching a major capital project – Making an Entrance. This transformation of the foyers in Symphony Hall will provide local, regional and national communities with a musical hub, boasting brand-new spaces for informal performances, along with improved bars, increased seating, refurbished toilets and accessible toilets on every level plus a brand-new city café.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his distinguished Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back at Symphony Hall.

Accompanying Jools with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on their annual show will be the supremely talented Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and original Squeeze member and powerhouse, Gilson Lavis, on drums.

During your forthcoming visits to Symphony Hall, as the work takes place, please be aware that there will be reduced foyer space. Nevertheless, we remain committed to providing you with a firstclass experience throughout your visit. You will still be able to enter the venue from The ICC mall, access bars and pre-order interval drinks and access toilets. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to our worldclass concert hall.

Additional special guest will be Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson from the legendary ska band The Selecter.

Date: Fri 29 & Sat 30 November Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £33*

20

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Jazzlines Free Gigs: Olly Chalk Trio

John Robins: Hot Shame

Date: Fri 29 November Venue: ICC Hall 5

Date: Sat 30 November Venue: Town Hall

Time: Tickets: FREE

Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £20.50*

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

Emeli Sandé

NOVEMBER

Unwind to the sounds of jazz musician Olly Chalk.

Join John Robins for his new stand-up show following the critically lauded, sell-out smash The Darkness Of Robins.

This December Frank Turner will be performing his most original project to date, No Man’s Land, at Symphony Hall.

Date: Sun 1 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £30.50*

Come and join us as multi-platinum, awardwinning singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé performs at Symphony Hall celebrating the release of her much-anticipated third album Real Life.

Date: Mon 2 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £38*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

21

The Overtones Christmas 2019 Multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group The Overtones are delighted to announce that Welsh singer-songwriter Jay James has joined the band.

Date: Tue 3 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £25.50*

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy - Christmas Special Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club! The show features Abandoman, Alyssa Kyria and Carly Smallman. We provide soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and baby changing, so that your baby is happy and you can relax, have a coffee (or a cheeky G&T if you prefer!) and be entertained!

NOVEMBER

Date: Wed 4 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 12PM Tickets: £13

Limited Availability

Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John It has been a while, but the multi-award-winning Welsh comedian is back, with a brand-new live show. In a six-year break from stand-up, a lot has happened to Rhod Gilbert. Almost all of it s**t.

And just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke... called John.

Leonardo Da Vinci: Shaping The Invisible – I Fagiolini

Date: Wed 4 December Venue: Symphony Hall

Artist, scientist, philosopher and visionary – Leonardo da Vinci was the ultimate Renaissance man. 500 years after his death in 1519 how many of us are aware that he was also a professional musician? Robert Hollingworth and the dazzling vocal virtuosos of I Fagiolini immerse themselves in the musical world of this universal genius.

Time: 8PM Tickets: £30.50*

Date: Thu 5 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £12.50 BSL interpreted

22

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

2019-2020

CONCERTS

Resident Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Join the CBSO as they begin their two-year-long Centenary celebrations with special commissions, choral masterpieces, Friday Night Classics including Star Wars and music by Elton John and Andrew Lloyd Webber, fun-filled Family Concerts and more! There’s music for everyone - all played by Birmingham’s own world-class orchestra.

Fri 1 Nov 2019, 7.30pm

Fri 22 Nov 2019, 7.30pm

Wed 18 – Fri 20 Dec 2019

Sun 5 Jan 2020, 3pm

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

A CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH HUGH DENNIS

cbso.co.uk

CBSO ULTIMATE PLAYLIST WITH CLASSIC FM

VIENNESE NEW YEAR Supported by

Dear Santa Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 7-years-old. They will get to meet Santa after the show and even receive a present.

