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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON
Birmingham
DANNY MAC AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
ISSUE 383 NOVEMBER 2017
NOVEMBER 2017
’ What sOn FILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTS I FOOD
BirminghamWhatsOn.co.uk
PART OF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP TWITTER: @WHATSONBRUM BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK
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Contents November Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:24 Page 2
November 2017
Contents
The Nutcracker - BRB’s magical production returns to the Hippodrome page 20
the list
Danny Mac
Margaret Cho
The Hairy Bikers
stretches himself as a performer in Sunset Boulevard
American comedian brings Fresh Off The Bloat to Brum
cook up a treat at the BBC Good Food Show
Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide
feature page 8
page 23
page 49
page 51
inside: 4. First Word
11. Food
15. Music
22. Comedy
24. Theatre
41. Film
44. Visual Arts
47. Events
@whatsonbrum
fb.com/whatsonbirmingham
@whatsonbirmingham
Birmingham What’s On Magazine
Birmingham What’s On Magazine
Birmingham What’s On Magazine
What’sOn MEDIA GROUP
Managing Director: Davina Evans davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703 Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704 Editorial: Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701 Sue Jones sue@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse abi@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys ryan@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281722 Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers.
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First Word
Entertainment news from around the region
Turbulent times in prospect as The REP launches spring/summer 2018 season Birmingham Repertory Theatre is to stage a season of shows examining ‘the stormy age in which we live’ during spring/summer 2018. “We’ll be reflecting the increasingly turbulent times we live in with stories that explore this extraordinary era,” says the venue’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert. “James Graham’s This House is a searing look at British politics; Truth, by Helen Chadwick and Steven Hoggett, looks at the once-simple notion of truth in a messy modern age; The Kite Runner (pictured) highlights a friendship on the verge of war; and Terrence Rattigan’s masterpiece, The Winslow Boy, is a compelling investigation of the fallout on one family of a very different war in a very different time. “New times call for new ways of presenting stories,” continues Roxana, “and I’m pleased to welcome back one of Europe’s most exciting directors, Calixto Bieito, with an ambitious new work, The String Quartet’s Guide To Sex And Anxiety, featuring live music from The Heath Quartet. “For this season I’m particularly thrilled to welcome back two playwrights who’ve been important figures in The REP’s history: Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s latest play, Elephant, premieres in February, and playwright David Edgar makes his debut as a performer with the autobiographical Trying It On.” The REP’s highly successful production of Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter, originally created with Kneehigh Theatre, also makes a welcome return in 2018. For more information, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk
Worlds Of Enchantment as Disney returns
A life spent in the realm of Madness for Suggs
Life-sized animated characters from Cars and live adaptations of Toy Story 3, The Little Mermaid and the Academy Award-winning Frozen will be among the highlights when Disney On Ice brings its Worlds Of Enchantment production to Birmingham’s Genting Arena next year (28 March - 1 April). Commenting on the upcoming show, producers Kenneth and Nicole Feld said: “Worlds Of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories. Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they encounter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built ‘to scale’ and live on ice. They will see their alltime favourites like The Little Mermaid and discover the world of Arendelle with Frozen. To be the first to introduce the Frozen story live on ice, and to be entrusted with the beloved Toy Story characters is incredible, and we’re thrilled to be bringing these heartwarming tales to families across the globe.”
Madness frontman Suggs is visiting the Midlands with a brand new show in the spring. After selling out his previous touring production, My Life Story, he makes a welcome return at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre on Sunday 11 March. Suggs: What A King Cnut takes a lighthearted look at a career that’s featured plenty of memorable moments for the veteran performer, including experiencing vertigo on the roof of Buckingham Palace, nearly blowing the closing ceremony of the Olympics and watching his underpants fall to earth on David Bowie’s driveway. Tickets for the show can be purchased at atgtickets.com/birmingham or by phoning 0844 871 3011.
African arts celebrated in Birmingham festival A holistic celebration of the arts, culture and artists of Africa is taking place in Birmingham this month. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk
BASS2017: This Is Africa features performances by artists both from the continent itself and from the UK. Commenting on the month-long programme of events, organiser Ammo Talwar MBE, CEO of Punch Records, said: “We are proud of this year’s BASS presentation, our 12th installment of the series. The African arts scene is enjoying phenomenal success right now, and it’s great that we can focus on what’s happening in the present rather than just celebrate the achievements of past days. “The programme is varied and shines a deserved spotlight on a wide range of disciplines - from art to music through to comedy and debate - all done from a 21st century African perspective.” BASS2017: This Is Africa takes place at various venues across the city from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 25 November.
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First Word Brum concert hall is five years old Two of Birmingham University’s longstanding music ensembles are coming together to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of The Bramall, the University’s concert hall. The Philharmonic Orchestra and Birmingham University Singers will perform at the venue on the afternoon of Sunday 5 November, presenting a programme that reflects on the University’s musical heritage.
Big wheel and ice rink make a surprise return A new home has been found for the Birmingham Big Wheel and Ice Rink, meaning the popular attractions will be returning to the city in time for Christmas. It had looked as though the major refurbishment of the Centenary Square area had put paid to the wheel and rink for this year, but the
council’s events team has identified Eastside Green, near Birmingham City University and Millennium Point, as an alternative site. For the first time ever, the Ice Rink will be undercover and include a sureto-be-popular rollercoaster. For more details, opening times etc, visit iceskatebirmingham.co.uk
Santas needed!
New sculpture on show at the Barber
Acorns Children’s Hospice is holding its 10th anniversary Santa Run at Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park on Saturday 2 December. The ever-popular event will see hundreds of participants suit-up as Father Christmas to support the charity’s work with life-limited and lifethreatened West Midlands children. Entrants are given a free fancy-dress Santa suit and can take part in either a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll. Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for under-16s and includes a Santa suit and a medal. To sign up for the event, visit acorns.org.uk/santa, ring 01564 82 5000 or contact events@acorns.org.uk
An exquisite and haunting sculpture by Naum Gabo, one of the most important avant garde artists of the 20th century, is now on show at Birmingham’s Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Linear Construction In Space No 1 was made in 1943/4 from perspex and nylon filament. It has been acquired for the Barber’s collection by the Henry Barber Trust, with substantial financial support from Art Fund and the Arts Council England/Victoria & Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund.
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Birmingham Bach Choir celebrates 25th anniversary with special concert Birmingham Town Hall is hosting a special concert on the last day of the month (30 November), to celebrate conductor Paul Spicer’s 25 years leading the Birmingham Bach Choir. The choir, under the baton of Spicer, will perform Bach's masterful Mass In B Minor. “Bach's B minor Mass is quite simply one of the greatest creations of the human mind," says Paul. "It’s been central to my musical career ever since Birmingham Bach Choir's previous musical director, Richard Butt, brought back a full score of the work from Leipzig, as a gift for me, in 1988. Since then, I’ve conducted the work many times, a lot of those with Birmingham Bach Choir. There’s a whole world of experience and emotion in this Mass. As I’ve said before, I feel that Bach is the only universal composer." The 25th anniversary concert sees the choir joined by the London Baroque Sinfonia, Sarah Fox (soprano), James Laing (countertenor), Robert Murray (tenor) and Ashley Riches (bass).
Time to get crafty in Kings Heath A new monthly art, craft & food event, taking place on the third Saturday of every month, has been launched in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. The new event features street food vendors and work by local artists, including handmade items, gifts and genuine antiques.
Blockbuster ballet is Brum-bound Matthew Bourne’s highly acclaimed ballet version of Cinderella is heading to the Birmingham Hippodrome. The hit show, which is being produced by Bourne’s company, New Adventures, sees the classic fairytale being reimagined as a World War Two romance. Cinderella shows at the Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February. To book tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com or ring 0844 338 5000.
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Lights. Camera. Action!
Danny Mac stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of the movie Sunset Boulevard, which stops off in Birmingham this month...
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by Heather Kincaid
“Look at this street. All cardboard, all hollow, all phony. All done with mirrors. I like it better than any street in the world.” So says the starry-eyed Betty Schaeffer as she walks through a Paramount Pictures set in Billy Wilder’s iconic 1950 film, Sunset Boulevard. Artifice, fantasy and the blurring of boundaries between truth and fiction are at the heart of this unsettling story, in both its original screen incarnation and in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s later musical adaptation. And with the help of highly stylised set design, director Nikolai Foster adds another layer to the story’s self-awareness in an innovative new production coming to Birmingham Hippodrome this month. It’s often said that cinema has something of a dreamlike quality, and in Sunset Boulevard, fading silent film star Norma Desmond is proud of offering audiences “new ways to dream”. But not everyone in the show is as enamoured of Hollywood make-believe as Betty and Norma... As the down-and-out scriptwriter Joe Gillis, Danny Mac views the glamour of the studios with an ironic, disillusioned detachment, understanding and acknowledging the dark side of the screen while almost everyone else is dazzled by its light. “It’s such a fantastic story about the human condition, especially in the world we live in now, where fame and celebrity are so big and bright and tragic,” he says. “It’s horrible. In the title song, I have to sing all these words that sum up the industry - ‘twisting, tempting, headline, jackpot, frenzied, brutal, ruthless and lethal’. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in LA over the last two or three years, and even in 2017, it seems a lot like the place that’s been projected in this show.” Sunset Boulevard follows the story of an accidental encounter which comes to change Joe’s life forever. On the run from debt collectors, he parks his car in the driveway of a mysterious old mansion, which turns out to be the home of former screen queen Norma Desmond. Since the advent of the ‘talkies’,
she’s been out of work, abandoned by a once adoring public. In her loneliness, she manipulates Joe into moving in with her, first offering him work on a script she’s written, before emotionally blackmailing him into a more disturbingly intense relationship. “As soon as I read the script, I thought, I know who Joe is and where he’s at. I can just feel the frustration that he has, and I love him for it, for every flaw that he has. He does a lot of breaking the fourth wall, but it’s not like he’s playing the audience. He’s a writer, and it feels almost like he’s typing the story out - as he tells it, you can imagine it in courier type. It’s strange because when Joe speaks to the audience, the lights are right on him, so I can’t see anyone. But I quite like the idea of him just saying these words into a black hole and never really knowing if anyone is listening. When you think about it, that’s what all writers do, just hoping one day someone will pick it up.” Working closely with designer Colin Richmond, Nikolai Foster has created a world for his production in which the sense of unreality is heightened. Lights and cameras follow characters around and scene changes are deliberately drawn attention to, rather than disguised. In classic Hollywood style, driving scenes combine projected footage with just a dashboard, seat and windscreen standing in for a whole car - the rest filled in with cheap wood stamped with ‘Property of Paramount’. Meanwhile, Norma’s Beverley Hills mansion is the only place where things are almost naturalistic. While the outlandishness of both the house itself and her bizarre, reclusive life within it seem like something from a film, the contrast between how scenes play out here and what’s happening outside at once serves as a cruel reminder of the life she’s been shut out from, and reflects her own inability or refusal to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. “I don’t think Sunset Boulevard’s ever been conceived like this before. Making grand,
realistic sets is beautiful, but it doesn’t fully capture the dark side of the story the way this does. It’s like two parallel universes, showing you how the audience can just switch on and off from what is a horrific reality for Norma. And there are lines in the show that parallel that - there’s a bit where Joe says, ‘One day this will end, it isn’t real.’ He’s talking about his life and his world, but as he says it, I turn round to the set and you can see that’s not real either, so it works on so many levels.” Of course, Danny himself isn’t entirely in the dark about celebrity culture and everything that comes with it. But unlike Norma, he’s someone who’s resisted its allure. His dance moves might have caused a stir in Strictly, but he’s never been interested in pursuing stardom. “I’ve been very fortunate in my career, but I think it’s been quite well-documented that the whole celebrity thing has never really sat well with me. Doing Strictly was interesting for me and I’m glad I did it, because I learned a lot and had the best time of my life on it. But all I really want is to be an actor and do a great job at that.” Happily, Sunset Boulevard is giving him plenty of room to stretch himself as a performer. “This has been such a brilliant creative process, definitely the most wonderful experience I’ve had as an actor so far. It’s the first show I’ve been involved with where I’m proud of it to the point that I don’t feel like I need other people to tell me it’s good. I really hope other people like it, of course, but I love it anyway because it feels like our baby. I lose myself in this show. I’ve never done that before. It’s completely engulfing, walking on stage and becoming someone else. I don’t even think about Danny until the curtain comes down. Sunset Boulevard shows at Birmingham Hippodrome Monday 13 to Saturday 18 November. whatsonlive.co.uk 9
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JINKX MONSOON We caught up with actor Jerick Hoffer - better known as RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and international drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, who’s touring to the Midlands this month with ‘bawdy, rowdy musical comedy’ The Vaudevillians... How did you get the idea for Jinkx Monsoon, Jerick - and how did you first get started with drag? I just turned 30 this September and started drag at age15. Jinkx Monsoon is mostly based on my own mother, with heavy influence from the female comedians I admire the most, like Jennifer Saunders, Lucile Ball, Madeline Con - and more modern references like Sarah Silverman and Maria Danford. I really enjoy strong female characters, so decided to create one for myself to play. You were already an actor and performer before joining Drag Race. What made you decide to do the show?
I went to college for theatre. It was a conservative-style university where you got a degree in theatre with a conservative-style education. When I started there, I thought I would give up drag to pursue a more serious and legitimate acting career. Part way through my college experience, I still had a lot to offer with the work that I’d done as a drag queen, so after I graduated, I started getting female roles in theatre - very dragadjacent roles. I realised that it wasn’t something that I had to give up to be a legitimate actor; it was just a tool in my toolbelt that helped me as an actor. Drag and theatre kind of run hand-in-hand for me. When I realised that, I thought to myself that Drag Race would be a great way to enhance
my notoriety and increase my visibility as a drag performer, and that would then play its part in enhancing my work as an actor and theatre artist, which it absolutely did. The two have kind of boosted each other throughout the five years since I went on Drag Race. How have you found the experience of worldwide fame since winning? I’m kind of shocked but in a good way - there are so many pockets of RuPaul’s Drag Race fans throughout the world! Every time I travel to a new city and realise we have a following there, it’s so awe-inspiring. Fifteen years ago when I started doing drag, I never thought that I’d be in the place that I’m in now. I get
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to travel internationally and put on shows in foreign cities. It’s kind of surreal that I have fans in Reykjavik, Amsterdam and Paris! What’s been your biggest source of inspiration? I try and keep an open mind in terms of where my inspiration comes from. I get a lot from television shows. I’m kind of picky when it comes to TV, but so many comedians have been creating new and wonderful things lately. I also love watching cult cartoons. Animation and drag run hand-inhand; both are over-the-top in the same way. I think a drag queen is the only real-life artist who can mimic cartoons and get away with it. I also play a lot of video games, and that helps with inspiration Describe your show The Vaudevillians and the concept behind it... The show’s something we’ve been doing for years, but this is the first chance we’ve had to bring it to the UK. It’s about two vaudeville stars who’re frozen alive in the 1920s due to a freak avalanche accident. Thanks to global climate change, we thaw out and try to pick up our tour where we left off. We put on the same show we did in the 1920s, only to find that our most popular music has been reappropriated by pop stars throughout the last century. It features ragtime, Vaudevillestyle covers of pop songs but put in a historical context, as if they’d been written for the 1920s. So Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a song we wrote about the Suffragette movement; Toxic by Britney Spears is a homage to our friend, Marie Curie. It’s all very tongue-in-cheek. We like to call it a fever dream. You’re working with Richard Andriessen aka Major Scales - on the show, but it’s not the only project you’ve worked on with him. What’s the appeal of working together? We have a very similar sense of humour. We went to college together, so that’s how we met, then lived together for seven years. By being in close proximity to each other, we really melted together our minds and our sense of humour. When we’re on stage together, it’s like we share one mind. The show is scripted, but we leave time for improv and ad-libbing. Sometimes things happen on stage that have never happened before - a complete fluke or something due to a technical malfunction, or someone from the audience saying something. It’s at times like those that we both often think the same thing and voice the thought at the same time, making it look like it’s been scripted even though it hasn’t. It speaks volumes for how we work together and the common thread between us. We share a very similar comedic brain. Tell us about the new album, The Ginger Snapped? It’s a bit of a departure from our last album,
which was very much a cabaret fantasy album. This new one is a ’90s garage band throwback, with heavy influences from the area that we live in, in Seattle, which is heavily influenced by the hip grunge movement of the late ’90s and early 2000s. The music is inspired by hero artists like Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and Portishead - it’s rock-inspired and ’90s grunge-inspired. It’s modern but with the heavy influence of albums we bought in the 1990s.
colour we want and wear contacts if we don’t want to wear glasses. Just like we’re able to dress ourselves every day in order to express ourselves, gender should just be another tool in our toolbelt - one which allows us to express ourselves in the way in which we see ourselves on the inside. I think people would be happier if they realised that just because you’re born with a certain set of genitalia, it doesn’t mean you have to behave the way society tells you to behave based on that.
Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Are you still a fan of Drag Race?
A big coup for us on this album is working with Amanda Palmer, a wonderful singersongwriter who I absolutely worship. She’s singing a duet with me on the album, as well as Fred Stainer from the B-52’s and a cabaret artist known as Lady Riso. In the future, we’d like to incorporate more comedians into our work; people like Maria Banford and Devon Green, amongst many others, who I keep a note of. Your successor, Bianca Del Rio, is working on her second full-length feature film. Is this something we can expect from you?
Absolutely. I keep up with it as an avid fan and still consider it my favourite television show. What’s been your response to Season Nine of the show? I loved it. Every season I feel they broaden the scope of the kind of drag being represented. I love that Drag Race is further embracing and welcoming different types of drag. They had their first trans-identified trans-bodied person. The trans community and the drag community have always run hand-in-hand, and that representation is being allowed on television in a way that it’s never been allowed before.
I was trying my best to be part of that film, but due to my work schedule with this tour, it wasn’t possible. It was very much a kick in the pants for me and my comedy partner, Nick Sahoyer. He and I used to do a web show together. We used Bianca doing her second full-length film as a kick in the pants, so it was time for us to really lean in and write a script for me that’s based on our characters. We’re talking with producers about an inevitable Moonsoon Season movie - that’s the name of our web show. Maybe in 2018 we’ll buckle down and work with some producers to make a Jinkx Monsoon film happen.
No, I wouldn’t tamper with it. I think everything fell into place exactly the way it was supposed to. But if I went back on as the winner that I am, I would try to show how much I’ve evolved as an artist. I’d also show the kind of strength and confidence I’ve gained since my season. I’d bring back everything people recognise in me from my original time on the show but also try to add to it.
Gender neutrality is a big thing at the moment...
What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve learned in the world of drag?
Jinkx is very much a female, but I myself, Jerick Hoffer, don’t adhere to one strict gender. That’s mainly because I’m a malebodied person who identifies with the feminine side of the gender spectrum. I’ve grown up with so many friends who’ve redefined gender for themselves. Because of that, I’ve made a point in the last five years of tearing down the idea that there are two genders, that that’s all there is, and that anything in between is invalid. I believe gender is just a social contract that society created to make things simpler and more understandable - but it doesn’t have any bearing on reality. Each individual person has the ability to find themselves for themselves. If we were taught that truth at a younger age, people wouldn’t feel so worried when hearing about gender norms. I’m trying to tear down the idea that just because you’re born with certain genitalia, you have to act, present and behave in a certain way, simply because our society tells us that that’s the norm. In reality we can dye our hair any
We all need to take moments to realise when we’re wrong, and to adapt and evolve. I think a part of drag is being headstrong, confident and assured in yourself. Part of being an artist is being adaptive and leaving room for growth and evolution. We all need to take moments to realise we don’t know everything and still have a lot to learn.
