Coventry & Warwickshire What's On February 2018

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COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ON

Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands

Coventry & Warwickshire

TIM VINE IN THE MIDLANDS

ISSUE 386 FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

’ What sOn

FILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTS I FOOD warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

thelist

inside: PART OF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP

Your 16-page week by week listings guide

TONY ALLEN

legendary drummer plays Warwick Arts Centre

TWITTER: @WHATSONWARWICKS

THE C WORD

Bryony Kimmings in Coventry feature inside...

FACEBOOK: @WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

SHAKESPEARE

half-term activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK

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Contents February Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:22 Page 2

February 2018

Contents

A Brave Face - Vamos Theatre’s latest full mask production heads out on tour - feature page 22

the list

The C Word

Stewart Lee

Race Retro

Bryony Kimmings’ candid musical shows at the Belgrade

thought-provoking comedy at Stratford Artshouse

motorsport showcase at Stoneleigh Park

Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide

feature page 8

page 20

page 45

page 53

inside: 4. First Word

11. Food

15. Music

20. Comedy

24. Theatre

39. Film

42. Visual Arts

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@whatsonwarwicks

Warwickshire What’s On Magazine

Warwickshire What’s On Magazine

What’sOn MEDIA GROUP

Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

44. Events

@whatsonworcs Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703 Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704 Editorial: Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701 Sue Jones sue@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse abi@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys ryan@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281722 Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine.

We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it.

All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers.

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Entertainment news from around the region Photo credit: Modelling Dissection

by Gavan Mitchell

The University of Worcester and The Hive have once again been selected to exhibit the Royal Photographic Society’s international Images Of Science Exhibition (2 February to 18 March).

The exhibition’s six-week stay at The Hive coincides with British Science Week, to which the venue is contributing via a series of events, talks and exhibitions for the public, families and schools.

For more information, visit thehiveworcester.org/artsexhibitions

Photo credit: Mushrooms Petersen Phred Amanita ascends

Historic Worcester venue to host new wedding fayre Chefs from award-winning Indian eatery Itihaas Restaurant have created menus for a brand new Worcestershire Wedding Fayre event, taking place on Sunday 25 February at historical venue Stanbrook Abbey.

Itihaas already has partnerships with a number of venues, to which it delivers traditional Indian cuisine for events and weddings.

These include Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena and West Midlands Safari Park.

Commenting on the latest collaboration, Itihaas Managing Director Raj Rana said: “We’re honoured to have secured such a wonderful partnership with Stanbrook Abbey. We recognise the venue’s dedication to providing an unforgettable ‘big day’ for the happy couple, as this is something we also uphold.”

Live outdoor arts project gets £600,000 grant A Midlands-based live outdoor arts project has been awarded £600,000 by Arts Council England.

The project, entitled Bridge, is being run by the Imagineer organisation and will see an ambitious programme of outdoor arts performances being presented across the region.

Imagineer will work with renowned artists 4 whatsonlive.co.uk

Photography and science in Worcester

and engineering company Arup to produce and tour three major events, building an iconic bridge which will transform public spaces and be used as a platform for immersive live performances.

Fame The Musical turns 30 and visits the Midlands

A 2018/19 30th anniversary tour of Fame The Musical will stop off at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre.

The award-winning show visits the venue later this year, from 19 to 24 November.

Commenting on the tour, David Hutchinson, Executive Creative Director of Selladoor, the company presenting the show, said: “This new tour celebrates the 30 years since the premiere of the production and will very much have its roots in the style and nostalgia of the original musical.

“Selladoor are dedicated to bringing largescale theatre to as broad an audience as pos-

sible across the UK and internationally, and we’re delighted to add another classic musical to our ever-growing portfolio.”

Coventry fundraiser for city’s Music Museum A fundraising event for the Coventry Music Museum is being held at the city’s Empire venue on 3 & 4 February.

The event will feature numerous local bands and a rare appearance from Special Brew.

Commenting on the fundraiser, Museum Director and gig organiser Neil Twigger said: “The Coventry Music Museum is run totally by volunteers. Money for rent and utilities for the museum are paid for by the entrance fee and fundraising, so this can make a massive difference to keeping the venue open.”

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First Word John Lennon’s Monkey-Trail bike up for auction A motorcycle that once belonged to John Lennon is up for auction at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Sunday 4 March.

Lennon used the Monkey-Trail bike XUC 91H as a fun way of getting around his Tittenhurst Park estate in Surrey, where he lived from 1969 to 1971. It’s estimated that the bike will sell for more than £30,000.

Worcester is this spring hosting its first official gin festival.

Taking place in the city’s iconic Guildhall, the event will feature 100 different gins and provide visitors with the chance to learn all about the history of their favourite spirit.

The event takes place over the bank holiday weekend of 5 & 6 May.

Coventry theatre company premiere new production Coventry’s award-winning Theatre Absolute is premiering a new work this month as part of a two-year project exploring stories of the personal and the political.

Chris O’Connell’s Choke, showing at the city’s Shop Front Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 February, tells the story of lifelong friends Rob and Stu, each ‘staring into the gap between who they thought they were and who they are now’.

For more information, visit theatreabsolute.co.uk

New exhibition celebrates Coventry’s original Rude Boy Coventry Music Museum has opened a new temporary exhibition dedicated to the venue’s very own Honorary Patron.

Neville Staple-The Original Rude Boy-The Exhibition follows Neville from his early days in Jamaica to his arrival in Coventry and his days with the Specials. Commenting on the show, Neville said: “How cool is this? My life out there for all to see, in my home city - including some hidden gems that fans have never known about me. Stay rude people, 'stop your messing around' and visit soon!"

The exhibition runs until 2 December.

Forest Live gig for George Ezra George Ezra will appear at two Midlands venues this year as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

One of the biggest-selling male artists of the decade, Ezra will perform at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, on Sunday 17 June and then in Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffordshire, on Sunday 1 July. For more information, visit forestry.gov.uk/music

Pop Art comes to Coventry gallery A new show at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery is providing visitors with the chance to explore the subject of Pop Art. A transatlantic showcase of the movement’s most iconic artists, Pop! British & American Art 1960 -1975 includes an eight-metre-long fighter plane

by James Rosenquist, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup tin, a lament for Marilyn Monroe

by Pauline Boty, Joe Tilson’s iconic images of Che Guevara and prints by Peter Blake.

The show runs at the Herbert gallery from 16 February to 3 June.

credit line: © Joe Tilson. All rights reserved, DACS 2018

Let the festival of gin begin!

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First Word

Stories of Shakespeare Midlands youngsters can find out all about Shakespeare this half term courtesy of immersive storytelling sessions at two Stratford-upon-Avon venues.

Kate’s Storytree - taking place at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall and Stratford Library on Monday 19 February - will see storyteller Kate utilising a host of colourful props to transport children back in time to Shakespeare's day.

Commenting on the event, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall’s Sarah JervisHill said: “Kate’s bright, fun and lively tales are a wonderful way to inspire creative thinking and ideas, and she will captivate the whole family with her story of young William Shakespeare.”

For further information, visit shakespearesschoolroom.org

Dance with Dame Darcy in Stratford!

Exhibition of work by Worcestershire’s ‘greatest ever artist’ opens at gallery An exhibition of work by English landscape painter Benjamin Williams Leader - the man widely considered to be Worcestershire’s greatest ever artist - opens at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum this month (Saturday 17 February).

The exhibition is part of the Worcestershire World War 100 project and includes artworks from the Worcester City collection. It also features loans from private and public collections

WODS venture Into The Woods Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society (WODS) are turning their attention to the world of fairytales for their next production.

The popular amateur company will present a new version of Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning musical Into The Woods at the Worcester Swan Theatre from 17 to 21 April.

Leamington’s Comic Con makes a return Leamington’s Comic Con event is returning by popular demand this spring.

Organised by Spa Town Comics, the event takes place at the town’s All Saints Parish Church on Saturday 14 April. Special guests at the show will include 2000AD legend John Wagner.

Independent creators and traders will also be in attendance, and there’ll be plenty of cosplay to enjoy.

A Legally Blonde canine star?

Dame Darcy Bussell is coming to the Midlands. The Strictly Come Dancing judge will visit Stratford-upon-Avon next month to teach her full body aerobic workout, DDMIX (Diverse Dance Mix).

The event takes place on Thursday 15 March in the Levi Fox Hall at the town’s King Edwards School.

Tickets for the class are £15 per person and can be booked by contacting 07743101255.

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Motor Museum to host antique fairs The British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, is to host four major antiques fairs during 2018.

The indoor fairs will all run on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first taking place this month, on the 10th & 11th.

Commenting on the news, Charlotte Milford, Marketing Director for Field Dog Fairs, the company organising the events, said: “We’re greatly looking forward to welcoming stallholders old and new to this iconic venue in the heart of the country. Last year’s fairs were very popular and we look forward to even bigger and better events this year.”

The producers of Legally Blonde The Musical are on the hunt for a canine star - a British Bulldog - to appear in the show when it visits Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from Monday 21 to Saturday 26 May. The dog needs to have a relaxed temperament, be responsive to commands and ideally have some form of stage experience.

Auditions will be held at the New Alex on Sunday 4 February between 10am and midday. Interested parties should email legallyblondedogauditions@gmail.com for more information and an application form.

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THE C WORD Bryony Kimmings’ candid musical shakes up conversations around cancer

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Following its 2016 premiere, Bryony Kimmings’ innovative musical, A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer, hits the road again this year, fully reimagined for a brief UK tour, with Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre its only Midlands date. We spoke to Kimmings about the revamped version of the show and her unusual treatment of its subject matter.

We’ve all heard the story: Character X lives an unremarkable life until disaster strikes in the form of a cancer diagnosis. What follows will be either a tragic tale of hopeless struggle and death, designed to milk our tear ducts for all they’re worth, or a life-affirming, ‘inspirational’ story of unexpected triumph in the face of adversity. Either way, it’s going to be an epic struggle - a sort of good (healthy) vs bad (sick) battle to the end - and one that will come to define the patient at its heart.

Despite the prevalence of narratives around cancer in the media, there’s a kind of shallow homogeneity to most. But Bryony Kimmings doesn’t think things have to be this way.

Having previously developed shows themed around depression, STIs and childhood sexualisation, she’s no stranger to tearing up taboos around tough topics, and this play is no exception. Today, cancer may be everywhere in every sense, but the frankness that A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer promises still feels surprisingly rare and refreshing.

“Everything you usually hear about cancer is like, ‘We must fight it,’ or ‘We must smash it to bits,’” says Kimmings. “And I just felt like, well, not only do I not believe in war, I also don’t believe that if you get breast cancer, it’s possible for you to just punch yourself in the t**s. It’s your own body and you can’t fight yourself, so I started asking where that language comes from and how it affects people. And then what happens when we don’t talk about it like that.”

The initial idea for the show came out of a meeting with theatre company Complicite, who had invited her to pitch them some ideas. Producer Judith Dimant seemed disinterested in her proposals - until Kimmings made the bold move of asking if she’d like to make a show about her illness.

“She had a bald head and was flinching every time I coughed anywhere near her, so eventually I just said, ‘Do you have cancer?’

And she was like, ‘Oh my God, nobody’s actually asked me that before.’ Everyone had just been skirting round it until then.”

Such polite silence around sickness is not unusual. Even when we do address the issue, it’s often with platitudes that tend to shut down dialogue and preclude the possibility that things might not be okay - something that only becomes more pronounced after the experience ends.

“I think that thing of battling and fighting and winning or losing doesn’t give space for the fact that you change and become a different person. Nobody ever acknowledges that post-cancer you’re kind of a wreck - like you lose your breasts or your relationship breaks down or whatever. People are just like, ‘You don’t have cancer anymore, you can stop talking about it.’

“Obviously you can’t cure cancer with a theatre show, but you can certainly have an honest, open dialogue about it instead of one which is like, ‘You’ll be fine.’ That just ends the conversation: you’re saying that for you to feel okay about it, I as the person with cancer just have to be quiet.”

Around seven different stories from real-life patients have made it into the show, including that of the producer who inspired it. Among them is Lara Veitch - the production’s only patient-performer - who has the extremely rare condition LFS (LiFraumeni Syndrome), meaning she has no tumour suppressant genes. Still in her 20s, she’s already had six different kinds of cancer, making her one of the most invaluable contributors to the ‘guide’, and is jokingly described by Kimmings as ‘Super Cancer Girl’.