Date: Fri 6 and Sat 7 December Venue: Town Hall Time: Various Times Tickets: £12.50

DECEMBER

City of Birmingham Choir - Messiah Join the City of Birmingham Choir with their festive performance of Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Date: Fri 6 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7PM Tickets from £6.25

Stewart Francis Into The Punset The star of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, Stewart Francis embarks on a brand-new show, in this, his last tour ever! See him before he heads off... Into The Punset.

Date: Fri 6 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets: £24.50*

24

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Proms Night Spectacular!

Greatest hits – 30 years of the British Police Symphony Orchestra

7 December 2019 7:30pm Symphony Hall Birmingham

Musical Director

Richard Jenkinson Piano Soloist

Benjamin Frith Singers

Claire Prewer Nick Pilborough

bpso.org.uk

Proms Night Spectaular!

Greatest Hits Celebrating 30 Years of the BPSO British Police Symphony Orchestra are delighted to return once again for what has become one of the most popular events in the region.

The Notebenders Big Band is a diverse and dynamic Birmingham-based band that was founded by the legendary jazz musician Andy Hamilton. Ease into the weekend with their fun uplifting sound.

Date: Sat 7 December Venue: ICC Hall Time: 1:30PM Tickets: FREE

DECEMBER

Date: Sat 7 December Venue: Symphony Hall

Sax In The City

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £9.75

Snow At Christmas Festive favourites aplenty, including The Snowman with a narrator telling the story, plus numbers from seasonal films and Christmas classics to warm your hearts. This performance will feature children’s choirs from around the West Midlands.

Date: Sun 8 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 3PM Tickets from £8

Lunchtime Christmas Music with the City Organist and Winchester Cathedral Choir Join the City Organists Thomas Trotter who will be accompanied by Winchester Cathedral Choir directed by Andrew Lumsden as they perform a seasonal feast of Christmas music.

Date: Mon 9 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 1PM Tickets: £12.50

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

25

DECEMBER 26

Rick Wakeman – The Grumpy Old Christmas Show

George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Keyboard Wizard Rick Wakeman is back with The Grumpy Old Christmas Show, spellbinding piano music, side-splitting stories and revealing insights into his career.

Join the Ukulele Orchestra in a little midwinter mischief by playing and singing along to the odd Christmas classic. Watch the tutorials online, learn the parts and join in live.

Date: Mon 9 December Venue: Town Hall

Date: Mon 9 December Venue: Symphony Hall

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £32.50*

Time: 8PM Tickets from £25*

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

G4 Christmas Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting... After sell-out tours in 2017 and 2018, G4 return in 2019 with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date! This intimate performance sees G4 recall the musical experiences of their childhoods.

Date: Tue 10 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from ÂŁ29.50*

*Prices are inclusive of ÂŁ3 ticket commission.

27

DECEMBER

Dweezil Zappa Hot Rats Live! Plus Other Hot Stuff 1969

Jazzlines Free Gigs Unwind to the sounds of jazz musicians from Birmingham and beyond.

Dweezil Zappa and his ‘rocking teenage combo’ will be performing his father Frank Zappa’s entire Hot Rats album in sequence live on stage.

Date: Wed 11 December Venue: Town Hall

Date: Fri 13 December Venue: ICC Hall 5 Time: Tickets: FREE

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £39.50*

28

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

When all the world is nesh, nights are dark and telly schedules are stacked-up with seasonal specials, there’s only one seasonal speciality to see you through Advent – the Christmas songs of Kate Rusby. She’ll give you the old and traditional, infused with lively and impassioned newness.

Roy Wood’s Rockmas 2019 Rockmas comes but once a year, with a seasonal sack of Roy Wood’s greatest hits and more. This evening is gonna rock the roof off Symphony Hall. So be there or be square!

Date: Sat 14 December Venue: Town Hall

Date: Sat 14 December Venue: Symphony Hall

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £23*

Time: 7:45PM Tickets: £35.50*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

DECEMBER

Kate Rusby at Christmas

29

Christmas Spectacular A cracker of a show with music, dance, lights, spectacle and a snow-filled finale! Join in with toetapping tunes and sing along to seasonal songs including: Sleigh Ride, All I Want From Christmas is You, Merry Christmas Everyone and many more!

