Birmingham What's On November 2022

News from around the region

Sir Ian McKellen to star in Mother Goose at the Wolverhampton Grand

Celebrated star of stage & screen Sir Ian McKellen will take the title role when a pantomime version of Mother Goose stops off at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre early next year (Wednesday 22 - Sunday 26 February).

Sir Ian, who is perhaps best known globally as Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings movies and Magneto in the X-Men films, will be joined in the show by John Bishop. To find out more and book tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk

New ‘musical journey’ celebrates Black music

A one-night-only show at Birmingham Repertory Theatre will this month celebrate the story of black music as it travelled from Africa to the UK via the Caribbean and North America.

The History Of Reggae: A Musical Journey (Saturday 5 November) features songs by Steel Pulse, Bob Marley, Aswad, Musical Youth, Janet Kay, Desmond Dekker, Millie, John Holt, U Roy and many more.

CBSO initiative to support musicians from underrepresented backgrounds

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has launched a long-term paid career

development programme.

The initiative will support five early-career string musicians from under-represented backgrounds ‘through performance, training and development opportunities, to help kickstart a career in orchestral performance’.

The three-year CBSO Career Accelerator programme will initially run from January to July 2023, with the participants being offered a minimum of 60 days freelance work with the orchestra.

Applications for violin, viola, cello and double bass players will open soon and be announced and promoted via the CBSO’s website.

Elmhurst to celebrate its centenary in 2023

A Birmingham ‘centre of excellence’ for young dancers will next year celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School will be hosting a number of special events to mark the occasion.

Commenting on the news, School Principal Jessica Ward said: “Elmhurst at 100 is a very special moment in the school’s history, and we are thrilled to mark the occasion with a number of centenary events.

“There will be plenty of nostalgia and memories, and we will also think about what a future Elmhurst looks like.”

As the project progresses, the Gardens will have the chance to secure an additional funding amount of £4,409,186.

Get ready to run...

Birmingham’s NEC will play host to The National Running Show in January (Saturday the 21st & Sunday the 22nd).

The biggest community meet-up of the year, and perfectly timed for runners who are training for events in the spring, the show features ‘inspirational speakers, cutting-edge technologies and the best in nutrition, all under one roof’. For more information, visit nationalrunningshow.com

Strictly out on tour again

National Lottery funding to help Botanical Gardens restoration project

Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been awarded £590,814 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund - with the potential to secure a further £4.4million to restore its four historic glasshouses.

The Gardens, a Grade II listed charity, has received the grant so that it can develop plans for its £13million Growing Our Green Heritage project, which aims to restore its historic glasshouse estate to create ‘a place of horticultural excellence and outstanding green space’.

The live tour of Strictly Come Dancing will be foxtrotting its way around the country again in the new year - and for the first time ever, Anton Du Beke will join fellow TV judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood for the on-the-road version of the show.

The Strictly Live Tour will also feature the welcome return of Janette Manrara as host. As usual the tour kicks off in Birmingham (Utilita Arena) in January (20th to the 22nd). For more information and to book tickets, visit StrictlyComeDancingLive.com

New tour dates for Romesh

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan will be hitting the road again in 2024 with a brand-new show entitled Hustle.

The ever-popular laughter merchant’s UK tour will include a stop-off at Birmingham Utilita Arena on 30 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit the venue’s website.

Going squareeyed at Midlands Arts Centre

MAC Birmingham’s Square Eyes TV Festival returns for a second year this month.

Running from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 November, the event features exclusive screenings and Q&As focused not only on TV institutions like Blue Peter, Doctor Who and The Twilight Zone, but also more recent Midlandsbased productions, including DI Ray and My Name Is Leon. Guests include Oscar nominee Sir David Hare, reclusive horror author Garth Marenghi, and DI Ray showrunner Maya Sondhi...

To find out more about the event and book tickets, visit macbirmingham.co.uk

Disney’s The Lion King will return to Birmingham Hippodrome next summer. Showing at the venue from Thursday 6 July to Saturday 16 September, the hit musical has thrilled a combined global audience of more

A charismatic car park...

than 110 million people since premiering on Broadway in 1997.

For more information and to book tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com

Birmingham’s Trinity Street Car Park, located within the city’s Digbeth Estate, has been dubbed ‘the most charismatic car park in Britain’ by The Car Park Appreciation Society. The car park won the accolade thanks to its unique entrance - made from crushed car partssurrounding walls (adorned with vibrant street art) and close-tothe-city-centre location.

Children’s festival offering ‘fairytale’ fun

A brand-new event for children under 12 years of age will take place at Staffordshire Showground next spring (Sunday 12 March).

Organised by a female-led team with first-hand experience of parenting, The Kids’ Festival is described as an ‘immersive, fairytale experience bursting with a wide range of thrilling and enjoyable interactive activities’. To find out more, visit thekidsfestival.co.uk

Disney’s roar-some musical returns to the Hippodrome

News from around the region

Christmas craft-away with Dragons’ Den’s Sara

Dragons’ Den star and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Sara Davies is heading for Birmingham next month - complete with a cornucopia of quality Christmas crafting tricks and tips.

Covering everything from gifts and garlands to cards and crackers - all via ‘a peek inside the Den’ and ‘a sprinkling of Strictly sparkle’ - Sara’s show will feature practical demonstrations, creative ideas and a healthy slice of down-to-earth know-how. The Queen of Crafting stops off at Birmingham Town Hall on Tuesday 6 December. For more information and to book tickets, visit bmusic.co.uk

Olly Murs back on tour

Olly Murs will stop off at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena next spring as part of a UK tour to promote his new album, Marry Me, which is released early next month (2 December). Olly will be joined in the Thursday 4 May show by Scouting For Girls. To find out more and book tickets, visit resortsworldarena.co.uk

New cabaret fun in Brum

Birmingham will get a brand-new cabaret evening next month, complete with dinner, drinks, and ‘super-slick spellbinding’ circus performances.

The new event is being presented by the ever-inventive Circus Mash and takes place at All Saints Centre in Kings Heath from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 December. For more information, visit circusmash.co.uk

Christmas In Cathedral Square back for a second year

Christmas In Cathedral Square is returning to Birmingham for the second year running.

The award-winning event will take place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral from Wednesday 16 November (when there will be an official launch event from 6pm to 8pm) to Sunday 18 December, offering visitors a variety of crafts, gifts and food & drink stalls to enjoy.

Commenting on the news, Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Following a successful year for

Cadbury World launches key stage two creative language workshop

Cadbury World is offering key stage two pupils the unique opportunity to bring the topic of creative language to life with the launch of a brand-new workshop.

Linked to the current KS2 curriculum, the Bournville-based visitor attraction’s new Creative Language workshop offers pupils the chance to develop their knowledge by exploring different forms of persuasive writing.

For more information on the new initiative, visit cadburyworld.co.uk

Birmingham with the 2022 Commonwealth Games, we’re excited to be working with Colmore BID, Danter Attractions Limited and Birmingham Cathedral to host Christmas In Cathedral Square for the second year running.

“With a variety of Midlands-based independents setting up stalls at the market, and local artists performing, this is also a chance to highlight the diversity of our region and celebrate all it has to offer.”

BCMG to present five premieres across three concerts

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group is presenting a busy programme of work this month, with five premieres across three concerts of new work by Edmund Hunt, George Lewis, Julian Anderson and Melinda Maxwell. To find out more and book tickets, visit bcmg.org.uk

Organisers of this year’s six-month-long Birmingham 2022 Festival have revealed that the wide-ranging cultural programme attracted a total audience of over 2.4 million. Commenting on the news, the festival’s executive producer, Raidene Carter, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to showcase how diverse and inclusive the West Midlands

Alex Kingston to star in The Tempest for the RSC

Alex Kingston returns to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) after Christmas to star in a brand-new version of The Tempest.

The award-winning actress, who’s best known for starring alongside George Clooney in long-running US medical drama ER, will play the part of Prospero.

The show, which runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from Thursday 26 January to Saturday 4 March, forms part of a new season of productions at the RSC that also includes Julius Caesar and Cymbeline. For more information about all three shows and to book tickets, visit rsc.org.uk

More festive fun with Barbara Nice

Everybody’s favourite Kings Heath housewife, the incomparable Barbara Nice, makes a welcome return to MAC Birmingham next month to light up the season of good will with her annual Christmas Cracker show (Friday 16 December).

is through a festival of wholly brand-new work. In many ways it’s been a creative timecapsule for 2022, and it’s so exciting for the future.

“Working with our partners, we will now turn our attention to defining what the legacy of the festival can be, to make the most of this moment.”

As well as containing more jokes than you’d find in an oversized holiday gag-bag (does such a thing even exist?!), Barbara’s fabulous festive favourite usually features a tombola and raffle, no shortage of mince pies, and sometimes even a special guest or two.

To find out more and book tickets, visit macbirmingham.co.uk

Make a date for Danny’s final installment...

Veteran broadcaster

Danny Baker will make three February stop-offs in the Midlands with a brand-new show.

At Last… The Sausage Sandwich Tour is the final part of a trilogy which has also featured Cradle To Stage and Good Time Charlie’s Back!

Danny visits Stafford Gatehouse on 8 February, Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent three days later on the 11th, and Walsall’s A3 Arena on the 24th. He then returns to the region in the spring, appearing at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, on 15 April.

For more information and to book tickets, visit DannyBakerLive.com

The Beat announce hometown memorial gig

Legendary British band The Beat will celebrate the life of their late frontman and musical pioneer Ranking Roger with a special one-off evening of live music at The Mill, Birmingham, on Thursday 22 December. Fronted by Roger’s son and vocalist, Ranking Jnr (pictured), the show will feature a full performance by the Birmingham trailblazers plus special guests from the worlds of ska, reggae and punk... Tickets for the gig are available via bit.ly/rankingrogermemorialshow

SpongeBob musical to debut in the Midlands

Much-loved children’s television character SpongeBob is visiting Birmingham Hippodrome next spring with his very own musical.

The popular Nickleodeon star will take centre stage in a production that’s being described as ‘an all-singing, all-dancing, deep-sea pearl of a show’.

The SpongeBob Musical stops off at the Hippodrome from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 April and then Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July.

Congrats to Hannah!

Comedian Hannah Weetman has been announced as the winner of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2022. Call-centre operative Hannah, who hails from Castle Bromwich, last month performed in front of a sell-out crowd at the city’s Glee Club, where she was presented with her prize by fellow Brummie comic Jo Enright.

Birmingham 2022 Festival enjoyed by millions

by Diane Parkes

For writer and director Debbie Isitt, it’s Christmas all year round. As the creator of four hit Nativity! films and a successful stage musical, there’s an element of jingle bells in her life every day.

And from mid-month, she’ll be enjoying sharing the festivities with audiences, when Nativity! The Musical returns to the stage at Birmingham Rep.

Born and brought up in Birmingham, Debbie first launched the story of two schools battling it out for the best Christmas show in her 2009 film, Nativity!

Set in Coventry and starring Martin Freeman, Marc Wootton and Ashley Jensen, the movie rapidly won the hearts of children and adults alike - so much so it was followed by Nativity! 2, 3 and 4, featuring a host of top actors including David Tennant, Martin Clunes, Catherine Tate, Celia Imrie and Meera Syal. The stage show was produced by Birmingham Rep in 2017, and Debbie, who now lives in Coventry, is delighted the new tour again launches back on home turf.

“When we decided to do the show, we wanted to do a co-production with a local theatre because it’s set in Coventry and about the West Midlands. The Birmingham Rep is one of the greatest theatres in the country, and it’s somewhere that’s very important to me. I grew up watching shows at The Rep since I was about six or seven years old, so it felt like home and it felt absolutely right that the show started there.

“Although I’d been on a tremendous journey with the filming, it felt extra-special seeing it on the stage. To think that I was now instrumental in bringing a piece of musical theatre to that very same stage where I had watched shows as a child was really emotional, moving and tremendously exciting. There’s nothing to beat live theatre at its best. Now the musical is coming home again, which is really brilliant, especially after everything we’ve been through with the pandemic.”

Nativity! was inspired by Debbie’s own experiences of childhood Christmas shows.

“I’ve got two sisters, and my mum was keen on each of us being Mary in the nativity at school, so she terrified the teachers to make sure we got the part. So all three of us got to play Mary. We always talk about it at Christmas, me and my sisters!

“It’s funny because Mary’s not actually the best part; there are more entertaining parts. I would’ve loved to have been an angel because I loved the costume with the wings and the long dress. I dreamt of being an angel, but no, it was Mary.”

Debbie believes it’s this shared memory of school plays which has made Nativity! popular with film and theatre audiences.

“The story is so relatable - so many people have either been that child at school doing the Christmas show, or the parent of that child, or the grandparent of that child. It’s a multi-generational story that we all kind of understand and empathise with.

“Since I made the first film, I’ve heard a lot of nativity stories and seen a lot as well. People send me a lot of bits of film of their children in nativities.

“Then there’s the idea of the underdog, the child who is the outsider, overcoming obstacles and showing that everyone is special and everyone has their gifts and talents. That’s what’s really at its heart - the children, and overcoming adversity. It’s a very empowering message, and at Christmas time we want to feel good, we want to feel the world is a lovely place. Nativity! really does offer those messages.”

Central to the story is the madcap teaching assistant Mr Poppy, a child at heart, who is overflowing with enthusiasm for the class he teaches and their Christmas show. So did Debbie have a Mr Poppy when she was a youngster?

“Mr Poppy isn’t based on any teachers I knew, but I wish he had been because I would’ve loved to have a Mr Poppy at school.

But I think he’s a kind of wish-fulfilment character - that imaginary friend or imaginary teacher or imaginary classroom assistant. He’s from my imagination, based on the desire for a Mr Poppy. I’ve since heard lots of people say, ‘I’ve got a teacher that’s just like Mr Poppy,’ and I think, ‘Aren’t you lucky - how brilliant!’”

The production features 37 schoolchildren in the cast, performing in teams on different dates, and Debbie says it’s always a hard decision to choose the young actors.

“One of the highlights for me is auditioning the children because, like within the film and within the show, when children audition they bring their heart and soul and they put it all out on the table. It’s such good fun, and they have a very happy time with a lovely workshop.

“All the children bring something magical, so it’s very tough for me because I would love to cast them all! We have to whittle it down to get there, and it’s quite a process. We have thousands apply, and 37 doesn’t seem so many when you’ve looked at 800 tapes.”

The opening night on 19 November will be particularly special for Debbie, coming as it does after the past few years of Covid and the death of her father.

“It’s going to be very emotional for me because there was a moment there for a couple of years where we thought it might never happen again - not just Nativity! but all theatre. And, like many other people, I lost my dad to Covid. We went through a very, very sad time, and this is hopefully a tribute to him as well. As a Brummie and someone who loved the theatre, it’s a really lovely way of honouring his memory. We are dedicating the whole production to him.”

Nativity! The Musical shows at The Rep, Birmingham, from Saturday 19 November to Saturday 7 January.

A fabulous festive family favourite, Birmingham-born Debbie Isitt’s critically acclaimed Nativity! The Musical is the perfect show to get theatre-goers in the Christmas spirit.

a feelgood storyline, a romantic element, bucketloads of humour and a cast of extremely talented kids, the hit production is showing at Birmingham Rep across the festive season. What’s On recently caught up with Debbie to talk about the show’s enduring appeal...

Food news from across the region...

Birmingham crowned Britain’s most exciting food destination

Birmingham has been crowned Britain’s Most Exciting Food Destination by The Good Food Guide. Carters of Moseley, The Wilderness and Grace & Savour at Hampton Manor were all awarded an ‘exceptional’ rating and feature in the top-20 list.

The Good Food Guide said: ‘No other English provincial city is as well served with such a range of unique and frequently exceptional restaurants right across the price range.’ Go on, Brum!

Albert’s Schloss launches winter menu

Albert’s Schloss Birmingham has launched its brand-new winter menu. Featuring a range of Alpine and Bavarian-inspired dishes, the menu includes: coquille pretzel pie, black forest chicken burger, and the Bavarian Feast - roast pork knuckle, chicken schnitzel, bratwurst, kaiserwurst, chilliwurst, bier chilli ribs and sides of sformato, braised red cabbage, seasonal greens, bier jus, Schloss Sauerkraut and pickles.

New look for Pitcher & Piano Birmingham

Following its extensive refurbishment, Pitcher & Piano Birmingham has reopened with a refreshed look. Over £800,000 has been spent renovating both the inside and outside of the bar, with the venue’s covers having increased in number to 168, including canalside tables. The chain is continuing to offer a menu of fresh food - including bottomless brunch - a range of classic, house and sharing cocktails and a premium range of spirits, wines and beers.

Birmingham’s highly anticipated fine-dining restaurant, Orelle, has opened on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, boasting unrivalled 360degree views of the city and beyond.

Taking modern French cuisine to another level, Orelle’s executive head chef, Chris Emery, has designed the menu to showcase the best of British produce and celebrate the stories behind locally sourced ingredients. The menu

New whisky festival comes to Birmingham

The first English Whisky Festival is taking place on Saturday 19 November at The Custard Factory.

Featuring 20-plus English distilleries and bottlers, the festival constitutes the largest-ever gathering of English whiskies under one roof.

For £40 per person, as well as sampling what’s on offer, attendees will meet the makers to hear first-hand what goes into producing small-batch craft whiskies. Many of the brands will also be sharing new products, festival exclusives and some money-can’t-buy samples.

A series of masterclasses will run throughout the day, delving deeper into the techniques, ingredients and approaches of some of the distilleries.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at exploringenglishwhisky.co.uk

In addition to the restaurant, the 38-cover ground-floor café & bar is entered through a 28cover outdoor terrace that forms an integral part of the building’s street presence. The all-day café serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, and then offers a bar menu in the evenings.

includes Côte de Boeuf, suckling pig, Cornish turbot and Lake District lamb.

New fine-dining restaurant opens in the heart of the city

Classical music from across the region...

“Music expresses our deepest thoughts and has the power to change the way we think and feel,” says Ex Cathedra founder and conductor Jeffrey Skidmore. “Songs Of Protest on Remembrance Sunday puts the case for peace, political freedom,

Birmingham Bach Choir

Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 19 November

Returning to Lichfield’s historic cathedral, the acclaimed Birmingham Bach Choir present Johann Sebastian’s Christmas Oratorio.

