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First Word
News from around the region
Hit show The Bodyguard back in the Midlands
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Hit musical The Bodyguard is returning to the Midlands in the new year. Based on the Kevin Costner/Whitney Houston film of the same name, the show stars Emmerdale and Hollyoaks favourite Ayden Callaghan and former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton in the lead roles. The production stops off at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from 27 February to 4 March and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 9 to 13 May. For further information and to book tickets, visit: thebodyguardmusical.com
The best of Disney at 100 at Resorts World Arena
A concert celebrating a centenary of Disney is making a pit-stop in Birmingham next summer as part of a nationwide tour. Disney 100 - The Concert will feature ‘legendary film scenes on giant screens’ and ‘magical musical moments’ brought to life by the Hollywood Sound Orchestra and yet-tobe-announced ‘star soloists’. Tickets for the Resorts World Arena show on Tuesday 6 June can be purchased at theticketfactory.com
Madness in the forest
Following on from their sold-out Forest Live performances last summer, Madness have announced a Midlands date for the 2023 edition of the annual concert series presented by Forestry England. The band will play Cannock Chase Forest on Thursday 8 June, performing a selection of hits including Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love, House Of Fun, Driving In My Car, Our House and Wings Of A Dove. To purchase tickets, visit forestryengland.uk
Local film festival seeks independent filmmakers
An annual film event in Stratford-upon-Avon is looking for short films from local filmmakers across the West Midlands. Run by not-for-profit arts organisation Live & Local, Big Picture Festival will next year (25 28 May) take the theme of ‘one world, many stories’, showcasing ‘the best of humanity, the beauty of our world and the keys to wellbeing’. The event is particularly looking for submissions from diverse and disabled filmmakers... To find out more about the festival, visit liveandlocal.org.uk
Lesley Garrett to star in tour of My Fair Lady
Britain’s best-known soprano, Lesley Garrett, will appear in a new touring version of My Fair Lady when it stops off at Birmingham Hippodrome next spring (Wednesday 8 Sunday 19 March). Lesley joins a cast which also includes Michael D Xavier as Henry Higgins, Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza Doolittle and former EastEnder Adam Woodyatt as Alfred P Doolittle. For more information and to book tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com
Television favourites to star in hit stage show
Television favourites Paul Nicholas (pictured), Ruth Maddoc and Tessa PeakeJones will visit three major Midlands theatres next year in the stage adaptation of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The feelgood comedy, based on the hit film of the same name, stops off at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn (14 - 18 March) and the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (28 March - 1 April). For more information and to book your seat, visit marigoldshow.com
Join the Bah Humbug Club at Lichfield Garrick
Alongside its pantomime production of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Lichfield Garrick is this month also presenting a brand-new comedy play for Christmas. The Bah Humbug Club has been written by local writer Carolyn Scott-Jeffs and promises ‘laughs, a few tears and a bit of nostalgia like all the best Christmases’. The show runs at the venue from Thursday 8 to Tuesday 27 December. For more information and to book tickets, visit lichfieldgarrick.com
Queen of Country takes Queen Of Me tour to Brum
Five-time Grammy Awardwinning Shania Twain will visit Birmingham’s Utilita Arena next autumn (26 September) as part of a UK & Ireland tour. The countrymusic legend will make a stop-off at the venue to perform a concert in support of her soon-to-be-released album, Queen Of Me. For more information, visit theticketfactory.com
Gorka & Karen bring Firedance to Midlands
Strictly stars Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez will make a welcome return to Birmingham next spring with a show that promises ‘sizzling dancers, mesmerising fire specialists, a sensational live band and super-charged choreography’. Titled Firedance, the production is a ‘captivating dance-off’ inspired by Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Carmen and West Side Story. The show visits the city’s Symphony Hall on 31 March. For more information and to book tickets, check out the venue’s website: bmusic.co.uk
First Word
Shropshire Kids Festival will return to Telford International Centre on Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 February. The popular event is designed for children aged up to 12 and will bring together hundreds of indoor activities to keep youngsters entertained during the half-term holiday. New for 2023 is a dedicated under-fives hall, allowing little ones to enjoy time away from the older kids. To find out more, visit shropshirefestivals.co.uk
Alfie Boe to visit the region on UK tour
Alfie Boe has announced a nationwide UK tour for autumn 2023, including a date at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. The much-loved tenor will perform at the venue on Saturday 14 October. For further information and to book tickets, visit ticketmaster.co.uk
Catch it while you can...
If you haven’t yet checked out the Wildlife Photographer Of The Year show at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, you have until Christmas Eve to do so. The hugely prestigious exhibition - visiting the Midlands as part of a UK tour - features a host of awe-inspiring images capturing fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking landscapes. The photos included in the show have been selected from thousands of submissions, with photographers from no fewer than 93 countries taking part.