With special guests from the West End Laura Tebbutt, Tim Howar The Jingle Belles® and the London Concert Orchestra.

Date: Sun 15 December Venue: Symphony Hall

DECEMBER

Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £19.50*

Sing Carols with the City Organist and Lichfield Cathedral Choir Join the City Organist Thomas Trotter and broadcaster and humorist Jeremy Nicholas (Crossroads and Stop the Week) for a good old seasonal sing-along.

Date: Mon 16 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 1PM Tickets: £12.50

Steeleye Span 50th Anniversary Tour 1969 - 2019 1969 could easily be said to be a vintage year for music, the end of a decade that changed the world and the introduction to one that would prove equally inspirational. Fifty years on and Steeleye Span are set to mark this incredible milestone with new album EST’D 1969.

Date: Mon 16 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £25.50*

30

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

It is one of the world’s best-loved modern Christmas films, having become synonymous with the season for many, and now Love Actually will be screened live at Symphony Hall this December, featuring a full orchestra performing the enchanting score.

Date: Mon 16 December Venue: Symphony Hall

The Bootleg Beatles 2019 This year celebrating 40 years since their debut on the West End stage in Beatlemania, the world’s premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.

DECEMBER

Love Actually with Orchestra

Date: Tue 17 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £35.50*

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £42.50*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

31

Birmingham Canoldir Male Choir & Phoenix Singers Birmingham Christmas Magic Two local choirs, Birmingham Canoldir Male Choir and Phoenix Singers combine under James Llewelyn Jones to bring you an exciting selection of seasonal music both new and old.

Date: Thu 19 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £18*

DECEMBER

That’ll Be The Day The Christmas Show That’ll Be the Day rock ‘n’ roll variety show celebrates the festive season with all your favourite Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy!

Date: Fri 20 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets: £30*

Jazzlines Free Gigs: Notebenders Christmas Special Unwind to the sounds with some seasonal jazz with Birmingham’s own Notebenders.

Date: Fri 20 December Venue: ICC Hall Time: 5PM Tickets: FREE

32

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Christmas Cracker with Aled Jones Herald the Christmas season with a wonderful concert of seasonal classics including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Blake’s Walking in the Air, Rutter’s Angels’ Carol and glorious carols including Once in Royal David’s City, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, The first Nowell and many more. With the City of Birmingham Choir and the London Concert Orchestra.

Date: Sat 21 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £15.50*

Talon Greatest Hits Tour 2019 will once again feature the Eagles’ timeless back catalogue.

Date: Sat 21 December Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets: £35.50*

DECEMBER

Talon - The Best of The Eagles

NOW! That’s What I Call Christmas The biggest selling festive album of all time – live on stage! All your favourites wrapped up in one great show. Get ready to celebrate with a feast of massive seasonal hits. Sing along to iconic Christmas classics and be part of the ultimate festive party!

Date: Sun 22 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £28*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

33

Christmas Carol Singalong Sing your heart out as irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen and Louise Dearman return to lead you through another fun-filled jamboree featuring Sleigh Ride, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day and carols for all including God rest ye Merry, Gentleman, O Come, All Ye Faithful and Deck The Halls.

Date: Mon 23 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £16.50*

DECEMBER

Carols by Candlelight A sublime concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in full 18th century costume in an evocative candlelit-style setting. Featuring Handel’s Christmas Sequence from Messiah, Bach’s Air on the G String and carols for all including Good King Wenceslas and O Come, All Ye Faithful. With the Mozart Festival Orchestra in full period costume.

Date: Tue 24 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £16.50*

Glenn Miller Orchestra The UK’s most renowned big band swings you back in time, playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime chart-toppers and hits from the forties including Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade, American Patrol, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and In the Mood. With legendary band leader Ray McVay, special guests The Swingtime Jivers and guest vocalists Mark Porter and Catherine Sykes.