Would you approach the show differently if you had the chance to do it all over again?
How does Jinkx like to spend her time away from the spotlight? Smoking weed and playing video games
Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales’ The Vaudevillians shows at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Sunday 5 November, Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday 19 November, Leicester’s Y Theatre on Saturday 25 November and Nottingham’s Glee Club on Tuesday 5 December.
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Food
Breaking Bad-inspired cocktail masterclass heads to Birmingham A unique Breaking Bad-inspired interactive cocktail masterclass is stopping off in Birmingham this month. Visitors to the event will be immersed in a scene straight out of the award-winning TV series when The Heisenbar visits Boxxed in Digbeth on 17 & 18 November. Award-winning mixologist Rob Wood will be teaching attendees to make six cocktails, including Welcome To New Mexico and Breakfast With Walt Jr. One cocktail will even be served with the Breaking Bad classic, Los Pollos Hermanos chicken. There’ll be plenty of surprises to enjoy at the event too. Just be careful, though - you never know when Hank might turn up! Tickets cost £40 per person. For more information and to secure your place, visit facebook.com/weareheisenbar fection. It showcased a beautiful melt-in-the-mouth sensation and was certainly up there with the nicest fillet steaks I’ve eaten. A portobello mushroom, tomato, triple cooked chips and a gorgeous garlic & parsley butter further enhanced the experience.
REVIEW: Blake’s Restaurant
Modern food and stylish surroundings combine at recently revamped eatery Located within the four-star Westmead Hotel near Redditch, Blake’s recently underwent a full refurbishment. The hottest new concept in dual dining, the restaurant offers patrons the choice between the main dining area, with its classy sophistication, and the bar area with its vibrant buzz. Following an absolutely gorgeous and expertly made lemon & vanilla martini in the bar area, my partner and I were taken through to the main restaurant, where soon afterwards we enjoyed our first course: a surf & turf board to share. Comprising a crab pot, cod fish fingers, wood fried chicken wings and honey & mustard chipolatas, it was noth-
ing less than delicious. The crab pot - featuring both white and brown crab meat mixed with crème fraiche, pickled cucumber and onion, and topped with caviar - was as tasty as it sounds. The cod fish fingers were exemplary. I normally find it hard to get excited about fish fingers, but these were a whole different, er, kettle of fish… The chicken wings were nicely cooked and oh-so-moreish, the honey & mustard sausages juicy and flavoursome. The starter had certainly hit the spot, leaving us excited about what was to come. For the main event, I ordered the 8oz fillet steak. The beef was tender and cooked to absolute per-
My partner, having spotted the pizza oven during our time in the bar area, decided to opt for one of the restaurant’s wood fired pizzas - there were 18 from which to choose, and a calzone. After much deliberation, he selected the meatiest option, the Quattro Carne, comprising tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, pepperoni, pancetta and chicken. It was ridiculously tasty. The dough was cooked perfectly and the ingredients of a high quality. Also featuring on the pizza menu was a cream cheese, smoked salmon, cherry tomato, rocket and parmesan option, a Fruitti Di Mare pizza comprising sweet chilli sauce, mozzarella, prawns, sun-dried tomato, red onion and parsley, and the Boston pizza BBQ sauce, mozzarella, sundried tomato, prosciutto, rocket and parmesan. A real selling point for us were the restaurant’s large portions even though, two courses in, we were bordering on being uncomfortably full. Despite this, we gave dessert our best shot. We decided to share the strawberry
freakshake and the Lyons sticky toffee pudding. The latter, featuring peanut butter sauce and fudge ice cream, was without a doubt the nicest I’ve ever eaten. I urge anyone who visits Blake’s to try it. For those with an extrasweet tooth, the freakshake, comprising a strawberry icecream milkshake topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and a toffee-filled doughnut, is worth a try too. Overall, If you’re a lover of tastefully presented modern food made with high-quality ingredients, then Blake’s is the place for you. The service was fantastic - the staff being both knowledgeable and welcoming - the food was tasty and the surroundings impressively stylish - factors which, when combined, always make for a hugely enjoyable dining experience. Lauren Foster Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL
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Blake’s Restaurant Westmead Hotel Redditch Road Hopwood Birmingham B48 7AL Tel: 0121 445 1202
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Food
Brum festival celebrates all things cheese The UK's best cheese traders are paying Birmingham a visit this month as part of Cheese Fest UK, which lands at the Custard Factory in Digbeth on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November. Featuring melted raclette, halloumi fries, cheese wheels, mozzarella sticks, mac’n’cheese and much more, the show also provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about which wines and beers go best with which cheese.
New vegan takeaway opens in Birmingham A 100% plant-based fast-service eatery has opened in Birmingham’s City Arcade. Fressh’s ‘cruelty free’ menu, aiming to promote a healthier, more sustainable and ethical choice, uses responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Open from Monday to Saturday, the menu features classic fast food dishes such as burgers, mac’n’cheese, Chicago-style hotdogs, meatball subs and meat-and-dairy-free breakfast burritos.
Indochinese Food Festival is launched at Pushkar Birmingham’s award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant, Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining, has launched an Indochinese Food Festival. Running until 12 November, the event celebrates the fusion of Chinese and Indian food via Pushkar’s own selection of Indochinese dishes. Highlights include street food classic Chinese Bhel and the flavoursome Vegetable Manchurian, as well as new dishes exclusive to Pushkar.
Rofuto Sky Bar’s latest menu reaches new heights Birmingham’s highest restaurant - Rofuto Sky Bar, located at the top of the Park Regis Hotel on Broad Street - has added over 25 new dishes to its menu, in celebration of a fantastic first year on the city’s food scene. Sticking to its popular Japanese Izakaya concept, Rofuto’s new menu features sharer plates and tapas-style servings, as well as all the old favourites. The new-look menu includes a seafood sharer with whole grilled lobster, Pan Asian-inspired salads, teriyaki grilled salmon, tempura king prawns and a one-kilogramme Tomahawk steak, fresh from the charcoal-fuelled Robata grill. General Manager Anthony Trueman commented: “Rofuto’s reception so far has been fantastic, and Birmingham has been so accommodating. With this first year of success under our belt, we wanted to build on this with a revitalised menu, while still maintaining our unparalleled service, great atmosphere and top-quality food. We sit at the top of the Birmingham food & drink scene, both literally and figuratively, and we’re positive that these changes will ensure we continue to be a fivestar destination for dinner and cocktails.”
Brum steak restaurant wins top award for a third year Birmingham’s premier independent steak restaurant, Anderson’s Bar & Grill, has been named Restaurant Of The Year West Midlands for the third year running at the 2017 Food Awards England. With a strong commitment to offering Britishreared, quality, rare breed beef, the restaurant’s winning streak has also seen them named ‘best steak house’ at the 2017 Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. Commenting on the Food Awards England victory, Chef Director Dan Anderson said: “We’re extremely proud to have won this award for three years in a row now. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic team, who work tirelessly to keep up our high standards, and to our diners for their votes and continued support over the years.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13
Tim Firth - The Band DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:25 Page 1
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by Heather Kincaid
Could It Be Magic? Tim Firth talks about hotly anticipated Take That musical The Band, which he’s hoping will Shine on the Regent Theatre stage this month... We all know the feeling: a tune we remember from our teenage years comes on, and we’re instantly transported back in time, as memories of old haunts and old friends come flooding to our minds. Tapping into the nostalgia that songs seem almost uniquely apt to spark, Tim Firth’s hotly anticipated Take That musical, The Band, breaks with a tradition of jukebox-style biopics, instead putting music lovers and listeners centrestage. Ahead of its arrival in Stoke-on-Trent, we asked him more about the story he describes as a perfect way for Take That to show fans how much their devotion means to them. “It must have been over 15 years ago that Gary Barlow and I first discussed the idea of a musical, but at that point, I didn’t know where to start with it,” says Firth. “I’d done one musical with existing music by Madness, but that was because I’d felt there was a story hiding in their lyrics. There’s got to be a reason for doing a musical that isn’t just cashing in. “It wasn’t until years later, when Gary said he’d been approached by the BBC to do a talent show, that I hit on the idea of casting the band in a fundamentally different role, and it changed everything. Now, instead of pretending the songs were written for the show, we have them performing the same function in the lives of the characters that they would in real life - so they’re on the radio, in the characters’ heads, at concerts or being sung along to by the girls.” The story revolves around the lives of five teenagers, all big fans of the same pop group. When they discover that the band will be performing in their hometown, they’re eager to attend together. But on the night of the gig, disaster strikes, ultimately causing the friends to split apart. More than 20 years later, however, the band reforms, leading the characters to a reunion of their own. “It’s partly based on two different true
stories. One involved a group of friends I know, who went through a tragedy together. In their case, it actually brought them all much closer together, but it made me think about what might have happened if things had gone the other way. “But ultimately they’re just five ordinary girls at school, so whether you see yourself in one of them or they remind you of someone you know, everybody should recognise them. And anyone can identify with the journey they go on, whether or not they’ve been through something similar. I think what a lot of people find moving about the show is not so much the loss they deal with as the journey back to positivity and optimism, and being reminded of the value of friendship to help us through tough times.” Featuring the characters at two different stages in their lives has required some special considerations for the casting and rehearsal process. “Even though some of the women have completely changed from how they were at the age of 16, we have to believe that these are the same characters. Partly that’s to do with casting, but it isn’t just a case of finding lookalikes. In rehearsals, we’ve had the girls watching the women and vice versa, so that they pick up little traits and ways of speaking from each other - even certain catchphrases.” The TV talent show that prompted Firth to reconsider what might be done with a Take That musical was of course Let It Shine, with winners Five To Five now appearing in the show as the band. But as he explains, it’s not quite as straightforward as them simply playing Take That. “While the series was still running, the press kept saying that they’d heard the boys wouldn’t be the leads and were just going to be backing singers, and all the time I was smiling to myself thinking, ‘Just wait, hold your nerve!’
“I think until they actually come to see it, it’s quite hard for people to imagine what this story is. Even though the boys don’t have a single word of dialogue, every time they sing, it feels like they’re commenting on the story or nudging the girls into action, almost like an old-fashioned Greek chorus. They’re a constant presence that keeps changing moving in and out of different roles. So at one point they might be workers in an airport, and at another time they might step out of a music video on TV. They must have 20 or 30 costume changes between them, and they also move the set around and facilitate the changing of one scene to another, so they’ve got loads to do.” Interestingly, neither Take That nor its members are ever actually called by name, usually simply dubbed “the band” or “the boys” by the characters. Even the title of the show can also refer to the wristbands the girls wear to the concert, rather than directly to the group itself. “Whenever I put the words Take That or Gary or Robbie into the script, which I did a little bit at the start, the story absolutely threw them back at me. It didn’t work. And that I took to be it saying, ‘Look, this is a much more universal story. This isn’t just about people who like Take That. It’s about music and the power of song in its broadest sense.’ “Songs are unique in their ability to retain parts of our lives, like little treasure chests. And regardless of what sort of thing you listen to, if you have music in your life, you’ll understand that and be able to enjoy this story.”
The Band shows at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 28 November to Saturday 9 December, and at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 12 May.
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Gigs
Wolf Alice O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 16 November
“After helping Labour beat the odds in the general election, it’s great to see Wolf Alice doing the same in the charts,” said party leader Jeremy Corbyn last month. The North London alternative rock band have made an eagerly anticipated return with brand new album Visions Of A Life and latest single Yuk Foo. They narrowly missed the number one album spot - beaten by Shania Twain after a fierce battle - and head to Birmingham as part of their new UK tour.
Van Morrison Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 13 November
Renowned for his unique and inspirational music - and with one of the most revered catalogues in music history - Sir Van Morrison’s unparalleled talents as composer, singer and performer make him one of music’s true originals. Morrison was a travelling musician at the age of 13, singing and playing guitar and sax in several bands before forming Them in 1964. His solo career began under the guidance of US pop record producer Bert Berns with the release of hit single Brown Eyed Girl in 1967.
The Killers Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 6 - Tues 7 November
Fronted by Brandon Flowers, American rock band The Killers have released five chart-
topping studio albums since their inception in 2001. The band kick off their tour in Birmingham following the release of latest album Wonderful Wonderful, their first since 2012’s Battle Born.
Goldfrapp
Depeche Mode
O2 Institute, Birmingham, Mon 6 November
Arena Birmingham, Sun 19 November
Fusing electronic, downtempo and ambient sounds, English duo Goldfrapp are back. Their Silver Eye tour follows on from a run of huge 2017 festival performances - including Glastonbury and Latitude - a spectacular headline show at Somerset House and an acclaimed top-10 album.
Bursting onto the British new wave scene in 1981 and with artistic influences ranging from David Bowie to The Clash, Depeche Mode have had 50 songs in the UK singles chart and 17 top-10 UK albums, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Best known for hits including Enjoy The Silence, Just Can’t Get Enough and Personal Jesus, they bring their new world tour to Birmingham in support of 14th studio album Spirit.
Alice Cooper Arena Birmingham, Tues 14 November
Three members of the original Alice Cooper band will join the much-loved star during the show for a mini-set - returning to the UK 46 years after they first shocked and enthralled the nation on their historic 1971 tour. Expect to hear classics such as I’m Eighteen, Billion Dollar Babies, Under My Wheels, School’s Out, Poison, No More Mr Nice Guy and many more. whatsonlive.co.uk 15
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ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE creating an exciting new chapter for Birmingham’s music scene...
While Principal Julian Lloyd Webber gets to work establishing Birmingham Conservatoire as a world-class educational institution, the brand new £57million building it now calls home is also set to serve as both a fantastic performance venue and stylish socialising space for local people. As staff and students settle in, much of the first term at the Conservatoire has been spent ironing out the creases, including teething problems with its integrated tech. Demolition of the old Paradise Circus building began with the Adrian Boult Hall in 2016, and over the summer, the Conservatoire was left without a permanent base. But the long wait will surely have been worth it. To the casual observer, things already look and sound incredibly impressive, and as the new year approaches, visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of concerts, ranging from classical recitals to avant-garde experiments and appearances from leading jazz musicians. The only permanent jazz space in any UK conservatoire, the Eastside Jazz Club is a welcome addition to Birmingham’s lively jazz scene, its first concert in October (featuring acclaimed saxophonist David Liebman) having rapidly sold out. Intimate yet versatile, this cosy, 90 to 100-seater room is geared up for evening affairs, kitted out in sophisticated black and hot pink with soft mood lighting. Tables are set up for eating and drinking as well as enjoying the music, and food promises to be of a high standard, with tried and tasted sharing platters soon to be on offer. Textured wooden panels covering the walls have been fitted for acoustic purposes, but also incidentally add to the sharp, con16 whatsonlive.co.uk
temporary aesthetic. Most haven’t been painted black, but this panelling is featured throughout the building, everywhere from carefully designed ‘boxin-box’ classrooms to much larger concert halls. Most of the décor has a much more natural feel, with bare concrete offset by light timber. Out in the foyer, natural light pours in from every direction - here you’ll also find a comfy café serving sandwiches, snacks and drinks. The conservatoire even has its own bespoke beer, a real ale specially brewed by Wye Valley. In total, there are five public performance spaces, the grand centrepiece of which is the 500-seater Concert Hall. It’s here that the much talked-about Music Director of CBSO, the young and dynamic Mirga Gražinyt-Tyla, will conduct the Conservatoire’s Royal Gala Opening Concert in March. While this will be home to the sort of big, orchestral affairs one might conventionally associate with classical music, there’s also a 150-seat Recital Hall and the even smaller-scale Organ Recital Room, which, when completed, will house two organs as well as up to 100 listeners. Among the more ingenious plans for the latter is a series of short, early-evening concerts, giving commuters the chance to skip the rush hour traffic by enjoying a deal on a ticket and a drink before they head home. Meanwhile in The Lab, experiences will vary wildly depending on the show. Seating up to about 100, depending on the configuration, this black box studio could be used for anything from digital sound experiments to live art projects - an early off-the-wall example has involved one person playing a piano while another poured paint into it. Surround-
sound, 360-degree projection, freely moveable seating, opposing fire exits and a sacrificial floor increase the possibilities for play. It’s also anticipated that students will use the space to capitalise on the collaborative opportunities opened up by the Conservatoire’s recent merger with the Birmingham School of Acting. The first public concerts to take place here will be a set of opera extracts in December. But creative invention will by no means be restricted to The Lab. With top-of-the-range Meyer sound systems linking every room in the building, including recording studios and editing facilities in the Parkside building across the road, the students’ imaginations seem to be the only limit. Already, the whole place thrums with activity: downstairs, public spaces are packed with people, while behind the scenes, slots in practice rooms are being claimed well in advance using a brand new online booking system. It’s vibrant, with leading professional musicians heading up departments as well as teaching classes. Head of Percussion, for example, is Adrian Spillett, also Head of Percussion at CBSO and the first percussionist to be named the BBC Young Musician of the Year (in 1998). A lively Learning & Participation programme is led by The Destroyers’ David Shrewsbury, with students evidently eager to get involved in outreach work in local schools. It might be early days, but this certainly feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Birmingham’s music scene. Full concert listings can be found online at bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire.
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Classical
Tamsin Waley-Cohen Plays Mozart Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 22 November
Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen once again joins forces with the Stratfordbased Orchestra Of The Swan, with whom she is an associate artist. Tamsin here plays two works by Mozart, both of which were written by the composer while he was still in his teens - his Symphony no15 in G major and his Violin Concerto no4 in D major. The David Curtis-conducted concert also features Grieg’s Holberg Suite Op40 and Haydn’s Symphony no22 in E-flat major, The Philosopher.
CBSO: Spectacular Classics Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 11 November
The city’s foremost orchestra and number one choir team up to present more classics than you can shake a conductor’s baton at. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Choir bring their musical talents to bear on a host of much-loved compositions, including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. But wait, there’s more... Nessun Dorma, Rule Britannia!, Land Of Hope And Glory and all the explosive magic of the 1812 Overture are certain to have the audience flag-waving in the aisles. And with fireworks and lasers also contributing to the spectacle, expect to be reminded of those balmy Summer Proms nights, when the Champagne flowed freely and Christmas was but a distant expense on a faraway horizon... Anthony Inglis conducts, with contributions also coming from Ilona Domnich (soprano, pictured), David Butt Philip (tenor) and Alexander Sitkovetsky (violin).
Ehnes Plays Bach The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Wed 15 November
Three greatly admired solo works by JS Bach comprise the programme for this eagerly anticipated concert by James Ehnes. One of the world’s finest violinists, Ehnes has performed in 30-plus countries across five continents. He returns to the Barber having previously played the venue with his quartet and as part of a duo.