During the original run, neither Veitch nor Kimmings actually featured in the show - one undergoing another round of cancer treatment, the other looking after her severely ill son, an intense and terrifying period during which the two ended up bonding. This time, their joint appearance

will change the on-stage dynamic, making the show, in Kimmings’ own words, much more truthful. Meanwhile, most other stories were picked out for their broader political resonance.

“I think people should do cancer however they want, but that ‘I’m a survivor’ narrative is something we hear all the time, so I was much more interested in people who were like, ‘Cancer’s s**t, I can’t afford it,’ or ‘Cancer’s s**t because in the black community nobody talks about it.’ There’s also Jenny, whose husband left her during her breast cancer treatment, because, of course, misogyny doesn’t stop when you get ill. If anything it gets worse.

“There are so many different representations.

Middle-class cancer is different to workingclass cancer. People-with-no-friends cancer is different to cancer for people with family around them. One of my favourite scenes at the moment is when Gia, this really poor black woman from Detroit who’s only being treated because she’s on a trial, walks in on five white women sharing their problems and is like, ‘Let me give you some perspective on what cancer’s really like.”

All this might sound a little doom and gloom, but in its way, it’s actually oddly uplifting.

Featuring colourful tumours and musical numbers ranging from slow ballads to disco floor-fillers, it aims to have audiences laughing and singing along. More importantly, it affords both characters and viewers the freedom to be normal human beings. As Kimmings’ co-writer, Brian Lobel, rather brilliantly says in talks to cancer patients, ‘I hope you’re as mediocre at the end of this experience as you were at the beginning’.

A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 February.

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Food

Award-winning Thai eatery Sabai Sabai opens its fourth Midlands restaurant The award-winning Sabai Sabai has opened its fourth Thai restaurant in the Midlands, its third in Birmingham.

The new eatery is housed in the city centre-located Grade II listed building that was formerly the home of Legal & General Assurance Society Limited.

Founded 14 years ago by Jureerat

Dykins and her partner, Torquil Chidwick, the first Sabai Sabai restaurant opened in Moseley, with Jureerat’s Thai mum as the head chef.

This was followed in 2011 by a second eatery, in Harborne, and then a third in Stratford-uponAvon in 2016.

The small but well-designed restaurant area had a luxurious yet homely feel. The furniture was stylish and opulent, matching the rest of the pub’s interior.

Our waiter for the evening, Jake, was friendly and attentive towards my husband Kevin and I throughout our time there. His knowledge of the food and drink menu was extensive, and he made us feel very comfortable.

The menu had a good selection of meat and vegetarian meals, along with varied specials of the day. There were also numerous local ales on tap, with samples available to help the decisionmaking process.

REVIEW: The Royal Oak

Evesham pub ably demonstrates why it’s a What’s On Readers’ favourite The Royal Oak in Evesham has won the What’s On Readers’ Awards ‘Best Restaurant in Worcestershire’ title for the last two years under the watchful eye of award-winning chef Alistair Barlow. Having a great deal of experience working in gastropubs, Alistair is passionate about cooking with locally sourced, ethical ingredients. In 2010, he won the Craft Guild of Chefs Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year

award, and has been at the Royal Oak for the last three-and-a-half years.

It was only 5pm on a Saturday evening when we attended the grade two listed venue. Although the restaurant part was extremely quiet, by 5.45pm it was almost full. The bar was fairly busy when we arrived, but the barman on duty still took the time to welcome us.

We didn’t have long to wait for our starters. The level of care and attention to detail on the plates was impressive. I chose the Cajun halloumi, my husband opting for the seared pigeon breast. The halloumi had slight heat with the spices and roasted peppers, and the pine nuts gave added texture to the dish. Kevin’s pigeon was smoky and succulent, with a slightly sweet squash puree and crunchy parma ham crisps. Both starters were a good size without being too much prior to the main.

For the main course, I opted for the pot roast saddle of rabbit with flavoursome pork and apricot stuffing, smooth and creamy wholegrain mustard mash and parsnip crisps. Kevin had the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, which was so tender it fell apart

when cut into. It came with rich garlic and rosemary dauphinoise potatoes and a selection of roasted root vegetables. Both meats were cooked beautifully and accompanied by perfectly made gravy. The dishes were exemplary.

Dessert for myself consisted of an indulgent chocolate brownie with strawberries, clotted cream and a hazelnut praline. In my opinion, the praline seemed a little too bitter and didn’t really belong on the plate, but the rest more than made up for it.

Kevin had a warm sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and toffee sauce - an oldie but always a goodie.

All three courses were exceptionally strong. The combination of excellent food, relaxed and friendly ambience and the politeness of the front-of-house staff made for an incredibly enjoyable evening out. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the restaurant to others and will definitely be returning there myself in the near future. Jenny Ell Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL

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The Royal Oak 5 Vine Street Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4RE Tel: 01386 442465 whatsonlive.co.uk 11

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Food

Chinese restaurant opens in Worcester A new Chinese restaurant has opened in Angel Street, Worcester.

U Canteen is situated on the site formerly occupied by Chinese buffet restaurant Angel Chef, which closed in 2015.

Focusing on traditional Chinese dishes, as opposed to adapting to the English style of cooking, U Canteen’s main courses will cost around £7.

Warwick’s annual food festival set to expand in 2018 Warwick’s annual food festival is set to expand this year.

The increasingly popular event will spill into more streets around the town to support the demand in applications.

Commenting on the expansion, Jamie Walker, from CJ’s Events Warwickshire, the company behind the festival, said: “Just over four years ago, we visualised a modest number of food and drink stalls, with some music. From this little idea has grown Warwick Food Festival.

Following successful consultation over the past few weeks with Warwick District Council’s Events Team, we’ve managed to secure additional streets to accommodate more stalls.

The festival usually takes place on Old Square and finishes at the junction with New Street, but we’re now using Old Square right down to St Mary’s Church and also New Street.”

Now in its fourth year, Warwick Food Festival takes place on Sunday 27 May.

Turners At 69 closes Birmingham restaurant Turners At 69 has announced its closure with immediate effect.

The popular restaurant held a Michelin star from 2009 to 2017, but lost it last year when head chef Richard Turner changed his approach, replacing elaborate £80 to £90 tasting menus with a more casual style of food.

In a statement, Richard said: "The restaurant has enjoyed many wonderful years on the Birmingham dining scene. I would like to apologise to anyone who’ll be disappointed by the closure and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Turners At 69 over the years."

Pieminister create their first vegan pie After nearly a year of mixing, rolling and baking, pie-making company Pieminister have created their first vegan pie.

‘Kevin’ is made with British chestnut mushrooms, tomato and red wine with baby onions, red quinoa and thyme.

The pie, which is registered with the Vegan Society and carries their trusted trademark, is available for Midlands vegans to try out in Pieminister’s Birmingham and Nottingham restaurants.

Award-winning street food event coming to Coventry Award-winning street food event Digbeth Dining Club is launching a lunch club in Coventry.

The club will take place at Friargate every first Wednesday of the month, from 11am to 3pm.

The line-up for the launch event on Wednesday 28 February includes ‘UK Street Food Awards’ Best Burger winner The Flying Cows, Middle Eastern deliciousness from The Middle Feast, imaginative Caribbean from Esmies, amazing sourdough woodfired pizza from Handmade Pizza Co and the crispiest churros, hot chocolate and coffee served by Bare Bones Churros’.

The free event will also feature music, and stalls from Digbeth Arts Market. whatsonlive.co.uk 13

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mica paris

Lauren Foster talks to singing sensation Mica Paris ahead of her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald...

You’re bringing your Mica Paris Sings Ella Fitzgerald tour to Birmingham’s Jam House this month. How did the tour come about?

It wasn’t really planned. Guy Barker and I went in his studio with his 70-piece orchestra and we decided to record two songs for the Ella centennial. Then everyone went bloody mental. The next minute we end up doing all these shows - Royal Albert Hall, Love Supreme. It was a little side thing and it’s blown up into this. Now we’re making an album of Mica Paris Sings Ella Fitzgerald with Guy’s orchestra.

Have you always been a fan of Ella’s?

Yes! I grew up in a church and lived with my grandparents, but my dad and my mother would take us at weekends. My dad would always play Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and people like that in the car. When I heard Ella, I kind of lost it. I’d seen her on TV - she had this advert, and back then there weren’t many black people on TV, so it was like, ‘Wow, there’s a black person on television, and she’s singing and she breaks the glass.’ I remember seeing her and thinking, “I wanna smash that glass.’ I was only about seven. My dad started to tell me about how amazing she was, so I really got into her.

What’s your favourite Ella song?

My favourite isn’t well known, actually. It’s called You’re My Thrill. A lot of people have covered that song - a lot of jazz musicians.

When she sings that song, it’s just unbelievable.

Vocally, have you had to put into practice any new or different techniques?

No, I’ve never been trained. They found out I could sing when I was six years old. I was singing Rupert The Bear. I went in for my first competition when I was 10 and won. Then I started winning all the competitions and became this little prodigy, and that’s where it kind of all started. Jazz is so exposed - you can’t go in there singing it willy nilly. I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t good at it - not that I’m trying to blow smoke up my bum, but jazz is something you can’t cheat at. You have to be bloody good at it.

What’s the highlight of your career so far?

The fact that I’m still here - 30 years this year, and I’m still here. That’s a bit of a shock.

Jesus Christ, I’m still making a living out of this. I’ve never had a job - this is the only job I’ve ever had. I’m really grateful that people still find me remotely interesting. It’s quite nice.

You released your debut platinum-selling album, So Good, when you were just 19 years old…

I got signed at 17, it took us a year to make it and we released it when I was 18. By the time it hit number one, I was 19. It takes time when you release a record.

When you had a hit record back then, that shit was on the radio for a good six months to a year. That’s how it used to be - it was long.

How did you cope with it all?

I quit college and I got roasted by my grandparents. Jesus!

I was doing my A-Level Art & Design, but I was also making £1,000 a week doing backing vocals.

It was very strange having the first massive cheque written to you, and coming from the hood and suddenly being thrust

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into this big, glamorous world where money was no object. Everything was dinner, everybody took you out for dinner all the time. I got thrust into this music business world of just really posh, upmarket dinners, big living, limousines, bodyguards - it was a heavy thing.

Did you enjoy all of that?

I loved it! It was what I was supposed to do it wasn’t even a shock. A lot of the time I was nervous about stuff, but I used to pretend I could do it because my dad would always say, ‘Don’t let people see that you’re terrified, just always act like you know what you’re doing.’ Thank god I had him as a teacher. I don’t know if I could’ve got through all of it had he not given me those pointers.

You’ve worked with numerous respected artists, from Prince to Jools Holland to David Gilmore. Who’s been your favourite?

I really loved working with Prince! When I was 15, I had to hide his records under my bed because if my grandparents had seen them, I would’ve been finished. I was 18 when he called me up on stage at one of his private concerts. I almost passed out, I couldn’t even breathe. He said, ‘I think we have Mica Paris here, but she’s not from France,’ and it was like, ‘Oh my god, he knows my name.’ The last place I saw him was the first place we met. I knew he was thin. Prince was really fit, he was always very muscular. He looked really gaunt and he didn’t say much, but I still didn’t think he was going to die!

Bobby Womack was another great one who I worked with too. He was a great friend of mine for many years. I lost him a year ago too - that was really sad.

And finally, what does the future hold for Mica Paris?

My second book will be finished in summer, and I’m going to be making another record of new songs. I’m still doing Radio Two - I’ve got a show on there. The new show I’m doing is about women in music. The book is about women in music as well. Everything I’m doing now is about women and how we’ve survived the industry.

Mica Paris Sings Ella Fitzgerald takes place at The Jam House, Birmingham, on Thursday 15 February.

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Gigs

Tony Allen Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 8 February

The legendary drummer of the iconic Fela Kuti, Tony Allen returns to his jazz roots on his visit to Coventry this month. Described by Brian Eno as “perhaps the greatest drummer who’s ever lived”, Allen was one of the primary co-founders of the afrobeat genre.