Written in six sections, first performed in the 1730s, and telling the story of the birth of Jesus, Bach’s beautiful festive classic has become a firm yuletide favourite. The concert, featuring parts one, two, five and six of the Oratorio, is being viewed as a celebration of conductor Paul Spicer’s 30 years with the choir.

compassion for our fellow human beings and the fight against torture.

“Classic works by John Joubert and James MacMillan are performed alongside profoundly moving new works by Sally Beamish and Alec Roth.”

Solem Quartet

Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Wed 30 November

City of Birmingham Choir: A Sea Symphony

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 6 November

The City of Birmingham Choir here celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ birth with a performance of his first and most-loved choral symphony.

Vaughan Williams’ orchestral miniature, Fantasia On Greensleeves, and the stirring Benedicite - scored for choir, orchestra and soprano soloist - also feature.

The choir is joined for the concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Adrian Lucas is the man with the baton.

Mozart Festival Orchestra: Four Seasons By Candlelight

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 27 November

The hugely talented Mozart Festival Orchestra light the candles and don the period costume for this celebration of the verve and virtuosity of the 18th century. The crowning glory of what should prove to be an evening of exceptional musicmaking is Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of classical music’s most enduring and sublime compositions. But there’s plenty more to enjoy too, including Corelli’s Allegro & Pastorale from Christmas Concerto, Bach’s Air On The G String and Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

Hailed for their immaculate precision and cultured tone, the Solem Quartet pride themselves not only on their innovative and adventurous approach to music but also their enthusiasm for showcasing the work of contemporary composers.

The quartet’s Conservatoire concert sees them presenting a programme featuring music by Bartók, Bosmans and Beethoven.

Ex Cathedra: Songs Of Protest

Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 13 November

A TIMELY REVIVAL

by Steve Adams

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s festive production could hardly be more pertinent. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ tale of poverty, social inequality, compassion and redemption, was written in 1843 but resonates louder than ever at the moment, with Britain in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis and economic recession.

The contemporary context isn’t lost on any of the key players in the new production, which is a revival of David Edgar’s socially conscious adaptation that played to packed houses in Stratford in 2017 and ’18. This year’s version features a new cast, led by former Young One Adrian Edmondson as Scrooge and TV regular Sunetra Sarker as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Both are acutely aware of the story’s depressing relevance in 2022.

“A Christmas Carol is an extraordinary book,” says Adrian, who returns to the RSC after starring in Twelfth Night five years ago. “It’s been in print continuously since 1843, so it must be saying something very important that catches our imagination. A lot of people think it’s about Scrooge and ghosts, which of course it is, but at the heart of it, it’s about poverty and our individual reaction to it. So it couldn’t be more relevant today than it has been in the past 30 to 40 years - not since rationing really. Actual poverty in our streets, people at food banks. That’s the driving force of it for Dickens - he’d read a report on poverty and was considering writing this as a dry pamphlet, but wrote it as a story because he thought it would connect more. And, of course, it does. So it’s hard to find a play that’s more relevant, especially one you might enjoy.”

Playwright David Edgar talks of it being a “universal story of how benevolence is stronger than greed”, and of his determination to keep “Dickens and his ambitions” front and centre in the adaptation.

Sunetra, meanwhile, sees the importance of telling a tale that remains so relevant. “Heating and eating are all we see in the newspapers, and the energy crisis is the first headline we’re reading about, hearing about and talking about,” says the actor familiar to millions via roles in TV shows such as Casualty (where she spent 10 years as Dr Zoe

Hanna), Cold Feet, No Angels, Ackley Bridge, Sherwood and The Bay. “The state of society, the way the world ignores and neglects what the real wants and needs are, and how ignorance plays a role in that - it’s all tied up in this story. So without realising it, we’re right on the button.”

The production represents Sunetra’s RSC debut (“it’s an honour to be able to tread the boards where so many great actors have been before”), as well as her first time on stage in nearly two decades. And the likeable scouser - the accent remains strong - is loving every minute of it, even when I point out that she could hardly have chosen a more prestigious or high-profile arena in which to make her return.

“I hadn’t thought about it like that, but now you say it, maybe I should! But it’s been more of an honour really - it’s such a gift to be invited to be part of the company at the RSC.

It’s always been a big deal - even coming from an Indian family, everybody knew about the Royal Shakespeare Company.”

She says her return to the stage has largely been prompted by her children getting olderthe long, inconvenient hours and the travel involved would have been too big a commitment when they were young.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do more stageeveryone wants to do more stage because you get that immediate intensity and reaction from the crowd that’s just joyous. You can’t bottle that sort of stuff because it’s so real.

It’s like having a really good night out with your friends - you can’t pretend to have a really good night out with your friends!

“So it feels like I’ve missed out on some wonderful moments on stage, but I’m here giving it my best. It’s a big show, there are a lot of set pieces, and I’m just getting my stage memory back in shape. But I’ve never felt more welcomed or supported by a company of strangers before - they’ve been absolutely delightful, and I’m just trying to keep up because they’re all so very good.”

Sunetra also acknowledges the importance of her character in the play; the Ghost of Christmas Present is widely regarded as the mouthpiece for Dickens’ own views.

“I’ve chosen to make her a Northern, grounded, earthy activist. She’s like a nosey

news reporter going ‘Look, Scrooge, this is what’s going on in the world today, not yesterday or tomorrow, but today.’ I’d like to say she’s got a sunshine and brightness about her, but she’s also weighted in the reality of ‘You need to get your act together, shape up.’”

And Adrian can’t wait to get his act together as the old miser at the heart of the story.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Scrooge. Why, you might ask, would you watch a show about a really horrible person?

You watch it because you’re cheering him on, urging him to become a better person. You’re on his side, you want him to turn. I think that makes him one of the most fundamentally interesting characters in literature, and a great part to play.”

And as much as we’ve been talking about the disheartening timeliness of the show in terms of the current prevalence of food poverty and economic hardship in society, there’s plenty of positivity to be found throughout the production, as well as in its redeeming denouement.

Sunetra is “loving the magic that a show like this brings - the set design, the music, the dance”, while David Edgar is quick to praise director Rachel Kavanaugh’s “wonderful production - combining a glorious set with dazzling choreography and musical score”. He also believes the tale shines a light on the positives that can be found while living in darker times.

“When we premiered the show in 2017, millions were already relying on food banks, and beggars haunted city streets. Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have made economic inequality - and raw poverty - an even more pressing reality. And yet - in the way the nation came together around the NHS to combat the pandemic - we have been reminded of the selflessness and generosity of spirit which lies at the heart of Dickens’ enduringly optimistic story.”

A Christmas Carol shows at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, until Sun 1 January

With Britain seemingly on the verge of a return to Dickensian times, the RSC’s revival of its acclaimed version of A Christmas Carol could hardly be more opportune. Three of the production’s key players reveal why the enduring tale of redemption and compassion is more relevant than ever this festive season...

Live music from across the region...

Blossoms

O2 Academy, Birmingham, Tues 29 November

Blossoms burst onto the UK music scene following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2016. First single Charlemagne was named BBC Radio One’s track of the day and featured on Spotify’s Spotlight On 2016 list. The commercial success extended through to the end of that year, when the single topped the Christmas vinyl chart. Further numberone successes have followed, most recently with Ribbon Around The Bomb.

The boys’ autumn tour follows on from summer success at Glastonbury, which saw Mel C making a cameo contribution to their headline-grabbing set.

Florence + The Machine

Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 24 November

The first British female to headline Glastonbury in the 21st century, Florence Welch rose to fame in 2009 with debut album Lungs. She then made further

Ellie Gowers

The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham, Thurs 17 November

Boasting a strong voice full of expression and maturity, Ellie Gowers writes and performs songs with sociological, ecological and personal themes in mind. Her sensitive, tender yet powerful and thought-provoking material hints at the music of Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and Laura Marling.

She’s touring to Midlands venues this month on the back of her debut album, Dwelling By The Weir, an exploration of the folklore, stories and people that have made her home county of Warwickshire what it is today.

Thea Gilmore

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Fri 18 November

A distinctly English take on the angst-rock blueprint of American artists such as Ani DiFranco and Alanis Morissette has seen Thea Gilmore gain both a cult following and critical acclaim.

Counting Bruce Springsteen and Joan Baez among her fans, Thea has played to sell-out crowds throughout the UK and appeared at major events such as T In The Park, V Festival and Cambridge Folk.

She stops off in Birmingham following the massive success of her first ever solo tour in 2021.

Squeeze

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 12 - Sun 13 November

splashes - on both sides of the pond - with a selection of singles that were used in popular films and television shows.

Florence and the band visit Birmingham late this month in support of the recently released and chart-topping Dance Fever, her fifth studio album and one which she describes as ‘a fairytale of 14 songs’.

Jessie Read

The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, Fri 18 November

Rich, delicate, visceral harmonies set against atmospheric and ethereal backgrounds are the stock-in-trade of Shropshire-born Jessie Reid, a folkinfluenced talent whose star is most definitely in the ascendant.

Jessie’s percussive fingerstyle guitar playing has not only drawn comparisons with Ben Howard, Lucy Rose and Nick Mulvey, but also played its part in seeing her shortlisted for the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. A bright future awaits.

New kids on the block, Squeeze most definitely are not.

Songwriting partners Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook formed the band in early 1974, teaming up with Jools Holland and Paul Gunn soon after and then going on to score some impressive hits, most notably Cool For Cats, Up The Junction and Labelled With Love. Having then set aside all things Squeeze to pursue their solo endeavours, Difford and Tilbrook relaunched the band in 2007. In the years which have followed, the Ivor Novello Award-winning duo have reacquainted themselves with the UK album charts, enjoying significant success with 2015’s Cradle To The Grave and 2017’s The Knowledge.

A VENETIAN’S VIEW

A world-class collection of artwork by Giovanni Antonio Canal (better known as Canaletto), is currently on show at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum. The exhibition features stunning paintings on loan from the Woburn Abbey Collection, as well as artworks from Worcester’s Fine Art Collection and loans from Birmingham Museums, Tate and Compton Verney. What’s On recently caught up with curatorial officer, Claire Cheshire, to find out what visitors can expect from this prestigious exhibition.

Canaletto: A Venetian's View has been called a once-in-a-generation exhibition and the gallery’s most ambitious show ever. Can you explain why it’s so prestigious?

The 24 paintings of Venice commissioned by John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford (1710-1771), in the 1730s constitute the largest series of paintings ever undertaken by Canaletto. They normally hang in the dining room of Woburn Abbey and in the last 70 years have only left a couple of times. That we have been able to exhibit 20 of them is extraordinary in itself, but we have also brought together three further works by Canaletto and a number of works by other artists who were directly influenced by him, in particular William Marlow, which have never been hung together before.

Historically speaking, why is Canaletto such an important and revered artist?

Canaletto was the leading painter of views of Venice and arguably the greatest of all the eighteenth-century Italian school of ‘view painters’. During the nineteenth century, paintings by Canaletto could be viewed by the public across the country - his first publicly accessible painting, The Stonemason’s Yard, was hung at the newly opened National Gallery in 1828, and the inclusion of Canaletto artworks in subsequent London exhibitions secured his place as a leading influencer on British art.

What will viewers learn about the artist, his life and times, by visiting the exhibition?

Canaletto is particularly noted for weaving the hustle & bustle of daily life into his work.

You can really get a feel of everyday goingson in Venice - from people collecting water in the communal wells, to workmen repairing roofs, to wealthy ladies travelling through the canals in gondolas. The exhibition explores trade and commerce in the busy port, the influence of religion and the importance of the Grand Canal.

Which Canaletto painting is your personal favourite?

It’s very difficult to choose, but there is a view of the Piazza San Marco looking towards the Basilica San Marco and the Campanile which I think really shows Venice at its finest. It features the Church of San Marco, the Cathedral of Venice - and the pink marble front of the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the Venetian government, is visible beside the belltower. Standing side by side, the church and the palace represent the historic connection between religious and political power in Venice.

In the square, Canaletto has included Levantine merchants, a surprising number of

dogs and, in the centre foreground, what appears to be two young British gentlemen with a guide.

Can you share with us a fascinating and little-known fact about Canaletto?

Canaletto’s real name was Giovanni Antonio Canal, and he was the son of the painter Bernardo Canal, hence his mononym Canaletto (‘little Canal’).

Has the gallery’s process for preparing for the arrival of Canaletto differed from its process when preparing for the arrival of less-prestigious exhibitions?

All our exhibitions are very important to us. We try to do a range of themes every year to appeal to as many people as possible. Each one takes at least 12 to 18 months of planning, and we become very involved with the subject and strive to present the gallery so that it is visually beautiful but also informative and easy to navigate. This exhibition was complex in terms of logistics and layout, but we are very lucky to have such a wonderful team working on it, all of whom take a real pride in the exhibitions.

Can we expect further once-in-ageneration exhibitions at Worcester Art Gallery & Museum?

Our aim is to bring world-class art to people’s doorstep, and we will continue to work hard in order to achieve this.

Canaletto: A Venetian’s View shows at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum until Sat 7 January

Comedy previews from across the region...

Harriet Kemsley

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 13 November

Harriet Kemsley’s new show, Honeysuckle Island, takes its inspiration from a dream travel destination the comedian created and committed to paper when she was 11.

Along with having “everything a pre-teen could want’, from waterfalls and ziplines to monkeys, the island also featured a cellulite machine.

When Harriet recently looked at her drawing of the island and saw the machine, it inspired her to write a show about how societal pressure impacts young girls.

“It’s a long, hard squint at the beauty industry through my two remaining false eyelashes,” she explains, “but it’s also lots of funny jokes about me and my life, from having a baby through to being a ridiculous person!”

Ed Gamble

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 19 November; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Sun 20 November

“I’m essentially a great guy delivering humour through your classic microphone/speaker combo,” says a tonguein-cheek Ed Gamble, in describing himself. “As well as being a standup comedian, I’m an actor and a writer - although, to be honest, I very rarely act, and ‘writing’ is a very lofty term for the absolute filth I’ve committed to paper in the past.”

Co-host (with James Acaster) of awardwinning podcast Off Menu, a judge on Great British Menu, Taskmaster champion and host of Taskmaster The Podcast, Ed stops off in the Midlands this month with his touring show, Electric.

Actor Alex Lowe enjoyed big success with comic creation Clinton Baptiste when the character first appeared more than 20 years ago in Peter Kay’s award-winning television series, Phoenix Nights.

A tacky and inept clairvoyant, medium and psychic, Clinton was Kay’s brainchild but has since been fleshed-out further by the man who plays him.

Despite the serious amount of work he’s put into developing the character, Alex remains appreciative of Clinton’s origin: “The fact

Rich Hall

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Thurs 10 November; Lichfield Garrick, Fri 11 November; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 23 November

An official biography of Rich Hall modestly describes the American funnyman as ‘a comic genius’, albeit a ‘grouchy, deadpan’ one.

With much of his comedy focusing on making fun of life across the pond in his homeland, Rich is best known for his creation of Otis Lee Crenshaw, a bourbonswilling redneck jailbird from Tennessee whose many wives have all been named Brenda.

Rich returns to the Midlands this month with latest touring show Shot From Cannons, the publicity for which reveals: “You’ll pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it.”

that he’s from Phoenix Nights is great! It’s like having a head start, because I already feel four-nil up before I even get on stage, and I know the audience is going to laugh.” This brand-new touring show sees Clinton pitting his psychic wits against his arch Scottish nemesis, Ramone Tamine, a soothsayer character played by actor, comedian and mimic Lewis Macleod. But which of these two coiffured titans of the ‘unknown’ will be declared Britain’s greatest paranormalist, we wonder?...

Ivo Graham

The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 23 November

Seriously posh and admirably selfdeprecating, Ivo Graham won plenty of new fans in 2019 when one of his gags was nominated for the coveted ‘best joke of the Edinburgh Fringe’ award...

“I’ve got an Eton-themed advent calendar,” explained Ivo, “where all the doors are opened for me by my dad’s contacts.”

The Tokyo-born Oxford alumnus visits the Midlands to discuss ‘the heavy-duty pranking, parenting and procrastinating’ which has informed his life over the last few years.

Clinton Baptiste: Clinton vs Ramone Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 23 November

Comedy previews from across the region...

Jon Richardson

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 2 & Thurs 3 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-onTrent, Sun 22 & Mon 23 January; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 28 & Mon 29 May

Jon Richardson has been referred to as an OCD-afflicted grumpy young man - a description which will strike chords with anybody who’s ever caught the 40-year-old’s hugely entertaining act.

A familiar television face, Jon is married to fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont, with whom he stars in Dave TV’s Meet The Richardsons - a semi-fictional (and inevitably very funny) account of their life together.

His new touring show, The Knitwit, which he’s bringing to Wolverhampton this month, sees him asking some of life’s big questions: Will the recycling be put out on the right day? Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs?

“I’m neurotic by nature,” admits Jon, “but I’m wary of becoming more of a play than a comic. You don’t want people coming to see a man having a breakdown for two hours. I’d prefer them coming to hear my astute and witty observations.”

“Fresh from finding and proving decisive links between IKEA, the CIA and the Nazis, 1930s throwback and home-schooled investigator

Troy Hawke battles a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere: the bastard saboteur that lurks in our own minds…”

The above description - the publicity for Troy’s award-winning and currently touring show, Sigmund Troy’d - makes it pretty clear that

Mark Watson

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 10 November; Much Wenlock Arts Centre, Sun 20 November

Well-established on the UK comedy circuit, Mark Watson was born in Bristol to Welsh parents and initially delivered his act with a Welsh accent, claiming he felt “more comfortable talking in a voice that I didn’t quite recognise as my own”.

The Indians Are Coming

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 12 November; Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 13 November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 25 November

With her life experiences including a teenage suicide attempt, a Spanish-retreat encounter with psychoactive brew ayahuasca, and a train-station breakdown involving a cheese & onion pasty, Sukh Ojla has plenty of fantastic raw material around which to build a standup set... Sukh is joined at all three venues by Anuvab Pal (plus two other comedians) - for a show which is promising ‘belly laughs that are big enough to burn off an entire biryani

A regular contributor to the Edinburgh Fringe, Mark has the curious distinction of having performed standup shows which have lasted for a period in excess of 24 hours.

“Comedy is certainly a time-consuming element of my life,” he admits, “but then while I’m out touring and on stage, there are people at home doing far less glamorous things. There have certainly been times when I’ve been very happy to say, ‘Of course I’d like to stay and help out with that plumbing crisis, but the Midlands awaits!’”