The Cecil Aronowitz Orchestra Birmingham Conservatoire, Fri 24 November
This is the culmination of a week-long Conservatoire-hosted festival celebrating South African violist Cecil Aronowitz, a long-term collaborator with Benjamin Britten. The Jamie Phillips-conducted concert features performances from finalists in the second Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competition. The finalists will choose to perform Bartók’s Viola Concerto (Serly version), Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher or Walton’s Viola Concerto. Organised by Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University and the British Viola Society, the competition’s winner will be awarded £5,000, a recording contract and a prize in collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 17 November
Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra has been at the heart of the nation’s cultural life for many years, performing in towns and cities across the country. Powerhouse Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov (pictured) here picks up the baton for a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. The celebrated work is hailed for the way in which, via two explosive chords, it created a world of limitless sonic possibility. The concert also features three new pieces, one of which will be receiving its world premiere.
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Dance
Dance previews from around the region
BalletBoyz: Fourteen Days Lichfield Garrick, Sat 18 November
Balletboyz’ male dancers combine muscle with grace to present a distinctive style that fuses energetic dance with music and film. This latest show presents new works created in the space of just 14 days by choreographers including Javier de Frutos and Craig Revel Horwood. The production also features the Russell Maliphant-choreographed Fallen, a work that won the National Dance Award for Best Modern Choreography in 2013.
Leviathan
Gamechanger
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 15 November
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 22 November
Be careful what you fish for... Award-winning choreographer James Wilton here reimagines seminal novel Moby Dick. Wilton takes on the lead role of Captain Ahab, a man hell-bent on capturing the legendary white whale of the title, and brilliantly leads a troupe of highly talented dancers through the increasingly choppy waters of Herman Melville’s epic story. Wilton’s choreography is always distinctive, his productions powered by an energy the audience can almost reach out and touch. Leviathan is widely considered to be one of the choreographer’s best and most finely tuned works to date. In short, a whale of a tale that no self-respecting dance enthusiast can afford to miss...
British Asian choreographer Subhash Viman Gorania and his Morph Dance Company here present a triple bill of thought-provoking work. “Fly From explores the habits of resistance that linger in mind and body when trying to break free,” explains Subhash. “Metamorphic, meanwhile, is a seriously playful work exploring the multiple identities of a modern man... “The third piece, Three, bears witness to the stages of human life - from birth to the enlightening freedom of youth and the inevitability of death.”
Humanhood: Zero The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 16 November
In a show that’s being described as ‘a visually and sonically mesmerising dance performance’, Humanhood invites its audience into a dream-like world of imagination and beauty. Bringing together immersive sound, hypno-
tising lights and virtuosic movement, the production features two dancers becoming entangled through a ritualistic journey. Their performance seeks answers to the question: if we start at point zero, how would we look at reality and experience life?... The show contains partial nudity and is suitable for audience members aged 14 and older. whatsonlive.co.uk 19
BRB The Nutcracker DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:58 Page 1
Images credit: Andy Ross
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The Nutcracker
Sir Peter Wright’s world famous production returns to the Hippodrome...
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world famous production of The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas. Audiences are invited to join Clara as she’s swept into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her magical Christmas tree and her handsome prince, with his army of toy soldiers, are an unforgettable delight. In this most festive of ballets, gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra combine to create the perfect treat for the entire family. Sir Peter Wright’s version of The Nutcracker, complete with exquisite designs by John Macfarlane, is widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Getting The Nutcracker on stage is a huge undertaking, with some impressive facts and figures racking up behind the scenes...
1. By the end of its 2016 season, Sir Peter’s production had been performed a total of 519 times - 454 times at Birmingham Hippodrome. The 500th performance took place on Tuesday 29 November 2016.
3. The production has a flying goose that transports Clara to a magical land - it travels 20 metres across the stage at every performance. This means that the goose has travelled over 6.4 miles at Birmingham Hippodrome since 1990.
2. Before the curtain goes up on the first performance, hours of work have been undertaken behind the scenes. The sets, props and lights for the show will travel to the Hippodrome in five articulated trucks from the Birmingham Royal Ballet stores in Dudley. When the sets arrive, work will begin on the ‘get-in’ and ‘fitup’. This process takes approximately three days. Another two days are usually required for technical and stage rehearsals.
4. The Nutcracker features a huge transformation scene, where a Christmas tree grows from 4m to 15m and a fireplace grows to fill half of the stage. A crew of around 50 people work backstage on the production. 5. 75kg of flame retardant artificial snow is used in the production. It’s imported from a specialist company in New York. 6. The production has over 200 costumes.
7. Since The Nutcracker’s first performance back in 1990, dancers playing the role of ‘snowflakes’ in the show have made their way through over 720 cans of silver-sparkle body paint. 8. The wigs department and BRB company members use around 500 hairpins per show - that’s a staggering 259,500 hairpins since 1990! 9. The Nutcracker features over 45 wigs and pieces of facial hair.
Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Friday 24 November until Wednesday 13 December.
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Comedy
Barbara Nice The Core, Solihull, Fri 10 November
The ever-popular Janice Connolly returns as Stockport housewife Mrs Barbara Nice for another evening of fun and laughter. This latest family-friendly gig - entitled Raffle! and including the chance to win a prize from Barbara’s table - offers the perfect opportunity to find out exactly why Janice has become such a significant player on the Midlands comedy circuit.
Katherine Ryan Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 10 November; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 2 February
Having experienced motherhood, divorce and MTV, award-winning Canadian funny lady Katherine Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look at those aspects of life that make people angry and bitter. Alongside her comedy career, Katherine also takes occasional acting roles. The part of George in Channel Four’s Campus and Merc’s assistant in Episodes both feature on her CV. She visits the Midlands this month with new standup show Glitter Room.
Jo Enright Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 10 November
Birmingham-born actor and comedian Jo Enright admits she’s happiest when she’s hiding behind a character. “I like anonymity,” says Jo. “That’s the great thing about being an actor; you can be in things without anybody recognising you.” Jo’s career so far has included appearances in three of the UK’s most successful comedy series - Phoenix Nights, I’m Alan Partridge and Life’s Too Short. “Growing up, I didn’t actually know anyone who performed comedy for a living, although I knew plenty of really funny people. When I started playing the circuit, there were only a handful of women working at it full-time. That said, the handful did include Hattie Hayridge, Jo Brand and Linda Smith - so the bar was set very high!” Support on the night comes from Christopher John Hall. 22 whatsonlive.co.uk
Sean Lock Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wed 22 November
Although Sean Lock is best known from the Channel Four panel game 8 Out Of 10 Cats, he's also picked up the odd gong or two for his standup, so a night in his company is a surefire bet for a big barrel of laughs. He’s visiting the Midlands this month with his latest touring show, Keep It Light. Sean’s jokes include: “So what if Jesus turned water into wine? I turned a whole student loan into vodka once. Your move, Jesus...”. There’s also: “I’m in therapy at the moment. I don’t need it, obviously, but I got all these psychiatrist gift vouchers for Christmas which my family had clubbed together for. What I wanted was a crossbow...”
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The Desi Central Comedy Show Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 20 November
“I guess I like to think that maybe I’m breaking down stereotypes,” explains half-Iranian, half-Irish stand-up comic Patrick Monahan (pictured below), who’s headlining this month’s Desi Central Comedy Show. “The comedians I most admire are the ones who can play to everybody. I think it’s important to look for positive stuff in life. Focusing on the bad stuff all the time would mean that the only people who’d come to my shows would be the ones who thought the end of the world was nigh!” Patrick is joined for the evening by Eshaan Akbar, Sindhu Vee and Omar Hamdi.
Festival Of The Spoken Nerd Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 15 November
Festival Of The Spoken Nerd brings together stand-up mathematician Matt Parker, geeky songstress Helen Arney and experiments guy Steve Mould for what’s described as ‘a comedy night for the fearlessly inquisitive’. Making a welcome return with brand new show You Can’t Polish A Nerd, the popular trio combine science, songs and spreadsheets to ‘put the “oooh” into zoology, the “fun” into fundamental theorem of calculus
Mark Thomas mac, Birmingham, Thurs 16 November
Mark Thomas is no ordinary comedian. Hugely witty and as savage as a rabid dog when it comes to putting hecklers in their place, he takes to the stage with the intention not only of making people laugh but also of exposing governmental and corporate exploitation in its many and varied forms... Mark’s latest show is a speculation on what the future might look like in the aftermath of recent political earthquakes. It sees him collecting and examining his audience’s predictions, and then gambling on their outcome.
and the “recursion” into recursion’. Previous stage offerings have seen them search for answers to intriguing questions such as: How can you use a parabola to set stuff on fire? How does the angler fish make love? and How dangerous can things get with just numbers? A quirky, informative and fun evening of fullfrontal Nerdity is very much on the cards...
Margaret Cho The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 29 November
“Fresh Off The Bloat is my sickest show to date,” says American comedian Margaret Cho. “My grandmother said, ‘You look bloated, as if you’ve been found dead in a lake after several days of searching’. Koreans are the most savage of all the Asians. My new show is all about being fresh off drugs and drinking and suicide and coming back to life - finally fished out of the River Styx. It’s meta. It’s magical. It’s me.” Margaret’s jokes include: “I am the biggest fag hag. I love my gay male friends so much. When I was a little girl, I always wished I would be constantly surrounded by gorgeous guys. And I am. But I should have been more specific.” There’s also: “The last guy I went out with, he was just so - I don't know - hopeless. He said if I broke up with him, he would kill himself. And I broke up with him, but he's not dead yet. I want to call him up and be like, 'You know, what's the deal? I thought we had an agreement...'” whatsonlive.co.uk 23
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I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I?
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by Heather Kincaid
TAKING A GAMBLE rising standup star Ed Gamble is a good bet if you’re on the lookout for laughs... After crashing into Warwick Arts Centre with debut solo tour Stampede last year, rising standup star Ed Gamble is back on the road with a Mammoth new creation that promises to be even bigger and better than his last. Ahead of its arrival in Coventry this month, we spoke to Ed to find out more about this ‘lumbering beast’ of a show, and what exactly the deal is with massive animals. “It does sound like I’m building up to some kind of Lion King-type trilogy, doesn’t it?” he laughs. “But in truth I think it’s just down to the fact that you have to come up with a title very early in the life of a show. When you’re booking something in at the Fringe, you have to submit a title and a summary in February, even though you’re not performing until August. I think for most comedians it means that the thrust and thread of the show isn’t necessarily in place yet, so I generally just come up with a word I think will stand out on the programme. “That said, with Mammoth, I do actually have an explanation for the title, which I talk about during the show. Also, I think I tried a bit to capture something of the energy of each tour. So Stampede was quite a fastpaced onslaught of stuff, whereas Mammoth, as ridiculous as it sounds, I like to imagine as being full of slower, high-impact jokes, a bit like a mammoth walking.” Though Mammoth is actually his fourth standup show performed without his podcasting partner Ray Peacock, it’s the first one to tour the UK with 100% new material, Stampede having opened with what he describes as a kind of “greatest hits” of the previous two offerings. Since going solo, Ed’s raised his profile with numerous TV gigs, appearing on panel shows like Mock The Week, as well as starring in Almost Royal and writing for Greg Davies’ Man Down. “It’s really nice because it feels like this time there are people who are actually coming to see me and half-knowing what to expect. I think with the last tour, a lot of the audience
were there to support the venues - people coming for a night of comedy at their local arts centre rather than for a night of me. “And I’m proud of this show. I think it’s by far the best one I’ve written so far - as it should be. I also really like the touring format of doing it in two halves. Edinburgh is great for developing shows, but when you’ve only got 75 minutes because of time constraints, it can be overly tight, and that’s not how I work best as a comedian. I think it’s fun to loosen it up, so the material’s really growing on the tour and I’m finding new avenues and more room for chatting with the audience.” Asking questions and interacting with audiences has been a feature of Ed’s live work since his days as a comedy compère, during which time he developed a knack for improvisation. Reviews have described him as being at his best ‘off-book’, but as he explains, in a full standup show, there’s a fine balance to be struck between rehearsed material and spontaneous responses. “I could go on and do a show without talking to the audience at all quite easily, so it’s only a big part of my show if the audience are up for it. But I think it makes it feel more live and ‘in the moment’ if you make it a unique evening - otherwise people might as well be watching a video. “It’s interesting. I think once you hone your skills at improvising it doesn’t feel like you’re going ‘off-book’, because you know you can do it and produce something good out of it. But I do like to have everything planned out in advance - and to be honest, sometimes you write stuff where you can sell it better if you make it look more improvised than it actually is. So I would say there’s probably some tricksy stuff going on as well!” As with previous work, Ed’s latest show draws heavily on personal experience and observations on everyday life. In particular, this time he’s discussing the crisis of identity provoked by attempting to reconcile his
“Coldplay face” with his passion for heavy metal. “This year the show is sort of about my perception of myself versus other people’s perceptions of me, and there’s a lot about how I’ve attempted to recreate myself and how it doesn’t really work. As for looking like a metal fan, the truth is, my face won’t physically allow me to grow a big beard, and having long hair is just unmanageable. I’m too fussy to be able to deal with the middle stage!” Some of his audience might well identify with his difficulties. Back before he was touring independently, he spoke about having discovered that his Edinburgh audiences were generally “clean-shaven and punctual”. Recently, though, he seems to have attracted slightly more varied crowds, including some “tatted up” alternative types. In the West Midlands at least, it’s likely he’ll encounter a fair few serious metal fans, who can look forward to hearing some of his personal favourites in the show. “I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I? I’m a big Iron Maiden fan as well. But I also go slightly deeper into stoner and doom stuff - High On Fire and Kyuss and Every Time I Die. But then Clutch are my favourite band and they’re more rock’n’roll. “We could talk about this for hours, though I think it might actually put some people off coming! But I have hand-selected quite an impressive audience walk-in playlist, so if you do just want to come and hear some absolutely slamming stuff, you can come and listen to the music and then leave before I come on.”
Ed Gamble plays Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Sunday 26 November.
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Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November & Wed 31 January Sat 3 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 24 - Sat 28 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June
A West End performer best known from a television talent contest takes the title role in this touring homage to the life and music of legendary American singer-songwriter Carole King. Bronté Barbé competed in the BBC One series Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The 2010 competition aimed to find an undiscovered musi-
cal theatre performer to play the role of Dorothy Gale in Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage production of The Wizard Of Oz. Bronté has since made a name for herself in numerous hit musicals, including Hairspray. Touring to the Midlands on the back of Olivier Award-winning West End success, Beautiful boasts a playlist of King’s most famous songs. Featured numbers include You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, Take Good Care Of My Baby, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away, It Might As Well Rain Until September, Up On The Roof and Locomotion.
The REP, Birmingham, until Sun 12 November
Bin Laden: The One Man Show
Birmingham Rep gets into the Christmas spirit with this world-premiering stage musical based on the popular UK film franchise. The show is written and directed by Debbie Isitt, who also created the movies. “I’ve always believed that Nativity! would make a fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. “It’s so full of joy, the children are so sweet and funny and the songs so catchy that it lends itself to being the perfect Christmas musical. “The songs really do change the dynamic. It gives you much more insight into the characters and their backstories. And the emotions are more intense, like with the love story between Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it feels even bigger now because they’re singing duets.”
Royal Exchange-supported artists Knaïve Theatre are the ensemble behind this thought-provoking stagework, which sees solo performer Sam Redway providing a fresh perspective on the world’s most notorious terrorist. Alongside its examination of the causes of the Middle Eastern conflict, as well as the possible solutions, the production also presents a biography of Osama Bin Laden. And it’s very much to the producers’ credit that the show manages to do so in a way which is humorous, entertaining and impressively neutral - leaving the audience with plenty of space in which to form their own opinions about the ‘mastermind’ behind 9/11.
Nativity! The Musical
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Lichfield Garrick, Fri 3 November
Silent Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 November
With a coveted Olivier Award bearing witness to the quality of the work, the uber-talented Pat Kinevan presents the story of the downon-his-luck Tino McGoldrick, a man whose marriage, children and job have been replaced by mental ill health, an alcohol addiction and a homeless existence on the streets of Dublin. With his best days seemingly behind him, Tino delves into his past life via the romantic world of silent-screen legend Rudolph Valentino...
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Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
Legally Blonde Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 12 - Sat 17 March
Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn't take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend Warner announces that he's dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School. X-Factor finalist and Eurovision Song Contest entrant Lucie Jones stars as Elle, with Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale and Coronation Street) lending heavyweight support.
(SORRY) The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Sun 11 November
Job exploitation, crumbling friendship and the prospect of the apocalypse are the themes being considered by REP Foundry graduate Susie Sillett in this trio of highly charged monologues exploring the experiences of young people in the 21st century. Fast earning herself a reputation as a writer with her finger on the pulse of modern times, Sillett uses the play to examine the world of the millennial, questioning why, despite having had everything ‘handed to them on a plate’, they continue to complain about their lot. The monologues are performed by Phoebe Frances Brown. Originally commissioned by Women And Theatre, the show is part of New And Nurtured, a project promoting ‘unmissable’ new works by ‘exciting local artists’.
presents the timeless tale of a young married couple struggling to eke out a living from the land despite the gathering storm clouds of war in Europe... Night Project Theatre are the ensemble behind the show, producing it in association with Blue Orange Arts.
Real Magic MAC, Birmingham, Wed 22 - Fri 24 November
“Our new performance creates a world of absurd disconnection, struggle and comical repetition,” explain Forced Entertainment performers Richard Lowdon and Claire Marshall. “To the sound of looped applause and canned laughter, a group of performers take part in an impossible illusion - part mindreading feat, part cabaret act, part chaotic game show - in which they endlessly revisit moments of defeat, hope and anticipation. “Caught in a world of second chances and second guesses, variations and changes, distortions and transformations, Real Magic takes the audience on a hallucinatory journey, creating a compelling performance about optimism, individual agency and the desire for change.”
Our House Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 8 - Sat 11 November
An Olivier Award winner in the category of best new musical, Tim Firth’s Our House is a raucous comedy inspired by and featuring the music of Madness. Set in Camden Town in the mid-1980s, it tells the story of Joe Casey and his less-than-legal attempts to treat his girlfriend Sarah to an evening in a brand new luxury apartment. But when the police turn up, Joe has to decide whether to go on the run or face the music... And speaking of music, expect all the big Madness hits, including Baggy Trousers, My Girl, Driving In My Car, The Wings Of A Dove, Night Boat To Cairo and all-time classic It Must Be Love. Oh, and the title track too, of course!
One Man, Two Guvnors Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 29 November - Sat 16 December
The Hired Man Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 27 November - Sat 2 December
Based on a Melvyn Bragg novel and featuring music by award-winning composer Howard Goodall, this stage version of The Hired Man 26 whatsonlive.co.uk
Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a smalltime East End hood who’s now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel, posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers. You keeping up?...
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Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
Deathtrap New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November
A clever piece of theatre with more than a touch of Schaeffer’s Sleuth about it, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap focuses on the conniving Sidney, a playwright intent on plagiarising the work of unknown dramatist Clifford. Between them, they act out two terrible murders in front of Clifford’s wife - but is it all makebelieve, or have they really performed the gruesome acts?... EastEnders favourite Jessie Wallace and longtime Holby City actor Paul Bradley star.
Grease Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 27 November - Sat 2 December
Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and get ready for the most funfilled high-octane rock’n’roll party of them all. Grease is the original high-school musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie, including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin’. The cast includes Tom Parker from boy band The Wanted, Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope and EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Louisa Lytton.