Support comes from Nubiyan Twist, whose style draws on jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, latin, soul, reggae and dance music.

Kitty Macfarlane Morrissey Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tues 27 February

Revered by many, reviled by some, Morrissey has been performing and recording as a solo artist since The Smiths broke up in 1987.

His sensitive, melancholic persona and poetic, literate lyrics spoke directly to a generation of disaffected young people in the 1980s, elevating him to the status of icon and guaranteeing a solid fan base in the decades which have followed.

He stops off in Birmingham on his first full UK tour since 2015, giving fans the chance to hear tracks from recently released album Low In High School.

In 2015, Somerset-based singer-songwriter Kitty Macfarlane teamed up with acclaimed folk artist Sam Kelly (winner of the BBC Radio Two Horizon Folk Award 2016) to

make her debut EP, Tide & Time. It was released the following year and met with rave reviews... Among Kitty’s other career highlights are support sets for Seth Lakeman, Alasdair Roberts, Rachel Sermanni and Blair Dunlop, to name but a few, and a BBC Young Folk Award nomination.

Sunjay

Jaya The Cat

Evesham Arts Centre, Thurs 22 February

The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Mon 12 February

Stourbridge-based singer-songwriter Sunjay last year played the lead role in touring theatre show Buddy Holly & The Cricketers.

Now focusing on his solo career, Sunjay’s new show blends exquisite blues, country and folk music with a master class in guitar playing. There may even be the occasional Buddy Holly song to enjoy too.

Amsterdam’s finest drunk-reggae-punks hit Worcester this month. Originating from Boston, the band have released four fulllength albums and undergone multiple lineup changes since their inception in 1998.

The current line-up comprises founder and lead Geoff Lagadec, Karl Smith on guitar & vocals, Jan Jaap ‘Jay’ Onverwagt on bass & vocals and David ‘The Germ’ Germain on drums.

Featuring ‘reggae, punk, ska, a splash of electronics and a sprig of dub’, this high-energy show is not to be missed.

Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 23 February

Steve Knightley Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Fri 9 February

Award-winning songwriter and Show Of Hands frontman Steve Knightley stops off in Worcester on highly anticipated solo tour Songs & Stories, inviting his audience on a musical journey that charts ‘the winding roads’ of his impressive career.

In a rare glimpse into the personal playlist of a songwriting legend, Knightley also pays tribute to some of the musicmakers who’ve influenced him along the way, from Bob Dylan through to Radiohead and beyond.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15

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Classical

Roderick Williams And The English Song Stratford Artshouse, Tues 13 February; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 14 February; Worcester Cathedral, Fri 6 April

Outstanding British baritone Roderick Williams (pictured) here joins forces with Stratford-upon-Avon’s Orchestra of the Swan to present a programme comprising compositions by Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi and John Ireland.

Patrycja Pieczara, one of Poland’s most outstanding young conductors and a rising international star, is the lady with the baton.

Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 28 February

The Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Valery Polyansky are here joined by internet sensation Valentina Lisitsa (pictured), a woman whose staggering 80 millionplus Youtube hits have made her one of the most-watched pianists in history.

Valentina joins the orchestra for a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto. One of the most loved of all Russian concertos, it takes its place in a programme that also features highlights from all three of Tchaikovsky’s great ballets - Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker - as well as the composer’s Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture.

Arcadia String Quartet Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Fri 16 February

Having last played Leamington in 2013, it’s fair to say Arcadia’s appearance at the town’s Royal Pump Rooms this month is long overdue. Widely considered to be one of the most exciting string quartets of their generation, the award-winning Romanian ensemble here present a concert featuring works by Haydn, Bartók and Beethoven.

The concert forms part of the 2017/18 Leamington Music season.

English Symphony Orchestra Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 February

Leon McCawley Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 February

A regular visitor to Artrix, pianist Leon McCawley this month plays the venue as part of the 2017/18 Bromsgrove Concerts season.

As well as works by Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven, his programme also includes short pieces by Hans Gal, whose complete piano works Leon recorded back in 2004.

Formed in the mid-1970s, the English Symphony Orchestra is based in Edward Elgar’s home town of Worcester, and not surprisingly has a rich history of performing the composer’s work. On this particular occasion, however, the orchestra is turning its attention to pieces by three other legendary names, presenting Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Schumann’s Third Symphony and Brahms’ Violin Concerto. They are joined for the latter by violinist Chloe Hanslip (pictured above). whatsonlive.co.uk 17

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TIM VINE

one of the UK’s top punmakers talks about milking it with wordplay With Sunset Milk Idiot, the name of his new pun-packed touring show, Tim Vine has done something a bit different. The former star of BBC sitcom Not Going Out and a Guinness World Record holder for most jokes told in an hour, Tim is confident that, try as you might, you won’t be able to find a clever bit of wordplay anywhere in that title.

“Lots of comedy acts have no puns in their shows but a pun in their title, while I quite enjoy the fact that I have loads of puns in this show but none in the title,” says the man whose previous shows have had puntabulous names such as Punslinger, The Joke-Amotive and the amusingly elaborate Tim Timinee Tim Timinee Tim Tim To You. “The title of the new show is just describing what’s on the poster: there’s a bit of a sunset colour, and there’s an idiot with some milk bottles on his head. The title made us laugh because the photographer, my tour manager and myself had spent so much time thinking of a pun for it.”

While much of contemporary comedy features some sort of autobiographical element, top punmakers such as Tim are quite simply on a perpetual hunt for the finest jokes they can dream up. But once you have a full hour-plus of gags, there are other challenges to putting a show together, such as the order you tell those jokes in.

“There’s a vague science to this, but you certainly make sure there are good ones at the beginning and at the end. I finish with a song, so rather than bringing the house down, I try to bring the floor up. My support act, John Archer, will do the first half, then I’ll do an hour or so, and then maybe the audience will want me to do some jokes I’ve done before. I’m happy to do that, but jokes

are probably best the first time or couple of times you hear them.”

One thing Tim is most unlikely to do prior to his tour is pop into his nearest comedy club and check out the latest offerings of similar wordplaying stand-ups. “Me and Milton Jones have chats about this sort of thing because we hone similar areas, but there’s a slight wariness about seeing each other’s show because sometimes it can be a bit uncomfortable waiting to hear a joke that you might also have. Having said that, I did see his show recently and there weren’t any moments when I screamed, ‘No! I’m going to have to chop that!’”

As with most comedians, when a tour approaches, there’s a distinct need to put other projects to one side and get on with writing the new live show. Just before Tim hit the nation’s roads, the BBC broadcast the latest instalment of his Tim Vine Travels In Time comedy, the filming of which took up a solid period towards the end of 2017. Once that programme was in the bag, it gave him the chance to put the hours in on concocting some quality gags.

“Most days I will think of a joke, but I’ll not wake up every morning and immediately start comfort-rocking and yelling out different words at the wall. Things will just occur to me as I’m pottering around, but when I’m getting ready for a tour, I have to make a more concerted effort. So when I see the first dates of a tour looming, suddenly I get into a frame of mind where I’m looking for things, or I’ll book a room and just write all day. And then I try them out on an audience. If a joke isn’t going down as well as you’d hoped, you try and tinker with it, but eventually you just have to admit that you’re

wrong about it. Sometimes there are jokes that I’ve done one way round and it turns out they work better in reverse.”

Tim admits he’d like to do a bit more acting at some point. As well as Not Going Out and Tim Vine Travels In Time, he made a brief cameo appearance in Neighbours back in 2009. “I was at the Melbourne Comedy Festival at the time - I didn’t take the trip all the way over there just for one line!”

For now, though, he’s preparing to get in amongst his UK fans and make them laugh (albeit with the occasional groan thrown in).

Touring, of course, has its ups and downs.

“The upside is that I tour with my gang - John Archer and my tour manager, Andrew Jobbins - and the three of us have a great time. If you’re driving around and staying in hotels, it does help when you’re all very good friends. If you didn’t like those people, it wouldn’t be very nice. Generally, when you’re on tour, audiences come along because they already know the kind of thing you do and they like it - so when you walk on, you’re already in credit a bit. Still, that always amazes me. I look through a crack in the curtain, see people coming in and I think, ‘Who are these people and why have they come to see me!?’ The downside of touring is that it’s very tiring, but I head that off at the pass nowadays by having Sundays and Mondays off. One of the catchphrases that I chuck out there in the van is ‘I could live like this’. But, you know, it’s not a bad life.”

Tim Vine performs Sunset Milk Idiot at Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 February. whatsonlive.co.uk 19

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Comedy

Tom Wrigglesworth The Bramall, University of Birmingham, Thurs 15 February

Whimsical storytelling and twisted logic, stylishly wrapped in some elegant flourishes of language, are the lifeblood of Chortle Award-winner Tom Wrigglesworth’s highly rated act. Yorkshire-born Tom scored a big hit in Edinburgh a couple of years back, since which time he’s been ploughing all the usual comedy furrows, particularly those available on BBC Radio Four.

Likened by the Guardian to Mark Thomas in the way he crusades for social justice, ‘albeit in a more homely fashion’, Tom is here joined by Andy Askins and Freddy Quinne for The Bramall’s latest comedy night.

Stephen Bailey Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 9 February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 17 February; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 3 March; Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 March

Bobby Mair Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 9 February; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 17 February; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 1 March; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 9 March; Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 10 March; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 17 March

“He's either going to be a huge international comedy star,” says Jimmy Carr of Canadian comedian Bobby Mair, “or the funniest homeless man ever.”

Right about now the safe money’s on Mair becoming massive. A third cousin of Justin Bieber, Bobby bagged the best newcomer gong at the Canadian Comedy Awards and is nowadays a familiar face on all manner of UK TV comedy shows.

“I'm like a sober finger in the ass,” says Bobby in describing his comedy style, “a little uncomfortable at first, but after a while you'll get into it. I’m on the dark side, but I don’t class myself as a dark comedian - I’m just somebody who loves jokes.”

Mark Steel New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 19 February

“I started doing stand-up in 1982, around the circuit of bizarre gigs,” recalls highly regarded writer and comedian Mark Steel. “I’d go on after jugglers and escapologists and people that banged nails into their ear.

“Since then, I’ve spoken at lots of demonstrations, union meetings, protests and benefits and yet capitalism still seems to rule the world.

Maybe I’m a jinx!”

A well-established performer on the UK comedy circuit, Mark’s CV includes the BAFTAnominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio Four’s News Quiz.

He visits the Potteries with his latest touring show, Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright.

20 whatsonlive.co.uk

Potty-mouthed comedian Stephen Bailey may not be a household name but he’s certainly coming up fast on the tracks.

Having supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny Éclair on sell-out UK tours, he’s now hitting the road with his own show, Can’t Think Straight. Describing himself as a ‘workingclass, ginger, gay, northern comic’, Stephen has a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. He also freely admits to loving a conspiracy theory preferably one involving a celebrity and a cucumber...

Read the interview with Stephen online at whatsonlive.co.uk

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Phil Wang Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 February; The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 22 February; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 24 February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 4 March

Phil Wang’s first ever five minutes behind the mic as a standup comedian were spent telling other people’s gags. “I thought standup was like karaoke with jokes,” he recalls. “Most of the material I used was stolen, but I learned fast and immediately started writing my own material.”

Inspired to become a comedian by his desire to avoid having to get up in the mornings, Phil describes his style of humour as smart, cheeky but always changing.

Lefty Scum Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 February; MAC, Birmingham, Tues 27 February

Stewart Lee Stratford Arts House, Tues 20 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Weds 21 February

Shropshire-born Stewart Lee makes a welcome return to the Midlands with critically acclaimed touring show Content Provider.

Stewart first shot to fame courtesy of his partnership with Richard Herring, and then later scored a massive international hit with the musical, Jerry Springer The Opera.

His style of comedy won't make for the most comfortable ride, but he's thought-provoking, funny and memorable, so suffering the odd moment that makes you feel awkward is a small price to pay for a great night out.

“We welcome people of all political persuasions,” say Lefty Scum, “but we will probably take the piss out of you if you’re a Tory!”

Coming together for an evening of music, humour and revolutionary socialism are British Comedy Award nominees Jonny & The Baptists and acclaimed protest musician Grace Petrie. They’re joined by Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long, a woman once re-

ferred to by comedian pal Nish Kumar as ‘the David Bowie of standup’. Nish used the description on account of the 35-year-old comic’s impressive capacity for reinventing herself.