Mark’s latest visit to the region sees him presenting This Can’t Be It, a show which he says will reflect on “a couple of years of pathological overthinking”.

audiences are in for plenty more than a standard evening of standup when they check out this foppish Errol Flynn-lookalike. Comedian Milo McCabe was playing Troy for nearly a decade before finally hitting the online jackpot and going viral on TikTok. Expect an evening of splendidly incongruous, occasionally brain-addling, delivered-withwarmth comedy.

Katherine Ryan

Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 11 November

Having experienced motherhood, divorce and MTV, the awardwinning Katherine Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look at those aspects of life that can make people feel angry and bitter. But while she often writes and performs material which proves that even the darkest subject matter can have a funny side, she’s also got plenty in her life to feel happy about - not least the fact that she’s now married to her high-school sweetheart. This latest tour by the Canadian star of hit Netflix series The Duchess sees her brandnew life as a wife taking centre-stage. “Magically my high-school boyfriend walked back into my life, and I did everything possible not to marry him,” Katherine told The Sun. “I really was against partnership at that point. I was looking forward to ageing alone with many dogs. And then I just loved him too much. It’s funny that fate has a way of finding you, and what’s meant for you won’t pass you.”

Troy Hawke Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Fri 11 & Sun 13 November

Never-ending story

by Diane Parkes

Emilia Marty seems to have it all. She is successful, beautiful and adored by everyone. And what’s more, she is immortal. Yet Emilia, the lead character in Leoš Janáček’s opera, The Makropulos Affair, is far from happy. After more than 300 years of living, she’s realised that she has nothing left to enjoy.

Being immortal may seem like a dream come true, but, says Spanish soprano Ángeles Blancas Gulín, who plays Emilia in the new Welsh National Opera (WNO) version of the show, her character gradually learns that life without love is meaningless.

“Emilia Marty does a lot of things,” says Ángeles. “She takes cocaine, and she is smoking and drinking because she doesn’t care. She does everything she wants and says everything she wants to say.

“But for her, living 300 years has been hard because she has lost all kind of emotions and feelings. She doesn’t feel anything now because she has had so many huge experiences in her life that she doesn’t care anymore about it. She doesn’t feel love, she doesn’t feel pain, nothing.

“Nobody knows what it would really be like to be immortal; what someone can do, really do, when they are living forever, but also the cost. It would be so tough.”

Czech composer Janáček premiered The Makropulos Affair, which is based on a play of the same name by Czech dramatist Karel Čapek, in 1926. It was last performed by WNO in 1994, in a production by the company’s former artistic director, Sir David Pountney.

Directed by Olivia Fuchs and conducted by WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus, the new production is set in the 1920s and also features Nicky Spence, Gustáv Beláček, David Stout, Harriet Eyley and Mark Le Brocq in the cast.

The Makropulos Affair is said to be partly inspired by Janáček’s unrequited passion for a married woman. Pouring his emotion into his work, Janáček created one of opera’s most dramatic and enigmatic female roles in Emilia Marty.

“It is an absolutely amazing part,” says Ángeles. “Janáček’s music really gets inside the story, so you are always inside a real drama. Emilia is playing a role because she is the only one who really knows what’s happening.

“Everyone is crazy about this woman, but she knows everything they don’t know, and they are all asking ‘How is this possible?’ This is what makes the story very interesting - she is a really mysterious woman.

“When you play the part of someone who has a really deep life, a spiritual life, you can feel it. And with Emilia Marty, it’s like that. She is so strong; she’s had 300 years of living, so a lot of different experiences, and it is something that people can smell - the energy. When you find somebody who has a different energy inside like this, it’s irresistible.”

Ángeles first played Emilia at La Fenice Opera House in Venice in 2013, and then again at Strasbourg Opera House in 2016. Each time she comes to the part, she learns more about her character.

“I was a completely different woman the first time I played her. Now I am older, I’ve changed, I have so much more experienceand different kinds of experience - so I am different. And that means I understand her so much better now than nine years ago and six years ago.

“And it’s about how you play the role. So for example, sometimes in the opera you want to make a lot of movement. You don’t like the empty moments, so you do things to fill them - but actually, the less you do, the better it is.”

Ángeles was born in Spain and made her debut in concert with Plácido Domingo. Since then she’s performed roles in operas including Mozart’s Magic Flute, Puccini’s Tosca, Verdi’s Aida and Monteverdi’s Coronation Of Poppea. And she has appeared in venues across the globe such as Liceu Opera in Barcelona, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Colón Theatre in Buenos Aires.

The Makropulos Affair is her first engagement with Welsh National Opera. She is looking forward to touring with the company.

“I’ve sung at Covent Garden and the Barbican Centre, but that is all for the UK, so everywhere I go, it will be for the first time.

I’m very excited about this.”

The production is also travelling to Brno in the Czech Republic, where it forms part of the line-up for the prestigious biennial Janáček Brno International Opera & Music Festival.

The Makropulos Affair is the final part of a WNO Janáček trilogy which has also included The Cunning Little Vixen and Jenůfa. Under

the baton of Brno-born Hanus, the company has gained an international reputation for its Janáček works.

For Ángeles, the composer’s work is highly theatrical. “Janáček is very passionate; there is passion inside his music. This opera is very dramatic - the acting is very important because Emilia Marty is such an exhilarating woman that you don’t need to do extra things for the audience to understand her. If you do exactly what is written, it’s going to be wonderful.”

One of the challenges of performing Janáček is mastering the Czech libretto, which is surtitled in Welsh and English on the tour.

“This is a new production and has a wonderful conductor who is Czech, so I feel I am really inside the Czech mood. But learning the Czech language is hard work.

“The first time I met with the Czech language was with the opera Rusalka in 2007. I began to work really hard to get inside the language - I write all the words, I translate, I memorise, I listen to the pronunciation, and I need to understand the music of the language.

“The main thing is to make all the different words have a distinct beginning and end because even though the audience is going to listen just to a line, you must be saying each word separately, and you must feel each word individually. It must come from inside your soul. Only then will it make sense to anyone who understands the language.”

The Makropulos Affair may be nearly 100 years old, but Ángeles believes it has a very current message.

“I think the opera is saying that we need to go to the really important things in life. There is a phrase of Emilia Marty’s in which she says: ‘You are idiots because you don’t understand how important it is just to live one life, a normal life, with the really important things.’”

Welsh National Opera’s The Makropulos Affair shows at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday 8 November. Other WNO productions showing at the venue include La bohème, from Wed 9 to Fri 11

November, and Migrations on Sat 12 November

A contemplation on immortality, Janáček’s The Makropulos Affair this month features in Welsh National Opera’s Birmingham Hippodrome programme of shows. What’s On recently caught up with Spanish soprano Ángeles Blancas Gulín, who plays the lead role of Emilia Marty in the production, to find out what audiences can expect...

Theatre previews from around the region

Strictly Ballroom The Musical

Strictly Come Dancing favourites Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith star in this brand-new Craig Revel Horwood-directed musical, based on Baz Lurhmann’s iconic 1992 film of the same name. “This show introduces people to the backstage world,” says Craig. “Everyone who watches Strictly Come Dancing is seeing the glossy side of it, but Strictly Ballroom delves into the hearts and minds of the

Saturday Night Fever

The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tues 22 - Sat 26 November

Tony Manero knows there’s more to life than he’s got: an unremarkable existence in New York City with family and friends who’ve accepted their lot and expect him to do the same...

But there’s fat chance Tony will do that; he’s way too busy living his very own American Dream, hitting Manhattan’s nightspots with his dancing partner and strutting his funky stuff...

The mother of all disco shows, the 1970s-set Saturday Night Fever pulsates to the music of the Bee Gees’ famous soundtrack. Classic hits like Stayin’ Alive, Jive Talkin’, Night Fever, If I Can’t Have You and Tragedy guarantee an evening of flares-flapping fun for anyone who’s ever enjoyed the pumping sounds of the disco dancefloor. In short, you can expect to find yourself well and truly, er, Lost In Music...

people doing the dance - the trials and tribulations they have to go through in order to get to that competition standard. It’s about the fight and struggle, and all the animosity that’s involved in it to win the day and become a gold medallist. It’s about dancing with your heart rather than just dancing the steps.”

Six The Musical

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 15 - Sun 20 November; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 28 February - Sat 4 March

From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, the 2022 Tony Award-winning Six The Musical sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the stage to tell their own versions of their lives.

The one-act production, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, was enjoying a runaway success until Covid put the brakes on - but being a show that sits somewhere between a Girls Aloud gig and a traditional musical, it’s having no trouble whatsoever re-gaining its momentum.

A loud and colourful celebration of girl power, the production sees the cast being ably supported by allfemale band The Ladies In Waiting.

Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 31 October - Sat 5 November; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 13 - Sat 18 February

Theatre

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 1 - Sat 5 November

Making another welcome return to the Midlands, the Olivier Award-winning Beautiful is a homage to the life and music of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. 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.

Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d

Malvern Theatres, Mon 14 - Sat 19 November; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tues 14 - Sat 18 February

The sleepy village of St Mary Mead is changing. A new housing estate is causing disquiet among the residents, and a rich American film star has bought the Manor House.

When a vicious crime takes place, the indomitable Miss Marple suddenly finds herself with yet another baffling murdermystery on her hands...

Susie Blake - whose screen credits include Victoria Wood’s As Seen On TV, Coronation Street and Mrs Brown’s Boys - takes the starring role as Agatha Christie’s legendary spinster sleuth. The show is presented by the well-regarded Original Theatre company.

A Dead Body In Taos

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 15 - Sat 19 November

Theatre previews from around the region

The Memory Of Water

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November

Childhood conflicts re-emerge, memories collide, and the secrets of three separate lives are revealed in Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning play.

Bossy big-sister Teresa, over-achieving Mary and attention-seeking Catherine are siblings with little history of getting along. And when they return to the family home on the Yorkshire coast, it soon becomes evident that even more turmoil is on the cards...

Part mystery, part sci-fi epic and part love story, David Farr’s new play contemplates the ways in which developments in artificial intelligence might impact the human understanding of death, consciousness and the soul.

Set against the backdrop of modern America, the story follows Sam as she travels to a place of pilgrimage in the New Mexico desert, where her estranged 70-year-old mother, Kath, has died.

Julie: The Musical

The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, Wed 16 - Fri 18 November

Tap-dancing sword fights, twerking nuns and kazoo choruses are not so much the order of the day as the order of the first 30 minutes of this brand-new musical. Talk about being fast out of the traps!

The show is based on the life, times and outrageous adventures of 17th-century operasinging bisexual swordswoman and LGBTQ+ icon Julie D’Aubigny.

Julie was most certainly one of a kind, seducing nuns, duelling multiple men all at once, burning down convents, taking bribes from princes and innovating opera - and all before she’d reached the age of 30!

With all of that and plenty more going on, it’s fair to assume this will be no ordinary evening of musical theatre...

But once arrived in Taos, she discovers that Kath has secretly exercised ‘the ultimate right as a consumer - the right to defy death’ - a fact which leaves Sam with a terrible decision to make...

Co-commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre and Fuel Theatre, A Dead Body In Taos is loosely inspired by Adam Curtis’ The Century Of The Self, a 2002 documentary series which explored the ways in which governments and organisations have used psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud’s ground-breaking theories to try and control people in an age of mass democracy.

Circus Of Horrors: The Witch

Telford Theatre, Thurs 3 November; KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, Thurs 17 November; Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 25 November

An off-kilter affair that bears more resemblance to a freak show than any modern definition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalists here present a world beyond political correctness and taste. With the performers dressed in a manner reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the skill of those participating - or indeed the ensemble’s sheer ‘wow’ factor.

Latest offering The Witch comes complete with an original rock score and is described as ‘a sensational new phantasmagoria which encompasses amazing & bizarre circus acts’.

Theatre previews from around the region

Done To Death, By Jove!

The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 23 November

Fun-loving duo Gavin Robertson and Nicholas Collett blend humour, variety, theatre and dance in a show that pays spoof homage to the ‘great British detective’. Well reviewed in Edinburgh back in the summer, the show is based around the idea that a cast of six has become a cast of two due to an M6 breakdown of the van carrying the props, the set and four of the performers. The intrepid remaining cast members, Messers Robertson and Collett, are therefore left to present the show on their own - an endeavour which, not surprisingly, leads to all manner of mix-ups and mayhem.

mystery of the monstrous moorland beast, the story continues to be rehashed both for stage and screen.

This latest incarnation, marking the story’s 120th anniversary, is being presented by Crime And Comedy Theatre Company as a radio play on stage. One-time Dr Who Colin Baker and Terry Molloy - who played the role of Mike Tucker in The Archers for 40 yearsstar as Holmes and his faithful assistant Dr John Watson.

The Orphanage

Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 27 November

If Halloween got you in the mood for more spinetingling experiences, then bagging yourself a seat for this brand-new production would definitely be a good idea.

When a young couple dare themselves to spend the night in a spooky old out-of-town building, they soon find that they’ve bitten off considerably more than they can chew... The show is presented by DR1 Theatricals Limited, who scored a hit last year with their adaptation of The Wicked Lady.

The Lavender Hill Mob

The Hound Of The Baskervilles

Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 November

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is one of literature’s most enduring characters, The Hound Of The Baskervilles his most famous adventure. And no matter how many actors don the deerstalker and solve the

Malvern Theatres, Mon 7 - Sat 12 November

This stage version of the classic Ealing Comedy of the same name tells the story of an unassuming bank clerk and the team he puts together to steal the gold bullion that he drives across London every day.

Miles Jupp and The Thick Of It’s Justin Edwards take the lead roles in this worldpremiere adaptation of the 1951 movie, which

The Shawshank Redemption

The Alexandra, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Sat 12 November

Given that film critics regard The Shawshank Redemption as one of the greatest movies of all time, it’s hardly surprising to find that its stage version is out on the road yet again and doing good business.

Based on a 1982 Stephen King novella, the story revolves around the character of Andy Dufresne, a man serving a double life sentence at the notorious Shawshank facility. An unlikely friendship with prison fixer Red makes the experience a little more bearable. But when the warden decides to make Andy’s life a living hell, the nothing-to-lose lifer hatches a daring and ingenious plan to escape...

Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe star.

the British Film Institute ranked the 17th greatest Brit film of all time.

The Syrian Baker

Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Tues 8 November; SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, South Shropshire; Thurs 10 November; Welshampton Parish Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 11 November; Farlow and Oreton Village Hall, South Shropshire, Sat 12 November; Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 13 November

“Our shows are written for all to enjoy,” explains Farnham Maltings, the company behind this thought-provoking production.

“There is nothing to offend, and we hope everyone will take something special home with them from the evening.”

The Syrian Baker revolves around the experiences of two people who decide to return home despite the state of their country.

Told ‘with affection, irrepressible humour and bread - because without bread nothing happens’, the show reflects on the way in which small actions can make the biggest difference.

The production’s storytelling style and language is considered suitable for audience members aged 10-plus.

Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Alice In Wonderland

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 18 November - Sat 28 January

The New Vic theatre is reaching back into its past for this year’s Christmas production, revisiting - and, according to Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, ‘refreshing’ - its acclaimed version of Alice In Wonderland, which was first performed 11 years ago.

“Alice is one of the shows we’re fondest of,” says Theresa. “It was nominated for awards, engaged the imaginations of so many young people who are now adults, and we saw that it had so much impact. We’re also fond of it because it has great music, and it’s very lively, funny and witty. It’s a much-loved story told in a very dramatic and exciting way.”

theatrical magic aplenty, so this is definitely a show that’s well worth catching.

Presented by the team behind two other hit kids’ productions, Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa, the show features puppetry, toetapping songs and, as a special festive treat, the chance to help Squirrel find everything she needs to build a snowman.

Cinderella

Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 30 November - Sat 10 December

With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-footonly glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes.

This Blue Orange Arts version brings together ‘romance, comedy, lots of magical songs, dances, sweets, sets, glorious costumes and buckets of audience participation’.

Beauty And The Beast

Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 18 November - Fri 16 December

The Bear

Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 17 November - Fri 30 December

The late Raymond Briggs is best known, of course, for his story about a little boy who makes friends with a snowman.

His picture book of The Bear has a similar child-meets-unusual-friend theme - except that in this case, it’s a little girl and an enormous polar bear who take centre stage. Adapted for the theatre by Pins And Needles and already the recipient of enormous critical acclaim, this heartwarming and decidedly wintry tale features puppetry, music, storytelling and plenty of humour. Highly recommended.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 November - Sat 31 December

Everybody knows the story - the nasty old queen’s 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’s a twenty-four carat classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime version is always a surefire winner. Expect all the usual panto elements, with the Garrick’s ever-popular Dame, Sam Rabone, taking top billing.

Tales From Acorn Wood

At Christmas

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 12 & Sun 13 November; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 - Sat 31 December

Stage adaptations of books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler invariably offer

“Beauty And The Beast is an inspiring tale, perfect for children and families,” says Old Rep Executive Director Michael Penn. “Our theatre is delighted to be teaming up with the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) Group, and the creative team behind last year’s wonderful Alice In Wonderland, to bring a fresh and exciting take on this classic story.”

The seventh Christmas show that the Old Rep has produced alongside BOA, Beauty comes complete with ‘spectacular costumes, catchy original songs, creative choreography and plenty of fun’.

Snow White

Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury,

Sat 26 November - Sat 31 December

The creators of the critically acclaimed King Arthur: The Panto! - that’s BAFTA-winning writer Maurice Gran (Birds Of A Feather) and local playwright Nick Wilkes (the Almost series) - this month return to Tewkesbury for another bite of the yuletide apple, this time with a famous fairytale that they’ve brought bang up to date.

Theatre previews from around the region

Theatre

Beauty And The Beast

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 November - Sun 8 January

“There are pantos that go a bit near the knuckle, but I don’t think we do really,” says Brad Fitt, who’s long been a much-loved fixture in Theatre Severn’s annual pantomime production. “I would never tell a joke that was offensive or rude. Sometimes you can use a double entendre - but then that’s in your mind, that’s not me. You have to blame yourself!”

Brad this year takes on the role of Nurse Nelly and also directs the show, his 11th Theatre Severn panto. He’s joined in the cast by Britain’s Got Talent 2022 contestant Tommy J Rollason, who’ll play comedy character Jangles.