Six friends on an annual camping trip tell ghost stories to one another in the woods, unaware of the fact that a malevolent entity is engaged in the stalking of its prey...
For Love Or Money New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November
Northern Broadsides’ new adaptation of 18th century comedy Turcaret is set in a small Yorkshire town in the 1920s, where wily widow Rose is busily entertaining the advances of two dubious suitors. The first, Fuller, is a rich and morally corrupt banker; the second, Arthur, a man intent on taking as much money from Rose as he can. Two upwardly mobile servants, a bailiff, a drunkard, a vamp and a second-hand clothes dealer further crank up the chaos.
Twelfth Night Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, Thurs 2 November - Sat 24 February 2018
Nexus: Whispers Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 23 November
A post-Halloween and pre-Christmas ‘dark autumn night’ is the perfect time to check out this new tale of the supernatural, written and directed by Seamus O’Riordan-Fox. The first in a trilogy, it explores the familiar conventions of ‘terror’ in film, making use of multimedia devices to bridge the gap between cinema and theatre. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk
As with many Shakespearean comedies, Twelfth Night is based on a case of mistaken identity, with Viola disguising herself as a boy and causing all manner of awkward romantic shenanigans. However, the play’s continuing popularity can mainly be attributed to its comic subplot, in which the merciless Sir Toby Belch and his foolish companion Sir Andrew Aguecheek seek to humiliate the pompous Malvolio - and achieve their aim with more than a little style... Adrian Edmondson stars as Malvolio and is joined in the cast by Kara Tointon.
The Vaudevillians Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 5 November; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 19 November
Actor Jerick Hoffer here stars as alter-ego Jinkx Monsoon in a show which, so far, has sold out an off-Broadway run, earned plaudits aplenty on an Australian tour and bagged critical acclaim like it’s going out of fashion at London’s Soho Theatre. Jinkx will be familiar to loyal followers of US reality TV series RuPaul's Drag Race, a talent show searching for America's next drag superstar. She’s joined for The Vaudevillians by composer and musician Major Scales, otherwise known as ‘the evil twin’ of Richard Andriessen, the man who plays him. A ‘bawdy, rowdy musical comedy’, the show follows the fortunes of Kitty Witless and Dr Dan Von Dandy, vaudevillians frozen alive in Antarctica during the 1920s. Having finally thawed out thanks to global warming, the pair find that all of their music has been nicked by pesky pop artists... Expect vintage cabaret with a twist of drag.
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Theatre
Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region
Stick Man Malvern Theatre, Mon 6 - Tues 7 November; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 8 November; Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 26 December - Fri 12 January
“Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-creator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely popular children’s book on which this show is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I love their production of Stick Man, and so do the audiences.” Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely do love the show, as a smash-hit season in the West End ably demonstrated. Featuring a trio of talented performers, the production brings together puppetry, songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back to the family tree. Suitable for children aged three and older.
Leaf Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 5 November
After previous shows Circles In The Sand and Curious both proved big hits with little children, the ever-inventive Tam Tam Theatre return to Bromsgrove with yet another heartwarming offering. Inspired by nature and the seasons, and focusing on the life story of a very special leaf, the show has been created to appeal to children aged three and younger. The 25-minute production is followed by an interactive free-play session, during which participating youngsters are invited to explore the tactile world of Leaf.
Peppa Pig’s Adventure New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 4 Sun 5 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 8 - Thurs 9 November
If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and enjoyed the experience of watching them having a fantastic time - you’ll already know that this latest production is well worth catching. “It seems hardly any time at all since we started on the first Peppa Pig live stage show,” observes writer and director Richard Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience 30 whatsonlive.co.uk
seeing the children’s reactions, not only in the UK but throughout the whole world. It just confirms that Peppa really is a worldwide phenomenon.”
tific knowledge into a compelling narrative with dynamic interactive activities, engaging audiences with climate change in a new and refreshing way.”
The Shark In The Park!
Little Angel Theatre: Me...
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 4 November
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 10 November; mac, Birmingham, Wed 15 - Thurs 30 November
Nick Sharratt has illustrated over 250 books, around one-sixth of which have been his own. One of these is the hugely successful Shark In The Park!, a children’s story about a young lad named Timothy who goes to his local park to try out his new telescope. While there, he thinks he spots a shark - and not just on one occasion either, but several times in several places! The popularity of the book prompted Sharratt to write and illustrate two follow-ups Shark In The Dark! and Shark In The Park On A Windy Day!. All three stories are featured in this brand new stage show from the highly rated Nonsense Room theatre company. The production is suitable for children aged two-plus.
Where’s My Igloo Gone? Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 12 November
Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry nights, fishing adventures - and the kind of cold that makes the skin tingle - all feature in this story about a little girl who sets off in search of help when her igloo starts to melt... “We’re collaborating with experts in climate change and social psychology,” explain the show’s producers, the Birmingham-based Bone Ensemble, “so that we can weave scien-
Little Angel Theatre make a welcome return with a production based on a book by muchloved children’s author Emma Dodd. Bringing together live puppetry and performance, the company recounts the story of a tiny baby penguin who’s trying to find her feet. But with stars shimmering in the sky, snow glistening on the ground, the wind rushing to and fro and the mountains towering high above, getting to grips with her new environment is no easy challenge. The 40-minute production is suitable for children aged between two and six.
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“
It was back when I did Hamlet at school that I first thought, ‘Oh, I’m doing Shakespeare now, I’m going to be an RSC actor’
”
Ade Edmondson on making his RSC debut in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
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by Heather Kincaid
Having cut his teeth at The Comedy Store before going on to star in sitcom classic The Young Ones, Ade Edmondson remains best known as a comedian, one of the key players on the ’80s alternative comedy scene. But despite this, he says, at heart he’s always been an actor, harbouring since childhood the hope of one day joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. In recent years, he’s had the chance to show off proper chops, receiving praise for his performances in ‘serious’ TV dramas One Of Us and War & Peace, as well as Bits Of Me Are Falling Apart at Soho Theatre in 2016. Now, at last, he’s living up to what perhaps once seemed a pipe dream, playing Malvolio in Christopher Luscombe’s new production of Twelfth Night, which runs at the RST throughout the winter. “It was back when I did Hamlet at school that I first thought, ‘Oh, I’m doing Shakespeare now, I’m going to be an RSC actor,” he explains. “It wasn’t that I decided against it it decided against me. I auditioned for drama schools and didn’t get into any, so I went to university instead. And then, as I was trying to get an acting career, I accidentally became a comedian.” That said, for a short time at least, there was reason to believe he might have had a lucky escape. Whether or not any of his fellow students actually made it there before him, he recalls discovering at college how “pretentious” some of his contemporaries with similar ambitions seemed to be. “They were all so bloody avant-garde! But in that sort of mimsy way. Not proper avantgarde, just pretending to be. Doing nude versions of Edward II and stuff like that. I mean, does anyone really need a nude version of Edward II?!” Happily for Edmondson, his experience of joining the RSC for the first time at the age of 60 hasn’t reflected that early experience at all. The rest of the cast have all been warm and welcoming, with many of them also making their RSC debuts, including Kara Tointon as Olivia. There’s also decidedly
nothing pseudo-avant-garde about this show, although there will be lots of music, and director Chris Luscombe has chosen to update the action by some 290-odd years. “It’s sort of a play about strange sexual exploration: you’ve got men dressed as women and women dressed as men, one man openly declaring love for another man, and a woman looking rather sad when she realises that the man she’s been in love with is actually a woman, and she sort of liked it. So we’ve set it around 1890, which is an era when the idea of unexplored sexuality was quite a big thing. It’s the time of Oscar Wilde, and we’ve also taken inspiration from Victoria And Abdul for Feste the Fool - now he’s part of Olivia’s inner circle, which I think makes him more interesting.” Regular RSC visitors might remember Luscombe’s 2014 festive double-bill of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won (Much Ado About Nothing), which went on to tour the UK to major critical acclaim. Both featured lavish Edwardian design inspired by Warwick’s Charlecote Park, complete with seasonal décor including a massive Christmas tree. Also running over Christmas, Twelfth Night looks set to continue the trend for sumptuous settings, reuniting Luscombe with designer Simon Higlett. This time round, Higlett takes his cues for Orsino’s home from Lord Leighton’s House in Kensington, and for Olivia’s from Wightwick Manor near Wolverhampton. Meanwhile for the cast, the careful attention to detail has offered unique opportunities for learning. “In some ways it’s been more like going to a repository of knowledge than joining a normal cast - you suddenly get access to a lot of things that you didn’t have before. So we’ve had day trips to country houses, and lectures on letter-writing and manners and the way that people held themselves and didn’t touch each other in the 19th century.” Feste the Fool isn’t the only character to have acquired a bit of a backstory. While his take might not be as radical a reimagining as the National Theatre’s casting of Tamsin Greig as
‘Malvolia’ earlier this year, Edmondson has been working on filling in some unexplained gaps in Malvolio’s past. “I’ve injected more emotion into him by inventing a time when Olivia was a child and he used to entertain her. Something has happened to him since to turn him into a bit of a grouch, but really he’s always been desperately in love with her, and feels utterly betrayed when he finds out that he’s been tricked into thinking she loves him. It’s pretty cruel, the joke that’s played on him, just for being a kind of ‘little Hitler’ in the household. We never see him exhibit behaviour that deserves the kind of punishment he receives.” Although Edmondson is on Malvolio’s side now, he does admit he might not have been as sympathetic to the character in his youth. It’s certainly not an easy role to play, not least because he is, for the most part, quite unloveable, but also because he has to be funny without having a sense of humour of his own. Play it too much for laughs, and you risk missing the mark with his lack of selfawareness. As Ben Lawrence put it, he’s perhaps “the greatest tragic character to have stumbled upon Shakespeare’s comic universe”. We know Ade Edmondson as a comic, but with the recent losses he’s suffered - not least of his best friend and former comedy partner Rik Mayall - he’s perhaps a little more inclined towards tragedy these days. Just this year, he published a children’s book about a girl dealing with grief, which he described as being partly a way of processing his own. And while it might not be quite the same, acting, he says, can also offer a kind of ‘personal catharsis’. “I enjoy the emotional bits,” he smiles.
Twelfth Night shows at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, from Thursday 2 November to Saturday 24 February.
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Festive shows and attractions opening in November
Christmas
There’s plenty of opportunity for Midlanders to get into the festive spirit over the next few weeks. The region is hosting some of the best pantos and Christmas shows in the land, not to mention a wide range of other activities to enjoy from checking out a magic lantern trail and searching for Santa to wrapping up your Christmas shopping at Birmingham’s splendidly festive German market. You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...
The Hundred And One Dalmatians The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sat 13 January
Birmingham Rep is going dotty for dogs this Christmas, courtesy of this brand new stage version of The Hundred And One Dalmatians. The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker, takes the helm for the festive-season family show, having previously directed the venue’s yuletide productions of A Christmas Carol and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. Dodie Smith’s delightful tale has been transformed for the stage by Debbie Isitt, writer and director of the hugely popular Nativity! films. Isitt’s stage show, Nativity! The Musical, began its national tour at The REP last month, continuing into November (see Theatre section). Commenting on The REP’s 2017 Christmas offering, Tessa Walker said: “I’m delighted to be bringing to life the magic of The Hundred And One Dalmatians in our unforgettable production, which features wonderful puppets and new music. Debbie’s adaptation is packed with enchantment and humour, and brings a thrilling new sense of adventure to the story, making it fun for families and friends of all ages.”
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas mac, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November Sat 30 December
Raymond Briggs is best known for his story about a little boy who makes friends with a snowman - but talented theatre company Pins And Needles are doing plenty to promote two of the author’s other less-famous tales. Having last Christmas presented an adaptation of his picture book, The Bear, they’re this month returning to mac with an equally wellreceived version of another of his stories. Suitable for children aged three and older, Father Christmas features songs, live music, playful puppetry, secret doors, hidden hatches and plenty of trademark Briggs humour. Expect your children to be suitably enchanted.
Aladdin Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 30 November Sat 6 January
A perfect story for an evening of family entertainment finds street youth Aladdin trying against all odds to win the hand of the beautiful princess - and being helped in his efforts by the mystical genie of the lamp... CBeebies Cat Sandion stars in this latest version of the classic Arabian Nights tale. She’s joined in the show by Sam Rabone (as Dame Widow Twankey) and Ben Thornton (as Wishy Washy), both of whom scored a massive festive hit in the Garrick’s Christmas 2016 adaptation of Sleeping Beauty.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 29 November - Sun 7 January
Everybody knows the story. The nasty old queen is less than keen on her younger and more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in the deep, dark forest with a household of small but splendidly friendly miners... The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime version is always a surefire winner. Expect all the usual elements, including a rouged-up Dame in colourful costumes, oodles of thighslapping, singalongs aplenty, slapstick comedy and even a few naughty jokes to make sure the grown-ups don't feel too left out of things. Shropshire's ‘favourite Dame’, Brad Fitt, once more dons the dress (and probably steals the show!). whatsonlive.co.uk 35
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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Alice In Wonderland The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 20 November Sat 30 December
A timeless classic telling the magical and decidedly topsyturvy story of a little girl who falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a weird world, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first made its way onto the stage during its author Lewis Carroll’s lifetime; in 1886, to be precise. It’s since been adapted for the theatre countless times and in all manner of ways, including as a ballet, a musical, an opera and a traditional pantomime. With its cast of nonsensical and amusing characters, including the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, it invariably makes for a great Christmas show.
Treasure Island The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 18 November - Sat 27 January
Robert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas adventure has delighted generations of bookworms, theatrelovers and movie-goers. So there’s every reason to assume this latest incarnation will prove just as popular as any version that’s gone before. When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Gem into the adventure of a lifetime, one which will see her not only setting sail in search of buried treasure, but also spending time in the company of a one-legged pirate with murder in mind... This brand new show, featuring swashbuckling sword fights, live music and puppetry, is adapted and helmed by the New Vic’s Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins.
Cinderella Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 22 November - Sat 13 January
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 29 November - Sun 7 January
Suitable for children aged twoplus, this latest adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s popular picture book follows the exciting adventures of a family as they head out on an intrepid quest to find a bear. Catchy songs and interactive scenes are combined with no shortage of swishy swashy grass and oozy, squelchy mud, in a high-energy show that seems certain to keep youngsters well and truly entertained.
Christmas
A Christmas Carol Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 27 November - Sun 4 February
With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. This year’s Belgrade Theatre version of the famous fairytale features all the usual panto elements, including slapstick comedy, audience participation, stunning sets, breathtaking costumes and plenty of singing and dancing. And also very much as usual, the show has been written and directed by Mr Coventry Panto himself, the inimitable Iain Lauchlan.
Phil Davis has form when it comes to playing grumpy old men - so the role of Ebenezer Scrooge should fit him like a proverbial glove. In 2008, Davis starred in a critically acclaimed television play about the making of long-running BBC sitcom Steptoe And Son. The 64-year-old actor took the role of Wilfred Brambell, who’d played the part of irascible pensioner Albert Steptoe in the popular comedy series. Whether there’s a whiff or several of Old Man Steptoe in Davis’s interpretation of Dickens’ legendary character remains to be seen. What does already seem certain, though, is that this RSC version of the famous cautionary tale will prove to be an absolute cracker of a Christmas show. As well as having the brilliant Davis taking the lead role, the production also sees the greatly admired Rachel Kavanaugh returning to the director’s chair. And as if that’s not enough, the adaptation has been written by one of the country’s foremost playwrights, David Edgar, whose previous work for the RSC includes his multi-award-winning adaptation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. whatsonlive.co.uk 37
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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Magic Lantern Festival Kings Heath Park, Birmingham, Fri 24 November - Mon 1 January
As ‘illuminating’ Christmas experiences go, this one scored a major hit when it debuted last year. The lakes, woodlands, gardens and pathways of Kings Heath Park provide the perfect backdrop against which to enjoy a trail of life-sized and largerthan-life lanterns, including a giant recreation of Birmingham’s iconic library. A food & drink area, a bar, Santa's Grotto and a handful of fairground rides also feature.
Tiny Tots Trail of Treats Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Wed 22 November Thurs 21 December
Now here’s a big attraction for a tiny tot to tackle... Blists Hill Victorian Town has created an ‘enchanting’ festive trail for the under-fives, complete with all manner of entertainment to enjoy along the way. Highlights include a storytelling session with Mrs Claus and a toy-making workshop. Visitors can also decorate a tree, stir a pudding and say a cheery hello to Father Christmas in his festive grotto.
Christmas
Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 16 November - Sun 24 December
This is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations. | Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the Frankfurt Markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, artwork and items from across the world. There’s plenty of food and drink to sample too, including mulled wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German beer. Carol singers, live music and a carousel further enhance the festive magic.
Illuminated Trail Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wed 29 November - Mon 1 January
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Santa Hunts
SnowDome, Tamworth, Fri 17 November - Sun 31 December
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 25 November - Sun 24 December
This year’s all-new Santa Show sees Mrs Claus, Francine the Foxtrotting Fairy, Elvis the Penguin and Santa's very own Jingle Belles Band looking to spread festive cheer by creating ‘the best Christmas song ever’. Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less adventurous will be able to observe all the action as they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village to visit, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hi to some of his furry friends.
The rumour that’s flying like a magic reindeer around the region is that Santa has been spotted at the Black Country Living Museum. He seems to be a little limelight-shy, mind - which is why young visitors to the venue are being invited to join festive costumed guides in a ‘fun-filled’ search to find him. Along the way, kids can solve magical clues, sprinkle dust on reindeer shoes and even send letters up the chimney to Santa’s workshop. A surprise gift awaits anybody who succeeds in finding the jolly-faced bearded one...