Josie’s jokes include: “When I was a kid, I asked my mum what a couple was and she said, ‘Oh, two or three”. And she wonders why her marriage didn’t work out...”

Sean Lock Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 February

Although Sean Lock is best known from the Channel Four panel game 8 Out Of 10 Cats, on which he appeared as a team captain for 10 years, he's also picked up the odd gong or two for his stand-up, so a night in his company is always a surefire bet for a big barrel of laughs.

He’s visiting Birmingham this month with his latest touring show, Keep It Light.

Jokes include: “So what if Jesus turned water into wine? I turned a whole student loan into Vodka once. Your move, Jesus...” and “I’m in therapy at the moment. I don’t need it, obviously, but I got all these psychiatrist gift vouchers for Christmas which my family clubbed together for. What I wanted was a crossbow...”

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Stephen Bailey.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 15:00 Page 1

Stephen Bailey Potty-mouthed comedian Stephen Bailey may not be a household name, but he’s certainly coming up fast on the tracks. Having supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny Éclair on sell-out UK tours, he’s now hitting the road with his own show, Can’t Think Straight.

Describing himself as ‘a working-class, ginger, gay, northern comic’, Stephen has a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. He also freely admits to loving a conspiracy theory - preferably one involving a celebrity and a cucumber...

When did you decide you were funny?

Well, I still don’t know if I’ve figured that out, to be honest. I was quite a shy person, but when I moved to London, I decided I had to come out of my shell because I didn’t know anyone there at the time. So I joined a creative writing course. Someone there said that I should do stand-up comedy because they thought I was quite funny when one-to-one.

So that’s how that happened.

When and where was your first ever comedy gig?

It was in 2011 in a room above a pub in Leicester Square. It only had 20 people in, but it was so small that 20 people meant it had sold out. I just did a lot of material comparing my housemate’s vagina to a Sunday roast. It went really well.

Who was the funniest person you knew growing up?

Oh, it still is my mum. She’s ridiculous. She comes out with lots of ‘mum-isms’. The stuff about her in my show, I don’t have to edit it. I just say it as it is.

Who’s been your biggest inspiration?

That’s a tough question! When I was growing up, I watched Popstars: The Rivals and saw Girls Aloud go from little chubby chavs to pop princesses. I wanted that to happen to me. So yeah, Girls Aloud.

Is there a place and time where you’re most creative?

Every time when I want my brain to shut off!

Last year, I wrote my Edinburgh Fringe show whilst I was on holiday in July, and I was performing it in August. It was very last minute, but it was brilliant. It’s this tour show I’m doing now. I find that when I’m supposed to be switched off is when I’m actually at my best - everywhere that you don’t have a notepad or your phone to make notes - like when I’m on the toilet, or in the shower, or when I’m in the pool on holiday. You can guarantee that the minute my phone dies, I’ll come up with about 10 brilliant ideas, and I’ll have to recite them in my head until I get a phone charger.

You’re heading out on your first solo tour.

What excites you the most about this, and what are your concerns?

Let me tell you, my bowels haven’t been the same since I agreed to this tour. I’m very excited because the show went really well at the Edinburgh Fringe and when I supported Katherine Ryan. I keep thinking that it’s going to be great, but I’m concerned about whether anybody is going to come.

The tour is called Can’t Think Straight.

Why can’t you?

Because I don’t know what straight people are thinking nowadays. Let’s look at politics, for example. Straight people are in charge and it’s not working out for me. I think behind every straight person, there’s a brilliant gay best friend and they make great decisions. So I think they need to run the world if they’re ever given the opportunity to.

Your comedy provides a platform from which you can talk about LGBT rights. If you could influence any one piece of LGBT legislation, which would it be?

Oh my god, that’s a tough question! Do you know what I’d like? My friend said this to me the other day. With a lot of things in the law, we’ve pretty much got equality. It’s just in the

societal sphere that we don’t feel equal. Gay people still feel on the fringes and not fully accepted. We still don’t feel comfortable holding hands with our partner in the street.

I may have a white straight man telling me it’s fine to be gay now - thank you for that insight, Richard Hammond - but it won’t be until someone feels safe to hold their partner’s hand in the street, without actually thinking about it, that people will be able to stop marching and talking about it. I’ve tried to write articles for the Guardian or the Metro and they just won’t take them. But if the articles were about race or feminism, they absolutely would. Once again it’s straight people telling us that everything’s fine for us now and we don’t need to feel that way.

What makes you ‘everyone’s gay best friend’?

I don’t know! That was a quote about me in a review. When I’m on stage I’m very sassy and very roasty. I’m surprised people leave my shows even wanting to be my best friend. I think sometimes, especially with girls and gays, I go after straight men so much that I think maybe people like the flip of power or something. For someone who can’t think straight, I can talk straight. I’m very straighttalking. I hate doing the things that people think a gay best friend loves. I don’t want to sit and do your makeup, I don’t want to go shopping. I certainly don’t want to talk about your troubles. I want to talk about mine, and I don’t want to be your sidekick.

What’s been your most memorable gig?

Well, the best gig I’ve done, being a Manchester boy, was when I opened for Katherine Ryan at The Lowry in Salford. I was able to do proper local material about growing up in the area. It was brilliant because there were so many people. The reaction was great because it made me feel like I could do it forever. That was a nice feeling. But the opposite was my fourth ever gig, where I was really nervous.

I’d drunk three bottles of wine before I went on stage, thinking it would calm my nerves. It was at this prestigious venue in London, the

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Comedy Café. I walked on stage and fell into the microphone, which fell into the audience.

By the time I’d reset the stage, I had, like, a minute left of my set!

If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be?

Well, I worked at Sainsbury’s for six years, so I’d probably still be there. I really loved it there.

How important is celebrity and fame?

I always joke about being famous, but I just want to be successful. Last year I managed to book two holidays thanks to being a comedian. That was brilliant; it meant I was living a normal life from doing my dream job. I want to have a mortgage, so that means I have to save up through my job, but comedy is so expensive to do. I don’t need to be famous per se, but the TV stuff I do helps me top up my bank account. I absolutely have no dream to be a celebrity, but I enjoy doing a mix of it all, just because it means one day I can have that mortgage.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Soaps. I love Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale when I know there’s going to be a good storyline. I think it’s real life sometimes. For instance, someone got shot in Coronation Street the other week and died.

They’d kept it so secret that you weren’t prepared for it, and I was like, “Holy fuck balls!”

I couldn’t sleep that night because I was thinking how he must’ve felt, because he didn’t die straight away. They set the car on fire, so he died from that. How awful!

What’s been your worst ever heckle?

I’m really lucky, I don’t really get heckled. I think because I get so mouthy, people get scared. The two I have had were both a bit weird. I was in Edinburgh, and whenever I do a comedy club, I like to see who’s in my audience so that I can figure out how far I can go.

When I asked, “Where’s my gays?” some voice from the back of the room shouted, “Dead! Like they should be!” I just didn’t know what to say. The other time was in Birmingham when I’d just walked on stage.

Before I’d even had the chance to open my mouth, someone shouted, “Gay as fuck!”

How gay is fuck?... But yeah, I don’t normally get heckled.

Finally, what wise piece of advice would you offer to someone hoping to follow a similar career path to yourself?

Don’t do it - there’s more money in finance. I would say that, one, you have to really, really love it. When you’re sat on a train station platform by yourself, it’s not fun. And two, buy a decent travel pillow.

You’re always on trains, so make it as comfortable as possible!

Stephen Bailey visits the Gatehouse, Stafford, on Friday 9 February; Guildhall, Derby, on Saturday 10 February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Saturday 17 February; The Brewdog, Leicester, on Friday 23 February; Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, on Thursday 8 March and Glee Club, Birmingham, on Friday 30 March.

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Putting On A Brave Face

The artistic director of Vamos Theatre, Rachael Savage, talks about the company’s latest production 22 whatsonlive.co.uk

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by Jenny Ell

With a tour of a new production each year, Worcestershire-based full mask wordless theatre company Vamos open A Brave Face at the London Mime Festival in February, prior to an extensive UK and European tour.

The show tackles the emotional subject of post-traumatic stress and has been over two years in the making, in collaboration with British war veterans and their extended support networks.

As artistic director and writer/director of A Brave Face, Rachael Savage’s CV is certainly impressive. Even prior to her setting up Vamos over a decade ago, she worked for Trestle (the world’s leading full mask theatre company at the time) as a performer, assistant director and director of the Trestle Young People’s Theatre, before leaving when they stopped doing full mask theatre - her passion since the age of 12. Vamos gave Savage the ability to put into practice everything that she had learned and to establish her own company brand, looking in-depth at social and political subject matter rather than solely playing for laughs.

With her enthusiasm radiating throughout our conversation, Savage clearly loves the variety that her job provides. “I even enjoy looking at the management accounts!” she gushes. From directing and devising in the rehearsal room, to performing and running training courses for non-art professionals, there’s no doubt that Vamos is a ‘passion project’ for Savage: “I love working with people who relate to the ethos of our work and the way in which we communicate without words.”

She also feels that her time performing as Joy, a dementia sufferer, in the company’s Finding Joy production, has enabled her to empathise more with the actors. “Getting behind one of those horrible pieces of sweaty plastic makes you realise what you can and can’t do, and makes you an actor’s director.”

New production A Brave Face came about when the artistic director of the Mercury Theatre Colchester, Daniel Buckroyd, approached Vamos about working on a coproduction. Due to Colchester being a military garrison town, this gave Savage an angle to research. Pretty quickly the topic of post-traumatic stress (PTS) came to the forefront. “I wasn’t very aware of PTS before, and to be honest, it wasn’t something that I knew I cared about until I started reading stories about people affected.”

One of the first stories Savage read, in the

Guardian newspaper, was about a young exmilitary man whose parents didn’t know he had a problem until they found him in the wheelie bin at 3am. It’s stories like this one that provide pictures in Savage’s head, causing questions to be raised. “I’m a really visual person, and as soon as I see a frightened, terrified young man hiding in a wheelie bin, I know that it would make a good full mask scene.”

Vamos held a mask-making residency at Help For Heroes, working with four ex-military people living with PTS. “I was inspired by the men’s work ethic - fast and efficient, listening hard and taking orders. They worked so diligently, and then I realised that they were military.”

Their fragility made Savage want to do more research with them. One man in particular has read through every version of the show, helping and supporting Vamos over the last year. “I’ve been humbled by his honesty and generosity in sharing his fears, traumas, hopes and, ultimately, his journey.”

You would’ve thought that writing and directing a wordless show would bring with it additional challenges, but Savage doesn’t see it that way. For her, it’s just exciting. “You get to give a voice to people who don’t have one,” she enthuses.

Because there’s no dialogue, the show’s music is a massively important factor. Having once auditioned Savage for a job at Trestle Theatre Company, composer and script consultant Janie Armour is now a regular creative within the Vamos family. “I’ve worked with Janie on every single show in different companies I’ve been with. It’s the best gift to receive Janie’s interpretation musically.”

Having tackled dementia in Finding Joy and now PTS in A Brave Face, Savage feels a huge responsibility when exploring subjects that really impact on people’s lives. “It’s what I feel most anxious about - not letting people down.”

A series of workshops with invited audiences lead up to the premiere of a new production.

For A Brave Face, army veterans and people with PTS have been invited into the rehearsal room. One veteran in particular has provided the kind of straight-talking, no-nonsense approach that’s essential to ensuring the material is accurate. “‘Well you wouldn’t do that, that’s stupid!’ has now become a regular phrase in the rehearsal room!” smiles Savage. She also notes that although the

work absolutely needs to be realistic, telling a story in a theatrical way means a few rules need to be bent - otherwise the piece becomes a documentary.

The incredible number of venues being visited on the show’s tour is testament to Vamos’s nationwide following. Savage particularly enjoys performing close to home: “We always sell out at the Worcester Swan Theatre, and it’s wonderful playing to our home crowd.”

She recalls performing at The Torch in Milford Haven, Wales, for the first time, when there were only about 12 people in the audience - and one of those was the theatre’s artistic director! However, they loved the show so much that they pleaded with the board to allow Vamos to return, even though the theatre lost money first time round. The company’s shows there have sold out ever since.