First Word
EastEnders star joins National Theatre cast
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks will join the cast for the National Theatre production of The Ocean At The End Of The Lane when it visits Birmingham theatre The Alexandra next spring (23 - 27 May). Charlie, who plays the character of Janine Butcher in the BBC soap, will take the role of Ursula in the stage adaptation of Neil Gaman’s award-winning novel. For more information and tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham
Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the cathedral
The famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band will this month perform in Lichfield Cathedral. The band became a Lichfield Festival associate artist last year and will be presenting a selection of Christmas favourites at the cathedral on Sunday 4 December. To find out more and purchase tickets, visit lichfieldfestival.org
Bastille at the castle
Pop band Bastille will next summer celebrate the 10th anniversary of their chart-topping debut release, Bad Blood, by performing the album in its entirety at Ludlow Castle (Sunday 23 July). Tickets for the show are now on sale and can be purchased via bastillebastille.com
News from around the region
Frida Kahlo exhibition on show at Coventry gallery
Coventry gallery The Reel Store is currently hosting an award-winning exhibition celebrating the life and work of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (until 29 January). Visiting the Midlands fresh from a sell-out run in Madrid, the show invites visitors to explore the artist not only as a painter but also as a woman and an icon. Commenting on the exhibition, its artistic director, Carla Prat, said: “This is the culmination of a long artistic and academic exercise to move away from the usual narrative of pain/victim and towards one of resilience, courage, female empowerment and genius. “The truth is, despite the many biopics and books about Frida Kahlo, there remains much to learn and remember about her and her paintings. This exhibition screams: This is what I felt. This is how I thought. This is how I was. Remember me!”
Early December ‘festive fun runs’ in Shropshire
Shropshire is hosting two big charity fun runs on the first Sunday of this month (4 December). Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s everpopular Festive Fun Run returns to Telford Town Park, with participants able to choose either a 2km or a 5km route. Visit midlandsairambulance.com to find out more. Meanwhile, in Oswestry, Adrenaline Sporting Events will host the 5k Shropshire Santa Run, to raise funds for cancer charity Lingen Davies. For further information about the event, visit adrenalinesportingevents.co.uk
Petition raised to save Wolverhampton venue
heartbeat of our city” after financial issues saw the venue close its doors last month. Anybody interested in adding their name to the petition should visit: change.org/p/savelight-house-wolverhampton
New date for Birmingham International Tattoo
Birmingham International Tattoo will return early in the new year, having been postponed in September following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Taking place at the city’s Resorts World Arena on Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 February, the Tattoo will feature a special tribute to the Queen and also mark the accession of King Charles III to the throne. For more information and to book tickets for the event, visit resortsworldarena.co.uk
News from around the region
Heathers The Musical coming to the Midlands in 2023
Hit West End musical Heathers will be stopping off at Birmingham theatre The Alexandra in the spring. Described by its publicity as a ‘high octane, black comedy, rock musical’ the show is based on the cult teen movie of the same name starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater... The production visits the Alex from 16 to 20 May. For more information and tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham
Line-up announced for Camp Bestival event
Mischief, mayhem and music will return to Weston Park in late summer 2023, courtesy of Camp Bestival Shropshire. Taking place at the venue from 17 to 20 August, the event will feature a stellar lineup of music acts, including headline performers Primal Scream, Rudimental and The Human League. The festival will also showcase a theme-free fancy-dress party, an impressive array of family entertainment, a ‘cornucopia’ of wellness activities and a firework ‘extravaganza’... To check out the event’s full line-up and grab yourself a ticket, visit shropshire.campbestival.net
Howzat! It’s ‘cricket for all’ at Shropshire club
Lord’s Taverners, the club has been running a series of indoor sessions at Shrewsbury School Sports Hall for young people with physical disabilities. For more information about Shelton CC, contact Tyler Ibbotson on tyler.ibbotson@shropshirecricketboard.co.uk
Schoolgirl runner funds replica Chinese Bridge at Stoke’s Biddulph Grange
A Staffordshire schoolgirl has raised almost £1,400 by running 52 miles - the equivalent of the London and New York marathons. Mia Hearson undertook the challenge - at the age of 10 - to help fund the building of a replica Chinese Bridge at National Trust property Biddulph Grange Garden in Stokeon-Trent. The ornate red, green & yellow footbridge first built in the mid-19th century - is a key feature of the venue’s China garden, one of a series of garden ‘rooms’ that take visitors to Biddulph Grange on a global journey. Commenting on her achievement, Mia who’s now 12 - said: “I remember going on this bridge since I was little. It’s something now that, when I look at it, I can think, ‘I’ve helped make this possible.’”