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is this month being transformed into a ‘winter wonderland’, thanks to a Christmas light trail. Glittering trees, giant crystals, a carol-singing cedar coppice and a flickering fire garden all feature on a jewel-coloured trail set to seasonal music. Other festive attractions for visitors to enjoy at the Gardens include vintage fairground rides, a larger-than-life Christmas tree and a chance to meet Santa and his elves. The trail is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Switching on the Christmas lights... Here are just a few of the festive light switch-ons taking place across the region. For more, visit whatsonlive.co.uk BIRMINGHAM Thurs 16 Nov, Victoria Square COVENTRY Wed 22 Nov, Broadgate SHREWSBURY Wed 15 Nov, The Square STAFFORD Sat 18 Nov, Market Square WORCESTER Thurs 23 Nov, Worcester High Street WOLVERHAMPTON Wed 22 Nov, Dudley Street
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Film
Justice League CERT tbc Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, JK Simmons, Amber Heard, Jesse Eisenberg Directed by Zack Snyder (USA)
The very fate of the world is in the balance with the emergence of the immortal and really nasty Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). So Batman (Affleck) turns to Wonder Woman (Gadot) to assemble a posse of metahumans to help save the day. After the commercial and critical disappointment of DC Films' Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016), the enormous success of Wonder Woman this year could give this Metahumans Assemble a viable box-office chance. After all, in the last decade movies about women have grossed $45.5million more on average than films about men. And there’s also Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Amber Heard as Mera, the wife of Aquaman, to inject a bit of distaff excitement. In 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 17 November
CRITIC’S CHOICE
Film highlights released in November... A Bad Moms Christmas CERT tbc
Starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Cheryl Hines, Christine Baranski, Susan Sarandon Directed by Scott Moore and Jon Lucas (USA)
’Tis the season to be merry, drunk and really off your face. Following on from the successful and braindead sitcom Bad Moms (2016), this sequel pitches the maternal rebels into the face of the most demanding domestic festive war zone of all - and to top it off, the girls all have their own mothers arriving for Krimble. Released Fri 3 November
78/52 CERT 15 (92mins) Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe (USA)
The title refers to the 78 set-ups and 52 cuts that make up the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960). It is one of the most famous sequences in cinema history, and the documentarian Alexandre O Philippe brings a wealth of fresh detail to what even cineastes thought they knew backwards. Released Fri 3 November
Murder On The Orient Express CERT tbc Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley Directed by Kenneth Branagh (USA)
There’s a murder on a train and Belgian ’tec Hercule Poirot has to work out who did it before the killer strikes again. Branagh plays Poirot, which should be interesting, and the cast is to die for, so to speak… Released Fri 3 November whatsonlive.co.uk 41
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Film highlights released in November... Suburbicon CERT 15 (104 mins) Starring Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac, Noah Jupe, Glenn Fleshler Directed by George Clooney (USA)
Pitched as “a great place to raise a family,” Suburbicon is a residential utopia for middle-class America in the 1950s. Panic immediately sets in as we admire the manicured lawns, the identical driveways and the mailman smiling like the cat that got the cream. It feels like Pleasantville with a David Lynch mean streak. Without wishing to give too much away, Suburbicon
is a devilishly stylish black comedy that plugs directly into the heart of 1950s’ paranoia. Furthermore, one doesn’t know where it’s going to take you, except up the garden path, over the fence and into the deepest recesses of a deranged Burtonesque neighbourhood. This is how black comedy should be played - with a straight face and a broad subversive leer. No surprises, then, that George Clooney and Grant Heslov collaborated on a screenplay by Joel and Ethan Coen. Released Fri 24 November
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer CERT tbc Starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (Ireland/UK/USA)
Something of a talking point at Cannes this year, this psychological thriller-cum-horror film is the second English-speaking feature from the Greek enfant terrible Yorgos Lanthimos. Colin Farrell plays a cardiothoracic surgeon who takes a paternal interest in a troubled teenage boy, leading to all sorts of anguish. The critics loved it. Released Fri 3 November
CRITIC’S CHOICE
The Son Of Bigfoot
Only The Brave
Paddington 2 CERT tbc
CERT PG (92 mins)
CERT 12a (133 mins)
Directed by Ben Stassen and Jeremy Degruson (France/Belgium)
Starring Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch, Jennifer Connelly Directed by Joseph Kosinski (USA)
Starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant Directed by Paul King (UK/France)
From the Belgian company that brought us A Turtle's Tale (2010), this comic cartoon follows the quest of a young lad to find his father. What the boy didn’t expect to discover was that his dad is none other than a famous big ape. Released Fri 3 November
The brave in question are the firefighters who battled a particularly ferocious inferno in Arizona in June of 2013. Today, Arizonians still recoil at the memory of the Yarnell Hill Fire, the most deadly incident involving American firemen since 9/11. Released Fri 10 November 42 whatsonlive.co.uk
Following the phenomenal box-office success of the first film, the world’s second most popular bear returns for another outing. This time Paddington is determined to find the thief who stole the present he had procured for his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton). Released Fri 10 November
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Film
Professor Marston And The Wonder Women CERT 15 (108 mins)
Starring Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, Bella Heathcote, JJ Field, Oliver Platt, Connie Britton Directed by Angela Robinson (USA)
First we had the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, now we have the creator of Wonder Woman. However, unlike AA Milne, the private life of the psychologist William Moulton Marston was anything but conventional, particularly as his mistress had a thing for his wife… Released Fri 10 November
Ingrid Goes West
Daddy’s Home 2 CERT tbc
CERT 15 (85mins)
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, John Lithgow, Mel Gibson, Linda Cardellini, John Cena Directed by Sean Anders (USA)
Starring Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, Billy Magnussen, Wyatt Russell, Pom Klementieff, O'Shea Jackson Jr Directed by Matt Spicer (USA)
Beware the glare of Instagram. Ingrid Thorburn (Plaza) is a mentally unstable young woman obsessed with social media. When she gets a nonchalant response from Instagram star Taylor Sloane (Olsen), Ingrid Goes West to befriend her. OMG! Released Fri 17 November
Thank You For Your Service CERT 15 (108 mins)
Good Time CERT 15 (102 mins) Starring Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ben Safdie, Barkhad Abdi Directed by Ben Safdie and Josh Safdie (USA)
Starring Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale, Keisha CastleHughes Directed by Jason Hall (USA)
You can’t have enough heists. This one, inevitably, goes awry and one of the robbers, who is mentally challenged, is taken into custody. So his brother sets off to free him. The critics loved it.
Based on the non-fiction work by David Finkel, this drama follows the lives of three American soldiers as they try to adjust to civilian life after Iraq. Look out for the London-born Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) as Will, an actor building an enormous professional momentum.
Released Fri 17 November
Released Fri 10 November
Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool CERT 15 (106 mins) Starring Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Vanessa Redgrave, Julie Walters, Kenneth Cranham, Stephen Graham Directed by Paul McGuigan (UK)
The Oscar buzz is deafening for this British drama in which a young actor (Bell) falls for an older woman, albeit a glamorous Hollywood star called Gloria Grahame (Bening). Could this really be Ms Bening's turn to take home the little gold man? She's already been nominated four times. Released Fri 17 November
Trophy CERT 15 (107 mins) Directed by Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz (UK/Namibia/South Africa/Zimbabwe/USA)
Beware the 15 certificate. This is a documentary that explores the intricacies of the wildlife hunting industry. And it isn’t all as straightforward as we’d like to think. Critically acclaimed, the film features the latest technology, including high-definition, lightweight cameras attached to drones, and asks many probing, painful questions.
Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in a sequel? Who would have thought. Here, the chalkand-cheese pops must confront their own irritating fathers when they turn up for the festive season. Cf. A Bad Moms Christmas. Released Wed 22 November
The Star CERT tbc With the voices of Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson, Kristin Chenoweth, Oprah Winfrey Directed by Timothy Reckart (USA)
The Nativity is not often portrayed from the viewpoint of an animal, but then this is a cartoon. The KoreanAmerican actor Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) is the voice of Bo, a donkey who finds himself in a stable in December… In 3D. Released Fri 24 November
Battle Of The Sexes CERT 12a (121 mins)
Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Elisabeth Shue Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (USA)
Fresh from her Oscar for playing Mia Dolan in La La Land, Emma Stone is now in the frame for another golden man for playing Billie Jean King. The latter was the World Number One of professional tennis, who won no less than 39 grand slams. But, wondered the male tennis champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), could she compete in a man’s world? So he lured her into a match that was to make sporting history. The husband-and-wife team of Dayton and Faris previously brought us Little Miss Sunshine and Ruby Sparks. But which is the better director? Released Fri 24 November
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Visual Arts previews from around the region
Crafts Of The Punjab Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 21 January
An exhibition specially created for the Herbert and featuring items from the impressive collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Crafts Of The Punjab celebrates the delicate and detailed artistry of craftspeople from the region. The display boasts an extensive range of arts and crafts from the second to the 19th century, and includes a number of never-before-exhibited works. Among the featured items are examples of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculpture, delicately carved ivories, elaborate musical instruments and gold-inlaid steel artefacts. An undoubted highlight of the show is the Golden Throne, made by a Muslim craftsman in Lahore for Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh Maharaja of the Punjab.
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Visual Arts
Samurai: Warriors Of Japan Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 21 January
Oscar-nominated costumes from the 2003 Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai are one of the highlights of this touring exhibition, stopping off in Shrewsbury until the new year. Bringing to life the story of the Samurai and their fall from power in Japan, the display also features a real suit of Samurai armour and a range of intriguing artefacts. Commenting on the show, Phil Scoggins, Interpretation Officer at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Whether you appreciate Japanese history and culture, are curious to explore the world of the Samurai for the first time or are a fan of Tom Cruise movies, this exhibition holds something of interest for all.”
Knights Of The Raj Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 7 January
The histories of Birmingham’s famous curry houses are explored in this new exhibition, which traces the origins of the city’s curry trade right back to the 1940s. The display includes furnished interiors, images, films and recorded histories. One of the stand-out artefacts is a booth from the interior of Koh-i-Noor, a restaurant which opened on Birmingham’s Horse Fair in the 1960s, making it one of the city’s oldest curry houses. Commenting on the exhibition, Rebecca Bridgman, Curator of Islamic & South Asian Art at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “The curry house institution, and the balti dish in particular, are profoundly rooted in Birmingham’s history. As the first wave of these restaurants are vanishing or being demolished, it’s vitally important that their story is preserved. We’re thrilled that the Koh-i-Noor restaurant booth will become a permanent part of the city’s history.”
Warhol To Walker: Nine American Prints From Pop To Today Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Sat 4 November - Sat 6 January
Works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Jim Dine are among the highlights of this exploration of great American printmaking. Covering the period from the Pop Art era of the 1960s to the present day, the display features nine key works from the British Museum’s collection. Pieces from the Worcester City Collection are also included, highlighting the ways in which artists have pushed the boundaries of printmaking while exploring subjects as diverse as the Vietnam War, Bing Crosby, picnics and the universe.
Michael Lyons: Full Circle Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 4 November - Sun 28 January
The title of Michael Lyons’ first major exhibition in the Midlands reflects the fact that he’s come ‘full circle’, returning to Wolverhampton half a century after studying at the city’s College of Art. Nowadays an artist of international renown, Michael has continued to explore the eclectic range of subjects that interested him back in his student days in the Black Country - namely, the figure, mechanical objects, the stars, landscapes, history and mythology. As well as sculpture and drawings, the show also includes a new film in which Michael discusses a career that has seen him create work in China, Canada and Mexico.
Image credit: Andy Warhol, Campbell’s green pea soup, 1968, Colour screenprint, 1981,0620.37 © The Trustees of the British Museum
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Events previews from around the region
Events
MCM Comic Con Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Sat 18 - Sun 19 November
This well-established event is an absolute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to celebrity appearances. On this occasion, famous faces on show include Keith Allen - who starred in recently released movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Veronica Taylor, best known for Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Slayers. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awesome show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”
Birmingham International Tattoo 2017
Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre
Arena Birmingham, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November
Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November
Marching bands from Poland and the Netherlands here join the Band of the Household Cavalry and the Band of The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, in what promises to be one of the Tattoo’s best ever line-ups. The event culminates in a ‘spectacular grand finale’ featuring the Massed Bands and vocal soloist Captain Gary Chilton. The Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour and Escort then round things off with performances of Land Of Hope And Glory, The Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper.
Sword-fighting soldiers, puppets aplenty and a medley of medieval musicians all play their part in this ever-popular event, which also features 100 stall holders selling food, drink and seasonal wares. Other attractions at this year’s fayre include storytelling, carol singing, falconry displays, a one-act nativity play, hands-on activities including medieval word games and skittles, and the chance to visit St Nicholas in his festive den.
Festive Gift Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 November
If you generally find yourself in a present-purchasing predicament at this time of year, a trip to the Festive Gift Fair might provide just the inspiration you’re looking for. Taking place over four days, the fair features hundreds of stalls offering an eclectic selection of affordable gifts. Being stuck for ideas simply isn’t an option! whatsonlive.co.uk 47
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Events
Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair
Remember, Remember the 5th of November...
NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 November
With more than 200 dealers showcasing their wares, Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK, featuring items ranging in price from as little as £10 right up to £100,000. Visitors to this latest edition of the long-running show - and who happen to have £3,500 to spare - can check out an eyecatching model of an owl. Actually a jar and cover, it was made at the Doulton Lambeth works in the late 19th century. For smaller budgets, an art deco-style silver Champagne bucket - designed for the Park Hotel, Grenoble, 1968 Winter Olympics - is up for grabs at £498. If you want to find out a bit more about collecting, be sure to catch one or more of the celebrity talks. Two of the country’s most respected authorities on antiques, Judith Millar and Will Farmer, are in attendance to offer their advice. There's also a special exhibition featuring examples from the production lines of all three Derby porcelain factories, from the middle of the 18th century to the present day.
THE VALE FIREWORKS Thurs 2 Nov, from 7pm, University of Birmingham SIXWAYS BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Half Price Ticket Offer visit antiquesforeveryone.co.uk
quote WINW017 or call
0844 581 0827
WORCESTER BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Pitchcroft Racecourse, Worcester WARWICK TOWN BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Warwickshire Racecourse BONFIRE & FIREWORKS GALA Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Kenilworth Castle SHREWSBURY’S CHARITY FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE SPECTACULAR Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury
Gorgeous Christmas Craft Fair Enginuity, Ironbridge, Sat 18 - Sun 19 November
BLISTS HILL FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 4 Nov, from 6pm, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge
Held in association with the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, this popular event provides a showcase for the region’s creative talent. This year’s exhibitors include: Robert Shelton, who combines traditional design with a contemporary twist to create furniture of real character; Sarah Piper Heap, working in silver and other natural materials to create jewellery and tableware; and Caroline Bennett, whose unique figurative and free-flowing sculptures are created to enhance both house and garden.
CONKERS FIREWORKS AND LASER SHOW Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Conkers, Rawdon Road, Moira WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Wolverhampton Racecourse SOLIHULL FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Tudor Grange, Solihull
Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sun 5 November
The Wellbeing Festival makes a welcome return to Birmingham, with the organisation behind the show, Mind Body Spirit, this year celebrating its 40th anniversary. The three-day event offers ‘spiritual seekers’ a safe place in which to commune and share their ideas, beliefs and philosophies. Attractions at this month’s show include a workshop programme presenting new ideas on relationships, awakening, inspired living, NLP, yoga, meditation, science and angels. New for this year is the Ceremony Space, an area in which visitors can focus on intimate ceremony-based experiences. 48 whatsonlive.co.uk
EDGBASTON FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 4.30pm, Himley Hall, Dudley TAMWORTH'S FREE FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA Sat 4 Nov, from 6pm, Tamworth Castle Pleasure Grounds, Tamworth ALTON TOWERS RESORT ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov, shows start at 7pm, Alton Towers Theme Park, Staffordshire WESTON PARK BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Weston Park, Shifnal
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Events previews from around the region
The Frost Fair Ragley Hall, Alcester, Fri 24 - Sun 26 November
Ticket Offer
Save 20% quote
BBC Good Food Show
PAR10
NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sun 3 December
A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a packed programme of inspiration and entertainment to the NEC. Continuing to attract the crème de la crème of TV personalities, this year’s show features, among others, Mary Berry, The Hairy Bikers, Raymond Blanc, Tom Kerridge, Michael Roux Jr, James Mar-
Lanternory Tamworth Castle, Sat 18 November
This brand new event follows the exploits of a young thief named Raike as he attempts to acquire treasures from the castle. His story unfolds as visitors are treated to a lantern-lit tour
tin and Nadiya Hussain, all of whom will be cooking up a tastebud-tantalising treat or several. Add into the mix oodles of tastings and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their wares - plus the brand new Big Family Cooking Showdown Live event - and you’ve got yourself the makings of a delicious day out.
of the popular visitor attraction... Lanternory takes place both early in the evening and later on at night. Slots from 5pm to 7.30pm feature content suitable for younger visitors. By contrast, the 8pm to 9.30pm shows are aimed at an adult audience, providing a somewhat scarier twist on the tale!
A new addition to the region’s everexpanding list of great Christmasshopping events, the Frost Fair features a carefully selected array of crafts, gifts, unique and original presents and fine foods. There’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy too as you busily search for that perfect present for your elderly Aunty Maud. Choirs, roving musicians, a magician and Father Christmas himself all play their part in generating a suitably festive atmosphere.
Warley National Model Railway Exhibition NEC, Birmingham, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November
The organisers of this long-running event - this month’s exhibition is the 50th edition of the show - have certainly and very sensibly got an eye to the future, ensuring there’s plenty for youngsters to enjoy across the two days. The show features more than 90 layouts, numerous modelling demonstrations, 150-plus trade stands and a Decauville replica narrow gauge loco. The exhibition’s centrepiece is a 14xx class 1450 from the Severn Valley Railway.
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
The Classic Motor Show
Worcester City Centre, Thurs 30 November - Sun 3 December
NEC, Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sun 12 November
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Worcester’s hugely popular festive celebration. The annual event is regarded as the leading themed street market in the West Midlands, attracting in excess of 100,000 visitors. In addition to the 200 stalls which grace Worcester’s historic streets selling crafts, gifts and speciality foods - the ever-popular fayre also features an array of period entertainment, from choirs and stiltwalkers to a period carousel and barrel organ music.
The biggest event of its kind, the Classic Motor Show this year boasts more than 2,500 vehicles covering an area of over one million square feet; or, to put it another way, a space the size of approximately 12 football pitches! Attractions at the three-day get-together include a dedicated classic motorbike show, the always-popular autojumble - complete with a range of mouthwatering 'show only' offers - and one of the most high-profile classic car auctions in the UK. Numerous motoring celebrities, including Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, also contribute.
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MARGARET CHO
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Bisexual comedian, actor and activist Margaret Cho visits Birmingham this month as part of her Fresh Off The Bloat tour. Here, she tells What’s On about her inspiration, explains why the LGBT community is so important to her and outlines the numerous challenges that it still faces... When did you first discover that you were funny? I’m still trying to figure that one out! I don’t really know. I think that it wasn’t a need to be funny or not be funny, it was just me wanting to be a bit like Joan Rivers. I saw her when I was a kid and just really fell for her. I wanted to be just like her. I was really young; it was right after I’d decided to be Wonder Woman. When that didn’t seem likely, I decided to be a comedian just like Joan instead. How did you first get into standup comedy? I just started doing shows in San Francisco, where I’m from, and doing these different AIDS fundraising events in the early ’90s. So that connected me very closely with the gay community. There were so many different kinds of things that I was doing, but I was really lucky because I was different in comedy. There weren’t many Asian-American women doing comedy then, so it felt like I had a very special experience. Where do you find inspiration for your material? Everywhere. Right now it’s pretty crazy - a lot about Donald Trump and even the Harvey Weinstein scandal. We all have these varied memories of sexual assault. I’ve talked about it a lot in my standup. Whenever something like that occurs, which I guess is a rare thing, but whenever people are coming forward like with Bill Cosby or Jimmy Savile - you realise a very public figure has been protected. It’s very disheartening and brings back a lot of bad memories of your own experiences. There’s a lot of that in what I’m doing in my shows. I’ve been talking about rape, abuse and healing in my work for a long time, so this has more of a topic to wrap around. What’s been your best show ever? It was great to play at Radio City Music Hall. I’ve done it many times in different capacities. I’ve also been kicked out of Radio City Music Hall for smoking pot up there. Apparently you’re not supposed to do that! I was with someone very famous, much more famous than me, and both she and I got busted. I thought that because she was so famous we were going to get away with it, but no. I got to do my show there, but couldn’t use a dressing room because I got kicked out. How do you deal with hecklers? I think you have to try and figure out how to
use their own words against them and trip them up. It’s a little unfair on them because you have a microphone and you’re going to be louder than them. I think people get intimidated by me because I can come off as pretty ferocious, so I haven’t had that bad a time with hecklers. They get shutdown pretty quickly, I think. You’re bringing your tour to Birmingham this month. What can audiences expect? It’s a very topical show. It’s very much about the bloated nature of our crazy politics. I don’t even know if it’s called politics anymore because it’s so insane! There’s a lot about Trump, the global impact he’s having, the craziness of it all. A lot of stuff about Hollywood and how to be an Asian-American in a not-diverse world there. There’s a lot of stuff about rape, about sexuality, gay rights. There are so many things to revisit that I’ve talked about in my standup before. It needs to be expanded. The last time you performed in the UK was in 2015. Are you excited to be making a return visit? Yeah, I love it. I have a great time here. The audiences are far more sophisticated because they’re used to the best comedians doing a different show every year. So everyone comes back with new material. It’s always very exciting. My favourite people are Stephen K Amos and Paul Foot. I really enjoy seeing them. They really typify the excellence of British comedy. Is there a difference between UK and American audiences? I think there is, because everybody is very familiar with their comedians. They see them over and over, and in different ways across the years, so they get to know them better. There’s a kind of familiarity with their comedians. So I come in and I’m different. It’s really challenging, but I love it. Which other comedians do you most admire? There are lots. People like Sarah Silverman, who’s a good friend of mine. Kathy Griffin’s also a good friend. There are so many great comedians now who are very drilled. I love it. You’re not only a comedian but an actor too. How did that come about? I was always doing little things over the years. I had my own TV show for a while in the ’90s. So there was always something.