Date: Fri 27 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £19.50*

34

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

‘Quite simply, the best family show I’ve seen’ Sky Arts

Based on the much-loved picture book

by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

THU 26 DEC 2019 SUN 12 JAN 2020

BOOK NOW thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333

Relaxed Performance - Sun 5 Jan 2020, 3pm

LIVE ON STAGE

Last Night Of The Christmas Proms

The Greatest Show Tunes

DECEMBER

An exciting concert of rousing classics with a grand flag-waving British finale! Including Rimsky-Korsakov’s Christmas Eve Polonaise, Puccini’s Che gelida manina from La bohème, plus all your Proms’ favourites, including Rule, Britannia!, Nessun Dorma and Land Of Hope and Glory. Featuring the London Concert Orchestra and conductor John Pryce-Jones with baritone James Cleverton.

Date: Sat 28 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £15.50*

Date: Fri 27 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £15.50*

The Best of John Williams

The Music of Zimmer vs Williams

Join irrepressible conductor Anthony Inglis as he guides you though an awe-inspiring concert celebrating the iconic film scores of John Williams, including E.T., Star Wars, Close Encounters, Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. With the London Concert Orchestra.

The very best scores from the two greatest film composers of all time in one fabulous programme with music from Inception, Gladiator, Superman, Man of Steel, Harry Potter, The Dark Knight Rises, Pirates of The Caribbean and Star Wars. With the London Concert Orchestra and conductor Anthony Inglis.

Date: Sat 28 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £16.50*

36

Celebrate the best of West End and movie musicals with this show-stopping concert packed full of the greatest show tunes of all time, including The Greatest Showman, A Star is Born, La La Land and Dreamgirls. Performed live on stage with our star cast direct from the West End and the sensational London Concert Orchestra.

Date: Sun 29 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £16.50*

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Beethoven’s Ninth An unforgettable all-Beethoven programme featuring the Piano Concerto No.5 Emperor and the monumental Choral symphony with its climactic Ode to Joy performed by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Birmingham Choral Union and City of Birmingham Choir.

Date: Mon 30 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £16.50*

A Symphony Hall tradition of great classics and fun to see in the New Year including Puccini’s O soave fanciulla from La boheme, Verdi’s Brindisi from La traviata, Strauss’ Champagne Polka, plus all your New Year favourites. Featuring the London Concert Orchestra and conductor Anthony Inglis with soprano Ilona Domnich and tenor Alexander James Edwards.

DECEMBER

New Year’s Eve Gala

Date: Tue 31 December Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 9:30PM Tickets from £26.50* Dining Packages available see online for more details.

The Johann Strauss Gala Start your New Year celebrations in traditional style with this afternoon of music from the Strauss family and friends. Music includes The Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Tritsch Tratsch Polka, and many more. With the Johann Strauss Dancers in full period costume, soprano Lizzie Holmes, the Johann Strauss Orchestra and conductor John Rigby.

Date: Wed 1 January Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM Tickets from £17.50*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

37

DECEMBER

Moscow City Ballet: Swan Lake

Judy Collins

Moscow City Ballet visits Birmingham with the stunning Swan Lake, presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra. Swan Lake is a signature piece of Moscow City Ballet’s repertoire. The choreography, interpretation and stand-out virtuoso performances win consistently rave reviews.

Date: Fri 17 January Venue: Symphony Hall

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.

Date: Sat 18 January Venue: Town Hall Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £28*

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £19*

38

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

Anton and Erin Featuring exquisite choreography set to music that made it big on the silver screen, including classics from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Singing in the Rain, and The Wizard of Oz, through to modern blockbusters including The Greatest Showman, 007, Moulin Rouge and many more. Featuring a sensational West End dance ensemble, TV vocal talent Lance Ellington and the London Concert Orchestra.