Last year saw Vamos become a National Portfolio Organisation, a status that ensures regular funding from the Arts Council. “Now that we have this secure footing, over the next four years we look forward to building more exciting partnerships with venues and working with new artists.”

Three Cirque du Soleil clowns worked with the company last year, and Savage is excited about the prospect of more people wanting to be a part of Vamos.

Constantly watching the news, Savage is always searching for new production ideas.

She mentions her interest in the plight of refugees and the UK’s current small island attitude with Brexit going forward. She also recalls a recent news story about Africa’s population being set to double by 2050, and the huge impact such an enormous increase will have on the rest of the world. “I’m interested in big global themes such as PTS and dementia but also in the individual stories of people who want a voice.”

A Brave Face shows at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Wed 22 February; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 9 March; New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 12 March; MAC, Birmingham, Wed 14 March; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, 15 & 16 March; Malvern Theatre, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 & Thurs 26 April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 27 April whatsonlive.co.uk 23

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Shrek The Musical New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sun 25 February

The popularity of this family-friendly West Ender hardly comes as a surprise. After all, Dreamworks’ animated Shrek movies, inspired by cartoonist William Steig's 1990 book, were absolutely huge. It was only ever going to be a matter of time before everybody’s favourite swamp-residing ogre made a big splash away from the silver screen.

After a tentative Broadway start, the production was revised for its subsequent US tour and West End residency - and is all the better for

Crimes Under The Sun Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, 28 February; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 17 March

When a scandal-inducing femme fatale mysteriously loses her life at a secluded island hotel just off the English coast, suspicion inevitably falls on the other guests - but perhaps not everybody on the idyllic island has been accounted for...

Four actors play multiple characters in this lively new production inspired by the stories of Agatha Christie, the genre of film noir and the movies of Alfred Hitchcock. Presented by the award-winning New Old Friends.

Playhouse Creatures New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 2 - Sat 24 February

‘Bawdy comedy, theatrical flair and emotional poignancy’ are the key ingredients of this 1993 feminist offering from April De Angelis.

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it. Pretty much retelling the story of the first movie, it peddles a line in humour that calls to mind both the surrealist Pythons and an evening of festive-season pantomime fare.

There are plenty of new songs to enjoy too, presented alongside cult Shrek anthem I’m A Believer, originally a chart-topping hit for The Monkees way back in 1966/67.

All in all, then, a feelgood show that pretty much touches all the bases for its young target audience, at the same time offering plenty to keep the adults amused.

In other words, bag yourself a ticket now.

The play is set in the year 1663, with the action unfolding backstage in a Restoration playhouse. When Charles II allows women on stage for the first time, four actresses suddenly find themselves becoming household names. But behind the scenes, as the friendship between them develops, so too does the rivalry...

The Winslow Boy The REP, Birmingham, Wed 21 February - Sat 3 March

The actor who played the villainous Rob Titchener in Radio Four’s The Archers appears in this brand new version of Terence Rattigan’s classic family drama.

Timothy Watson hit the headlines when he starred as Rob in The Archers’ controversial storyline about domestic abuse.

He appears in The Winslow Boy alongside Tessa Peake-Jones (BBC 1’s Only Fools And Horses, ITV’s Grantchester) and Aden Gillett (BBC 1’s The House Of Elliot).

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Mamma Mia! Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 6 - Sat 24 February

This legendary show is of course a nicely contrived vehicle for the chart-topping music of 1970s Super Troupers Abba.

The Swedish Fab Four scored mega-hit after mega-hit with catchy numbers like Waterloo, Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game, The Winner Takes It All and Take A Chance On Me - all of which are pre-

Kanada The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Sat 10 February

sent and correct in this blockbuster offering.

Abba boys Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were both involved in the development of the show, while Anni-Frid Lyngstad - she’s the dark one - contributed in a financial capacity.

A 2008 movie version received a thumbs up from many if not most of Mamma Mia!’s adoring fans - despite former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan having been given, rather unwisely, a Licence to Sing...

The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

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The REP, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sat 17 February

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 14 - Fri 16 February

Dr Jekyll is not himself! Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic novella is a dark, twisted tale of love, redemption and the seductive power of evil. A bonafide literary classic, it tells the story of a brilliant but obsessive scientist whose sadistic alter-ego wreaks havoc and mayhem on the cobbled streets of Victorian London... Blackeyed Theatre are the highly rated company behind this latest incarnation of the famous fog-bound fantasy.

A brand new play telling the story of two Jewish prisoners in the Second World War Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz, Kanada is being presented by the Old Joint Stock in association with Lying Lips Theatre Company.

The play has been written in honour of the Holocaust survivors, one of whom, Zigi Shipper, will be attending the opening night.

Brief Encounter

Ten years after its 2008 premiere, Kneehigh Theatre’s spectacular stage adaptation of Brief Encounter returns to the venue where it all started.

Much like the 1945 David Lean film that inspired it - in which the thrill of an illicit trip to the pictures is what kicks off the quiet romance between the separately married Alec and Laura - the production feels like a love letter to the magic of the cinema.

“On a really practical level,” says writer and director Emma Rice, “it used to have an interval but doesn’t now, so it runs more like a film. I remember rewatching the film after I’d made it and thinking there was something extraordinary about following this journey from beginning to end without getting off - a bit like being on a train.”

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by Jenny Ell

DAVID BADDIEL talks family, Frank Skinner, and fantasy football...

David Baddiel can turn his hand to virtually anything. As well as being a much-loved comedian, he’s had great success as a novelist, screenwriter and TV presenter.

He’s now going back to stand-up, to take his Olivier Award-nominated one-man show - My Family: Not The Sitcom - on tour around the UK. As its title suggests, the show is a comedy based on stories about his family - or, more specifically, about his parents - and his own experiences of growing up in the 1970s.

“My mum was mental,” says David, “an extreme personality - obsessive, sexual and very interested in golf because she had a long-term, fantastical, crazy, ‘in the moment’ affair with a golfing memorabilia salesman.

She died in 2014, and at her funeral a lot of people were telling me that my mother was wonderful. That gave me a sense that no one really knew her - it’s just something people say at funerals. My mum was wonderful, but not in that way!”

David’s dad suffers from dementia. “He’s a complete nutcase and a very sweary and cantankerous man!”

Despite such brutally honest assessments of his parents, the New York-born comedian clearly retains an enormous fondness for both of them. Even so, the more he reveals, the more evident it becomes that home life was a far from ideal experience for him and his brothers. His parents certainly didn’t stop living their own lives once they had children and when David became well known, although his mum attended his every gig, she didn’t really engage with the material. “She

just liked the fame part,” he explains.

My Family: Not The Sitcom was incredibly successful at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End back in 2016, earning David an Olivier Award nomination. If you were fortunate enough to have caught the show in London, you’d be forgiven for assuming that you’d already seen everything it has to offer. Not so, however. The show has evolved significantly over the last couple of years, not least because David has gleaned more information about his parents - some from people who’ve been to see him perform.

“Even the niece of the person my mum had an affair with has come to see the show,” he says. “Three times!”

On a more serious note, David hopes that anybody attending the show who, like himself, has a close relative with dementia, will feel more comfortable talking about the illness afterwards. “I want people to know it’s alright to talk about it, and it’s alright to laugh about it.”

David hasn’t been on tour since 2013, when he travelled the length and breadth of the country with his show Fame: Not The Musical (there’s a definite theme in evidence in the titles of his stand-up gigs!). Although he enjoys touring, he admits to finding it quite a lonely experience nowadays. “In the very old days, I used to tour with Rob Newman and do shows with Frank Skinner - that would be more of a laugh!”

And speaking of Frank Skinner... It’s via his television work with the West Bromwich-born funnyman that David achieved real celebrity.

Back in the ‘lad era’ of the 1990s, the pair

scored a massive TV hit with their Fantasy Football League show. They even recorded a chart-topping song called Three Lions - the official ‘anthem’ of the England football team during the Euro 96 championships.

So after all these years, are they still close friends? “Frank lives in my road!” laughs David. “He lives 10 doors down from me. He’s always doing that! It’s a very expensive form of stalking!”

Given the success the pair enjoyed in the past, would they ever contemplate teaming up again? “We talked about doing Fantasy Football at the last World Cup but decided against it in the end. It turned out to be the right decision because England played so badly. Not ideal for a comedy show whereby you pin the response of the audience on how well England are going to do!”

David may have many a string to his bow in a professional sense, but he struggles to decide which of them he enjoys the most. “I think I’m just one thing, really, and that’s a storyteller. Everything I do is storytelling in different forms. And I’m weirdly happy with everything I’ve done. My aim when I’m on stage is to be as much like I actually am as possible. It’s not much different to coming round to my house for a chat!”

David Baddiel brings My Family: Not The Sitcom to New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on Wednesday 28 February; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday 28 March; and Dudley Town Hall on Thursday 19 April.

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Jersey Boys Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 6 - Sat 17 February; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 28 August - Sat 8 September

Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons scored some truly massive hits during the mid-1960s, with bestknown numbers including Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls

Don't Cry, Sherry and December 1963 (Oh, What A Night).

This massive jukebox musical tells their story. Taking a documentarystyle format, the show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each being narrated by a different member of the band.

The Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning production is visiting the Midlands as part of a UK tour.

Great Expectations

A Pandemonium Of Poe

Black Men Walking

Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 February

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 February

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 7 - Sat 10 February

A not-to-be-missed evening of fear-filled fiction for fans of Edgar Allen Poe, Don’t Go Into The Cellar’s latest touring production has been garnering plenty of positive reviews on its travels during the last few months.

The sinister Dr Trevellyan is the host for an evening visit to the Sanitorium, where a journey into the deepest recesses of the human psyche awaits...

Translunar Paradise Great Expectations is perhaps one of Charles Dickens' most popular novels, and is certainly one of his best known.

Following an encounter with the terrifying convict Magwitch, a young lad named Pip finds himself embarking on an adventure that leads him not only to the big city, but also to encounters with the chilling Estella, the manipulative Jaggers, and the tragic and mysterious Miss Havisham...

Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe stars.

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Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 27 February

The award-winning Theatre Ad Infinitum make a welcome return to Warwick Arts Centre with this poignant and life-affirming tale, told without words.

When Rose passes away, her husband William finds himself rejecting the reality of his grief in favour of fantasy and past memories. As his bereavement weighs him down, Rose returns from beyond the grave to perform one final act of enduring love...

Black Men Walking is the first nationally touring play to emerge from the Revolution Mix initiative - a three-year movement spearheading the largest ever countrywide delivery of Black British stories.

Produced by Eclipse Theatre - the UK’s foremost Black-led national production company - in collaboration with the Royal Exchange, the show focuses on regular Saturday morning walking companions Thomas, Matthew and Richard, three men who, on one particular ramble, ‘find themselves forced to walk backwards through two thousand years before they can move forwards’.

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by Heather Kincaid

Bubblegum fun... ...but there’s more to Hairspray than meets the eye It’s 1962 and in Tracy Turnblad’s Baltimore hometown, massive hairdos, dancing the twist and Corny Collins’ daytime dance show are the hottest tickets in teen culture. In some ways, life for this starry-eyed girl starts out as big and bright and breezy as a bubblegum balloon - but there’s trouble bubbling just beneath the surface. As Tracy grows up and wakes up to the everyday injustices in her neighbourhood, it looks as though her bubble might be set to burst.

Shimmying and shaking into Wolverhampton Grand this month (and Stoke’s Regent Theatre in the summer), much-loved musical Hairspray arrives against a backdrop of online echo chambers and political change that make its revelations - as well as its cheerily optimistic message of strength in unity - seem both more relevant and more appealing than ever. When Tracy gets the chance to audition for The Corny Collins Show, the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination intrude on her rosy, cosy world, demanding to be confronted.

As she says herself in a line that might have been lifted from one of countless newspaper pieces over the last couple of years: “I think I’ve kind of been in a bubble… thinking that fairness was just gonna happen. It’s not.

People like me are gonna have to get up off their father’s laps and fight for it.”

“It’s sad, but I don’t think things have really changed that much,” says Rebecca Mendoza, who makes her professional stage debut as the show’s plucky young protagonist. “We might not be doing the same things now as we were in the ’60s, but we’re still fighting the same problems, just in a different form.”