Lately there’s been more that’s centred around my comedy. There are things that have been developed from my standup. I’ve just developed a show called Highland. We just wrapped up the pilot recently. We’ll see what’s going to happen with it, but it’s very good. It’s very true to life, and features a very different kind of Asian family that we haven’t seen before. Is there a dream role or show you’d like to act in? I just want to focus on Highland. I’d like to complete the trajectory of the story. That’s something I would love to do. A significant element of your material addresses LGBT issues. Why are those issues so important to you? Well, I’m part of the community. I’m bisexual and we’re the forgotten sector of the LGBT community. They don’t really pay attention to us, but we’re here! That’s funny to me - the lack of understanding of the bisexual community from both sides, both gay and straight. Also, I grew up in the gay community. I always knew that I would be political. It’s part of my life and part of my upbringing. It’s a very safe place for me to be, and a place I understand well. What do you feel still needs to be achieved in terms of the LGBT community across the world? Well, there’s got to be a stop to bans on transgender people in the military. And this idea that you can somehow ban an entire community from using a bathroom. There are so many crazy ideas that conservatives have about the transgender community - ideas that it’s dangerous for people to believe. There’s been so much progress, but also a lot of ignorance and fear about who we are. Do you see yourself as a role model for the community? I don’t want to say that I’m a role model, but I try. I’d like to be. That would be great. Ultimately I’m just trying to be one small voice of reason, trying to make a difference and hopefully bring about change.
Margaret Cho brings her Fresh Off The Bloat comedy tour to Birmingham’s Glee Club on Wednesday 29 November. Tickets are now available at livenation.co.uk
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Your Y Yo ur weekb by -week by-week llistings li isti is t ng ngs gs gu gguide ide d de
November ovember 2017
Clean Bandit at O2 Academy Birmingham - Friday 3 November
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I
What’s On
and more!
Wed 1 to Sun 12 November
Mon 13 to Sun 19 November
Mon 20 to Sun 26 November
Mon 27 to Thurs 30 November
Rob Brydon at Symphony Hall
Wake Up & Deirdrealize at Old Joint Stock Theatre
James Arthur at Genting Arena
Queen + Adam Lambert at Arena Birmingham
Sun 5 November
Fri 17 November
Sat 25 November
Thurs 30 November
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thelist
THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER
Visual Arts Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery KNIGHTS OF THE RAJ Exhibition featuring rare photographs, unique artefacts, videos, interactive displays and oral histories that tell the fascinating story of the much-loved British curry, until Sun 7 Jan BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD: FACES OF PEACE & WAR Amateur photographer Käthe Buchler photographed the German home front during the First World War. Her black & white images feature members of her family, working children and a series called ‘women doing men’s jobs’, until Sun 14 Jan FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how different faiths have influenced and shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019
BOM (B’ham Open Media) INSTRUCTIONS FOR HUMANS Exhibition considering the relationship between humans and machines, and the systems that control them. The show brings together three artists - Pete Ashton (Birmingham, UK), Kyle McDonald (Los Angeles, USA), Nye Thompson (London, UK), until Sat 16 Dec
Ikon Gallery ANNA MOLSKA: THE WEAVERS/DIE WEBER Molska’s 12-minute 2009 film, The Weavers/Die Weber, is based on Gerhart Hauptmann’s 1894 play, which in turn was inspired by the 1844 rebellion of Silesian weavers against harsh working conditions and the poverty of their lives, until Sun 26 Nov PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST: KÄTHE KOLLWITZ Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945) was one of the leading artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibition features around 40 of her works from the British Museum’s remarkable print collection, presented alongside material drawn from other UK public collections, until Sun 26 Nov SOFIA HULTÉN: HERE’S THE ANSWER, WHAT’S THE QUESTION? Through a combination of sculptures, photographs and films, Hultén conveys an ongoing preoccupation with the material world and the way in which we navigate it through time, until Sun 26 Nov
dents, exploring how music can inspire abstract visual forms in painting and drawing, until Sun 19 Nov
MOUNT KIMBIE Wed 1 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
THE FENCE AND THE SHADOW This series of paintings by artist Dr Sally Payen is based on her exploration of the contested landscape of Greenham Common and the women’s peace camps and anti-nuclear protests that took place there in the 1980s, until Sun 26 Nov
SHELLY QUARMBY BAND Wed 1 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham
NEW WE OFTEN FIND IT NECESSARY TO KEEP OUR HOMOSEXUALITY QUIET SHOUT presents an exhibition of documentary photography charting the history of the Gay Liberation Front in Birmingham in the 1970s, told through the lens of Ian Sanderson, Sat 4 Nov - Sat 6 Jan NEW SADDLEWORTH MOOR: RESPONDING TO A LANDSCAPE This photographic exhibition of landscapes by artist Matthew Murray captures the changing moods under glowering skies, creating impressions, partly real and partly generated through the photographic process, Sat 18 Nov - Sun 21 Jan, mac, Birmingham
RBSA Gallery ELAINE HIND RBSA - BOTANICA Detailed and delicate porcelain vessels and sculptural pieces inspired by the forms, patterns and colours of plant life, until Sat 18 Nov
MADE AT MAC: PAINTING AND DRAWING TO MUSIC Exhibition of work by the stu-
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ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Wed 1 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
JACK LUKEMAN Fri 3 Nov, MAC, B’ham
ANTI CLONE Wed 1 Nov, The Asylum, B’ham
THE ROVING CROWS Wed 1 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, B’ham TIR NA NOG Wed 1 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham RISE AGAINST Wed 1 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE STYLISTICS Thurs 2 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY SHOW Thurs 2 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull
NEW COLOUR AND FORM - WILLIAM GEAR (1815-1997) Celebration of work by William Gear (1915-1997) that explores his key role in developing and promoting abstract art within Birmingham and across the UK, Wed 1 - Sat 18 Nov NEW MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES 2017 Annual exhibition of RBSA members’ work, Thurs 23 Nov - Sat 23 Dec
The Barber Institute KOLLWITZ AND CONTEMPORARIES - GERMAN GRAPHIC ART 1910 - 1923 Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1954) lived through a tumultuous period in Germany’s history and unflinchingly depicted the devastating effects of starvation, war and in-
SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Thurs 2 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
JAMIROQUAI Sat 4 Nov, Arena Birmingham THE UPROARS Sat 4 Nov, The Night Owl, Birmingham THE SLOW READERS CLUB Sat 4 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham OH WONDER Sat 4 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham JOE BROWN Sat 4 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
THE REGULARS Sat 4 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
SWITCHFOOT Wed 1 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham WILWOOD KIN Wed 1 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
Nov, Lichfield Guildhall
THE COUNTERFEIT STONES Sat 4 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
BEN POOLE Wed 1 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
BRIAN FLETCHER RBSA Selection of mixed-media and impasto paintings, until Sat 18 Nov
EQUIVALENT 8 Exhibition of 64 abstract and semi-abstract sculptures, paintings and drawings by 8 RBSA Members, Mon 30 Oct - Sat 18 Nov
LUNCHTIME GUITAR CONCERT Fri 3 Nov, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 3 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
SHAKATAK Thurs 2 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham
STARLIGHT Exhibition of art that explores the spectacle and wonders of outer space, from jewellery inspired by meteorites and shooting stars to space-age ceramics and ethereal glass, until Sat 27 Jan
KEITH JACK 'MOVIE NIGHTS' Thurs 2 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
BELLA HARDY Wed 1 Nov, MAC, B’ham
DENNIS MINCHIN RBSA A colourful display of bright and beautiful floral studies in acrylics and oil, until Sat 18 Nov
mac, Birmingham THE HOP PROJECT Exploration of the historical migratory movements of hop-pickers and the social and political implications of hop production in the West Midlands, until Sun 12 Nov
Gigs
EXOWAVES Sat 4 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham GLASVILLE Fri 3 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham FREE AT LAST Fri 3 Nov, Route 44, Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS Fri 3 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull ASHLEY BEEDLE, K KLASS, MICKY FINN AND THE FREESTYLERS Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE: CHILDREN OF THE GRAVY Fri 3 Nov, The Roadhouse, B’ham IDLE FRETS Fri 3 Nov, The Flapper, B’ham FUNK AND SOUL NIGHT WITH ROLLY SYNDICATE, Fri 3 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
LOBSTER SHACK 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Sat 4 Sun 5 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham QUADROPHONIA - THE WHO TRIBUTE Sat 4 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham CALL ME UNIQUE Sat 4 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham CARPENTERS GOLD Sat 4 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove STARCRAWLER Sat 4 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham NOVEMBER PLOT Sat 4 Nov, The Asylum, Birmingham DETRIOT SOUL COLLECTIVE Sat 4 Nov, The Jam House, B’ham
KING KONG COMPANY Fri 3 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
CRADLE OF FILTH Sat 4 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham KALEO Sat 4 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
INTERVALS Thurs 2 Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham
GHOST VARIATIONS: THE STRANGEST DETECTIVE STORY IN MUSIC Fri 3 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
FRANCOBOLLO Thurs 2 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
CLEAN BANDIT Fri 3 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MIDLANDS CALLING Sat 4 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
ERIC GALES Thurs 2 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
LOGIC Thurs 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MARTIN BARRE Sun 5 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
MIDGE URE, THE CHRISTIANS & ALTERED IMAGES Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall AJ TRACEY Thurs 2 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham BIG THIEF Thurs 2 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
THE MEMBRANES Sat 4 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham
STEVE GIBBONS Sun 5 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
THE SPITFIRES Fri 3 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE WILLOWS Fri 3
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AN AUDIENCE WITH JIM LEA Sun 5 Nov, The Robin, Bilston SOCIAL REPOSE Sun 5 Nov, O2 Academy,
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Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November Birmingham CRAIG DAVID PRESENTS TS5 Sun 5 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham RAYMOND FROGGATT Sun 5 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham OUR LAST NIGHT Wed 8 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL X HARE & HOUNDS Fri 10 Sat 11 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Classical Music
THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE Fri 10 Nov, The Roadhouse, B’ham
RICHTER ENSEMBLE: BEETHOVEN QUARTETS Wed 1 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
THE PAPERBOYS Sun 5 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall
SHALAMAR & SUPPORT FRIENDS 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Wed 8 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
AKALA Sun 5 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
RIDE Wed 8 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
HOWE GELB PIANO TRIO Fri 10 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
VICTORIES AT SEA Sun 5 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
ARCANE ROOTS Wed 8 Nov, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton
THOMAS RHETT Sat 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
THE KILLERS Mon 6 Tues 7 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham
SPEAK, BROTHER Wed 8 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
THE BLOODSTRINGS Sat 11 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham
SIMON MCBRIDE Mon 6 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
PETER KNIGHT'S GIGSPANNER Wed 8 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham
BILLY BRAGG BRIDGES NOT WALLS Sat 11 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
RORY MCLEOD Mon 6 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
BLACK TOP Wed 8 Nov, MAC, Birmingham
SYLVAN ESSO Mon 6 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
THE UNDERTONES Thurs 9 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
DARIA KULESH: LONG LOST HOME Mon 6 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
ALISON MOYET Thurs 9 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
GOLDFRAPP Mon 6 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
LYNCH MOB Thurs 9 Nov, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton THE PAT MCMANUS BAND Thurs 9 Nov, The Robin, Bilston HOLY MOLY AND THE CRACKERS Thurs 9 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
ABC Mon 6 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham EMBRACE Tues 7 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton IGORRR Tues 7 Nov, The Flapper, B’ham BIBLEGIRL Tues 7 Nov, Mama Roux’s, B’ham TILSTON & LOWE Tues 7 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham GOAT GIRL Tues 7 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham KENT DUCHAINE Tues 7 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham BOYCE AVENUE Tues 7 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
SAMPA THE GREAT Thurs 9 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SOUND OF THE SIRENS Thurs 9 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham J HUS Thurs 9 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham JOHN JOSEPH BRILL Thurs 9 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham THE SUBTERRANEANS Thurs 9 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 10 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
KAGOULE Fri 10 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
ISLAND Wed 8 Nov,
SECRET AFFAIR + THE CHORDS Sat 11 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
COMMUTER CONCERT FEATURING ALBERT TIU (PIANO) Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Conservatoire
WEST COAST EAGLES Sat 11 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham
COLLABRO plus Philippa Hanna (support) & Carly Paoli (special guest), Thurs 2 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham
DAISY CHUTE WITH ALEX CURTIS TRIO Sat 11 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: STAR WARS Featuring Michael Seal (conductor,) & the CBSO Chorus, Fri 3 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
UK FOO FIGHTERS Sat 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
KSENIJA SIDOROVA Lunchtime concert which forms part of the Birmingham International Piano Festival. Programme includes works by Londonov, Kuyakov, Rachmaninov, Voytenko & Schnittke, Fri 3 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham
ROBINSON-STONE Sat 11 Nov, MAC, B’ham TOGETHER PANGEA Sat 11 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham FLO AKA FLOACIST OF FLOETRY Sun 12 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton NASTY Sun 12 Nov, Mama Roux’s, B’ham DUKE SPECIAL Sun 12 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
MOSTACK Fri 10 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham
SEAN PAUL Wed 8 Nov, Arena Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Seal (conductor). Programme includes works by Smetana & Janáček, Wed 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham
RAIN Sat 11 Nov, The Night Owl, B’ham
THE ICICLE WORKS Sat 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MORETELLICA Fri 10 Nov, Route 44, B’ham
SURGEON Fri 10 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PIANO CONCERT Programme includes works by Bach, Brahms, Dean, Berg & Ravel, Wed 1 Nov, The Barber Institute, B’ham
REICH’S SIX MARIMBAS Featuring Jonathan Bloxham (conductor), YuTzu Kung (percussion), Eduardo Vassallo (cello), Georgina Baker (voice) & percussionists from CBSO & Birmingham Conservartoire. Programme includes works by Reich, Ishii & Civilotti, Thurs 2 Nov, CBSO Centre, Birmingham
KERRI WATT Sat 11 Nov, Ort Café, B’ham,
PANIC ROOM Fri 10 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
THE WINTER PASSING Wed 8 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
REFORMATION SYMPHONY Featuring Jérémie Rhorer (conductor), & Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Wed 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
BLUE ROSE CODE Sun 12 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
DUDLEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) & Dudley International Competition Finalists, Sat 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works by J.S Bach, SaintSaëns, F. Pott & M. Dupré, Mon 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MIDDAY MUSIC WITH RENATA KONYICSKA (PIANO) Featuring Holly Teague (soprano), Kaethe Uken (clarinet) & Jonathan French (piano). Programme comprises Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock, Mon 6 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire MARIA JOÃO PIRES (PIANO) Programme includes works by Schubert & Mozart, Mon 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
PIRES AND POPOVIC - PIANO DUOS Featuring Maria João Pires & Miloš Popović. Programme incudes works by Schubert & Beethoven, Tues 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MARTINO TIRIMO (PIANO) Also featuring Ben Sayevich (violin) & Daniel Vels (cello). Programme includes works by Mozart & Fauré, Tues 7 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: RUSSIAN CLASSICS Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello). Programme includes works by Rachmaninov, Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky, Wed 8 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ENGLISH CORNETT & SACKBUT ENSEMBLE: I FAGIOLINI - THE OTHER VESPERS Featuring Robert Hollingworth (conductor). Programme includes works by Viadana, Monteverdi & Giovanno Gabrieli, Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
FAMILY CONCERT - SONGS ABOUT US Featuring Dominic Harlan (presenter/piano), Sat 4 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham MOZART FESTIIVAL ORCHESTRA: MOZART’S REQUIEM Featuring the City of Birmingham Choir, Adrian Lucas (conductor), Tom Poster (piano), Tereza Gevorgyan (soprano), Anna Huntley (mezzo soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor) & Morgan Pearse (baritone), Sun 5 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUSIC IN THE BRAMALL: 5TH ANNIVERSARY Featuring the Philharmonic Orchestra, Birmingham University Singers, Daniela Rosina & Simon Carrington (conductors) & Guy Johnston (cello), Sun 5 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
GOLDBERG STRING TRIO Featuring Matthew Truscott (violin), Robin Ireland (viola) & Richard Lester (cello). Programme comprises JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations arranged for string trio, Thurs 9 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor), Ilona Domnich (soprano), David Butt Philip (tenor) & Alexander Sitkovetsky
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thelist (violin), Sat 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
& PAUL MYREHAUG Sat 4 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham
TENORS UNLIMITED: VENICE TO VEGAS Sat 11 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
MARLON DAVIS, DAVID HADINGHAM, JOHN SCOTT & COMIC TBC Sat 4 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham
GRAND ORGAN GALA Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor) & Darius Battiwalla (organ). Programme includes works by Saint-Saens, Bach, Faure, Walton, Elgar, Handel, Strauss, Mascagni, Mozart, Widor & Parry, Sun 12 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Comedy MARLON DAVIS & DAVID HADINGHAM FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 2 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHRISTIAN REILLY, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, SIMON WOZNAIK & SCOTT BENNETT Thurs 2 Nov, The George Hotel, Lichfield RICH HALL - HOEDOWN Thurs 2 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton JASON BYRNE - THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS Fri 3 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 4 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove MILTON JONES Sat 4 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton FUNNY THINGS COMEDY CLUB FEAT. BARBARA NICE, ORCHESTRA OF CHAOS & THE JOKE EXCHANGE Sun 5 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ROB BRYDON: I AM STANDING UP Sun 5 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JEWELLERY QUARTER COMEDY CLUB Tues 7 Nov, The Rose Villa Tavern, Birmingham JOHN BISHOP - WINGING IT Tues 7 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton BARBARA NICE & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 8 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham TOM STADE Wed 8 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove PATRICK MONAHAN, NICK PAGE & DANNY WARD Fri 10 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham MAE MARTIN - DOPE Fri 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham DANE BAPTISTE, RIK CARRANZA FEATURING MIKE NEWALL & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 10 Nov, Lichfield Garrick BARBARA NICE: RAFFLE! Fri 10 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull PHIL WANG Fri 10 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM & PAUL MYREHAUG Fri 3 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham
PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, ANDY ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Fri 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOHN BISHOP - WINGING IT Fri 10 - Sun 12 Nov, Arena Birmingham
JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri 3 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
STEVE SHANYASKI, DARIUS DAVIES & RUSSELL HICKS Sat 11 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham
JONNY AWSUM, GUZ KHAN, PETE OTWAY & COMIC TBC Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham
PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, ANDY ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Sat 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
IVO GRAHAM, KATIE PRITCHARD, THOMAS RACKHAM & DANNY CLIVES Fri 3 Nov, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, B’ham
RUDI LICKWOOD, SCOTT BENNETT, GERRETT MILLERICK & PHIL ELLIS Sat 11 Nov, The Comedy Loft, B’ham