Date: Sat 25 January Venue: Symphony Hall Time: 2:30PM & 7:30PM Tickets from £22.50*

Ed Byrne presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy hot on the heels of his 17/18 Touring hit, Spoiler Alert!

Date: Thu 30 January Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets: £28*

DECEMBER

Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest...

The Classic Rock Show 2020 The Classic Rock Show returns with an amazing new live production celebrating the very best of the best of Classic Rock.

Date: Fri 31 January Venue: Town Hall Time: 8PM Tickets from £29.50*

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

39

COMING SOON

Jamie Cullum After announcing the release of his new album, Taller, critically acclaimed musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum announces he will be returning to the stage at Symphony Hall.

Date: Sun 15 March Venue: Symphony Hall

Following her triumphant return to the Britain’s Got Talent stage, Susan Boyle is thrilled to announce her return to Symphony Hall for the first time in four years with a spectacular new show, The TEN Tour.

Date: Tue 17 March Venue: Symphony Hall

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £38*

Time: 7:30PM Tickets from £35.50*

Our Gift Shop is home to a host of musically inspired gifts to suit all ages; including cards, homewares, CDs, toys, books and jewellery. We’re proud to work with local businesses offering an array of Birmingham themed products. Symphony Hall’s Gift Shop is overflowing with inspiration!

40

Susan Boyle The Ten Tour

OPENING HOURS: 12PM - 5PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK...

AND LATER ON SYMPHONY HALL CONCERT NIGHTS.

BOOK ONLINE: THSH.co.uk

For full details of all our upcoming events…

Please contact Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

ACCESSIBILITY For information on facilities for Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons, including discount information on selected shows, contact our Box Office on 0121 780 4949 for more details.

Alternatively visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility.

This guide is available free of charge on CD or braille (on request) from Sarah Barnett: Vista Sound Services, 2 Rutland Close, Leicester, Forest East, LE3 3PW. 0116 249 8810 Email: sarah.barnett@vistablind.org.uk.

Data Protection Once you have booked tickets all your contact details will be held and processed on our Box Office marketing database and from time to time we may send you information about Town Hall Symphony Hall and the programme of events and activities using any one of the contact methods you have provided.

Other arts organisations and companies carefully selected by Performances Birmingham LTD may also be interested in sending you information on events and products they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation please let us know at the time of booking. (Data Protection Act (1998). Registration No X3281 12 8.)

Disclaimer Information and prices in this guide were correct at the time of going to press and published in good faith. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or names of artists: please check prior to booking.

Performances Birmingham Limited – a Company controlled by Birmingham City Council – is a Registered Charity No 1053937. Registered in England No 3169600. Performances Birmingham Limited. Registered Office: Symphony Hall, 8 Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA, UK Find us on Facebook Badge

CMYK / .ai

FOLLOW US Town Hall Symphony Hall

@THSHBirmingham

townhallsymphonyhall

*Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

thsh_birmingham

41

A STANDING OVATION THSH is internationally recognised for our high-quality performances, uncompromising excellence, artistic finesse and fierce ambition for music education - but this wouldn’t be possible without the help of the businesses, trusts and foundations, and individuals on these pages. Every year we are able to present over 780 events on our stages and offer life-changing experiences to over 15,000 young people and adults. There’s never been a better time to play a leading role with us. To find out more please visit www.thsh.co.uk/support-us or call 0121 644 5072/5075 to speak to a member of the Development Team.