Much like her character, self-avowed Hairspray megafan Mendoza has had the chance to live out her dream on this tour by starring in her favourite show.

“I knew it inside-out!” she laughs. “I’ve followed the show for years and years, and it’s been my dream role since I was tiny. The last time I saw it was in Liverpool when I went for four nights in the run, and interestingly, it worked out that the first night was exactly seven years ago to the day before our own opening night in Cardiff. We found out because my sister had a Facebook timehop message where I’d been talking

about watching it and wanting to be part of it one day!”

But there are also more uncomfortable parallels. In the show, Tracy and her mother are mocked and taunted for their size, while in the racially segregated 1960s, black dancers like Tracy’s friend Seaweed can only perform on certain days, away from their white friends and peers. Today, such discrimination is illegal, yet even now, actors of colour regularly decry the relative lack of opportunities available in some areas of the industry.

“I kind of got lucky with my first role as a kid, so I haven’t really faced the same struggles that a lot of people do,” says Layton Williams, who plays Seaweed. “But even then, I remember people making a big deal about the fact that I was playing Billy Elliot, and not really understanding why at the time. Generally I feel that, as long as a role isn’t specific to a certain sex or race, then there’s no reason why you can’t have a whole range of different actors playing it.”

Elsewhere, the pressure on girls and women to look a certain way has, if anything, only increased. There’s still a profound lack of leading roles available to women who don’t fit a standard mould, particularly in musicals, which can make it hard for actors playing Tracy to progress in their careers.

“We see so much body shaming all the time now,” says Rebecca, “and all the airbrushing that’s happening on TV or in modelling. So I think it’s really important for young girls particularly to see things like this. As long as you’re fit and you can keep up and do the moves, there’s no reason why someone who’s a couple of sizes bigger can’t have a starring role in a musical. Also, I think it’s lovely that Tracy ends up with the good-looking guy people need to see that if they like someone, it’s okay to go for it without belittling or trying to change themselves.”

Luckily, Tracy is more than equal to the challenge of standing up for what’s right, willing to risk her reputation and even prison to support her friends. After all, it’s largely thanks to them that she was able to get her big break in the first place…

“Meeting Seaweed is a real turning point for Tracy,” says Layton. “He doesn’t judge her

and encourages her to do the kinds of moves that get her onto The Corny Collins Show.

He’s really supportive and helps to give her the confidence to go for it. Also, when he falls in love with Penny, having a mixed-race couple becomes a really central part of the show. Actually, when you think about it, the show is kind of all about me!”

Yet what makes Hairspray such a delight is the fact that, as Rebecca Mendoza puts it, it’s told in such a fun, lighthearted way. There may be an important message at its core, but it’s so well wrapped up in a whirlwind of vibrant 1960s colour, witty dialogue, irresistible tunes and spectacular choreography, that it never once feels preachy, and is guaranteed to win over even those who aren’t already sold.

“I was pretty much the exact opposite of Rebecca before I auditioned,” confesses Matt Rixon, who plays Tracy’s larger-than-life mother, Edna. “I was aware of the show, but I hardly knew anything about it. And it did surprise me. It’s so clever and well-written really concise and comical. Also, structurally it’s genius. It’s designed to get you on your feet by the end, and it never fails to do so. I can start off in a terrible mood, but by the end of the show I always feel much better.”

Above all, the joy of experiencing Hairspray live is sharing in its warm, inclusive spirit: it’s like arriving at a massive party where everyone’s invited. In the end, it’s just the story of a bunch of kids who want to dance together - and before too long, you’re going to want to join in as well.

“It’s about being allowed to be whoever you are,” says Matt, “whatever body shape or colour or anything else. We should all be allowed the freedom to just be ourselves, and in Hairspray, for two-and-a-half hours, everyone can be.”

Take note, Hollywood - in Tracy’s own words, “People who are different, their time is coming.”

Hairspray shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Mon 26 February to Saturday 3 March, and at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 12 Sat 16 June.

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Theatre

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Mirror Mirror

Teletubbies: Big Hugs

Penguins

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Fri 2 February; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 4 February; MAC, Birmingham, Sun 11 February

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 February

The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 February

Despite having been around for many a year, the world famous Teletubbies are here appearing in their first ever theatre show created especially for little ones.

Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po continue to enchant and delight pre-school youngsters a full 20 years after making their television debut on BBC Two. Brand new songs and the popular supporting characters of Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and Sun Baby also feature.

Friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family are among the themes being explored in this brand new theatre & dance production.

Inspired by a true story reported in the New York Times, the show focuses on two male Chinstrap penguins named Roy and Silo.

Living alongside other penguin pairs in Central Park Zoo, they determine to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg - a decision that sees them embarking on a most unexpected adventure...

The ever-popular Red Earth Theatre here present a brand new version of the timeless tale of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, complete with ‘beautiful puppets, captivating storytelling and mesmerising sign language’... A leading company in the development of inclusive touring theatre, Red Earth regularly take shows to small-scale, rural and community venues across the country.

Milkshake Live Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 17 February; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 21 February; Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 22 February; Malvern Theatre, Sun 25 February; Prince Of Wales, Cannock, Wed 3 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 April

The Jungle Book Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 17 February; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 21 February; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 23 February

Made universally popular by the classic Walt Disney movie, Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli who’s been raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. His friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, are determined to save him from the evil intentions of Shere Khan the tiger. But keeping Mowgli safe is no walk in the jungle, as his two pals soon find out...

Here taking youngsters on a journey through the world’s favourite fairytales is, among others, Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam and Shimmer & Shine.

If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been to a previous live production, you’ll already know what to expect. If not, get ready for an event that promises lots of laughter, bucketloads of family fun, bags of audience participation and plenty of singing and dancing.

Little Mochi Man Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 24 February

When little Mochi Man decides to run away after being bullied because of his small size, he finds himself embroiled in an adventure that will take him from the snowy mountains of Hokkaido to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo...

The traditions of Shogatsu - Japanese New Year celebrations - along with ‘origami’ puppets, animation and music provide the inspiration for this lively show, a production which is being publicised as ‘the perfect introduction to Japan for young children’.

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The Gingerbread Man Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 February

For those not in the know, this terrific tale tells the story of a cheeky gingerbread man who sets off on the biggest adventure of his life. Out of the kitchen, through the town and across the fields he goes, all the way to the river... Fingers crossed he manages to avoid the sly old fox en route!

Hiccup Theatre are confident that they’ve managed to cook up a real winner of a show with this latest production, bringing together ‘delicious’ original live music, ‘tasty’ storytelling and ‘dollops’ of fun.

The company’s previous work includes wellreviewed versions of Rumpelstiltskin and The Owl And The Pussycat.

Dear Zoo Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 8 & Fri 9 February; The Core, Solihull, Mon 19 & Tues 20 February; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, 21 22 February; Lichfield Garrick, Wed 4 April; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Sat 7 April

First published in 1982, Rod Campbell’s liftthe-flap book has delighted generations of children and accumulated in excess of eight million sales worldwide.

This first-ever stage version of the story features child-friendly puppets, music and lots of audience participation.

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by Heather Kincaid

Magical Moments Birmingham Hippodrome presents fairy tales in dance With the new year now in full swing, the panto season has come to an end - but at Birmingham Hippodrome, the fairytale magic lives on, courtesy of a series of enchanting dance shows.

Ever since the 19th century, fairytales have been a staple source of subject matter for dance shows; the fascination with folk tales and fantasy that swept the worlds of art and literature was very much mirrored in the ballet of the time. Today, more than a century after they were first performed, classics like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty continue to delight audiences around the world, remaining a vital part of any ballet company’s repertoire.

This is certainly the case for Birmingham Royal Ballet. A company with an outstanding reputation for visual storytelling, BRB this month revives the opulence of the Imperial Russian Ballet in its ‘matchless’ production of Sleeping Beauty.

In this spectacular show, Tchaikovsky’s sparkling score is performed live by the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia, while Marius Petipa’s original choreography is reinterpreted by virtuoso dancers. Dazzling spectacle is combined with the timeless tale of a sleeping princess, a fairy curse and an adventuring prince in what’s been described as a version with ‘no equal in the ballet world today’. A great introduction to ballet, it’s an ideal choice for a family outing.

Produced by Peter Wright and designed

by Philip Prowse, Sleeping Beauty shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from 13 to 24 February, with a relaxed performance on Tuesday the 20th.

But while traditional fairytale interpretations like Petipa’s have lost none of their power and popularity over the years, the stories are also a source of fascination for high-profile contemporary choreographers such as Matthew Bourne. Following the huge success of his production of The Red Shoes in Birmingham last year, Bourne this month brings his beloved take on Cinderella back to Brum.

Heading to the Hippodrome as part of a wider UK tour, the hugely popular and hotly anticipated Birmingham run will see Red Shoes stars Cordelia Braithwaite and Ashley Shaw again sharing the lead role. In this thrillingly evocative reworking, the action of the story is relocated to a London torn apart

by World War Two. For Cinderella and her dashing RAF pilot Harry (Will Bozier, Andrew Monaghan and Dominic North), a chance meeting results in a magical few hours together - just long enough for the young couple to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

“Cinderella is one of my most heartfelt works and a personal favourite amongst my reimagined classic stories,” says Matthew Bourne of the production. “I’m delighted to have brought together this cast of current star performers, experienced New Adventures veterans and exciting young talent. I’m thrilled to see another generation of Company dancers take on this beloved production.”

Featuring sumptuous Olivier Award-winning sets by Lez Brotherston and lighting by Neil Austin, this lavish retelling is performed to a specially commissioned recording of Prokofiev’s magnificent score, played by a 60-piece orchestra and presented in Sur-

round Sound by Paul Groothius.

Having kicked off its tour at Sadler’s Wells in December, the show concludes the 30th anniversary celebrations of Bourne’s New Adventures company, 20 years after it premiered in the West End. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from 6 to 10 February.

Finally, looking further ahead to April, the award-winning Metro-Boulet-Dodo will be joining forces with Open Theatre Company for an imaginative reworking of Hansel And Gretel. In this lively and original production, a flustered storyteller is joined by a mischievous mocking bird as he follows the title characters deep into the forest, encountering the Wicked Witch and her eccentric chefs along the way. But as characters interrupt his narrative to tell their own version of this peculiar adventure, we soon discover that all is not exactly as it seems... Live music, mesmerising design and a quirky sense of humour combine to make this an ideal treat for all the family.

This exciting new show, produced by Birmingham Hippodrome, features performers drawn from Because We Can Can Can, the venue’s disabled arts company that works with Open Theatre Co to support emerging performers with learning disabilities, some of whom appear in the production.

The Twisted Tale Of Hansel And Gretel shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from 4 to 8 April, with relaxed performances on Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th.

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Dance

Dance previews from around the region

#JeSuis The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 15 & Fri 16 February

Birmingham-born choreographer Aakash Odedra’s latest work is a reflection on the feelings of those who perform it, a group of Turkish dancers frustrated by the media’s ongoing misinterpretations of their motherland.

Engaging with the hugely pertinent issues of displacement, refuge and political and geographical instability, the work portrays the experience of living in a homeland ‘that doesn’t know the meaning of “home” anymore’, and where safety, peace and freedom can no longer be taken for granted...

A rising star of contemporary British dance, Odedra has previously worked with some of the most high-profile choreographers in the business, including Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi and Russel Maliphant.

Richard Alston Dance Company Malvern Theatre, Tues 27 & Wed 28 February

A choreographer who’s very much at the forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, Richard Alston takes inspiration directly from the music he uses.

This month sees his highly rated company return to the region with a triple-bill featuring a brand new work performed to Schumann’s Carnaval and a new piece by Martin Lawrance. Completing the bill is Gypsy Mixture, a popular work from the Alston repertoire, performed to the infectious music of Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands.

Sonia Sabri Company: Virago The Old Rep, Birmingham, Thurs 15 February

“We’ve always tried to create something which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that we’ve presented something that’s very new and very different. We’ve been at the forefront of creating new ideas, and that’s exactly what we intend to continue doing.”

Sabri’s belief in the need to push the boundaries of dance is reflected in this groundbreaking dance-digital solo production, an exploration of the perceptions and misconceptions surrounding the subject of female body image.