Nativity! The Musical

The Rep, Birmingham, Sat 19 November - Sat 7 January

Debbie Isitt’s 2009 movie, Nativity!, proved so popular that it spawned three further films. It also inspired the Birmingham-born writer & director to create this musical stage adaptation, here making a welcome return to The Rep complete with some brand-new songs.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, it concerns the children of St Bernadette’s primary school and their ambition to present a musical version of the nativity. An already big challenge for the kids is made all the

trickier by false promises, a complicated love interest and a rival school vying with St Bernadette’s for the critics’ award. Not surprisingly, chaos ensues!

“I 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.”

A Christmas Carol

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, until Sun 1 January

Of all Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie visions of redemption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of three yuletide ghosts (four if you count the chain-clanking Jacob Marley) - all combine to give the tale a real olde worlde charm...

Adrian Edmondson stars as Scrooge in this highly acclaimed David Edgar-penned adaptation, which debuted at the RSC five years ago.

Cinderella

Swan Theatre, Worcester, Tues 29 Nov - Mon 2 January

Disney On Ice: Dream Big

Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, 26 & 27 November & 30 November - 4 December

Disney On Ice makes a welcome return to Birmingham with a show that’s encouraging audiences to Dream Big.

Featuring a host of the Mouse House’s most popular characters, including numerous Disney princesses, the production has enjoyed more than its fair share of positive reviews since debuting at the start of the millennium. For tickets, visit theticketfactory.com.

Worcester Repertory Company have an excellent reputation for producing quality family theatre, and they will no doubt be doing so again when they get their collective teeth into the ever-sparkling story of Cinders and her search for true love.

Dream time

Dreamgirls Effie, Deena and Lorrell are coming to The Alexandra

The smash-hit Broadway and West End musical Dreamgirls comes to Birmingham theatre The Alexandra next month and shows at the venue across the festive period.

Packed full of catchy songs, including Listen and One Night Only, the show tells the story of three young black women - Effie, Deena and Lorrell - whose dream is to achieve superstardom as singers. But they soon discover that behind the glitter, fame is a rollercoaster ride where love, loyalty and friendship can be put to the test.

Set in the US in the 1960s and ’70s, Dreamgirls is inspired by a host of top Motown acts, including The Supremes, The Marvelettes and The Shirelles. It premiered on Broadway in 1981, was adapted for an Oscarwinning film starring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx in 2006, and opened in the West End six years ago.

Nicole Dennis played Effie in London and returns to the role for the tour.

“I love playing Effie, as she’s such a complex character,” says Nicole. “It’s been a long journey with her, because although I started playing her professionally when I was 22, I first played her in amateur dramatics when I was 18.

“We first meet Effie as an 18-year-old who is very sassy, outspoken, and knows what she wants: to be a big star. A lot of people don’t relate to her when they first meet her, and that has been a tricky and difficult thing, allowing people to understand her. But it’s also been the fun of the part, getting to know her and unravel all those layers, and getting to the roots of why she thinks like that and emotes like that.

“I wish I was as brave as she is. She’s very outspoken about the things she wants in her life, and I think playing her has allowed me to take on some of that and be a bit braver in my own life. But in the end she’s just a girl who wants to be loved as much as she wants to be a superstar.”

Dreamgirls was a story Nicole knew well even

before playing the part of Effie.

“I’ve grown up with this show and listening to this music since I was 10 years old. I think that’s what a lot of people find attractive about the show; the soundtrack is some of the best music I’ve ever heard - not just in musical theatre but in all of music - but it also has a very strong story to match it. The characters are so well thought out, developed and relatable. It’s one of the greatest musicals of all time.”

While playing Effie in the West End in 2019, Nicole was scouted to join television talent show The Voice, in which she was mentored by Jennifer Hudson, who played Effie in the Dreamgirls film.

“Having a relationship like that with Jennifer has been a high point of my career. It was like it was written in the universe. It was a massive experience, as she comes from a very similar background to me, where she had to do everything on her own but with the support of her family and her friends. Being on The Voice was a real experience, and I learnt a lot about the industry and how it moves.”

Natalie Kassanga takes the role of Deena, whose friendship with Effie comes under strain when fame arrives.

“At first Effie is pretty much at the forefront of the group, but then Deena ends up becoming the lead,” explains Natalie. “She’s a very ambitious young lady - they all share the same dreams, and any of them will do anything to be at the top. The fact that Deena is given this opportunity to change the black music sound is something she really wants. Even if that means damaging friendships, then she will do it to experience that form of fame. She is ambitious and very determined but also full of love.”

The musical shows the many challenges faced by black women trying to make their way in the music business in the 1960s and ’70s. And, says Natalie, their fight to gain success and recognition is an inspiration to all.

“When the film came out, I remember being so inspired by seeing three black women representing and showing empowerment. They showed that it might be hard along the way, but you always come out stronger. This show is something to relate to even today. It’s about struggling to be who you are, and anyone can relate to that.”

Natalie hopes that seeing the musical will encourage other people to follow their dreams.

“It shows there are trials and tribulations, but as long as you’re able to find your strengths, then it shows you should keep going and never give up. I grew up listening to Motown music, artists like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder - those were artists I was constantly in awe of; I wanted to be those people.”

And now Natalie is living her dream, taking top roles in a host of musicals. Although Dreamgirls will be the first time she’s been on stage in Birmingham, it’s not her first visit to The Alexandra.

“A couple of my friends were in Birmingham at university and I came to visit. I came to The Alexandra to see Motown. I’d played Diana Ross in Motown in the West End, and it was really fun to be in the audience, seeing their reaction to that show. Now I’m really looking forward to bringing Dreamgirls to the theatre.

“I hope the audience will take away the nostalgia of the Motown era, that they will learn from such a beautiful story about what happens in the music industry and how hard it is, but also that they appreciate the music. I’m sure the audience will have a good night, enjoy the show and be inspired by it.”

Dreamgirls shows at The Alexandra, Birmingham, from Tuesday 6 to Sat 31

Fame, fortune and fandom are at the heart of the musical Dreamgirls, which makes its Midlands debut at Birmingham theatre The Alexandra next month. Set in the 1960s, the story centres on three talented young singers and their rollercoaster ride to stardom. What’s On recently caught up with two of the show’s leading ladies - Nicole Dennis, who plays Effie, and Natalie Kassanga (Deena) - to find out what it’s like to be a Dreamgirl...

Dance previews from across

region

“I want audiences to be awakened; to experience my work from the gut,” says avant-garde Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter. “Trusting the gut is, to me, like trusting nature, or God, or a sense of purpose; a source, a spark. Trusting a higher and better force than our limited, oppressed, cultured minds.”

Hofesh’s award-winning Shechter II company is the ensemble behind this critically acclaimed production, an adapted and extended version

Swan Lake

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 7 November

The highly regarded Classical Ballet & Opera House here presents its production of a timeless favourite, set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising score.

Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess who, caught under the spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must spend the daytime hours as a swan, returning to human form only when night falls...

A sumptuous visual feast, the production offers an evening of ballet which is ideal for the first-time trier as well as the more seasoned dance-goer.

of the original 2019 show created for European trailblazers GoteborgsOperans Danskompani.

Hofesh selects the members of his company - all aged between 18 and 25 - every couple of years. His present crop of talented youngsters have been garnering plenty of praise for this currently touring show. The work features an eclectic sound-score that comes complete with ‘euphoric feel and throbbing beats’.

Rhythm Of The Dance: Christmas Special

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 26 November

Unknownrealms Double Bill

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 23 November

Rhythm Of The Dance will be celebrating a quarter-century of touring next year. The production has so far visited four continents and been seen by more than seven million people in over 50 countries.

If you’ve not yet checked out the show, this Potteries performance provides a perfect opportunity to catch up with one of the most popular Irish step dance offerings in the world (which, on this particular occasion, comes complete with a collection of Christmas songs).

ACE Dance & Music bring their inimitable African style to this thought-provoking collaboration with two internationally acclaimed Black male choreographers - Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Vincent Mantsoe. Presenting a double bill featuring six brilliantly creative performers, the show is described by the company as a celebration of mortality and perseverance, and of hope overcoming adversity.

Fabric: Contemporary Dance

Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 24 & Fri 25 November

The Nutcracker transformed

John Macfarlane talks

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s

by Diane Parkes

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is without a doubt one of the company’s most popular shows. The production was gifted to the city in 1990 by the then artistic director, Sir Peter Wright, as a thank you to Birmingham for making the company so welcome when it moved from London. The show has been performed almost every Christmas since.

The Nutcracker is loved for its amazing costumes and sets, from giant Christmas trees through to sweets and snowflakes. And yet its designer, John Macfarlane, admits he was initially reluctant to take up the commission.

“Strangely enough, of the three Tchaikovskys, The Nutcracker was the one I least wanted to do. Sir Peter Wright writes in his book that when he asked me to do it, I ‘was uncertain’.

“But it was such an enormous production to be offered. I asked Sir Peter for a few days to think about it and work out how I would approach it.

“I was anxious that the Rat Battle should be frightening - a band of rats, not little miceand that Clara should take part in the diverts in act two and not just watch them. Above all that the Christmas tree and the fireplace should grow to an enormous scale.”

John managed to achieve all three of those ambitions. His transformation scene, in which the Christmas tree grows and the fireplace rotates, has become a magic moment of ballet staging for dance fans in Birmingham and beyond.

The show has now been performed more than 500 times to a total audience of over one million people. But after being staged for more than 30 years, The Nutcracker had begun to show its age, so every elementincluding lighting, sets and costumes - has been recreated.

This month the newly refurbished production will be unveiled at Birmingham Hippodrome.

“I think the rebuild will be a return to the palette of this show on its first night in 1990,” says John. “This is the first time I’ve

completely re-built an existing production. What is really interesting is that you go into it thinking ‘I’m going to change this and I’m going to change that,’ and then, when you actually start to try and do it, you suddenly remember why you did certain things the way you did.

“I’m not sure the audience has actually realised how much The Nutcracker has worn over the years - but when they see this rebuild, it will be so vibrant; everything will be rich and colourful.”

The update has given John the chance to make some tweaks to costumes and setsincluding updates he has been keen to undertake for years.

“More than 80 per cent is the same, but we have been able to do some changes with new fabrics and materials. And it has given us the chance to come back to some things and improve them.

“So, for example, we have new snowflake wings. When we made them originally, they were made appliqué on net and were extremely difficult to side light. Now the wings are hard and the filigree is cut out of a hard material. So it’s a little bit more scary for dancers because they are running and doing jumps, but it will make the whole thing look absolutely clean and crisp. We are also building 44 new Snowflake costumes and headdresses.

“And there are some other changes. On the front cloth, the little nutcracker is front-on instead of side-on, which I always wanted to change. I’ve made it so that he is now looking straight out at the audience.”

John has created sets for ballet, theatre and opera across the globe, but he admits BRB’s Nutcracker is special for him.

“The ideas and production concept evolved very easily, and I remember feeling that there was something quite special about the process. In your career you can pick out three or four productions that have changed your direction, and you realise you cannot go back to how you did things before. I think that Nutcracker was one of those. It was a huge

learning process, and I didn’t realise it until a long time afterwards.

“When I thought of the objects that you could use to explain the change of scale, the fireplace was the obvious choice. The tree, of course, is explained in the orchestral score, but the fireplace could be dramatic and monumental and prove a great entrance for the King Rat.

“But I do remember being in complete anxiety about what to do with the snowflakes because the thought of big slobbery pine trees with snow on them was just horrible to me. I was building the model in February and March, and at that time I lived in Mid-Wales, and on our property there was a small copse of larch trees. It was one of those mornings where, in the night, there had been a snowfall, no wind and clear sky, and every tiny twig of the larches for about half an hour before the sun melted it had a little line of snow on it. It was this amazing image. And that was the snowflakes.”

The rebuild took more than a year, cost £1million and was made possible thanks to the extraordinary support of hundreds of individuals, numerous trusts & foundations and BRB investment.

“People have really supported this,” says John. “I did an evening at the Hippodrome where we went through all the costumes with an audience. We had the old headdresses and the first of the new ones, and I could show bits of the model. I couldn’t imagine anyone turning out for that on a Tuesday night in December, but they did - and they raised so much money in just that one evening.

“I hope the audience are going to love their new Nutcracker after all the work we’ve done on it. It’s richer and more opulent, but it’s still their Birmingham Nutcracker.”

Birmingham Royal Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome from Sat 19 November to Sat 10 December

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker has been delighting Midlands audiences for more than 30 years. The magical sets and sumptuous costumes, created by designer John Macfarlane, have made a major contribution to the production’s popularity. What’s On caught up with John to find out what’s new for The Nutcracker in 2022...

highlights in

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

CERT 12 (161 mins)

Starring Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livanalli Directed by Ryan Coogler

With King T’Challa dead, the nation of Wakanda is vulnerable to external forces and needs to be protected. But who will step into the late ruler’s shoes and embrace the role of the Black Panther?

This latest Marvel Cinematic Universe movie has been a source of significant speculation since lead actor Chadwick Boseman died in 2020, with fans eager to know how producers intended to move the story forward.

Boseman played the character four times in all, earning rave reviews along the way, and Marvel Studios confirmed that, in honour of the late actor, the role of T’Challa would not be re-cast.

The movie’s trailers do, however, hint at the introduction of a new Black Panther, with several of the supporting characters firmly in the frame to don the distinctive black & gold suit... Released Fri 11 November

Living CERT 12a (102 mins)

Starring Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Adrian Rawlins, Hubert Burton, Oliver Chris Directed by Oliver Hermanus

The consistently excellent Bill Nighy is on top form in this Kazuo Ishiguro-scripted remake of a 1952 Japanese film about a man dealing with a terminal diagnosis. Set, like the original, in the 1950s - but relocated to London - the film follows the character of Mr Williams (Nighy) - an impeccably dressed and seemingly immeasurably dull civil servant - as he reacts to a diagnosis of cancer that means he has only a year to live.

Faced with the reality of his imminent demise, Mr Williams realises that he’s been living life in the slow-to-stationery lane. So he determines to make a modest impact on the world in the short time he has left - by forcing the city authorities to build a children’s playground for which local mothers have long been petitioning... This gentle and poignant film was screened to great acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, in the wake of which it picked up numerous four and five-star reviews.

Released Fri 4 November

Armageddon Time

CERT tbc (115 mins)

Taking place in an early-1980s America on the threshold of voting Ronald Reagan into the White House, acclaimed filmmaker James Gray’s coming-of-age family drama contemplates the generational pursuit of the American Dream.

When 12-year-old Paul Graff and his AfricanAmerican best pal, John Crocker, are caught sharing marijuana, Paul finds himself moved by his parents to a private prep school - an institution not only positively awash with white, privileged kids but also routinely rife with prejudice.

Paul is desperate to escape the misery of his new existence, and it isn’t long before he and John hatch a plan that will see the hitherto inseparable friends running away from their troubled New York lives in pursuit of a better future in Florida...

Released

The Menu

If you like your food served with a succulent side-order of gore, The Menu is the main course you’ve been waiting for.

Playing out on a remote island, the dark comedy-horror follows the fortunes of a group of people who arrive for an exclusive fine-dining experience laid on by a celebrity chef (Ralph Fiennes).

At $1,250 per head, the once-in-a-lifetime culinary extravaganza certainly comes at a cost - but little do the unsuspecting diners realise just how high a price they will soon find themselves paying for the tastebudtantalising experience...

Released Fri 18 November

Starring Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Anthony Hopkins, Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Ryan Sell Directed by James Gray

CERT tbc (106 mins)

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, John Leguizamo, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer Directed by Mark Mylod

She Said CERT 15 (128 mins)

Starring Samantha Morton, Tom Pelphrey, Carey Mulligan, Jennifer Ehle, Zoe Kazan, Andre Braugher Directed by Maria Schrader

The latest in a long and distinguished line of films about tenacious journalists breaking sensational stories - think The Post (2017), Spotlight (2015), and surely the headline-maker of the lot, All The President’s Men (1976) - She Said stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as The New York Times’ Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, the two women who blew the lid on Harvey Weinstein’s years of sexual misconduct. Brad Pitt is named as executive producer on the film, an involvement which has seen him come in for some significant criticism in the last few months. Social-media users have been pointing out that the Oscar-winning actor twice worked with Weinstein despite knowing about the now-disgraced movie producer’s predatory behaviour around women.

Released Fri 25 November

Bones And All CERT 15 (130 mins)

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny, Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance, Jessica Harper Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Creepy cannibal caper Bones And All has been voraciously feasting on five-star reviews since its screening at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Set at the tail end of Ronald Reagan’s eightyear presidency (1980s-set movies seem to be all the rage this month - see Armageddon Time, opposite), the film focuses on the character of shy-but-smart youngster Maren, a girl whose move to a new school soon sees her invited to a sleepover with some other teen females.

But Maren, it turns out, is no ordinary young lady, bringing to the table an alarming propensity for devouring human flesh...

Released Fri 25 November

Strange World CERT PG

With the voices of Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, Alan Tudyk, Dennis Quad, Lucy Liu Directed by Don Hall

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

CERT PG (117 mins)

Starring Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Andrea Riseborough, Stephen Graham, Carl Spencer

Directed by Matthew Warchus

Matilda is an extraordinary child but unappreciated by her parents.

When not glued to the television set, Matilda’s mum practises ballroom dancing and her dad gloats about his latest dodgy business deal. Life at school isn’t much better for Matilda either. Then, one day, she discovers that she’s got very special powers and decides it’s high time the grown-ups were taught a much-needed lesson...

“I loved reading the old issues of pulps growing up,” reveals Strange World director Don Hall. “They were big adventures in which a group of explorers might discover a hidden world or ancient creatures. They’ve been a huge inspiration for Strange World.” Disney’s 61st animated movie is an actionadventure about a legendary family of explorers. But not every member of the Clade clan is up for a life of outrageous excitement. Although Searcher Clade would much prefer to spend his life quietly farming the land, he instead finds himself journeying deep into an uncharted and dangerous world where fantastical creatures await him...

Released Wed 23 November

Originally adapted for the stage from one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, Matilda The Musical has been wowing theatre-goers for over a decade and is now set to delight legions of film fans.

Tim Minchin, who previously wrote songs for the stage version, has penned some new numbers for this big-screen adaptation.

Released Fri 25 November

I’m too old to play the good characters nowmaybe when I was younger! But playing the villain is so much more fun.

EASTENDERS GOOD GUY TURNS PANTO BADDIE

Former EastEnders star Michael Greco talks to What’s On about surviving fame as a soap star, a surprising career change, and returning to a familiar role (not that one) in Aladdin, this year’s pantomime at the Wolverhampton Grand...