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

Generation Ladywood

PROJECT SUPPORTERS Thank you to our Project Supporters:

Jazzlines Programme

Generation Ladywood

A Cultural Citizens Pilot Programme

42

ECHO Rising Stars

Jazzlines Summer School and Jazzlines Ensemble

Jazzlines Talent Development Programme

Jazzlines Talent Development Programme

BOOK ON LINE: THSH.co.uk

BUSINESS PARTNERS

BRAND PARTNER

CORPORATE MEMBERS

MAKERS’ CIRCLE Mr P Ashen, Dr B Gwynn, Mrs V Hollinshead, Dr C Johnston, Mrs L Lawrenson, Mr I McAlpine, Mr D J Martineau, Mr I Norton, Mr G Paris, Mr & Mrs Parkes, Mrs K Poulter, Mrs H Russell, Mrs G Shaw, Mr A Taylor, Mr & Mrs Verrion, Dr D & Mr P Wardley

DONORS Alan Woodfield Charitable Trust, The Alchemy Foundation, The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement, Miss A Copsey, Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, Assay Office, Birmingham, Blackwell Charitable Trust, Blakemore Foundation, The Boshier-Hinton Foundation, Christopher Tobias Memorial Fund, The Cole Charitable Trust, DMC McDonald Foundation, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Dumbreck Charity, The Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust, The E H Smith Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, The Estate of Mr William Jones, The Eveson Charitable Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Geoff Hill Charitable Trust, The George Cadbury Trust, The George Fentham Birmingham Charity, George Henry Collins Charity, GJW Turner Trust, The GNC Trust, Grantham Yorke Trust, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Grimmitt Trust, The Heathcock Charitable Trust, The Hinrichsen Foundation, JMR Sales & Consultancy Ltd, Joseph Hopkins & Henry James Sayer Charity, The John Feeney Charitable Trust, Levells Design Limited, Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust, Limoges Trust, The Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust, Lord Austin Trust, The Mercers’ Company, Michael Marsh Charitable Trust, M K Rose Charitable Trust, The Oakley Charitable Trust, The Patrick Trust, Peter and Jane How Trust, Mr Peter J Smith, The Estate of Mr Martin Purdy, The Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust, Ian Reaves, Rotary Club of Birmingham, Roughley Trust, Rowlands Trust, Keith Rozelle, Sales Marvel, R V J Cadbury Charitable Trust, The Saintbury Trust, Service Birmingham Staff Benefit Scheme, Mr Keith Stokes-Smith, Chairman of Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Tyndallwoods Solicitors, Dr Diana & Peter Wardley, W E Dunn Charitable Trust, Westhill Endowment, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Wilmcote Charitrust, Youth Music, our Supporters, Volunteers and Friends

MAESTRO, ICON & DIRECTOR PATRONS Mr B & Mrs V Adams, Mr D Barton, Mr & Mrs Bentley, Ms Anita Bhalla OBE, Mr & Mrs H Buckingham, Mrs J Cadbury MBE, Mr & Mrs Cocking, Mr & Mrs Collard, Mrs E Cooke, Mr C Cooper, Mr J Cunningham-Dexter, Mr N & Mrs P Cunningham-Dexter, Lady G Curtis, Mr I Davies, Mr Russell Dickerson, Mr Roger K Edwards, Mr R & Mrs C Evans, Ms Themla Gauton, Mr R Guest, Mr M Hale, Mr Philip Harrison, Mr Peter & Mrs Jane How, Mrs I T Justham, Mr & Mrs I Kershaw, Dr & Mrs D Kett, Mr K Martin, Mr & Mrs P Maskell, Mr David R. Mayes OBE, Mr Richard Meek, Mrs E Murray, Mr Robert Pockney, Ms K Porter, Mr Adrian Quin, Mr Jim Quinn, Mr J Redshaw, Mrs Angela Rollason, Mr Graham Russell, Mrs J Rutter, Mr Mark Smith, Mr K Stokes-Smith, Mr & Mrs Stormont, Mr & Mrs G Tovell, Dr J Varney-Bennett, Mr & Mrs Verrion, Mr & Mrs Willis, Mr A J Woodfield and anonymous Patrons *Prices are inclusive of £3 ticket commission.

43

BECOME A THSH MEMBER and receive these fantastic benefits:

Visit www.thsh.co.uk Call 0121 644 5156 Pop into the THSH Box Office

W O H S E IT R U O V FA R U O Y ISS M R E NEV

BEAT THE CROWDS FOR £30!