The dancer’s unique ‘urban Kathak’ language is here brought together with motion-triggered digital art and a sound score combining spoken word and music, creating a show which Sabri describes as “uncompromising, thought-provoking and humorous”.

Joss Arnott Triple Bill MAC, Birmingham, Wed 7 February

Highly charged and visually stunning, Joss Arnott’s shows present dance that explodes with power and technical brilliance. And this current production in no way lets the side down...

A triple bill created in collaboration with some of the industry’s finest dancers, composers and designers, the show features two brand new dance works - A Movement In 3 and RUSH. The company’s award-winning V completes the programme. A solo work exploring the rare and contorted beauty of the human body, the piece here features live music for the very first time.

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The vicious pursuit of power to fill a void will always be relevant - the Macbeths are everywhere in every age, because they are a part of us

�

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Double, double toil and trouble

Following on from acclaimed productions of Dracula and The Odyssey, Mark Bruce Company this month brings its haunting re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth to DanceXchange. We caught up with Mark to find out more...

Why Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

Macbeth hits you fast, cuts through to the bone and, for me, is the least ambiguous of Shakespeare's plays. Its darkness opens our nightmares; we recognise fundamental traits inside ourselves and the consequences of acting upon them. The vicious pursuit of power to fill a void will always be relevant the Macbeths are everywhere in every age, because they are a part of us.

When did you first discover Macbeth?

I first read it as a teenager. Returning to it now, the images, the atmosphere it evokes, haven’t changed. Its power lies in a relentless tale of supernatural horror told with a beauty and symbolism that reaches to the tragic state of the ‘other’.

The supernatural is always present in Macbeth, bending our own thoughts and perceptions as well as those of the protagonists. It infects us, always one step ahead, and Macbeth’s decisions are made in the world of a nightmare, as if there’s no separation between thought and action.

Murder is done and descent is rapid.

Why now?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I had a vision of Macbeth’s world and some of the cast in mind. It was the same with Dracula and The Odyssey. The choreographic language of Macbeth is very specific and detailed, and I felt I had the right dancers at

the right time in their careers to pursue this vocabulary. I feel that there’s a time when you’re ready to do a production, and you can’t really contrive that.

How have you approached the text?

The Macbeths are mere playthings of the evil they set free, and in the madness and emptiness that ensues, they become but walking shadows - or, as in my adaptation, simply clowns of sound and fury.

My approach has been quite simple, so that I can really explore the text, get deeply into the characters and the world in which it’s set.

Are you influenced by other artists?

Influences always begin subconsciously, and often it’s only in retrospect that I identify them. I don’t expect to completely understand why an influence has imposed itself. I do think I've been affected by the films of David Cronenberg for this production: pace, economic shot selection, his film Eastern Promises especially. The brooding atmosphere, the colour, the darkness seem to marry with the world I saw Macbeth taking place in. Compared to a production like The Odyssey, in which there was a myriad of influences, Macbeth is far leaner. It’s written for the stage.

How do you choose your dancers?

Sometimes I’ll have particular dancers in mind for a production, and this will have a

bearing on whether I pursue it or not whether it’s an established narrative or something I’ve written myself. With Macbeth, I had a combination of dancers I already knew and some new ones. I held an audition, for which we had over 650 applicants. From that, I took three dancers. They needed to be strong dramatically and in contemporary and classical technique.

Your music choice for Macbeth is classical and doesn't involve any of your own composition, unlike many of your other productions...

The music of Arvo Pärt was a fundamental decision in realising a through-line for Macbeth. I was instantly drawn to how it captures something deep inside us. It can be sparse, refined - and for me, Macbeth is a refined play. Like Arvo Pärt’s music, there’s so much going on with every line, every suggestion. This enables our imagination to transcend to the state of what’s inside the protagonists, what they’re missing, the state of their souls. I felt the combination of the subject matter and this music created something beautiful and tragic. And these two elements were the basis of my interpretation of Macbeth.

Mark Bruce Company performs Macbeth at DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, on Thurs 8 & Fri 9 February. whatsonlive.co.uk 37

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Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Black Panther CERT tbc Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis Directed by Ryan Googler (USA)

It’s all so melodramatic. Anything that happens in the Marvel Universe is always catastrophic or dystopian or cataclysmic - or all three.

This edition - the 18th Marvel spectacular - sees T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) return to his African nation on the death of his father, the King of Wakanda. However, as T'Challa - aka Black Panther - takes his rightful seat on his father’s throne, factions in his country rise up to depose him. So, in order to prevent a world war, T'Challa calls on CIA

agent Everett K Ross (Martin Freeman), and special forces within his own country, to avert catastrophe. While not strictly endowed with superhero powers, T'Challa does possess a formidable intellect as well as some pretty good martial arts skills, which should help. The director, Ryan Googler, previously brought us the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015).

Released Tues 13 February

Film highlights released in February...

Journey’s End CERT 12a (108 mins)

Phantom Thread

Starring Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, Toby Jones, Tom Sturridge, Stephen Graham, Paul Bettany Directed by Saul Dibb (UK)

CERT 15 (130 mins)

In light of the explicit nature of more recent war films, it is refreshing to encounter the mental mutilation of war rather than the physical. Saul Dibb is a competent if sometimes journeyman director, but he has secured some first-rate acting from his cast, particularly Paul Bettany. Based on the 1928 play by RC Sherriff, the drama is set in the trenches of the First World War. Released Fri 2 February

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, Vicky Krieps, Camilla Rutherford, Gina McKee Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (USA)

Lies We Tell CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Gabriel Byrne, Sibylla Deen, Mark Addy, Jan Uddin, Harvey Keitel Directed by Mitu Misra (UK)

Gabriel Byrne plays the chauffeur for an American gangster (Keitel) who has to eradicate all trace of his employer’s mistress (Sibylla Deen), both the cousin and ex-wife of a notable Muslim gangster.

Unfortunately, Byrne is woefully miscast as the lowly, long-suffering dogsbody, while the Muslims are drawn as stereotypes. Nothing rings remotely true.

Daniel Day-Lewis is Reynolds Woodcock, an obsessive, controlling couturier in 1950s’ London, and the actor commands the screen with his customary presence. It’s a painstakingly crafted drama, reflecting the attention to detail which Woodcock lavishes on his creations for the rich and famous. However, it is a film that one tends to admire rather than engage with, but one cannot deny its noble power and originality.

Released Fri 2 February

Released Fri 2 February whatsonlive.co.uk 39

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Film highlights released in February...

The Shape Of Water CERT 15 (123 mins)

Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Octavia Spencer Directed by Guillermo del Toro (USA/Canada)

It’s not every day that you come across a romantic sci-fi fantasy steeped in nostalgia and menace. Perhaps the most original film we are likely to see all year, this nonetheless recalls a number of unique classics, from Amélie to Beauty And The Beast via The Creature From The Black Lagoon and Splash.

The first shock is to see the Dulwich-born Sally Hawkins surrounded by a slew of heavyweight American character actors, all of whom play to their strengths.

In the opening voice-over, the benign, considered tones of Richard Jenkins tell us of “the princess without voice” and “the monster who tries to destroy it all.” The monster is Colonel Strickland, a cold-blooded estab-

lishment figure who looks down on anybody or anything that doesn’t fit in with his narrow view of what is all-American. As played by Michael Shannon, he is a suitably despicable figure, constantly crunching on cheap candy (when he’s not swigging on the hard stuff).

But none of the stereotypes here stick to the expected norm. It’s hard not to supress a giggle when a thick-set Russian thug, chowing down on a slice of butter cake, asks for a glass of milk to go with it. But what is The Shape Of Water? It’s a hopelessly romantic adult fairytale which reminds us not to fear what we don’t understand. It’s a timely piece, too, albeit set in Maryland in the early 1960s, when Mister Ed was on television and racism was still a way of life. Yet, no sooner do we think we’ve got the film clocked, than the director, Guillermo del Toro, throws us a curveball. It’s sweet and funny, yes, but it’s got extremely sharp teeth.

Released Wed 14 February

Roman J Israel, Esq

Fifty Shades Freed

CERT 12a (122 mins)

CERT tbc

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Mercy CERT 12a (102 mins)

Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger, Arielle Kebbel, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora Directed by James Foley (USA)

Just when Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey have finally tied the knot, ghosts from the couple’s past emerge to darken their domestic bliss. At last, the final chapter in the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy.

Released Fri 9 February

Starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Amari Cheatom Directed by Dan Gilroy (USA)

An idealistic defence attorney in the cutthroat criminal court system of Los Angeles, Roman finds himself at a dramatic crossroads in his career. For his part, Denzel received his ninth Golden Globe nomination.

Starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, David Thewlis, Ken Stott, Jonathan Bailey Directed by James Marsh (UK)

Colin Firth plays Donald Crowhurst, the amateur sailor who competed in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968. However, Crowhurst was not entirely honest about his attempt to navigate his way around the world’s oceans.

Released Fri 9 February

Released Fri 2 February

The 15:17 To Paris Winchester CERT tbc

CERT 15 (94 mins)

Starring Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Snook, Angus Sampson Directed by The Spierig Brothers (Australia/USA)

Starring Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone, Judy Greer, Jenna Fischer Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA)

Dame Helen stars as the heiress of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company who believes she is being haunted by the gunshot victims of the rifle. From the siblings who brought us Jigsaw (2018).

Sadler, Skarlatos and Stone play themselves in this re-telling of the terrorist attack on the Thalys train to Paris in August of 2015. Clint Eastwood, now 87, directs the real-life thriller.

Released Fri 2 February

Released Fri 9 February

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Film

Tad The Lost Explorer And The Secret Of King Midas CERT U (85 mins)

With the voices of Kerry Shale, Ariel Winter, Bruce Mackinnon, Cheech Marin Directed

by Enrique Gato and David Alonso (Spain)

An animated spoof of Indiana Jones from Spain, this is actually a sequel, in which the awkward archaeologist Tad Jones must rescue his would-be girlfriend from the clutches of a greedy millionaire. In 3D. Released Fri 9 February

Lady Bird CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein Directed by Greta Gerwig (USA)

As character studies goes, this nuanced portrait of a young woman learning to walk in an adult world is as truthful, funny and moving as any we’ve seen. As an actress, Greta Gerwig can tend towards the mannered, but her skill as a writer and debutant director is completely free of artifice. Her film is one we will want to re-visit, if only to savour its discreet period milieu (2002), understated humour and marvellous performances.

Loveless CERT 15 (122 mins) Starring Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin, Matvey Novikov, Marina Vasilyeva, Andris Keišs Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev (Russia)

Andrey Zvyagintsev's last film, Leviathan (2014), was powerful, pervasive, poetic and shocking. With Loveless, the director still exerts a mastery of his form and wallows in the bleak wintry landscape of Moscow and its environs. He’s also lured starkly naturalistic performances from his cast in order to paint a

grim portrayal of a disintegrating marriage and the domestic unit as battlefield. On the radio, there’s talk of Armageddon, and later the horrors of the Ukrainian conflict. His protagonists, when not trading insults, are glued to their mobile phones.

Zvyagintsev would seem to be trading in his country’s propensity for gloom, and brandishing it with nationalistic pride. You have been warned.

Released Fri 9 February

I, Tonya CERT 15 (119 mins)

Released Wed 14 February

Starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Cannavale, Mckenna Grace Directed by Craig Gillespie (USA)

Father Figures CERT 15 (113 mins)

The Tonya in question is the figure skater Tonya Harding, who was famously involved in an attack on her rival and Olympic teammate Nancy Kerrigan.

For her role as Tonya, Margot Robbie was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Starring Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, JK Simmons, June Squibb, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close Directed by Lawrence Sher (USA)

Twin brothers Owen Wilson and Ed Helms hit the road on a quest to find their father, after discovering that he is still alive. The American critics were not amused.

Released Tues 20 February

Released Wed 14 February

Finding Your Feet CERT 12a (111 mins)

Starring Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, David Hayman, John Sessions, Joanna Lumley Directed by Richard Loncraine (UK/Canada/Australia/USA)

Sandra (Staunton) moves in with her estranged sister Bif (Imrie) when she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. But Bif, darling, is so not her and lives on an inner-city council estate. Needs must…

Released Fri 23 February whatsonlive.co.uk 41

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

New Art West Midlands Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 16 February - Sun 6 May; Airspace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 23 February - Sat 31 March; Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 24 February - Sun 13 May

Image credit: Olivia Peake

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Recent graduates from the region’s six art schools have the chance to see their work professionally exhibited this month when New Art West Midlands (NAWM) returns with its annual showcase.