Twenty years ago Michael Greco was at the height of his fame - but he wasn’t particularly enjoying it. He adored his five-year stint playing Beppe di Marco in EastEnders, but not the stardom that went with it.

“I kind of got disillusioned with the whole acting business when I left EastEnders,” he says. “I didn’t like the fame, I didn’t like the celebrity status, and I decided I just didn’t want it anymore.

“People don’t understand that the fame we had from EastEnders 20 years ago was completely different to anything now. Back then we had 20 million viewers, so we were recognisable in the street by every man and his dog, from young kids to old people.

Everybody would know who you were, even if they didn’t watch the show. We were at its peak - you’ll never get soaps with 20 million viewers ever again.”

After giving up acting, Michael stumbled into an unexpected second career as a professional poker player, touring the world and winning more than $1million along the way.

“I fell into poker at a casino one night and really loved it. Then this company came in and started sponsoring me, so I travelled the world playing poker - with their money, I might add - and was very successful at it for about 10 years.”

He admits his acting skills came in handy in terms of maintaining a poker face in the cauldron-hot atmosphere of competition.

“When you’re playing for millions of dollars, especially somewhere like Las Vegas, it’s like being a swan - serene on top of the water, but your feet are going ten to the dozen underneath. It’s the same with your heartyour heart is going through the roof, but you have to have a poker face because so many great professionals in the world can read you. Your eyes give away a lot - that’s why people wear sunglasses playing poker - the pulse in your neck… everything can give you away.

“There’s a lot of luck in poker, but there’s a lot of skill as well. Being an actor definitely helped.”

The ‘acting’ element contributed to

something of a renaissance with his chosen profession, too. A stint living and working in Los Angeles saw him “get the love for it back”, as well as picking up better and better roles.

He’s recently been filming The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, a prequel to the hugely popular film series.

It’s already one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. So much for wanting to avoid fame and stardom!

“I think I’m a bit older and wiser now so can handle it a bit more. I was on set the other day with Viola Davis, who is obviously one of the darlings of Hollywood, and was thinking how lucky I’ve been to have a second bite of the cherry in my career - and being able to do things that I love doing, including theatre and panto.”

Which brings us nicely on to his latest role, as the evil Abanazar in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s new production of Aladdin, appearing alongside Zoe Birkett, Ben Cajee, Tam Ryan, Ian Adams and Duane Gooden.

It’s a show Michael knows and loves wellbut having played the baddie twice before, he’s being encouraged to take it to a whole new level this time out.

“It’s a great part to play. I’ve done it before, but this time I’ve been promised by the producers that they’re going to make him even more evil, so I’m really looking forward to that. This is going to be more than just your normal pantomime villain - this is gonna be a proper actor’s stage Abanazar!

“I’m too old to play the good characters nowmaybe when I was younger! But playing the villain is so much more fun.”

Michael would even want to bring a dark side to serially luckless Beppe, if the character ever returned to Albert Square.

“Beppe was a good guy - he was the knight in shining armour most of the time. That was really fun to play at the time, but if I ever went back, I think I’d want him to be a little bit more evil.”

Michael’s not planning any nods to his famous alter-ego in his portrayal of Abanazar, but admits EastEnders’ well-

known cliff-hanger drum beats will almost certainly make an appearance in the show:

“I’m sure there’ll be at least one ‘duff duff’ moment!”

After a couple of difficult post-Covid years for the theatre industry, there’s mercifully little drama hanging over the new production, with a strong, confident cast and ticket sales “through the roof”, according to Michael.

“We could be heading for capacity audiences every night,” he says, delighted that the costof-living crisis has potentially fuelled rather than dented the audience’s appetite.

“I think the tickets are well priced, but at Christmas everybody wants a bit of relief and to get away from this, that and the other. Panto is the ideal way for families to enjoy some escapism, and Aladdin’s the perfect panto for that. Everyone knows the story of Aladdin and the lamp, and I think kids especially will love this kind of magical, theatrical performance.”

And while Michael admits he’s looking forward to getting booed - by kids and adults alike - he expects his villain’s downfall to elicit some sympathy too, given panto’s predilection for a happy, feelgood ending.

“There’s always the demise of the baddie at the end, because there has to be, but there’s a transition along the way, so I’m hoping that when I get my demise, people are going to feel sorry for me as well.”

Throw in a fabulous venue and cast - some of whom have already asked him for poker lessons - and Michael admits the six-week run can’t come soon enough.

“The theatre’s incredible - it’s one of those old-style theatres that I love, with a really close auditorium - and there’s some really great talent in the show as well. I’m really looking forward to it; I can’t wait for the six weeks to start.”

Aladdin shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Saturday 3 December to Saturday 7 January

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wildlife Photographer Of The Year

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 24 December

“Captured by some of the best photography talent from around the world, the photographs encourage curiosity, connection and wonder. These inspiring images convey human impact on the natural world in a way that words cannotfrom the urgency of declining biodiversity to the inspiring bounce-back of a protected species.”

So says Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, which has developed & produced the 2022 Wildlife Photographer Of The Year competition.

The hugely prestigious show - visiting Wolverhampton Art Gallery as part of a UK tourfeatures a host of awe-inspiring images capturing fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking landscapes.

The photos included in the exhibition have been selected from thousands of submissions, with photographers from no fewer than 93 countries taking part.

Image credit: Heikki Nikki

© Brandon Güell

Peasants And Proverbs: Pieter Brueghel The Younger As Moralist And Entrepreneur

The Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, until Sun 22 January

Paintings, drawings, etchings and engravings from both public and private collections feature in this exhibition, which offers a fascinating insight into the work of Pieter Brueghel the Younger.

An artist who laboured in the shadow of his renowned father - Pieter Bruegel the Elder - he was nevertheless a prodigious and skilled painter, albeit one whose prolific output as a copyist led to claims that he was capable of producing only derivative works.

The exhibition focuses on one Brueghel painting in particular, Two Peasants Binding Firewood, a comical yet enigmatic creation which is one of the Barber’s most popular artworks. It’s accompanied in the show by three other versions of the same composition.

Craftspace: Queer + Metals

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Sat 12 November - Sun 2 April

The multiplicity of queerness is here explored via metalwork and metalsmithing, in an exhibition that makes visible the ways in which LGBTQIA+ creatives are shaping, disrupting and contributing to

‘Bombed - A Trilogy’

By Saranjit Birdi

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Fri 11 - Mon 21 November

Saranjit Birdi’s immersive and combinedarts installation contemplates the subjects of bombing, war and conflict resolution, making links between the World War Two blitzes of Coventry, Dresden and Birmingham and events taking place in modern times.

Presenting both new and retrospective works and research documentation, the exhibition brings together performance, painting, music and animations with oral testimonies from British and German blitz survivors.

contemporary culture.

Featuring artworks, video interviews and an Instagram campaign, the Craftspace presentation aims to ‘make connections within a diverse, intersectional, complex and fluid community of making’.

Horror In The Modernist Block

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Fri 25 November - Mon 1 May

High-rise towers. Concrete buildings.

In an exhibition featuring the work of 20 contemporary artists, these modernist structures are viewed through the lens of the horror genre with which they are often associated in dystopian fiction.

Using as its starting point Birmingham - a city renowned for its brutalist architecture - the show also contemplates the architecture of Ikon’s galleries, taking viewers on a journey that highlights how the design and features of a building can shape not only people’s movement and perception, but also their deepest fears.

Breaking The Mould: Sculpture By Women Since 1945

New Art Gallery, Walsall, until 16 April Surveying the post-war period and exploring the art of more than 40 female sculptors, Breaking The Mould addresses the many accounts of British sculpture that have marginalised women or airbrushed their work from art history altogether. The works on show have been selected from the Arts Council Collection, which holds more than 250 sculptures by over 150 women. A wide range of digital resources have been developed to accompany the exhibition.

Bean there, done that!

Coventry’s favourite dame is a Jack of all tradesand a master of all of them, too!

by Steve Adams

Scottish actor, director, writer & producer Iain Lauchlan is an entertainment-industry veteran. With the best part of 50 years’ experience, he has a CV that features a selection of TV dramas and an array of wellknown children’s programmes such as Play School, Fingermouse and Playdays. He’s also created shows including Boo, Fun Song Factory and the Bafta-winning Tweenies, and recently turned his hand to writing books for pre-school children.

But in his adopted home of Coventry (although he actually lives near Stratfordupon-Avon), he’s best known as the mainstay of the Belgrade Theatre’s annual pantomime, having written, directed and starred - as the dame, naturally - in more than 20 productions.

“I did my first one in 1988/89,” he tells me, in a gentle Scottish accent softened by decades of living south of the border. “Bob Hamlin, who was the artistic director at the time, asked me to write and direct a pantomime. He said ‘We only give people two pantos and then move on to something else,’ and I said that was fine... and here I am still doing it 30 years later!”

Iain first worked at the Belgrade more than 40 years ago, having come down from Kilmarnock to play John Shand in What Every Woman Knows, which opened the theatre’s 1980 season. He then stayed on to appear in that year’s panto, a certain Jack And The Beanstalk.

“I played half the giant, the back of the cow and was part of the chorus,” he chuckles. Although I’m keen to seize on the ‘full circle’ angle, this year’s show isn’t the first time he’s revisited the story. In fact, the 2022 production is a revival of a show he wrote in 2020, which was performed, with a truncated cast, to online audiences during the Covid pandemic. There’ll be plenty of changes in this year’s version but no drifting away from the familiar storyline, he insists.

“Making them different is always the challenge, especially Jack And The Beanstalk, which has a very set story with Jack and the cow and the giant and so on. It’s a very specific fairytale and people don’t want you to stray from that. It’s all the things in between that you try and make different -

the comedy routines, the songs and the dances. And of course you don’t want to be repeating the dialogue and jokes, just in case people remember them!

“That’s the key really. We’ve always got the traditional comedy routines - the ghost gag, the slosh gag, the cow-milking routine and all that sort of stuff - but you always have to make them a little bit different.”

Varying the show is also important because the Belgrade’s annual panto has an incredibly loyal following, with families coming back year after year. Iain believes that such sterling support comes from an expectation of a quality production - not least because the theatre never relies on star names to bring in the punters.

“You have a responsibility to put on as good a show as you possibly can - for people who come regularly, because they have an expectation, and for people who are coming for the first time, because you want them to enjoy it and come back.

“Although some of the Birmingham pantomimes have a huge amount of money thrown at them and look fantastic, the storylines are often quite thin because they’re catering for all the star names. We don’t have that, so our storyline and characters have to be strong. You have to tell a really good story and have really good characters so that people latch on to them and care about them.”

Iain’s longevity in the role has helped create a connection with the audience - a poll once revealed that 90 per cent of theatre-goers didn’t care what the following year’s pantomime would be as long as he was doing it - but he believes being part of the festive furniture brings its own pressure.

“It worries me sometimes because it must be terrible for the people who don’t like me and don’t like what I do and are thinking ‘Oh no, not him again!’

“It’s always in the back of my mind that I’ve been here so long that people are bound to get fed up. But I really do try to make it a different experience each year and just fun… a couple of hours where people can forget all their problems and just enjoy themselves.”

Iain needn’t worry that people are getting tired of him - this year’s panto is the theatre’s

fastest-selling on record, with more than 23,000 tickets already snapped up at the time of writing.

“Oh really?” he says, when I tell him. “That’s very good! I was worried about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and all that sort of stuff… theatre tickets are a wee bit of a luxury, aren’t they?”

The annual panto is always an important part of the theatrical year in terms of income, but it’s also the chance to engage with youngsters (Iain also writes and directs a Santa show to introduce pre-schoolers to live theatre, this year called Santa’s Christmas Rescue) and people who don’t visit the theatre at any other time of the year.

“That’s the trick of panto - it’s a family show and you have to try and cover all the age groups,” says Iain, who realises parents often “go to watch their children watching the show” but end up enjoying it themselves.

“It’s funny... you speak to people who say they hate panto, and then they’ll go and see it and think it’s a great night.”

And after 30-plus years, he knows that people who first saw one of his shows as children are now coming back with their own offspring.

“And kids who I’ve had in the panto as junior chorus, I’m meeting a lot of them who are now actors in the business! In fact, Vicki Stevenson, my assistant director this year, started out as an eight-year-old in my panto. She did quite a few years in the junior chorus, and then her older daughter did it, and now her younger daughter’s in it!”

Such family loyalty to his panto productions is clearly a source of great pride for Iain, who laughs when I point out how old it must make him feel.

“Oh yeah, absolutely. I can’t believe the years come round so quickly!”

Jack And The Beanstalk shows on the Coventry Belgrade’s main stage from Wednesday 23 November to Saturday 7 January. Santa’s Christmas Rescue runs from Thursday 8 to Saturday 24 December in the Belgrade’s B2 theatre

Iain Lauchlan is Coventry’s Mr Pantomime, writing, directing and performing in productions at the city’s Belgrade Theatre for more than three decades. The latest is Jack And The Beanstalk, a show that takes him back to where it all began - as he explains to What’s On…

Events previews from around the region

BBC Good Food Show Winter

NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 24 -

November

It’s once again time to eat, drink and be merry as the BBC Good Food Show brings its winter edition to the NEC.

As well as watching celebrity chefsincluding James Martin, Nadiya Hussain, and Ainsley Harriott - cook up a storm on the show’s Big Kitchen stage, visitors can also check out Christmas workshops and pick up

some tasty festive treats from hundreds of hand-picked producers.

Also back by popular demand is the Fabulous Food Finds Tasting Theatre, giving visitors the opportunity to test their tastebuds, expand their foodie knowledge and sample everything from coffee to spices.

Peaky Blinders Nights

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Fri 18 & Sat 19 November

Flat caps and flapper dresses at the readythe Black Country Living Museum’s everpopular Peaky Blinders is back for the final time this year.

The immersive experience brings to life the popular BBC television series with the help of 1920s-themed cocktails, live music, street theatre and plenty more.

The Midlands’ biggest fair of its kind is back at the NEC this month to spread some festive cheer.

The four-day event sees thousands of exhibitors showcasing all manner of gift ideas, from traditional trinkets to the quirky and unusual.

Artisan food & drink stallholders will be

offering everything from prosecco to pickles, with plenty of new additions available to purchase and some ‘fabulous fan favourites’ making a welcome return.

Festive cheer comes courtesy of jazz bands and choirs, with St Nicholas himself further adding to the yuletide magic.

MCM Comic Con Birmingham

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 November

Catering for all areas of pop culture, MCM Comic Con Birmingham is split into different areas, offering fans the chance to create a bespoke day out.

The Treehouse area keeps the kids entertained with workshops, interactive activities and performances, while The Side Quest zone is the home of gaming, featuring both retro and modern consoles.

Meanwhile K-pop, J-pop, Anime and Manga fans can head over to Pop Asia, whilst Artist Alley showcases numerous independent creators.

And, as always, for those who choose to dress up for the event, Cosplay Central will be hosting casual showcases and masquerades.

Christmas Celebration Weekends

Cadbury World, Birmingham, weekends from Sat 19 November - Fri 23 December

Festive celebrations get under way at Cadbury World this month. The popular venue is presenting a whole host of seasonal activities for families to enjoy, all of which come complete with that ever-important chocolately twist.

While Santa himself stars in an exclusive stage show, his super-helpful elves will be handing out gifts to young audience members.

Visitors can also enjoy one of the 10 daily performances of this year’s pantomime: Cinderella. The Santa stage show and panto are both included in the ticket price.

Before heading for home, be sure to swing by the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop to pick up some handmade Christmas chocolates.

Ice Skate Birmingham

Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel make a welcome return to Centenary Square this month.

While the wheel offers the opportunity to enjoy fantastic views across the city, the weather-proofed ice rink accommodates up to 300 people per session.

Younger or inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by using special penguin skating aids. And when skaters have finished their Torvill & Dean routine, they can warm themselves up with some festive fare in the nearby Ice Lounge and double deck rooftop bar.

Winter Wonderland Stoke-on-Trent

Lichfield Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 24 November - Mon 2 January

Returning for a sixth year, Hanley’s Winter Wonderland features a real undercover ice rink, Santa’s grotto, stomach-churning rollercoasters, a 60m sky swing, a selection of family entertainment, a fully licensed Bavarian bar and a range of festive cuisine. For th0se who’re looking for non-stop fun, there’s the option to purchase a wristband to access unlimited skating and rides.

Lantern Festival

After a successful debut in 2021, West Midland Safari Park’s ‘illuminating’ festival is back for a second year. Discover an epic lantern trail, where you can enjoy ‘mesmerising lighting displays, marvel at a “wild” range of breathtaking lanterns and explore the walk-through areas of the park like never before’.

In total, the festival features more than 40 light groupings - all with a flora & fauna theme - and over 1,000 individual lanterns. The park’s walk-through animal exhibits will remain open for guests to enjoy, as will the Land Of The Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age exhibits.

West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, various dates from Fri 11 November - Sun 8 January

Centenary Square, Birmingham, Thurs 3 November - Sun 8 January

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Winter Glow returns this month with a mix of festive fun. Highlights include immersive themed light trail A Christmas Odyssey, transporting visitors from the depths of ancient Atlantis to the fanciful shores of festive islands.

The ever-popular Santa Experiences make a welcome return too (this year in an indoor

location), while a new covered winter market (available to visit without a ticket) showcases a wide range of stalls and a fairground featuring fun rides for all ages. A Bavarian-style bar, one of the region’s largest indoor ice rinks and the 120ft Malvern Observation Wheel further add to the event’s appeal.

Steam In Lights

Severn Valley Railway, selected dates from Sat 18 November - Fri 23 December

Severn Valley Railway’s Steam In Lights is back for 2022 with bigger and better displays then ever before.

The 90-minute adventure begins at Bridgnorth station, where families jump aboard an illuminated train, settle down at a table or in a private compartment, and enjoy on-board narration and music as they journey through a selection of bright and bold light displays, the journey home then features ‘an up-tempo celebration’.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland

Snowdome, Tamworth, Sat 12 November - Sun 1 January

Tamworth’s Snowdome will once again be transformed into a ‘winter wonderland’ this month.

Step into the Christmas Village, where you can say hello to Santa’s real-life furry friends, take a ride on the carousel, and visit Santa’s house, dropping off your list for the big man along the way. Play and slide around in real snow on the Christmas trail, explore the enchanted forest, battle it out in a snowball fight and enjoy a ride on a sledge.