First Word
World famous basketball giants trot into the region
The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Midlands. The world-famous basketball team - who have been showcasing their talents for 96 years - will stop off at Utilita Arena Birmingham on 29 April as part of a world tour. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit theticketfactory.com
Birmingham Rep theatre announces spring season
Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s spring/summer season will include a brandnew production of the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Of Mice And Men. The show is one of numerous highlights in a programme that also features the return of Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey, a new adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s bestselling novel, The Beekeeper Of Aleppo, and the Olivier Award-winning Pride And Prejudice* (*sort of). To find out more about The Rep’s 2023 lineup of shows, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk
Gabrielle to play The Civic at The Halls next autumn
Gabrielle will tour to the Midlands next autumn to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her era-defining smash-hit single, Dreams. Commenting on the news, the London-born singer-songwriter said: “I can’t wait to party with everyone and celebrate the record that launched my career three decades ago! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!” Gabrielle’s 30 Years Of Dreaming tour visits Wolverhampton’s The Civic at The Halls on 28 October. To check out ticket availability, visit ticketmaster.co.uk
FESTIVE PUN
Paul Hendy talks all things panto - oh yes he does...
Readers of a certain vintage may remember Paul Hendy from his days presenting The Disney Club, Wheel Of Fortune and Don’t Try This At Home. These days you’ll find him heading up Evolution Productions, a company he set up with his wife, Emily Wood, in 2005, and one which produces some of the country’s finest pantomimes - two of which you can catch here in the West Midlands this very month: Beauty And The Beast at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn and Snow White at Lichfield Garrick. What’s On recently caught up with Paul to find out more about the man behind the pun...
How did Evolution Productions come into existence, Paul?
I was a performer for years, and Emily’s father was a producer who I worked for a couple of times. I started writing and directing the pantomimes for him, and then, eventually, Emily and I had the opportunity to buy the company. When we started, we were producing three pantomimes, and we’re now producing 11. I can’t believe we’ve been going for 17 years!
What’s your own story in terms of pantomime?
I first saw pantomime at the Wolverhampton Grand - where we’re now co-producing, which I’m so excited about. I remember loving everything about it: the audience participation, the songs, the dancing - and, of course, the comedy!
Can you recall Evolution’s first-ever pantomime?
One of the first shows we produced was Cinderella at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury in 2005, with Sheila Ferguson from The Three Degrees. I think we learned a lot about producing on that show. I think maybe a lot of people don’t realise what a producer does. We take the financial risk on the show, and we’re responsible for everything, from the creative side - casting, sets, costumes, music, lighting, sound, the design of the posters etc - to the financial side - the budget etc. We have an incredible team who help us make sure that everything works.
Which ‘ingredient’ of an Evolution pantomime do you enjoy the most?
I’m a huge fan of comedy, so it’s the comedy slosh scenes - the messy scenes - which really stay in my memory. I’m also really proud of our ‘pun routines’.
What’s been the biggest on-stage disaster you’ve had to deal with?
We had a ‘crazy bathroom’, which was a comedy routine with two tons of water. I’m sure you can imagine what went wrong… In one performance, it totally flooded the stage of the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield. The audience thought it was part of the show!
The Daily Mail has included three of your shows in its list of the top-10 pantomimes, and an Evolution show won the coveted Pantomime of the Year gong at the Great British Pantomime Awards in 2017, ’18, ’20 and ’22. What makes an Evolution production so special and different from other pantos?
Our pantomimes are big and spectacular West End-style productions, and we really care about the quality of our shows. I work very hard on making sure the scripts appeal to all ages - I make sure there is something for everyone. There’s nothing I love more than seeing a family of two or three generations laughing at the same jokes.
Which is your favourite traditional pantomime story?
I love them all, but I think my favourites are Jack And The Beanstalk and Snow White. They’re very different, but both have strong stories with lots of scope for comedy.
What do you particularly enjoy about staging pantomimes in Lichfield and Shrewsbury, as you’re once again doing this year?
The audiences! Both theatres have great audiences who love to really enjoy themselves!
Both Lichfield Garrick and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn have much-loved dames Sam Rabone and Brad Fitt - who’ve been starring in Evolution pantos for many a year. What do you think makes Sam and Brad so popular with their respective audiences?
Well, firstly, they’re both great entertainers and naturally very funny - and very nice blokes! But I think equally important is the fact that they really connect with the audiences.
Rabone versus Fitt, in costume, in a custard-pie fight - what’s the outcome?
Oh, that’s a tricky one. They both love their slosh routines, so I’d pay good money to see it, but I would have to say it would probably be a draw!
Evolution Productions bring Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs to Lichfield Garrick from Fri 25 November to Sun 8 January and Beauty And The Beast to Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Wed 30 November to Sun 8 January whatsonlive.co.uk 11