AURIE STYLA Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES HOTEL Sat 4 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM
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MACBETH The Crescent Theatre Company presents its version of Shakespeare’s bloodiest tale, until Sat 4 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
DEATHTRAP Paul Bradley (Holby City) & Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) star in a new staging of the longest-running thriller in Broadway history, Tues 7 Sat 11 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Major new stage adaptation based on the hit movie, until Sun 12 Nov, The REP, Birmingham
PETER PAN JM Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who refused to grow up, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull
WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mistaken identity, complete with posh frocks and masks, Wed 1 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
SOUTH PACIFIC A Lichfield Operatic Society production, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
AN EVENING OF DELECTABLE TERROR Two ghost stories written by AG Smith and brought chillingly to life by Alan Birch. 1 - 2 Nov, Old Joint Stock, Birmingham SCROOGE A West Bromwich Operatic Society Youtheatre production, Wed 1 - Sat 4 Nov, Lichfield Garrick TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare's tale of unrequited love, Thurs 2 Nov - Sat 24 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon WNO - FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD Collage of stories told by the inmates of a claustrophobic Siberian prison, Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
LEGALLY BLONDE The smash-hit Broadway and West End musical, based on the hugely popular movie and starring Rita Simons as Paulette Bonafonte, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Olivier Award-winning West End show telling the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome THE VALUE OF NOTHING More like an event than a play, this Laid Bare show invites the audience to ‘interact, be active and take part’, Wed 8 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham
BABY DADDY Funny and rude musical account of life in your 20s with a baby in tow, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 Nov, The Rep, Birmingham
(SORRY) Jenny Davis’ highly charged trilogy of monologues, exploring the experiences of young people in the 21st century, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Nov, The REP, Birmingham
WNO - EUGENE ONEGIN Tchaikovsky’s best-loved opera, showcasing the battle between the yearnings of the heart and social convention, Fri 3 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
ALADDIN Birmingham Youth Theatre celebrate their 30th anniversary with a pantomime for all the family, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
BIN LADEN The world’s most notorious terrorist tells his provocative story, Fri 3 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
MEDUSA The story of a woman who exacts her revenge on the men that destroyed her and the gods that cursed her, Fri 10 Nov, MAC, B’ham
VAMPIRES ROCK GHOST TRAIN Steve Steinman ramps up the vamp in this 'spectacular' sequel to the phenomenally successful Vampires Rock, Fri 3 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NEXT THING YOU KNOW Four New Yorkers wake up from their invincible 20s to confront adulthood in ‘the city that never sleeps’, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
PEPPA PIG - LIVE! Join the fun with Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
LEE NELSON - SERIOUS JOKER Fri 3 Nov Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
UPFRONT COMEDY Sat 4 Nov, MAC, Birmingham
Stock Theatre, Birmingham
KINGS CROSS (REMIX) One-man show weaving together the hidden histories of LGBT communities in London during the 1980s, Fri 10 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mistaken identity, complete with posh frocks and masks, Sat 4 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri 3 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
STEPHEN K AMOS - BREAD AND CIRCUSES Sat 4 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Signalman & The Haunted Man, Tues 31 Oct - Sat 11 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham
Theatre CHARLES DICKENS' GHOST STORIES Featuring two of Dickens’ most chilling tales of the supernatural - The
LEAF Tam Tam Theatre present the life story of a very special leaf. Suitable for children up to three years of age, Sun 5 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove UN-TAMED Quirky new play exploring the trials and tribulations of female relationships, Mon 6 Nov, Old Joint
CALL ME DUSTY Heartfelt play celebrating the music of Dusty Springfield, Fri 10 - Sat 18 Nov, Hall Green Little Theatre, B’ham HOBSON'S CHOICE Presented by All & Sundry, Sat 11 - Sat 25 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham MACBLAIR The story of Tony Blair, told as a Shakespearean tragicomedy via verse, rap and comedy, Sat 11 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
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Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime, Sat 11 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
Dance ANJALI DANCE COMPANY: GENIUS Two dramatic explorations of genius: Gary Clarke’s Beethoven and Lea Anderson’s Bloodsucker, Wed 1 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
talks candidly about his rise to stardom, Sun 12 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MAUREEN BELL: WORDS Leading book historian Maureen investigates ‘readers across the centuries’ - who read what, when, where and how? Sun 12 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
Film THE SNOWMAN (15) Drama/Horror. Starring Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Nov LOVING VINCENT (15) Animation/Biography. With the voices of Douglas Booth, Chris O'Dowd. MAC, Birmingham, until Thurs 2 Nov; Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until Sun 5 Nov PERFECT BLUE (18) Animation/Horror. Starring Junko Iwao. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 1 Nov
THE HEAD WRAP DIARIES Uchenna Dance explore issues of femininity, beauty, culture and, most importantly, hair, Thurs 2 Nov, DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
RAVING IRAN (18) Documentary. mac, Birmingham, Wed 1 Nov
FREEFALLING FOR 15 YEARS Birmingham Royal Ballet's Freefall Dance Company celebrates 15 years of performance, Thurs 9 Nov, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
IT (15) Horror. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Nov
Talks
AMERICAN ASSASSIN (18) Action/Thriller. Starring Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 3 & Mon 6 - Tues 7 Nov
AN AUDIENCE WITH KATIE PRICE Wed 1 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN KEMP The Spandau Ballet star talks about his private and professional life, Fri 3 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham VOICES FOR THE VOICELESS Errollyn Wallen provides an insight into her career, Sat 4 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES Another evening of comic verse with one-time Opportunity Knocks winner Pam, Sat 4 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RAY MEARS: BORN TO BE WILD Join the intrepid explorer as he takes audiences on a journey into the wilderness, Tues 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall STEPHEN FRY LIVE! IN MYTHOS Event marking the launch of Stephen’s latest book, in which he brings to life the gods, monsters and mortals of Ancient Greece, Tues 7 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GOK WAN: NAKED AND BARING ALL Gok
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 1 Nov
CITY OF GHOSTS (18) Documentary/War. Starring Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, Hamoud Hassan. MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 2 Nov
VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Judi Dench, Adeel Akhtar. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 3 & Wed 8 Nov RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER 3 (18) Crime/Thriller. Starring Craig Fairbrass, Terry Stone. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov SISTER ACT 2 (PG) Comedy/Music. With live gospel choir intro! Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 4 Nov THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Drama/Horror. Silent film with improvised organ accompaniment! Starring Lon Chaney & Patsy Ruth Miller. The Bramall, Birmingham, Sat 4 Nov BOY (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring James Rolleston, Te Aho EketoneWhitu. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 7 Nov FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (PG) Comedy. With 80s quiz before the film. Starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming-
ham, Tues 7 Nov AVATAR (12) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 8 Nov PREDATOR (15) Action/Sci-Fi. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 9 Nov; Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Fri 10 Nov CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 10 Thurs 16 Nov THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (15) Drama/Horror. Starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 10 Nov TOM OF FINLAND (18) Biography/Drama. Starring Jakob Oftebro, Werner Daehn. MAC, Birmingham, Sat 11 Nov BEFORE SUNSET (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 12 Nov THIS IS ENGLAND/DEAD MAN'S SHOES DOUBLE BILL (18) Crime/Drama. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 12 Nov SHOUT SHORTS Short film compilation from Flatpack: Assemble. Delve into the rich tapestry of the queer community.... MAC, Birmingham, Sun 12 Nov
Events JINGLE ALL THE WAY Sparkling festival floral demo presented by Solihull Flower Club, Wed 1 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull CANDLELIT TOURS As the nights draw in, experience a tour of the Back to Backs by the glow of candlelight, Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT SHOW Includes free entry to Crafts For Christmas, Art Materials Live and Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Those who love a handmade Christmas will delight in everything this show has to offer, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, B’ham CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Includes free entry to Art Materials Live, The Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show and Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ART MATERIALS LIVE Includes free entry to Crafts For Christmas, The Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show and Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham
EXHIBITION Get your career on track, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham THE MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING FESTIVAL A celebration of self-exploration and self-expression featuring music, yoga, meditation and lifechanging workshops, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham CAKE INTERNATIONAL Includes free entry to Crafts For Christmas, The Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show, and Art Materials Live, Fri 3 Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS The largest local-authority fireworks display in the country, set to this year’s theme of Girl Power, Sat 4 Nov, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley BONFIRE NIGHT Visit Tamworth Castle after dark for a ‘breathtaking’ firework display, Sat 4 Nov, Tamworth Castle THE NATIONAL PET SHOW Featuring Show Zones, Supertheatre, Educational Talks, Secret Rabbit Garden, Dog Activity Ring, shopping area and much more...Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A last chance to experience the venue’s rides and attractions before the 2017 season comes to an end, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire HERITAGE WEEKEND Take a stroll around beautiful Bournville Village as you’re guided through the history of Cadbury's home town, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham THE GUNPOWDER TREASON Weekend dedicated to the Gunpowder Plot, including a 35-minute family play delivered by re-enactors Sir Robert Cecil's Men, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKET Featuring a broad selection of quality handmade products, including ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and craft items, Sun 5 Nov, MAC, Birmingham WWE LIVE Tues 7 Nov, Arena B’ham CANDLELIT TOURS As the nights draw in, experience a tour of the Back to Backs by the glow of candlelight, Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW The ‘biggest and best’ event of its kind in the UK, Fri 10 Sun 12 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 11 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome GIN TASTING Gin masterclass including a perfectly made G&T, a talk about the history of gin and a tutored tasting of six gins from small independent producers, Sat 11 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham CHARACTER WEEKEND Cadbury's most colourful characters appear at regular intervals across the day!, Sat 11 Sun 12 Nov, Cadbury World, B’ham
NATIONAL GRADUATE RECRUITMENT
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thelist Gigs
ANDREW W.K. Wed 15 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MARTINE MCCUTCHEON Mon 13 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
THE STRAY BIRDS Wed 15 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
JOE DOLMAN Mon 13 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
MALKA Wed 15 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
VAN MORRISON Mon 13 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
WILL BLACK Wed 15 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
BLONDIE Mon 13 Nov, Arena Birmingham
SAM KELLY & JAMIE FRANCIS Wed 15 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham
RUN THE JEWELS Tues 14 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE METEORS Tues 14 Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham HUSKY LOOPS Tues 14 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SHAWN KLUSH - THE ELVIS WORLD TOUR Tues 14 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham TRUEHEIGHT Tues 14 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ALICE COOPER Tues 14 Nov, Arena B’ham THE LEMON TWIGS Tues 14 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
HENRI HERBERT Fri 17 Nov, The Night Owl, Birmingham LUVSTEP Fri 17 - Sat 18 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SINGLE MOTHERS Fri 17 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham TRACK DOGS Fri 17 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
WOLF ALICE Thurs 16 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
INSANE CLOWN POSSE Sat 18 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
TRUDY AND THE ROMANCE Thurs 16 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
PLANET DURAN Sat 18 Nov, Route 44, B’ham
KING PARROT Thurs 16 Nov, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton SAMOANS Thurs 16 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham ANDREW HUNG Thurs 16 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
LADY MISERY Wed 15 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
BUE NATION Fri 17 Nov, Route 44, Birmingham THE CADILLAC THREE Fri 17 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
VON HERTZEN BROTHERS Sat 18 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ABSOLUTE BOWIE Sat 18 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE DOORS ALIVE Sat 18 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham VIPER - THE SOUND OF DRUM & BASS Sat 18 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham TINNED ASTRONAUT Sat 18 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham LITTLE MIX Sat 18 Nov, Genting Arena, B’ham
FUNK NIGHT FEATURING INCOGNITO, CIRCUS VIII & TROPE WITH TOM MASON (DJ) Fri 17 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
ROYAL BLOOD Sat 18 Nov, Arena B’ham
DEEP PURPLE Fri 17
DODGY ACOUSTIC Sat 18 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
COVENANT Sat 18 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham
FROM THE JAM Sun 19 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham PETERS & DOG Sun 19 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham CHILDHOOD Sun 19 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham WEAVES Sun 19 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Rhiannon Giddens - Birmingham Town Hall
Classical Music
Comedy EDDIE KADI Mon 13 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
EHNES PLAYS BACH Wed 15 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham
JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS Tues 14 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BEETHOVEN & ELGAR Featuring Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor) & Vilde Frang (violin). Programme includes works by Messiaen, Elgar & Beethoven, Thurs 16 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD Wed 15 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
LITTLE MIX Fri 17 Nov, Genting Arena, B’ham MONEY FOR NOTHING Sat 18 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
PENETRATION Thurs 16 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
THE STYLISTICS Wed 15 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham
Nov, Arena B’ham
WORRY DOLLS Thurs 16 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
NELLY Wed 15 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
SOMEONE LIKE YOU THE ADELE SONGBOOK Wed 15 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November
MARK THOMAS: A SHOW THAT GAMBLES ON THE FUTURE Thurs 16 Nov, mac, Birmingham JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD HOSTED BY MAUREEN YOUNGER AND STARRING GEORGE EGG, JO ENRIGHT & JEFF INNOCENT Thurs 16 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 16 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham FUNNY WOMAN WITH NOREEN KHAN, ISMA ALMAS, SINDHU VEE & SHAZIA MIRZA Thurs 16 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham JAMES COOK IN TOO MANY JAMESES FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS Fri 17 Nov, MAC, Birmingham
BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - BEETHOVEN'S THIRD Featuring IIan Volkov (conductor), Ilya Gringolts (violin) & Juliet Fraser (voice). Programme includes works by Cassandra Miller, Salvatore Sciarrino, John Croft & Beethoven, Fri 17 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ENSEMBLE DENOTE Featuring Marcus Barcham-Stevens (violin), Oliver Wilson (viola) Ruth Alford (cello), Jane Booth (clarinet) & John Irving (fortepiano). Programme comprises Mozart's Clarinet Trio in E flat 'Kegelstatt' K498; Haydn's Piano Sonata in E flat, Hob. XV1:49 & Mozart's 'Grand Quintetto', after the 'Gran Partita' K361) arranged by: C.F.G. Schwencke (1805), Fri 17 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove LOCRIAN ENSEMBLE: VIVALDI BY CANDLELIGHT Fri 17 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Fri 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ALISTAIR BARRIE MICKEY SHARMA & DIANE SPENCER Sat 18 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham STEVE BUGEJA - SUMMER CAMP Sat 18 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Sat 18 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, LAUREN PATTISON, LAURA LEXX & JOHN LYNN Sat 18 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Sat 18 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DANIEL SLOSS - NOW Sun 19 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton JAMES ACASTER Sun 19 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
BAUDELAIRE IN SONG LECTURE RECITAL Featuring Mary Bevan (soprano), Joseph Middleton (piano) & Professor Helen Abbott. Programme includes works by Rollinat, Debussy, Duparc & Bréville, Fri 17 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF - PIANO Programme includes works by Mendelssohn, Brahms & Bach, Sat 18 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall EXPLORING BROOKMEYER AND HOLLENBECK: BIG BAND Sat 18 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
DEPECHE MODE Sun 19 Nov, Arena B’ham
ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: BACH’S B MINOR MASS Sat 18 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral
RHIANNON GIDDENS Sun 19 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
BRASS BAND & CHAMBER CHOIRS Sun 19 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
James Acaster - The Glee Club
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thelist Theatre SUNSET BOULEVARD Compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film. Ria Jones stars, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome AND THE REST OF ME FLOATS New show all about the messy business of gender. Presented by Outbox Theatre, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, The REP, Birmingham
TANJA ‘Dramatic’ exploration of immigration detention centres, starring Emily Ntshangase-Wood, a former Yarl’s Wood detainee, Mon 13 Nov, MAC, Birmingham THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE A’ thrilling’ adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, Lichfield Garrick MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society present an amateur staging of the festive classic, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Nov New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham GUYS AND DOLLS The Arcadians present their version of one of the greatest musicals of all time, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham ME... Presented by Little Angel Theatre and featuring live puppetry, Wed 15 - Thurs 30 Nov, mac, Birmingham WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? BARBARA BROWNSKIRT Featuring the bittersweet world of prolific-but-failing ‘poet of the people’ Barbara Brownskirt, Thurs 16 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
WAKE UP & DEIRDREALIZE A ‘ridiculous, outlandish, improvised, character romp, guaranteed to take you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride’, Fri 17 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy presents its annual showcase, Sun 19 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham
Talks A ROPE OF WORDS Dr Rona Cran takes a look at the woman at the heart of the movie Sunset Boulevard, and explores the transition from silent cinema to the talkies, Wed 15 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome ERASMUS DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE 2017 Presented by Lichfield Science & Engineering Society, Thurs 16 Nov, Lichfield Garrick DELUSIONS & OBSESSIVE LOVE An exploration of the Billy Wilder film, Sunset Boulevard. Presented as part of the SHOUT Festival, Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
Dance ZERO Humanhood present a visually and sonically mesmerising performance of immersive sound, hypnotising lights and virtuosic movement, Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome
LUKE JERMAY Critically acclaimed show from the man who can ‘read your mind’, Thurs 16 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 11 November
This hour-long satire didn’t pull up any trees at Edinburgh but nonetheless reviewed favourably - and for anybody with an interest in both politics and Shakespeare, there’s plenty to enjoy. The story of Tony Blair presented as a Shakespearean tragicomedy, its action unfolds in 1994, with Macblair and Macbrown encountering three weird hacks on a stairwell in the House of Commons. The hacks prophesy that Macblair will become leader of the Labour Party, then prime minister and eventually king of the world... Making smart use of verse, rap and comedy to examine Blair’s time in office, the show features four talented performers playing the roles of the PM, Brown, spin-doctor extraordinaire Alastair Campbell and Blair’s wife Cheri.