Plus, Santa, Rudolph and the North Pole Players will perform brand-new stage show Alice In Winter Wonderland.

Winter

Showground, Malvern,

HALLOWEEN FIREWORK SPOOKTACULAR Wear your Halloween costumes for a truly ghoulish experience, Sat 29 Oct, Corporation Meadow, Evesham

FIREWORKS DISPLAY With food stalls, entertainment, bouncy castles and more, Fri 28 Oct, The Warwickshire, Leek Wootton, Warwick

FIREWORKS SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween-themed fireworks and soundtrack, Sun 30 Oct, Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire BRITISH OAK FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA With street food, craft beer, cocktails and live music, Wed 2 Nov, The British Oak, Stirchley, Birmingham BONFIRE BONANZA Entertainment includes fire show, street food traders, funfair and live music, Fri 4 Nov, Far Forest Showground, Bewdley TIPICALLY INSPIRED BONFIRE Promising an exciting evening with fire-eating performers, a bonfire, fireworks and live music, Fri 4 Nov, Far Forest Showground, Callow Hill Rock (near Kidderminster) ILLUMINATED GARDEN AND PLAYGROUND BY NIGHT Enjoy the unique experience of play by nightincluding the splash pad! Fri 4 Nov, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich

REDDITCH FIREWORK DISPLAY An event featuring two displays of fireworks, an on-site bar and children’s rides, Fri 4 Nov, Redditch Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Squash Club

HALESOWEN CRICKET CLUB BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS With toffee apples, candy floss and all the fun of the fair, Fri 4 Nov, Seth Somers Park, Halesowen BROMSGROVE BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS With bonfire, fireworks, live music, food & drink and a fairground for the kids, Fri 4 Nov, Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club

ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Featuring music, lights and live-action storytelling, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire BONFIRE WEEKEND Luxury glamping weekend with fireworks, campfires and mulled wine, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, Barnutopia Glamping & Venue, Oswestry FIREWORKS EVENING Featuring live music & performances, a carnival zone, street food and a shopping bazaar, Sat 5 Nov, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Free event promising an evening of fun and entertainment for all, Sat 5 Nov, Tamworth Castle Grounds

BOMERE HEATH BONFIRE NIGHT With funfair, Sat 5 Nov, Bomere Heath Cricket Club, Shropshire BONFIRE AND FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZA Two firework displays, a huge bonfire plus all the fun of the fair, Sat 5 Nov, Alderford Lake, Whitchurch, North Shropshire

BRIDGNORTH RFC FIREWORKS DISPLAY With hogroast and a licenced bar, Sat 5 Nov, Bridgnorth Rugby Club, Shropshire

FIREWORKS NIGHT Explore the Victorian streets after dark and enjoy an 18-minute firework display, Sat 5 Nov, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire

BONFIRE AND FIREWORK SPECTACULAR Two fireworks displays, a funfair, food, drink and live music, Sat 5 Nov, The West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR & FUN FAIR Complete with food & drink stalls, Sat 5 Nov, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

SOLIHULL ROUNDTABLE FIREWORKS Annual charity fireworks display, Sat 5 Nov, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull

HIMLEY BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS With night market, street entertainers, seasonal refreshments and a funfair, Sat 5 Nov, Himley Hall and Park, Dudley ANNUAL FIREWORKS GALA Taking place for the first time in three years, Sat 5 Nov, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

WARWICK TOWN BONFIRE With two firework displays, food & drink stalls and live entertainment, Sat 5 Nov, Warwick Racecourse

BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS 2022 An evening of bonfire fun for all the family, Sat 5 Nov, Stourport Rugby Club

WOLVERHAMPTON FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Complete with funfair, bars, food stalls and two firework displays, Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse

BEDWORTH CHARITY BONFIRE The annual charity event returns, complete with fireworks, Sat 5 Nov, Miners Welfare Park, Bedworth

WALSALL

SUTTON

the kids, Sat

big

Nov,

the local

Coldfield

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two firework displays, food & drink

and live entertainment, Sat 5 Nov, Warwick Racecourse THE RUGBY FIREWORKS SHOW Includes a child/toddler-friendly display, Sat 5 Nov, Whinfield Recreation Grounds, Rugby WESTON HALL FIREWORK NIGHT With children’s rides, live performances and music, Sat 5 Nov, Weston Hall Hotel, Coventry BONFIRE AND FIREWORK DISPLAY With licenced bar and food, Sat 5 Nov, 3rd Coventry Scout HQ, Coventry BONFIRE NIGHT SPECTACULAR All profits to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice & other local charities, Sat 5 Nov, Coventrians

WHODUNNIT?

Having made its debut some 70 years ago, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the ‘ world’s longest-running play’ with a continued capacity to put bums on seats. It’s touring version makes a welcome return to the Midlands this month with former Grange Hill and Eastender actor, Todd Carty, starring alongside Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra in Only Fools And Horses) and Eastender’s baddie, John Altman. What’s On recently caught up with Todd to chat about his current role - and more...

What attracted you to The Mousetrap, Todd?

I saw it about 40 years ago, when I was a much younger man. I remembered it being such a great play, and I’ve always been an Agatha Christie fan, having first gotten hooked on her storytelling by seeing the Margaret Rutherford/Miss Marple films on TV. Now here I am 40 years later playing Major Metcalf in the UK & Ireland tour. It’s fantastic.

How would you describe Major Metcalf and his role in the story?

He’s a retired Army major and one of the guests in a guesthouse in the countryside. All of the characters have a secret and a mysterious background that audiences can’t quite put a finger on. The audience becomes the detective, trying to work out who’s up to no good and who isn’t, along with the real detective on stage. Major Metcalf appears to be a typical ex-Army guy. He enjoys the odd drop of brandy in the evening and maybe the odd drop of Scotch at lunch. On the face of it, he seems to want to help people, but every now and then the characters in the play disappear and we don’t know what they’re up to, Major Metcalf included.

The show is celebrating its 70th anniversary. How do you account for its longevity?

I honestly don’t know. We’re opening at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, where it premiered back in 1952 before a short tour and then moving to the West End, where it continues to play. I think basically we all like a whodunnit because we’re all amateur detectives; we’re all modern-day Columbos. I’ve been to see the show again recently, and in the audience there are kids of 13 right up to grandmas and granddads, all going ‘He did it’ or ‘No, it was her or him.’ When I first saw it, I couldn’t quite work it out myself, but it’s great fun trying to figure out who the killer is.

You came to fame in Grange Hill. What are your memories of that time?

Not to give my age away, I’d been acting since I was four. I loved doing all those adverts when I first started out, but Grange Hill changed my whole life. One day I was happily going to school, the next day I was Tucker Jenkins. The day before it first aired in 1978, nobody on the tube knew who I was, then the next day it was ‘Bang!’. Anonymity was a thing of the past.

What have been your favourite jobs over the years?

I loved doing EastEnders and The Bill. I also did five years on and off playing Patsy in Spamalot, and that was brilliant. I’d sing Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life every night and there’d be seven and eight-yearolds singing along, Mum and Dad singing it, Granny and Granddad, and they all knew the words.

What do you most enjoy about doing stage work?

It sounds obvious and clichéd but it’s the audience. When you’re doing a panto and all the kids are getting involved and shouting back, going ‘Oh yes he did!’ and ‘Oh no he didn’t!’, it’s a great feeling. Plays are different, but the audience is listening to every word, and with The Mousetrap they’re thinking ‘Ooh, I thought it was so and so.’ I love live theatre, and it’s especially pleasing now, after the pandemic, when people who work in theatre had a really tough time. It’s great being around other actors and crew members again. I can’t tell you how much it warms our hearts to be back in front of an audience.

What are you most looking forward to about taking the show around the country?

Just the different reactions from different

audiences. They always vary depending on where you are in the country, and every night is different, with different reactions to different parts of the show. There’s a real appetite now for seeing good shows and supporting theatre. A lot of the people coming along will be Agatha Christie fans, but they also tend to bring family members and friends with them, saying ‘You’ve got to come and see this.’ That means a whole new audience is introduced to the show, as well as existing fans. As for the cast and crew, we’ve been really happy during rehearsals, and I’m sure we’ll be just as happy when we’re on the road.

The Mousetrap shows at The Alexandra, Birmingham, from Mon 31 October - Sat 5 November; Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, from Mon 30 JanuarySat 4 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Mon 13 - Sat 18 February; Lichfield Garrick, from Mon 27 March - Sat 1 April and Regent Theatre, Stoke-onTrent, Mon 3 - Sat 8 April

Kendrick Lamar at Utilita Arena,

La Boheme at Birmingham

Rae Morris at Castle & Falcon,

Eliza Carthy & The Restitution

Glee

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November

Visual Arts

The Barber Institute Of Fine Arts

TAKING ROOT: THE SUSTAINING LIFE OF TREES A display exploring our enduring fascination with trees, featuring exhibits from the Netherlandish landscape tradition of the 1600s as well as examples of developments across Western Europe over the two centuries which followed, until Sun 13 Nov

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

WE ARE BIRMINGHAM Exhibition cocurated by Birmingham Museums and six members of Don’t Settle - an initiative empowering young people of colour from Birmingham and the Black Country ‘to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research and governance’, until Sun 13 Nov

IN THE QUE: CELEBRATING THE QUE CLUB Sensory celebration of one of the UK’s greatest music venues, featuring personal artefacts, photographs, film footage, flyers, posters and more... until Sun 13 Nov

BLACKLASH: RACISM AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SELF-DEFENCE Mukhtar Dar’s extensive archive of photographic, video and political ephemera showcases the street & state racism faced by Asian and African Caribbean communities, until Sun 13 Nov

SAVAGE K’LUB: VA TAMATEA An installation that reclaims the gentleman’s clubs of the same name, which were first established in London in the 19th century, until Sun 13 Nov

WONDERLAND: BIRMINGHAM’S CINEMA STORIES Featuring unseen photographs and cinema memorabilia, alongside historic magic lanterns and optical toys from Birmingham’s collection, until Sun 13 Nov

COLLECTION STORIES Featuring internationally important showstoppers and everyday items, as well as objects from around the world and some made in Birmingham, until Sun 13 Nov

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)

MADE AT MAC: THE ART OF PRINTMAKING New artwork created by MAC’s talented students and artist tutors, who attended print-focused courses, until Sun 6 Nov

MAC AT 60: A HISTORY OF MAC IN 60 OBJECTS Exhibition about people’s personal experiences with Midlands Arts Centre and how the venue has contributed to the everyday lives of

residents, artists, visitors and former and current staff members, until Sun 6 Nov

NRITYA: COLLECTING THE STORY OF INDIAN DANCE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY 1960 - 2000 Featuring shared stories, memories, photographs, films and objects collected from pioneer dancers, teachers and choreographers, until Sun 13 Nov

STAN’S CAFE: OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN ALL THE WORLD Intriguing exhibition from local theatre group Stan’s Cafe in which grains of rice are used to bring to life ‘formally abstract statistics’, until Sun 30 Oct and Wed 2 - Sun 6 Nov

Elsewhere:

MOMENT TO MOMENT: EDWARD LEAR Featuring approximately 60 works by the prolific nonsense poet, many of which have never been shown in public previously, until Sun 13 Nov, Ikon Gallery

SIKNURE: LET ME LIVE First UK solo exhibition by Ainu artist & musician Mayunkiki. Exhibits include historical family portraits, handwritten observations and video work commissioned by Ikon, until Sun 13 Nov, Ikon Gallery

WOMEN OF PARADISE New work by Birmingham-based artist Farwa Moledina which studies four women promised paradise in Islamic tradition, until Sun 13 Nov, Ikon Gallery

ANKA GREGORCZYK & ŁUKASZ SZAMAŁEK 'TEMPORARY LANDSCAPES' Photographic project documenting several years of construction and disruption in the shifting landscape of Poland, until Fri 25 Nov, Centrala, Minerva Works, Digbeth ALBERTA WHITTLE: WE GATHER AND DREAM OF NEW CONGREGATIONS Newly commissioned works which seek to address issues surrounding use of ownership of land... until Fri 16 Dec, Grand Union, Digbeth MARYAM WAHID: IN COMMON Thirteen people who live or work in Edgbaston are the stars of this outdoor portrait exhibition by award-winning Birmingham photographer Maryam Wahid, until Fri 31 March 2023, Opposite Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham

SHOUT FESTIVAL SHOWCASE WITH JOHN YEADON Solo exhibition by Coventrybased artist John Yeadon, whose artistic practice explores issues of politics, sexuality, food, national identity, the grotesque and carnival, Wed 9 - Sun 13 Nov, Ikon Gallery

MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES EXHIBITION

New works from RBSA members & associates, Thurs 17 Nov - Sat 7 Jan, RBSA Gallery

Gigs

KIEFER SUTHERLAND + FINELINES Tues 1 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham PIP MILLETT Tues 1 Nov, O2 Academy

SUGABABES Tues 1 Nov, O2 Academy

ANASTACIA Tues 1 Nov, Symphony Hall

WARMDUSCHER Tues 1 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth

THE SOUNDS OF SIMONSIMON AND GARFUNKEL TRIBUTE Tues 1 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

FINN FOXELL Wed 2 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

LOU WARREN BAND Wed 2 Nov, The Jam House, Jewellery Quarter

MODERNLOVE. + CHARLIE BENNETT Wed 2 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

JAKE CLEMONS Wed 2 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

JACK HARLOW Wed 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

40 WATT SUN Wed 2 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham

CHRIS FOX & THE RUNNING MAN Wed 2 Nov, Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham

MICHAEL WESTON KING Wed 2 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

WESLEY GONZALEZ Thurs 3 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

PETE JOSEF Thurs 3 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

JOHNNY2BAD Thurs 3 Nov, The Jam House, Jewellery Quarter

KEYWEST Thurs 3 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

TOVE LO + MIYA FOLICK Thurs 3 Nov, O2 Institute

POP EVIL Thurs 3 Nov, O2 Institute

PRESS CLUB Thurs 3 Nov, The Flapper

JOHN CALE Thurs 3 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

LIAM NOBLE, JOHN EDWARDS AND MARK SANDERS Thurs 3 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

DESPISED ICON + DECAPITATED Thurs 3 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth LAPELS Fri 4 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

VASELINE & THE QUAD Fri 4 Nov, The Night Owl

THE DOORS ALIVE Fri 4 Nov, O2 Academy

MAGGIE ROGERS + SAMIA Fri 4 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham LEO SAYER Fri 4 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

KASABIAN + THE LATHUMS Fri 4 Nov, Utilita Arena Birmingham

IST IST Fri 4 Nov, The Rainbow, Digbeth GOD DAMN + TOTAL LUCK + CREATURE + FLESH CREEP + SLUTMADE Sat 5 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings

Heath

FOZZY + ESCAPE THE FATE + SCARLET REBELS Sat 5 Nov, O2 Institute

INJURY RESERVE + BODY MEAT Sat 5 Nov, O2 Institute

CLINTON KANE Sat 5 Nov, O2 Institute

THE DAMNED + PENETRATION + TV SMITH & THE BORED TEENAGERS Sat 5 Nov, O2 Academy

DYLAN Sat 5 Nov, O2 Academy

MARCO MENDOZA + BAD ACTRESS + SILENT THIEVES Sat 5 Nov, The Asylum

LUNA ROSA + THE NEW RIGHTEOUS MOOD + THE SERPENTS + SILVER STATE Sat 5 Nov, The Flapper

THE NOTEBENDERS Sat 5 Nov, Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall

KENDRICK LAMAR Sat 5 Nov, Utilita Arena Birmingham

THE HUNNA Sat 5 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth COOPS + TRUEMENDOUS Sun 6 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

KING PROMISE Sun 6 Nov, O2 Institute SIGRID + TOMMY LEFROY Sun 6 Nov, O2 Academy

KING KRAB + CANNON FODDER + SIDEBORG Sun 6 Nov, The Flapper

BELLA GAFFNEY Sun 6 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

Kendrick Lamar - Utilita Arena Birmingham

Classical Music

RBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Seal (conductor - pictured), Wed 2 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy

JON RICHARDSON Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

SCOTT BENNETT & MATT BRAGG Thurs 3 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

BOBBY MAIR, LUKE TOULSON, ASHLEY FRIEZE & JAMES COOK Thurs 3 Nov, Lichfield Sports Club

PAUL CHOWDHRY Thurs 3 Nov, Dudley Town Hall

NOEL JAMES & COMICS TBC Thurs 3 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall

STEVE GRIBBIN, MARK NELSON, CARL HUTCHINSON, ELEANOR TIERNAN & INGRID DAHLE Fri 4 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

RBC CHAMBER CHOIR: FRENCH CONNECTIONS - FROM MACHAUT TO MESSIAEN Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor). Programme includes works by Charpentier, De Lalande, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Poulenc, Thurs 3 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA Featuring Ryan Bancroft (conductor) & Oliver Janes (clarinet). Programme includes works by Adams, Finzi & Rachmaninov, Thurs 3 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

JORDAN BAK (VIOLA) & JOSEPH HAVLAT (PIANO) Programme includes works by Britten, Vaughan Williams, Tyson Davis & Brahms, Fri 4 Nov, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

RBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Seal and Yannick Mayaud (conductors). Programme includes works by Angela Elizabeth Slater, Errollyn Wallen, Doreen Carwithen and Leonard Bernstein, Fri 4 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

BROMPTON STRING QUARTET: ILLUMINATING WOMEN Featuring Sarah Parkin (soprano). Programme includes works by Florence Price, Angela Elizabeth Slater, Errollyn Wallen and Grażyna Bacewicz, Fri 4 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY: ELIJAH Sat 5 Nov, Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, Birmingham

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AT 150: A SEA SYMPHONY Featuring the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Choir, Alexandra Lowe (soprano) & Benson Wilson (baritone), Sun 6 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MANCHESTER CAMERATA ENSEMBLE:

UNQUIET Featuring Carmen Villain. Programme includes works by Bryce Dessner, Hildur Gudnadottir, Philip Glass & Mica Levi, Sun 6 Nov, Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

OJS COMEDY CLUB Fri 4 Nov, Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

DARA O’BRIAIN Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, RYAN CULLEN, PAUL TONKINSON & JON PEARSON Sat 5 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

STEVE GRIBBIN, MARK NELSON, CARL HUTCHINSON & ELEANOR TIERNAN Sat 5 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