Film
DROP EVERYTHING Documentary. The latest 4K UltraHD ski movie. The Bramall, Birmingham, Wed 15 Nov
INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE PASS (15) Drama. Starring Russell Tovey, Arinzé Kene. MAC, Birmingham, Mon 13 Nov
FREEZIN' Fizzog Productions present a Black Country panto set in 1910, Thurs 16 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre MEDEA, WRITTEN IN RAGE Contemporary reimagining of the ancient Greek legend of passion and revenge. Performed as part of SHOUT Festival, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Nov, The REP, B’ham
Macblair
BALLETBOYZ: FOURTEEN DAYS Four brand new works and the return of an audience favourite, Sat 18 Nov, Lichfield Garrick
PINK FLAMINGOS (18) Comedy/Crime. Starring Divine, David Lochary. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 14 Nov KIKI Documentary. MAC, Birmingham, Wed 15 Nov
FIREWORKS (tbc) Animation/Drama. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Nov PERFECT BLUE (18) Animation/Horror. Starring Junko Iwao. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Nov THE FLORIDA PROJECT (18) Drama. Starring Willem Dafoe, Bria Vinai. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 17 Nov THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring Jason Isaacs & Andrea Riseborough. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 17 Thurs 23 Nov HAIRSPRAY (PG) Comedy/Drama. Starring John Travolta & Queen Latifah. mac, Birmingham, Sat 18 Nov
Wake Up & Deirdrealize - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
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DRAG BECOMES HIM (15) Documen-
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Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November tary/Biography. Starring Jinkx Monsoon. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 19 Nov
Events TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join the expert team to learn all about the history and workings of the trams in the collection, once seen in every town of the Black Country, Mon 13 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
to acquire treasures from the castle. The story is revealed in parts, as visitor’s tour through the venue by lantern light, Sat 18 Nov, Tamworth Castle MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Another ‘fun-filled celebration of geeky goodness’, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov, NEC, Birmingham
biggest motorcycle show, Sat 18 Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Birmingham DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Featuring live shows, carols, presents, light shows, festive food, Father Christmas and a daily ‘magnificent fireworks display’, Sat 18 Nov - Sun 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth
MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2017 The UK’s
NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the Nimrod and learn about its intelligence-gathering role in the Royal Air Force, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs
NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 17 Nov, showing at selected cinemas FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) GOOD TIME (15) INGRID GOES WEST (15) JUSTICE LEAGUE (tbc) TROPHY (15)
THE SKILLS SHOW The UK’s largest skills and careers event, Thurs 16 Sat 18 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Birmingham City Centre SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17 Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth LANTERNORY Brand new storytelling concept that follows the exploits of Raike, a young thief, as he attempts
MCM Comic Con - NEC, Birmingham
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thelist Gigs
THE SONGWRITING CIRCLE SHOWCASE Mon 20 Nov, mac, Birmingham THE LAFONTAINES Mon 20 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN Wed 22 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham CHILDCARE Wed 22 Nov, The Flapper, B’ham SAMANTHA FISH Wed 22 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Mon 20 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham
DAVE ROBINSON Wed 22 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Mon 20 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
BRY Wed 22 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
THE ELEPHANT SESSIONS Mon 20 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham BROOKE BENTHAM Mon 20 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham ROBERT PLANT AND THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS Mon 20 Nov, Wolverhampton Civic Hall BLACK LIPS Mon 20 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham JAMES BLUNT Tues 21 Nov, Arena Birmingham
ALDOUS HARDING Wed 22 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE THING Wed 22 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham JOHN BRAMWELL Wed 22 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham JIM MORAY Wed 22 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham OPETH Wed 22 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham MORGAN JAMES Wed 22 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BELLY SQUAD Wed 22 Nov, Mama Roux’s Birmingham LEIF VOLLEBEKK Wed 22 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham BANANARAMA Thurs 23 Nov, Arena Birmingham
BAD SOUNDS Tues 21 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
THE TRAVELLING BAND Thurs 23 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
SOUNDS OF SIMON Tues 21 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
THE BACK TO AFRICA ROOTS TOUR Thurs 23 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
SKERRYVORE Tues 21 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
SARKODIE Thurs 23 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham
LUCY ROSE Tues 21 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham WILL VARLEY Tues 21 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham COURAGE MY LOVE Tues 21 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham CHRIS BOWDEN’S QUARTET Tues 21 Nov, The Jam House, B’ham OMD Tues 21 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham OYSTERBAND Tues 21 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MORBID ANGEL Wed 22 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton BRYSON TILLER Wed 22
JIM WHITE Thurs 23 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS Thurs 23 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham
Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November Hounds, Birmingham JAGGED LITTLE PILL - A TRIBUTE TO ALANIS MORISSETTE Fri 24 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham LIZZIE AND THE BANSHEES Fri 24 Nov, The Roadhouse, B’ham ALISTAIR GRIFFIN AND LEDDRA CHAPMAN Fri 24 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham MODEL AEROPLANES Fri 24 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham THE URBAN FOLK QUARTET Fri 24 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove ENTER SHIKARI Fri 24 Nov, Arena Birmingham SHAM 69 Fri 24 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE DIVINE COMEDY Fri 24 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham MISS MONEYPENNY'S PRESENTS NIGHT AT THE PROMS Fri 24 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham MIKE GARSON PLAYS DAVID BOWIE'S ALADDIN SANE Sat 25 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN PLAYS MOZART Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & David Curtis (conductor). Programme includes works by Haydn, Grieg & Mozart, Wed 22 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
ALGIERS Sun 26 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham
FLEET FOXES Fri 24 Nov, Civic Hall, W’hampton
JINJER Sun 26 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham
LES MCKEOWN BAY CITY ROLLERS Fri 24 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
CHINA CRISIS Sun 26 Nov, The Robin, Bilston EMILY BARKER Sun 26 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham SIXTIES GOLD Sun 26 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
KERRY GODLIMAN - STICK OR TWIST Fri 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham PAUL CHOWDHURY Fri 24 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES Featuring Flute Choir & Clarinet Choir, Fri 24 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
PHILL JUPITUS - JUPLICITY Sun 26 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
CECIL ARONOWITZ ORCHESTRA Programme includes works by Bartók, Hindemith & Walton, Fri 24 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire FODEN BRASS BAND WITH MATT FORD: MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS Fri 24 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor).Programme includes works by Sibelius & Grieg, Sat 25 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
PVRIS Thurs 23 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MITCH BENN Fri 24 Nov, MAC, B’ham
MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sat 25 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
STEVE NORMAN Sat 25 Nov, Pizza Express Live, The Waters Edge, Birmingham
JAMES ARTHUR Sat 25 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham
COMEDY WITH INGRID DAHLE & BRENDAN BURNS COMPERED BY CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 24 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
SEAN SHIBE GUITAR CONCERT Programme includes J S Bach's Lute Suite No 2 in A minor BWV 997 & Villa-Lobos' Selection of Etudes and Preludes, Fri 24 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham
NOTORIOUS AT 20 - FAURE REQUIEM AND RUTTER MAGNIFICAT Sat 25 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
THE NIGHT WATCH DRIVE THE COLD WINTER AWAY Sat 25 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
JONNY AWSUM & NICK PAGE Sat 25 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham
THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE Sat 25 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
RICKY COOL & THE IN CROWD Sat 25 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
SOFIE HAGEN - DEAD BABY FROG Fri 24 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
THE RAF IN CONCERT Wed 22 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
BETSY Sat 25 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
GOLDIE Thurs 23 Nov, Civic Hall, W’hampton
SCRATCH PERVERTS Fri 24 Nov, Hare &
THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME CONCERT Programme includes works by N. de Grigny, J. P. Sweelinck, W. Herschel, L. Vierné, Wagner (arr. E. H. Lemare) & Holst (arr. T. Trotter), Mon 20 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
NDR RADIOPHILHARMONIE HANOVER BEETHOVEN AND BRAHMS Featuring Andrew Manze (conductor) & Igor Levit (piano), Sat 25 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
HOWARD JONES Sat 25 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
BRYSON TILLER Fri 24 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
Classical Music
MILITARY WIVES: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Sat 25 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral WIND BAND & SAXOPHONE CHOIR Sun 26 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham
Comedy TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Members of Box of Frogs present their own inimitable brand of high-octane improvised nonsense from audience suggestions, Mon 20 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham CHRIS KENT & ANDREW RYAN Wed 22 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ED GAMBLE - MAMMOTH Thurs 23 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 23 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEVIN GILDEA, MIKE NEWALL & STEVE HARRIS Sat 25 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham
Theatre ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mon 20 Nov Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS CAROL Amateur staging presented by Bilston Operatic Company, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre UP 'N' UNDER John Godber’s story of an inept pub team who reluctantly accept the help of a female coach, Tues 21 - Sun 26 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Presented by St Augustine’s Musical Theatre Company, Tues 21- Sat 25 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull FORCED ENTERTAINMENT - REAL MAGIC Physical theatre performance taking audiences on ‘a hallucinatory journey’, Wed 22 - Fri 24 Nov, MAC, Birmingham IMPERIUM PART II: DICTATOR A story of power-politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Doran directs Richard McCabe in the epic title role, Thurs 23 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon MONOLOGUESLAM A selection of actors go head-to-head to perform for a panel of industry professionals, including agents, casting directors and directors, Fri 24 Nov, The REP, B’ham STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy presents its annual showcase, Sat 25 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham WIFI WARS Live comedy game show in which the entire audience play along, Sun 26 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
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A HILARIOUS EVENING OF NON STOP COMEDY MURDER, MYSTERY, FAWLTY TOWERS
November 11th, 7.00pm £45 .00 per ticket to include 3-course meal, entertainment and a late night DJ For tickets please email salesteam@themount.co.uk or call 01902 752055 Ext 2
The Mount Hotel Mount Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 8HL
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Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November
Dance
NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE:
THE NUTCRACKER Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Fri 24 Nov - Wed 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome
Released from Fri 24 Nov, showing at selected cinemas BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12a) BEACH RATS (15) SUBURBICON (15) THE STAR (U)
Talks SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH ELEPHANTS The wildlife TV presenter shares animal stories and behind-thescenes tales of life in Kenya, Wed 22 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
Events BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Birmingham City Centre CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Thurs 23 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR The largest vetted art, antiques and interiors fair outside of London, bringing together more than 200 specialist dealers exhibiting the finest pieces, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, B’ham
DOUG SCOTT & SIR CHRIS BONINGTON: CRAWLING OFF THE OGRE A must for all adventure fans, Thurs 23 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MATT HAIG: FATHER CHRISTMAS AND ME The bestselling author presents an interactive family event for children aged seven-plus, Sat 25 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
FROST FAIR Featuring a carefully selected array of crafts, gifts, unique and original presents and fine foods, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Nov, Ragley Hall, Alcester MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christmas-themed event featuring artistic sculptures, Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, Kings Heath Park, Birmingham GIN TASTING Gin masterclass including a perfectly made G&T, a talk about the history of gin and a tutored tasting of six gins from small independent producers, Sat 25 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
Film
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AND SANTA'S GROTTO Featuring unique, local, homemade crafts, Sat 25 Nov, Selly Manor, Bournville, Birmingham
INDEPENDENT LISTINGS:
WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION The UK's premier model railway event, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Birmingham
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB: ADIOS (tbc) Documentary. Starring Ibrahim Ferrer, Omara Portuondo. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Nov METROPOLIS (PG) Drama/Sci-Fi. Starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 23 Nov PAN’S LABYRINTH (15) Drama/Fantasy. Starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 23 Nov
SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa by boat in his underground grotto, deep in the caverns, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust
Awful Auntie New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 22 - Sun 26 November
Frights, fights and friendships are the order of the day in this world premiere of David Walliams’ much-loved story. At the centre of the tale is a young girl named Stella. The sole heir to Saxby Hall, she finds herself in danger of losing both her inheritance and her life when she comes up against her thoroughly unpleasant Aunt Alberta... Produced by the team behind the hugely successful stage adaptation of Walliams’ Gangsta Granny, the show comes complete with a very old car, a very large owl, a very small ghost and plenty of opportunity to enjoy a jolly good chuckle.
activities, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO Annual event featuring marching bands and impressive displays, culminating in a spectacular ‘grand finale’ including all the performers, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Arena Birmingham MEET SANTA In an experience unique to Birmingham this festive season, visitors are invited to go to the North Pole of the city in the Antarctic Grotto, meet the man himself and enjoy the cheeky Gentoo penguins in
the exclusive setting of the ever-sochilly Ice Adventure area, Sat 25 Nov - Sat 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience ‘a magical festive sleepover’ at one Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 26 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire STIR UP SUNDAY The traditional day for everyone in the family to take a turn at stirring the Christmas pudding and making a wish, Sun 26 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Bone-crunching knights, giant puppets and a medley of medieval musicians all play their part in this ever-popular event - as do more than 100 stall holders selling food, drink and seasonal wares, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire SANTA HUNTS Enjoy a ‘fun-filled’ search for Santa alongside the museum’s festive costumed guides, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time and take part in some seasonal
Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair - NEC, Birmingham
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Monday 27 - Thursday 30 November
Classical Music VEROMIKA TABAKOVA (PIANO) Also featuring Ella de Villiers (flute), Joanne Sealey (piano) & Paul Lamstaes (saxophone). Programme includes works by Ibert, Karg-Elert & Swerts, Mon 27 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRA:'A CELEBRATION OF THE MGM FILM MUSICALS' Featuring Louise Dearman (special guest) & Matt Ford, Tues 28 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Queen + Adam Lambert - Arena Birmingham
Gigs LP Mon 27 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham CHRIS REA Mon 27 Wed 29 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham COLIN BLUNSTONE WITH HIS FULL BAND Mon 27 Nov, The Robin, Bilston ROYAL THUNDER Mon 27 Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham RAG'N'BONE MAN Mon 27 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton EVERY TIME I DIE AND COMEBACK KID Mon 27 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham JESCA HOOP Mon 27 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BEANS ON TOAST AND SKINNY LISTER Tues 28 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE SOLID GOLD ROCK 'N' ROLL SHOW 2017 Tues 28 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Tues 28 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Hall, Wolverhampton
STONE SOUR Wed 29 Nov, Arena Birmingham
QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT Thurs 30 Nov, Arena Birmingham
TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS Wed 29 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
BROKEN WITT REBELS Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
ELECTRIC BOYS Wed 29 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
KOBRA AND THE LOTUS Wed 29 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
LOTTO BOYZZ Wed 29 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham NASHVILLE SOUNDS IN THE ROUND Wed 29 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham JANE WEAVER Wed 29 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham IAN FELICE Wed 29 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BRUCE MOLSKY'S MOUNTAIN DRIFTERS Wed 29 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Wed 29 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton MARK LANEGAN BAND Wed 29 Nov, Wulfrun
BLAENAVON Thurs 30 Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham THINK FLOYD Thurs 30 Nov, The Robin, Bilston JAMESON RAID Thurs 30 Nov, The Asylum, Birmingham ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham DAVE Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham URBAN INTRO Thurs 30 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham
NORTHLANE Tues 28 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham
Theatre ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mon 20 Nov Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 CONSPIRATOR A story of power-politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Doran directs. Thurs 16 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon IMPERIUM PART II: DICTATOR A story of power-politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Doran directs Richard McCabe in the epic title role, Thurs 12 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
THE HIRED MAN Classic musical taking audiences on an early-20th century journey from the hard farmlands of the north to the war-torn trenches of the Great War, Mon 27 Nov - Sat 2 Dec, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL Featuring Mirga Gražinyte -Tyla (conductor) & Rafał Blechacz (piano). Programme includes works by Mozart, Chopin & Beethoven, Thurs 30 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: J S BACH – MASS IN B MINOR Also featuring London Baroque Sinfonia, Paul Spicer (conductor), Sarah Fox (soprano), James Laing (countertenor) & Rob (bass-baritone), Thurs 30 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
Comedy JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS Mon 27 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
JW JONES Tues 28 Nov, The Robin, Bilston
JON RICHARDSON - OLD MAN Thurs 30 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s adaptation of Charles Dickens' festive classic. Phil Davies stars, Mon 27 Nov - Sun 4 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
CADET Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham STILLIA Thurs 30 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
PAUL SINHA - SHOUT OUT TO MY EX Thurs 30 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove
GREASE The original high school musical, starring Danielle Hope as Sandy, Tom Parker as Danny and Louisa Lytton as Rizzo, Mon 27 Nov Sat 2 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Richard Bean’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s comedy, Servant Of Two Masters, Wed 29 Nov - Sat 16 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham ALADDIN Fun-filled family pantomime starring CBeebies’ Cat Sandion as Princess Jasmine, Sam Rabone as Dame Widow Twankey and Ben Thornton as Wishy Washy, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, adapted for the stage by Nativity! writer Debbie Isitt, Thurs 30 Nov Sat 13 Jan, The REP, B’ham
MARGARET CHO Wed 29 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
NO SUCH THING AS A FISH Dan Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, Anna Ptaszynski and James Harkin serve up their pick of ‘the most bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious facts known to man’, Thurs 30 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham
SINACH WAYMAKER Tues 28 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham
SNAP COMEDY FEATURING ISZI LAWRENCE, JOSH PUGH & DOUG SEGAL Thurs 30 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
FATHER CHRISTMAS Pins & Needles present Raymond Briggs’ classic festive tale, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 30 Dec, Mac, Birmingham
ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA & BRAVE SONS OF ELIJAH PERRY
BEC HILL, SOL BERNSTIEN, ANDY ROBINSON & JARLATH REGAN Thurs 30 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham
CHRIS EUBANK'S ONE-MAN SHOW Thurs 30 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
ANDY PARSONS: BULLSH*T Tues 28 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch
NATTY Tues 28 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN Wed 29 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham
SLEEPTALKING Tues 28 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham
Beans On Toast - The Glee Club, Birmingham
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THE NUTCRACKER Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet, until Wed 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome
Talks AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON Sir Michael talks about a career during which he’s interviewed more than 2,000 famous people, Mon 27 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall
Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TRUE ROMANCE (18) Crime/Drama. Starring Christian Slater & Patricia Arquette. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm-
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ingham, Tues 28 Nov AMERICAN PSYCHO (18) Crime/Drama. Starring Christian Bale & Jared Leto. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 29 Nov
Events BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Birmingham City Centre SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17 Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christmas-themed event featuring artistic sculptures, Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, Kings Heath Park, Birmingham
BBC Good Food Show - NEC, Birmingham
MEET SANTA In an experience unique to Birmingham this festive season, visitors are invited to go to the North Pole of the city in the Antarctic Grotto, meet the man himself and enjoy the cheeky Gentoo penguins in the exclusive setting of the ever-soever-so-chilly Ice Adventure area, Sat 25 Nov - Sat 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham
International netball, as England face Malawi, Wed 29 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham
ENGLAND ROSES FACE MALAWI QUEENS
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS The trees
CANDLELIGHT COUGHTON Enjoy a traditional three-course Christmas meal in Coughton's kitchen café and experience the house decorated for the Throckmorton family's Christmas, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Nov, Coughton Court, Alcester
and glasshouses are ‘playfully lit and all aglow’, with a sparkling path winding its way through the gardens to create ‘a magical after-dark experience’, Wed 29 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW Featuring top UK chefs cooking live, and a huge range of independent producers and big brands, Thurs 30 Nov - Sun 3 Dec, NEC, Birmingham
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