MILTON JONES Sat 5 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester

LUISA OMIELAN Sun 6 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

HARRY HILL Sun 6 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

acclaimed production, in which Moliere’s classic farce is set in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham, until Sat 5 Nov, The Rep, Birmingham

O, ISLAND! Nina Segal’s funny & furious modern myth, exploring how borders can be changed by people, by nature and by accident, until Sat 5 Nov, Studio Theatre, The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon

IVY TILLER: VICAR’S DAUGHTER, SQUIRREL KILLER Bea Roberts’ darkly comic play, which challenges who belongs and who thrives, until Sat 5 Nov, Studio Theatre, The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon

A STUDY IN SCARLET Blue Orange Arts present the story in which Arthur Conan Doyle introduced readers to his iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes, for the very first time, until Sat 5 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham

THE MOUSETRAP Agatha Christie’s ‘genre-defying’ murder-mystery - and the world’s longest-running play, until Sat 5 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

Theatre

TILL I DIE An exploration of the gender stereotypes of the slasher genre. Expect ‘fake blood, that famous phone-call scene, and an outspoken feminist’, until Tues 1 Nov, The Rep, Birmingham

STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith star in a brand-new musical directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, until Sat 5 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

TARTUFFE The return of Iqbal Khan’s

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Adrian Edmondson plays Ebenezer Scrooge in David Edgar’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ muchloved classic, until Sun 1 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon

THATCHER’S NOT DEAD, SHE’S LIVING IN MY COUNCIL FLAT! Spooktacular comedy treat featuring a ouijja board, two gays, Satan and the ghost of Margaret Thatcher, Tues 1 Nov, Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

SHE’S ROYAL A brand-new stage production revealing the untold relationship between Her Majesty Queen Victoria and two extraordinary women of colour: Sarah Forbes Bonetta and Sophia Duleep Singh,

Tues 1 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

ELF THE MUSICAL Amateur staging presented by St Alphege Musical Production Society (STAMPS), Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Award-winning production telling the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, Tues 1Sat 5 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

DOING SHAKESPEARE Six actors performing six different plays will do Shakespeare ‘as Shakespeare has never been done before’... Wed 2 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

THE HAUNTING OF GIBSIDE FOLLY Projected imagery and special effects combine to create a live performance that contains ‘moments of extreme tension and terror’, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Nov, Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL The Arcadians present an amateur staging of the award-winning highschool musical, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

TIME IS PAPER An unconventional form of theatre which reflects on the current social climate and the experience of growing up within it, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

PAUL CHOWDHRY Sun 6 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Tartuffe - The Rep, Birmingham

Light Entertainment

TOLKIEN AND STAFFORDSHIRE: A TALK

BY JOHN GARTH Hear about how connections with Lichfield and Cannock Chase helped shape the mythology behind The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, Thurs 3 Nov, The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield

UP TO SCRATCH Brand-new development evening set up to give creatives a city-centre platform on which to develop their work, Thurs 3 Nov, Old Rep, Birmingham

DAN HAGLEY: HALFWAY ROUND THE BEND ‘Honest and bonkers’ new solo comedy show about living with mental illness, Fri 4 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

Talks & Spoken

Word

HIT THE ODE A unique performance poetry night bringing spoken-word artists to the heart of Birmingham, Fri 4 Nov, Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome

SUSIE DENT: THE SECRET LIFE OF WORDS Join the Countdown star for a journey into ‘the curious, unexpected and surreal origins of the words we use every day’, Sat 5 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

AN EVENING WITH DEBBIE HARRY & CHRIS STEIN Find out about five decades of Blondie and gain insight into the duo’s lives as artists and creative partners, Sun 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

supplies as well as festive ideas and inspiration, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, offering a large range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of tempting food & drink, Thurs 3 Nov - Fri 23 Dec, throughout Birmingham city centre

ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Enjoy an ice skate session or take a ride on the big wheel and marvel at the views across the city, Thurs 3 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Birmingham

AFTER HOURS Exploration of fire, death and regeneration, taking place between All Souls Day and Bonfire Night, Fri 4 Nov, Compton Verney, Warwickshire

ILLUMINATED GARDEN & PLAYGROUND

BY NIGHT Family fun for all ages with an illuminated playground and lighting displays, Fri 4 Nov, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich

COVENTRY CATHEDRAL TOWER CLIMB Challenge yourself to climb 180 steps to enjoy magnificent views of Coventry and the surrounding area, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Coventry Cathedral

ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR An event taking the electrifying bursts, bangs and howls of amazing fireworks to another level with music, lights and live-action storytelling, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire

BAKE INTERNATIONAL Featuring ‘the very best suppliers, the biggest baking stars’, demos, workshops, and a dedicated baking competition, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

THE BABY & TODDLER SHOW Featuring hundreds of products and essentials at the best prices, all under one roof, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NAEC Stoneleigh

CAKE INTERNATIONAL Join thousands of cake decorating and cake art lovers, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

SHOUT FESTIVAL Birmingham’s annual festival of queer art & culture, Fri 4Sat 12 Nov, various venues across Birmingham

Sat 5 Nov, Edgbaston Stadium

JUST V SHOW WINTER Try & buy the best in plant-based food brands, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

YOUNG DRIVER EXPERIENCES Classic car and fire engine-driving experiences, Sun 6 Nov, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire COLOUR BOX: CLASSIC KIDS’ TV Join Flatpack’s Colour Box team for a special event paying homage to kids’ TV of yesteryear, Sun 6 Nov,

Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

MAC ARTS MARKETS Explore a range of stalls from a broad selection of local designer makers, Sun 6 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

QUIET AT THE AQUARIUM A quieter SEA LIFE experience that aims to provide a more comfortable visit for those with autism and other sensory requirements, Sun 6 Nov, National SEA LIFE Centre, Birmingham

Events

THE TASTE OF MAC Artist Kaye Winwood uses food to tell extraordinary stories, Wed 2 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY CHRISTMAS SHOW Exhibitors showcase exclusive ranges of bespoke and unusual gifts, Thurs 3Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, jewellery, dressmaking and stitching enthusiasts, offering all the latest

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The free event returns with another breathtaking display, Sat 5 Nov, Tamworth Castle Grounds

SANDWELL GOES GLOBAL FIREWORKS EVENING Sandwell’s biggest-ever fireworks display takes a global theme, Sat 5 Nov, Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich

WOLVERHAMPTON FIREWORKS AT THE RACECOURSE Featuring two firework displays, a family-friendly funfair and live music, Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR & FUN FAIR

The biggest fireworks display in Birmingham, plus an on-site funfair,

Shout Festival - various venues across Birmingham

Gigs

KEEP OF KALESSIN + DØDHEIMSGARD + CADAVERS + BORNHOLM + TEMPLE OF EVIL Mon 7 Nov, O2 Academy

SANGUISUGABOGG + CELESTIAL SANCTUARY Mon 7 Nov, The Flapper

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD Mon 7 Nov, Symphony Hall

JULIA JACKLIN Mon 7 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth LUST FOR YOUTH Tues 8 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

PJ MORTON Tues 8 Nov, O2 Institute

ALY & AJ + HAZEL ENGLISH Tues 8 Nov, O2 Academy

CUA Tues 8 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

TVAM [LIVE] Wed 9 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY

Wed 9 Nov, The Jam House, Jewellery Quarter

STILL WOOZY Wed 9 Nov, O2 Institute

JAMIE WEBSTER Wed 9 Nov, O2 Institute

THE WONDER YEARS Wed 9 Nov, O2 Academy

DAVID FISHER & EVAN C RITCHIE + YONDERLAND Wed 9 Nov, Red Lion Folk Club

A BEAUTIFUL NOISENEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE Wed 9 Nov, Belgrade

Theatre, Coventry

SOUMIK DATTA Wed 9 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ROB KEMP’S THE ELVIS DEAD Thurs 10 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

NINE BELOW ZERO Thurs 10 Nov, The Jam House, Jewellery Quarter

SET IT OFF + CEMETERY SUN + LIZZY FARRALL + WEATHERS Thurs 10 Nov, O2 Institute STICK TO YOUR GUNS + LANDMVRKS + SCOWL Thurs 10 Nov, O2 Academy

TWIST AND SHOUT Thurs 10 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull LIGHTNING SEEDS + BADLY DRAWN BOY Thurs 10 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall SCARECROW Thurs 10 Nov, Bromsgrove Folk Club

CHRIS THILE + SAM AMIDON Thurs 10 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

OASIS MAYBE Fri 11 Nov, The Night Owl

REMA Fri 11 Nov, O2 Institute

ABSOLUTE BOWIE Fri 11 Nov, O2 Academy JAMIE T Fri 11 Nov, O2 Academy

BIFFY CLYRO + ARCHITECTS Fri 11 Nov, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham

THE IBIZA ORCHESTRA LIVE Fri 11 Nov, Forum

GOGO PENGUIN Fri 11

Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

CALLUM BEATTIE Sat 12 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

SMALL FAKERS - LIVE SMALL FACES TRIBUTE Sat 12 Nov, The Night Owl

ALEXANDER 23 Sat 12 Nov, O2 Institute

THE CLONE ROSES + THE JAMES EXPERIENCE Sat 12 Nov, O2 Academy

N-DUBZ + WES NELSON Sat 12 Nov, Utilita Arena Birmingham

GOSPEL REVISITED PROJECT Sat 12 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

VITOR PEREIRA Sat 12 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury SQUEEZE + DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Symphony Hall

STELLA DONNELLY Sun 13 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath PLASTIC MERMAIDS Sun 13 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath JOHANNA WARREN Sun 13 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

COIN Sun 13 Nov, O2 Institute

THE NIGHTINGALES Sun 13 Nov, Castle & Falcon

WHITE HILLS Sun 13 Nov, The Asylum

DERMOT KENNEDY Sun 13 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth

THE STYLISTICS Sun 13 Nov, The Alexandra

Classical

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER: CELEBRATING THE BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF CÉSAR FRANCK Mon 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

NOBUYUKI TSUJII Programme includes works by Beethoven, Liszt, Ravel & Kapustin, Mon 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

BELGIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA Featuring Roberto González-Monjas (conductor) & Paul Lewis (piano). Programme includes works by Respighi, Mozart & Saint-Saëns, Tues 8 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

CBSO CENTRE STAGE: VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AT 150 Featuring Philip Brett & Charlotte Skinner (violins), Christopher Yates & Catherine Bower (violas) & Eduardo Vassallo (cello). Programme includes works by Vaughan Williams & Beethoven, Thurs 10 Nov, CBSO Centre, B’ham

CBSO VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AT 150: MYSTICAL SONGS Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Roderick Williams (baritone), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and CBSO Choir, Thurs 10 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

CBSO: VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AT 150: SCOTT OF THE ANTARTIC Featuring Martyn Brabbins (conductor), Katie Trethewey (soprano), CBSO Youth Chorus and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Fri 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

AN AFTERNOON AT COURT Featuring Claire Barnett-Jones (mezzo soprano) and Sholto Kynoch (piano). Programme includes works by Judith Weir, Schubert, Lizst, Howells & Schumann, Fri 11 Nov, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

EX CATHEDRA: SONGS OF PROTEST Featuring Backbeat Percussion Quartet, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Imogen Russell (soprano) and Lawrence White (bass). Programme includes works by MacMillan, Beamish, Joubert & Roth, Sun 13 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

Comedy

MARK SIMMONS Tues 8 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

FRANCIS FOSTER Wed 9 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

TOM STADE Wed 9 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham OLGA KOCH Wed 9 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham LINDSEY SANTORO, MAT TAYLOR, AL RUDGE, TAL DAVIES, JACOB NUSSEY & SEAN TAYLOR Wed 9 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Birmingham

ZOE LYONS, JEN BRISTER, KATE MCCABE & MAUREEN YOUNGER Thurs 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON, CRAIG HILL & SCOTT BENNETT Thurs 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

JASPREET SINGH Thurs 10 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham JASON MANFORD Thurs 10 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

JASON BYRNE Fri 11 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

RUDI LICKWOOD, CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD, CRAIG HILL, SCOTT BENNETT & HARRY WRIGHT Fri 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

ROB AUTON Fri 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

JASON MANFORD Fri 11 Nov, Utilita Arena Birmingham

MATT RICHARDSON, VINCE ATTA, RACHEL CREEGER & JAMES ALDERSON Sat 12 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

RUDI LICKWOOD, CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD, CRAIG HILL & SCOTT BENNETT Sat 12 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

ROB NEWMAN Sat 12 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

SUKH OJLA, ANUVAB PAL, KAI SAMRA & RAJ POOJARA Sat 12 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

HENNING WEHN Sat 12 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

JACK CARROLL Sun 13 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

RAJ POOJARA, SUKH OJLA, JAY SODAGAR & ANUVAB PAL Sun 13 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

HARRIET KEMSLEY Sun 13 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Theatre

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe star in a new stage version of Stephen King’s famous story, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA - THE MAKROPULAS AFFAIR Janáček’s tale of immortal diva Emilia Marty and her desire to be the greatest singer of all times. Sung in Czech, with English surtitles, Tues 8 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

Lightning Seeds - Birmingham Town Hall

PETER PAN Bilston Operatic Company present an amateur staging of JM Barrie’s swashbuckling adventure, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

LA BOHEME Welsh National Opera present Puccini’s tale of love, loss, rebellion and freedom, Wed 9Fri 11 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

180° CHORD Fast-paced play fusing drama, empathy & comedy to tell the story of how a detective sergeant ends up on the wrong side of the law, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Nov, The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

THE ORPHANAGE ‘Spine-chilling’ theatre which promises to be the ‘ghost story of the year’, Fri 11 - Sun 27 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham

MIGRATIONS Welsh National Opera present a new opera exploring the highs and lows of migration, Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Amateur staging of John Webster’s chilling Jacobean tragedy, Sat 12 - Sat 19 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

Light Entertainment

BOB BROLLY AND FRIENDS Midday variety show featuring vocalist Lisa Jane Kelsey, comedian Paul Boardman and host Andy Eastwood, Tues 8 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

BRUM ON THE BOX WITH CHRIS & CATHY Authors Catherine O’Flynn and Chris Beanland guide audiences through the murky waters of classic Midlands television, Wed 9 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

TALES OF ORISA Live music, dance and visuals are used to explore the characters of the Yoruba deities celebrated across Africa, Thurs 10 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

TWIST AND SHOUT Music, theatre and dance combine in a nostalgic look at the golden age of British pop, Thurs 10 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull

BABY LAME - FINAL BABY GIRL! This debut solo show from the awardwinning cabaret star promises ‘bombastic bad taste with kinky roleplays, trash-tastic original songs

and camp film clips...’, Fri 11 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

BLACK, QUEER AND DONE An intense, emotive, unfiltered documentary exploring the experiences of Black Queer people within arts, culture & media, Fri 11 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Talks & Spoken Word

HARRY BAKER: UNASHAMED An evening with the World Poetry Slam Champion, Wed 9 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

Events

CRIMES OF PASSION Featuring true stories of queer crime and imprisonment, Wed 9 Nov, West Midlands Police Museum, Birmingham

YOUR HORSE LIVE Featuring over 300 exhibitors, talented riders and stars, ‘the best masterclasses around’ and a chance to get closer to the celebs

than at any other equine show, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Nov, NAEC Stoneleigh

LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW The ultimate season finale for classic car/bike owners, collectors, club members and enthusiasts, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

MCM COMIC CON BIRMINGHAM A weekend celebration of all things pop culture, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

LANTERN FESTIVAL Discover an epic lantern trail and explore the walkthrough areas of the park, Fri 11 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

SCALE MODEL WORLD 2022 Featuring group displays, trade stands and model competition, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Telford International Centre

THE TEXTILE FAIR Support local artists and makers by shopping for Christmas, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Compton Verney, Warwickshire

SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND With real snow, real animals and the allnew winter wonderland show, Sat 12 Nov - Sun 1 Jan, Snowdome, Tamworth

Gigs

JILL ANDREWS Mon 14

Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

FUTURE ISLANDS Mon 14 Nov, O2 Institute

JOEY VALENCE & BRAE

Mon 14 Nov, Castle & Falcon

SHAWN JAMES Mon 14

Nov, The Asylum

GASOLINE & MATCHES + JEREMY MCCOMB + JESS THRISTAN + GARY QUINN + DAN OLSEN

Mon 14 Nov, Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall

A.A. WILLIAMS Tues 15 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

KEZIA GILL Tues 15 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

EVANESCENCE & WITHIN TEMPTATION Tues 15 Nov, Utilita Arena Birmingham

AMY MONTGOMERY Tues 15 Nov, The Rainbow, Digbeth

WIDOWSPEAK Wed 16 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

THE BUG Wed 16 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

BRETT YOUNG Wed 16 Nov, O2 Institute

MERRY HELL + CRAIG SUNDERLAND Wed 16 Nov, Red Lion Folk Club

LOW Wed 16 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall KIT DOWNES/THOMAS MORGAN/EMI MAKABE + STILLEFELT Wed 16 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)

DAISY BRAIN Thurs 17

Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

BRITISH COLLECTIVE Thurs 17 Nov, The Jam House, Digbeth

THE DUNWELLS Thurs 17 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE Thurs 17 Nov, O2 Institute

ONE STEP CLOSER + MAGNITUDE Thurs 17 Nov, The Flapper

JEAN TOUSSAINT

QUARTET Thurs 17 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

ELLIE GOWERS Thurs 17 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath OASIS & NOEL

GALLAGHER HIGH FLYING BIRDS TRIBUTE Fri 18 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

JESSIE REID Fri 18 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

TAKE THE FIFTHTRIBUTE TO THE CLASH Fri 18 Nov, The Night Owl

NINA NESBITT Fri 18 Nov, O2 Institute

PI’ERRE BOURNE Fri 18 Nov, O2 Institute

SEA GIRLS + LAURAN HIBBERD Fri 18 Nov, O2 Academy

THE ICICLE WORKS Fri 18 Nov, O2 Academy

RAE MORRIS Fri 18 Nov, Castle & Falcon

LAST HOUNDS + HELL CAN WAIT Fri 18 Nov, The Asylum ANGRY ITCH + KNOCK OFF + THE LIABILITYS + HEALER OF BASTARDS Fri 18 Nov, The Flapper

KAISER CHIEFS + THE FRATELLIS + THE

SHERLOCKS Fri 18 Nov, Utilita Arena B’ham

ROB LAMBERTI - THE SONGS OF GEORGE MICHAEL Fri 18 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth

THEA GILMORE Fri 18 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)

TRUE ORDER + HAPPY MONDAZE Sat 19 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

ALL THE YOUNG Sat 19 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

THE ASSIST Sat 19 Nov, O2 Institute

MARCUS MUMFORD Sat 19 Nov, O2 Institute

UK FOO FIGHTERS Sat 19 Nov, O2 Academy

THE HEIMATDAMISCH Sat 19 Nov, Castle & Falcon

HYDE PROJECT Sat 19 Nov, The Asylum

JUDY COLLINS Sat 19 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

EZRA FURMAN Sat 19 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth LAURA ASTON Sun 20 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

CHRIS CLEVERLEY Sun 20 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath MUNA + BIMINI Sun 20 Nov, O2 Institute

WORKING MEN’S CLUB Sun 20 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth

GERRY COLVIN BAND Sun 20 Nov, The Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

RIVAL CONSOLES + PENGUIN CAFE + HATIS NOIT + DOUGLAS DARE Sun 20 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Classical

BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL PIANO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Mon 14Wed 16 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CBSO PLAYS PROKOFIEV & DVORÁK Featuring Elena Schwarz (conductor) & Clara-Jumi Kang (violin). Programme includes works by Dukas, Prokofiev & Dvorák, Tues 15 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THALLEIN ENSEMBLE WITH NEXT: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GEORGE E LEWIS Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor), Fri 18 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO Featuring Paul Spicer (conductor), Thomas Hobbs (evangelist), Sophia Larsson (soprano), James Laing (counter tenor), Daniel Auchincloss (tenor), Ashley Riches (baritone). Also featuring Birmingham Bach Choir and The Musical & Amicable Society: baroque style orchestra, Sat 19 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral

BCMG IMPROV CONCERT WITH MELINDA MAXWELL Featuring the Janus Improvisers Ensemble, Sat 19 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

QUINBORNE CHOIR: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Featuring Darren Hogg (organ & piano), Sat 19 Nov, St. Faith & St. Lawrence Church, Harborne, Birmingham

BCMG NEXT: GEORGE LEWIS & ELLIOT CARTER Hear works by Elliott Carter and George Lewis, performed by BCMG NEXT early career musicians, Sat 19 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Comedy

RAY BRADSHAW Tues 15 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON, NATHAN CATON & ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN Thurs 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

MAUREEN YOUNGER, BEN VAN DER VELDE, NATHAN CATON, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN & FARHAN SOLO Fri 18 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham GAVIN WEBSTER, JACK GLEADOW, MICHELLE SHAUGHNESSY & STEVE HARRIS Sat 19 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

MAUREEN YOUNGER, BEN VAN DER VELDE, NATHAN CATON & ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN Sat 19 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham FAMILY COMEDY WITH BEN VAN DER VELDE, BARBARA NICE & MAT RICARDO Sun 20 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham

ANGIE LE MAR Sun 20 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

ED GAMBLE Sun 20 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

Theatre

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES Pilot Theatre present a story of love, revolution, and what it means to grow up in a divided world, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

KIPPS THE NEW HALF A SIXPENCE MUSICAL Amateur staging presented by St Augustine’s Musical Theatre Company, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull

JULIE: THE MUSICAL Brand-new musical about the life and adventures of historical LGBTQ+ icon Julie D’Aubigny, Wed 16 - Fri 18 Nov, The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham BEAUTY AND THE BEAST A reimagining of the classic fairytale that promises to leave audiences ‘spellbound’, Fri 18 Nov - Fri 16 Dec, The Old Rep, Birmingham

THE BLUEBIRD Join Mary Berylune, a Seer, and her tree spirit, Micky, on their quest to find the elusive bluebird and help unlock its mystery, Sat 19 Nov, The Rep, Birmingham NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Debbie Isitt’s heart-warming festive musical, Sat 19 Nov - Sat 7 Jan, The Rep, B’ham

GRIMM TALES A Company Theatre School’s production, adapted from the Grimm Brothers’ original stories, Sun 20 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

Kids Theatre

THE BEAR Pins And Needles’ heartwarming stage show, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book, Thurs 17 Nov - Fri 30 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

Dance

THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Ballet present Sir Peter Wright’s world-famous production, Sat 19 Nov - Sat 10 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome

Rae Morris - Castle & Falcon

Light Entertainment

SING-A-LONG-A-GARETH Gareth Malone will be joined by his band and a group of stellar singers as he guides you through an evening of song, Mon 14 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

OPERA SCENES Presentation of scenes from a variety of both well-loved and lesser-known operas, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Nov, The Lab, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

BINGO AT TIFFANY’S Join awardwinning comedian Tracey Collins (Tina T’urner Tea Lady) for an evening of ‘hilarious bingo games, raucous singalongs and glamorous dancing’, Sat 19 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

Talks & Spoken

Word

AN EVENING WITH RICKY HATTON Gary Newbon MBE interviews one of the greatest European fighters of all

time... Mon 14 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

GARY BARLOW - A DIFFERENT STAGE Gary talks about his life and career, Wed 16 - Sun 20 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Events

CHRISTMAS AT CATHEDRAL SQUARE Featuring craft, gift and food & drink stalls, Wed 16 Nov - Sun 18 Dec, Cathedral Square, Birmingham

PLANETARIUM LATES: EXPERIENCING

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS See and hear about the experiences of Birmingham-based photographer and hiker Martin Kulhavý, on his trips to Norway to photograph the Northern Lights, Thurs 17 Nov, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

FESTIVE GIFT FAIR Featuring hundreds of colourful stalls and lots of live entertainment, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

THE MURDER OF WALTER FELLOWS Consider the evidence, follow the clues and interrogate the suspects in their cells as you attempt to get to the bottom of a murder-mystery, Fri 18

Nov, West Midlands Police Museum, Birmingham

PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Grab your flatcap, don your finest threads and step into the smoky underworld of the 1920s, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

MOTORCYCLE LIVE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BIKESURE The UK’s largest motorcycle show, supported by over 50 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers, Sat 19 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Festive celebrations with a Santa stage show and this year’s pantomime, Cinderella, Sat 19 NovFri 23 Dec, Cadbury World, B’ham

SANTA’S GROTTO EXPERIENCE Get ready to dive into the ultimate underwater fish-massy adventure with Santa and his elves, Sat 19 NovSat 24 Dec, National SEA LIFE Centre, Birmingham

EVENING TALK - REMEMBERING FALLEN OFFICERS Explore the museum after hours and find out about the brave police officers who lost their lives during war time, Sat 19 Nov, West Midlands Police Museum, B’ham MAC ARTS MARKETS Explore a range of stalls from a broad selection of local designer makers, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

ENGLISH WHISKY FESTIVAL The annual festival makes its first-ever in-person outing, Sat 19 Nov, The Custard Factory, Digbeth

GREAT BRITISH LAND ROVER SHOW

Featuring everything from parts and accessories to bespoke vehicle builds and incredible restorations, Sun 20 Nov, NAEC Stoneleigh

Gigs

NATI DREDDD Mon 21 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

WET LEG Mon 21 Nov, O2 Institute

FONTAINES D.C. + WUNDERHORSE Mon 21 Nov, O2 Academy

BELLOWHEAD Mon 21 Nov, Symphony Hall

ELVIS - GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT Mon 21 Nov, Crescent Theatre

RBC DUKE ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA Mon 21 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

MARTIN STEPHENSON & THE DAINTEES Tues 22 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

NOTHING,NOWHERE. + GUCCIHIGHWATERS + SADEYES Tues 22 Nov, O2 Academy

SWIM DEEP Tues 22

Nov, Castle & Falcon

NIGHTWISH Tues 22 Nov, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham

JOHN EDWARDS WITH KJETIL MØSTAR & DAN ERIK KNEDAL Tues 22 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)

LEWSBERG Wed 23 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

RED RUM CLUB Wed 23 Nov, O2 Institute

UPSAHL + ALISSIC + LIZZIE ESAU Wed 23 Nov, O2 Institute

CONFIDENCE MAN Wed 23 Nov, O2 Institute

RISE AGAINST + THE

STORY SO FAR Wed 23

Nov, O2 Academy

OSCAR JEROME Wed 23 Nov, Castle & Falcon CORACLE Wed 23 Nov, Red Lion Folk Club

THE RILLS Thurs 24 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

THE BRASS FUNKEYS + DIDDY SWEG Thurs 24 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

GENESIS VISIBLE TOUCH Thurs 24 Nov, O2 Institute

JIM BOB Thurs 24 Nov, O2 Academy

BEVERLEY CRAVEN, JUDIE TZUKE, JULIA FORDHAM & RUMER Thurs 24 Nov, Symphony Hall

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE Thurs 24 Nov, Utilita Arena B’ham

MAIR THOMAS Thurs 24 Nov, Bromsgrove Folk Club

HONEYMOAN Fri 25 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

SABRINA CLAUDIO + JAMES VICKERY + ETHAM Fri 25 Nov, O2 Institute

YOUNG GUNS Fri 25 Nov, The Asylum CULTURE DUB ORCHESTRA Fri 25 Nov, The Rainbow, Digbeth AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA Fri 25 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

THE KTNA Sat 26 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

SIGNING OFF - UB40 TRIBUTE Sat 26 Nov, The Night Owl

CAM COLE Sat 26 Nov, O2 Institute

HOLLY HUMBERSTONE Sat 26 Nov, O2 Institute

L1NKN_P4RK Sat 26 Nov, The Asylum

KIRA MAC + EMPYRE Sat 26 Nov, The Asylum

THE SUN’S JOURNEY THROUGH THE NIGHT Sat 26 Nov, The Flapper

STRICTLY UB40 Sat 26 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth JAZZ SABBATH Sat 26 Nov, Crescent Theatre

K-TRAP Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, O2 Institute

DYLAN JOHN THOMAS Sun 27 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath INDIA ELECTRIC CO. Sun 27 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

PRIMA QUEEN Sun 27 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge

EARTHGANG Sun 27 Nov, O2 Institute

TIM GALLAGHER Sun 27 Nov, O2 Institute

BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST Sat 27 Nov, Castle & Falcon

MR BEN & THE BENS Mon 28 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath POPPY Mon 28 Nov, O2 Institute

BELLE & SEBASTIAN Mon 28 Nov, O2 Academy

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD Mon 28 Nov, Symphony Hall

ELIZA CARTHY & THE RESTITUTION Mon 28 Nov, The Glee Club BLOSSOMS Tues 29 Nov, O2 Academy GONG + OZRIC TENTACLES Tues 29 Nov, O2 Academy

MOMENTS OF PLEASURE - KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Wed 30 Nov, Hare & Hounds

RIVERS OF NIHIL + FALLUJAH + ALLEGAEON + INFERI + HARBINGER Wed 30 Nov, The Asylum JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Wed 30 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall PETE & BAS Wed 30 Nov, The Mill, Digbeth

Monday 21- Wed 30 November

Classical

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works by Bach, Bonnet, Merkel, Bourgeois & Dupré, Mon 21 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

CBSO AND PEKKA KUUSISTO (CONDUCTOR): THE LARK ASCENDING Programme includes works by Tarrodi, Vaughan Williams, WallerBridge, Sibelius & Rautavaara, Wed 23 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

DUDLEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Thurs 24 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

TURINI ENSEMBLE Featuring Annabel Knight (traverso & recorder), Miki Takahashi (baroque violin), Zaynab Martin (violone in G) and Robin Bigwood (harpsichord), Fri 25 Nov, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

CBSO FAMILY CONCERT: A WINTER PARTY Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Lucy Drever (presenter) and Sarah Butt (BSL Interpreter). Programme includes works by Vivaldi & Montgomery plus Lopez, Anderson-Lopez & Beck, Sat 26 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

SINFONIA OF LONDON Featuring John Wilson (conductor) & Martin James Bartlett (piano). Programme includes works by Walton, Ravel, Gershwin & Debussy, Sat 26 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Featuring David Juritz (violin/director). Programme includes works by Corelli, Handel, Bach, Clarke, Charpentier, Mozart & Vivaldi, Sun 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy

CLINTON BAPTISTE: CLINTON VS. RAMONE Wed 23 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

IVO GRAHAM Wed 23 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

MARK STEEL Wed 23 Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND Wed 23 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

RICH HALL Fri 23 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch

MARK THOMAS Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

LUNCHTIME MUSIC: CHOPIN, PIAZZOLLA & KALLIWODA Featuring Rebecca Taylor (oboe), Joanne Sealey & Yifan Chen (pianos), Mon 28 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

SOUL STRINGS Featuring Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash (sarod) plus Jennifer Pike (violin). Programme includes works by JS Bach & Trad, Wed 30 Nov, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

SOLEM QUARTET Wed 30 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON, THE RAYMOND & MR

TIMPKINS REVUE & COMIC TBC Thurs 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

JIMMY CARR Thurs 24 Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

JIMMY CARR Fri 25 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ADAM HESS, ALASDAIR BECKETT-KING, AMY MATTHEWS, THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & VICTOR DANIELS Fri 25 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

ANUVAB PAL, SUKH OJLA, PREET SINGH & KAI SAMRA Fri 25 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

HOWARD READ, RACHEL CREEGER, COLIN COLE & DAVE LONGLEY Sat 26 Nov, Rosies Nightclub, Birmingham

ADAM HESS, ALASDAIR BECKETT-KING, AMY MATTHEWS & THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE Sat 26 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

PAUL SINHA, JO ENRIGHT & JACK GLEADOW Sat 26 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge

JERRY SADOWITZ Wed 30 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Theatre

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Must-see musical that follows the story of Tony Manero as he embarks on a reckless yet thrilling journey to dancing success... Tues 22 - Sat 26 Nov, The Alexandra, Birmingham

DONE TO DEATH, BY JOVE! Holmes and Watson meet Poirot and Miss Marple in this spoof homage to ‘the great British detective’, Wed 23 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull

BLACKOUT Play exploring how girls cope with dating as Millennials, the

Eliza Carthy - The Glee Club

realities and pressures of starting a family later in life, and their exquisite ability to get completely blackout drunk, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Nov, The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

AN INSPECTOR CALLS JB Priestley’s classic thriller, Tues 29 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The Alexandra, Birmingham

Thrones) in this festive family favourite, Fri 25 Nov - Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick

CINDERELLA Festive favourite featuring an abundance of audience participation, Wed 30 Nov - Sat 10 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Kids Theatre

references to pop culture, Thurs 24Fri 25 Nov, Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome

Light Entertainment

CHRISTMAS AT ALTON TOWERS Make magical memories with a Santa Sleepover or explore the Towers Street Christmas Market. The hugely popular Lightopia Seasonal Wonderland light & lantern trail also returns, Fri 25 Nov - Mon 2 Jan, Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire

Pantomime

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Iain Lauchlan’s last outing as ‘Coventry’s favourite dame’, Wed 23 Nov - Sat 7 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Lichfield regular Sam Rabone is joined by Brian Wheeler (Star Wars) and Dean Whatton (Game Of

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DREAM BIG Join Moana, Maui, Anna, Elsa and the Disney Princesses in an ‘enchanting’ show filled with Disney songs and stories, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham Dance

THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Ballet present Sir Peter Wright’s world-famous production, until Sat 10 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome

FABRIC - CONTEMPORARY DANCE 2.0 Shechter II reimagine a piece created for GöteborgsOperans Danskompani in 2019, which, set to an eclectic sound score, showcases ironic

TAKING STEPS Step into the world of care leavers via an entertaining, impactful and insightful drama which provides a snapshot of the lives of the young people they support. Presented by Women & Theatre, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

BABIES ADVENTURES IN MUSIC (BAM) Interactive performance for babies, families and friends, celebrating music via a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds, Fri 25 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham

Talks & Spoken Word

AN EVENING WITH NOEL FITZPATRICK

Gain an insight into the extraordinary world of the ‘nation’s most loved orthopaedic-neuro veterinary surgeon’, Tues 29 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

Events

ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE

Featuring specialist dealers offering a huge variety of desirable, rare and quirky items, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER

Featuring TV chefs and hundreds of producers, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

ADULT NIGHT Discover LEGOLAND Discovery Centre after hours, with no little ones in sight, Fri 25 Nov, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, B’ham STEAM IN LIGHTS Immersive nighttime experience turning the Severn Valley into a colourful light trail, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov & Wed 30 Nov - Fri 23 Dec

Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kiddersminster

LOOK GOOD LIVE Showcasing the most popular and upcoming brands from across the beauty, hair, fitness, fashion & accessories, home style, aesthetics and wellness industries, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Nov, Coventry Building Society Arena

SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile winter safari and a visit to Santa’s grotto, Fri 25 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

WINTER GLOW Immerse yourself in all things seasonal via an impressive line-up of activities, Fri 25 Nov - Mon 2 Jan, Three Counties Showground, Malvern

CAROL TRAINS A festive four-course meal, on board a heritage train and curated by executive head chef Lucy Kelly, Sat 26 Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

COALBROOKDALE WINTER WONDERLAND Explore the enchanted forest as you search for Santa and his elves, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Shropshire

AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS AT KENILWORTH CASTLE Meet Father Christmas as he tells festive tales, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Kenilworth Castle

SANTA TRAINS Join Christmas characters for a vintage steam train ride and all-new pantomime, Sat 26Sun 27 Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

FOXFIELD NORTH POLE EXPRESS Jump aboard the North Pole Express to meet the man in red himself, Sat 26Sun 27 Nov, Foxfield Railway, Stokeon-Trent

BAUBLE DECORATING WORKSHOP IN THE HOT SHOP Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Stoubridge Glass Museum ENCHANTED EXPRESS Inspired by the classic poem ’Twas The Night Before Christmas, Dame Julie Walters returns as narrator of The Enchanted Express, her iconic voice accompanying you throughout your heritage steam train journey, Sat 26Sun 27 Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet Father Christmas himself, enjoy Santa’s House Party show in the 4D cinema and check out the resort’s many rides, Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire NORTH POLE ADVENTURE Enjoy an adventure to the North Pole, with plenty of festive activities along the way, Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire

LUMINATE BIRMINGHAM A ‘captivating light trail’ through the stunning, historic grounds of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sat 26 Nov - Mon 2 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Visit the castle and discover ‘twinkling trees, dazzling decorations and festive flourishes at every turn’, Sat 26 NovMon 2 Jan, Warwick Castle