Now in its sixth year, the exhibition forms part of the NAWM organisation’s wider mission to develop new talent and promote engagement with visual arts.

“The idea is that this is a multi-site exhibition rather than a tour,” says Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery curator Lisa Beauchamp, “so there will be different artists presenting work at each of the galleries. Each venue curates their own exhibition, so they will all be communicating different themes and ideas through the work of the artists they show.

“Part of that will be based on what we feel is going to resonate with and appeal to our audiences, which are quite different in each location. For example, Airspace is a dedicated contemporary art space that only has one exhibition at a time, whereas in Birmingham, we’ve got lots of things going on at once and all sorts of different visitors, from families to art students and from people who are already really engaged with art to people who may never have come into a gallery before. So all of that contributes to the choices we make.”

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Visual Arts

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co. Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 10 February - Sun 29 April

This new exhibition is set to bring back nostalgic childhood memories for fans of TV favourites Pogles’ Wood, Noggin The Nog and Ivor The Engine.

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, a touring show from the V&A Museum of Childhood, pays homage to the creations of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, who started collaborating on children’s television programmes back in the 1950s.

The Dekkan Trap MAC, Birmingham, Sat 17 February - Sun 22 April

Photo credit: The Dunara Castle at Iona by FCB Cadell (1871 - 1935) courtesy of the © Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation

Mumbai-based artist Sahej Rahal works across performance, video, installation and sculpture to develop complex narrative-based installations. Taking influences from subjects as diverse as philosophy and science fiction, Sahej this month brings his latest sculptural and film work to Birmingham, and will continue to evolve the exhibition during its MAC residency.

The Rhythm Of Light: Scottish Colourists From The Fleming Collection Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 16 February - Sun 13 May

Photo credit: The Feathered Hat, c.1915 by FCB Cadell (1871 1935) courtesy of the © Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation

Comprising works on loan from the prestigious Fleming Collection, The Rhythm Of Light features paintings produced by a quartet of artists collectively known as the Scottish Colourists.

SJ Peploe, JD Fergusson, FCB Cadell and Leslie Hunter each responded to the revolutionary impact of modern French art - from Manet to Matisse - to produce vibrant images of cityscapes, still lifes and landscapes, all of which reveal a shared preoccupation with light, rhythm and colour.

Photo courtesy of the artist and Chatterjee & Lai, Mumbai

Sacred Things Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 11 February

LEGO: Brick History Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 9 February - Sun 15 April

Although for the majority of people Lego bricks are simply a toy with which to keep small children entertained, for some they’re a challenging and enjoyable modelling medium.

The potential of these hugely popular plas-

tic construction pieces is here celebrated via an exhibition that brings history to life at a relatable, human level.

Lego models on show include representations of key figures from Mozart to Martin Luther King, presentations of scientific discoveries from the Big Bang to DNA, and constructions acknowledging major achievements, from the creation of mobile phones to man landing on the moon.

This thought-provoking exhibition has been created with the intention of introducing recently arrived Syrians to the people of Coventry.

Showcasing the work of photographer and anthropologist Liz Hingley, Sacred Things questions the importance and impact of ownership, personal experience and cultural concepts of beauty. The Syrians featured in Hingley’s display have come to Coventry as part of a unique United Nations programme. whatsonlive.co.uk 43

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Events

Events previews from around the region

Race Retro Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Fri 23 - Sun 25 February

Now in its 16th year, Race Retro showcases every motorsport discipline, including formula and circuit racing, rallying, hill climbs, touring cars, motorcycling, sports and GT cars.

The show also offers visitors the chance to purchase parts, spares, helmets and clothing, not to mention new racing or rally cars in a special auction.

Highlight of the 2018 event is a 40th-anniversary celebration of the ground-effects era, the centrepiece of which is the Lotus 79 that took Mario Andretti to the world championships. The car was the first to take on the ground-effects technology (way back in 1978), and is featured at the show alongside numerous other iconic cars of the same era. Among them is the Williams FW07, which saw Alan Jones win the championship in 1980, and the Ralt 3 in which Martin Brundle raced against Ayrton Senna in British F3.

Star Cars British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February

“We have an exciting two weeks of interactive family-friendly activities planned,” says British Motor Museum’s Emma Rawlinson, in talking about the venue’s Star Car event. “There’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained, whatever the weather!”

Highlights include the opportunity to meet Thunderbirds’ Parker or Lady Penelope on a special family tour, and the chance to make a Star Car to take home - creative kids can choose from templates of FAB1, Tomb Raider or Shaun the Sheep's Land Rover.

Large Lego bricks are available for under-fives to enjoy, along with a self-guided trail designed to enable visitors of all ages to explore the Star Cars as a family.

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show NEC, Birmingham, Tues 20 - Sun 25 February

Attracting huge crowds and promising to be bigger and better than ever, the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show features hundreds of exhibitors.

As well as showcasing all the latest products, the show also offers buying tips, holiday advice and a packed programme of events and entertainment.

New for 2018 is the Holiday Park Experience, complete with climbing wall, play area and bushcraft classes.

Other features include a top dog arena, the Discovery Theatre offering a programme of contributions by inspirational and informative speakers, including Birmingham’s very own celebrity chef, Rustie Lee - live cookery demonstrations and taster towing & motorhome manoeuvring tuition.

The show is being opened by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who’ll be sharing stories of his worldwide adventures as well as highlighting the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors in terms of overall health and wellbeing. whatsonlive.co.uk 45

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Events

Events previews from around the region

Pirate and Princess Takeover

The National Wedding Show

Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 February

Well shiver those timbers and straighten that tiara - Alton Towers Resort is certainly the place to take your little pirates and princesses this halfterm holiday!

The popular visitor attraction is hosting a range of family-focused themed activities this month, including a disco, a treasure hunt, meet-and-greets with CBeebies Land characters and the chance to learn some essential pirate skills (we’re confident this won’t include making people walk the plank!).

Away from the princess & pirate theme, visitors can check out Sharkbait Reef to see a variety of amazing fish, splash around in the tropical surroundings of the Alton Towers Waterpark, and enjoy a round of what’s being termed ‘extraordinary’ golf.

Promising a one-stop shop for all a bride and groom’s wedding needs, The National Wedding Show provides a platform for retailers to showcase both the trendy and the traditional, and features an unrivalled selection of wedding dresses.

The 2018 show includes the chance to get creative with free DIY wedding workshops at the Inspiration Lab, top tips on fashion, health and beauty on the Style Stage, advice from industry experts on the Hitched Wedding Planning Platform, and an opportunity to check out a selection of ‘delectable creations’ from top cakemakers at the Inspired Bakes Gallery.

British Athletics Indoor Championships 2018 Arena Birmingham, Sat 17 & Sun 18 February

With the prestigious honour of being crowned British champion up for grabs, not to mention the need to impress ahead of next month’s IAAF World Indoor Championships (1 - 4 March, also at the Arena), this is certainly a high-stakes weekend for the competing athletes.

The event is this year debuting in Birmingham, having previously been held in Sheffield.

Dragon Hunt

The British Shooting Show

Tamworth Castle, Sun 18 - Sat 24 February

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Sun 18 February

As half-term activities go, Tamworth Castle’s is a pretty unusual one. Dragon-finding!

The castle’s resident fire-breather, Ruby, invited her mischievous brother Hafgrim to stay with her.

Problem is, Hafgrim thought it’d be a jolly good laugh to hide from his sister, and now seems to have gotten himself well and truly lost. Hence the need for some serious dragon-finding activity!

Participants need to stay on their guard, mind, as the ne’er-do-well dragoncatcher is up to his old tricks again, beguiling visitors into helping capture Ruby and Hafgrim. You have been warned...

The jewel in the crown of the shooting-show calendar, this two-day get-together offers visitors the chance to check out a vast range of guns, ammunition, reloading equipment and shooting associations and schools.

Highlights include a historical arms collection, gunsmith & engraving demonstrations and numerous arena displays. whatsonlive.co.uk 47

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Events previews from around the region

Thomas & Friends

Augmented Reality Dinosaur World

Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February

Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Mon 19 - Fri 23 February

Thomas the Tank Engine fans are certainly well catered for at Drayton Manor Park this half-term.

The Staffordshire visitor attraction is home to Europe’s only Thomas Land and will be running numerous rides during the holiday period, including Harold Helicopter Tours, Bertie Bus and Cranky Crane.

Among the venue’s other half-term highlights are selected family favourite rides around the park (not including the thrill rides), live shows with the Fat Controller and friends, and the chance to check out the 15-acre zoo, complete with recently arrived Red Pandas Tika and Pema.

Ironbridge Gorge’s Enginuity venue is going dino-crazy this half-term.

Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, visitors can immerse themselves in an Augmented Reality world in which they will magically appear on a big screen, seemingly surrounded by dinosaurs!

Other dinosaur-related half-term attractions include workshops in which youngsters can learn how to make Pterodactyl Fliers using brightly coloured craft materials.

A Dig Up A Dinosaur sand-pit, meanwhile, provides budding archaeologists with the chance to search for hidden artefacts.

Behind The Scenes Coventry Transport Museum, Sat 17 - Fri 23 February

Science and the arts combine at Coventry Transport Museum this half-term when visitors to the venue’s Learning Centre get the chance to make spectroscopes, thermometers and bugs.

Other holiday-week attractions include a chance to experiment with different types of fluids, use different materials to make a car collage and learn some ingenious engineering in order to make boxes with just a single piece of paper.

Shropshire Kids Festival Telford International Centre, Sat 24 & Sun 25 February

“We're celebrating our first year in Telford in style,” say the organisers of this action-packed event for youngsters of all ages. “We're going to make the International Centre into one huge play park for children to enjoy, with so much going on that your kids will have an amazing day filled with fun activities and giggles while at the same time discovering new talents. Our Shropshire Kidsfest really is a great day out for the whole family. We have something to suit all the little ones, and great food and drink for the adults to enjoy, not to mention live music throughout both days.”

Half-term at the Royal Shakespeare Company Various RSC venues, Stratfordupon-Avon, Mon 19 - Fri 23 February

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is offering so much by way of activities to enjoy this half-term holiday that it might make sense to spend the whole week in Stratford!

Highlights of the RSC’s familyfriendly programme include the chance for children of different ages to create their very own shortened version of Macbeth. There’s also a special workshop in which kids can learn how to use their voices, and a behind-the-scenes look at how theatrical bruises, cuts and scars are created.

The line-up also features a storytelling session and a day of free craft activities.

If ever a legendary theatre company had all the half-term bases covered... whatsonlive.co.uk 49

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Award FINALISTS in each category announced! VOTE for your WINNER!

What’sOn

Readers’ Awards

Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 10,000 votes across the West Midlands region! Now it’s time for you to VOTE once more to choose your ultimate WINNER in each category! Here are the award shortlist finalists: THEATRE: Midlands Large Theatre l Birmingham Hippodrome l New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham l Regent Theatre, Hanley l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l The REP, Birmingham l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THEATRE: Midlands Arts Centre l Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stoke l MAC, Birmingham l Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THEATRE: Best Touring Musical l Billy Elliot l Hairspray l Miss Saigon l The Addams Family l The Jersey Boys THEATRE: Best Touring Play l Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime l Finding Joy - Vamos Theatre l Jane Eyre (National Theatre) l Shirley Valentine l The Play That Goes Wrong THEATRE: Best Touring Company l Fizzogs l Highly Sprung l Motionhouse l Pentabus

l Rosie K Dance l Vamos Theatre THEATRE: Best Home-Produced Show In The Midlands l 101 Dalmatians The REP, Birmingham l Alice In Wonderland - The Old Rep l Brassed Off - Grand Theatre l The Dreaming - Lichfield Garrick l The Nativity - The REP, Birmingham & Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THEATRE: Best Pantomime In The Midlands 2017/18 l Aladdin - Lichfield Garrick l Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome l Jack And The Beanstalk Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Sleeping Beauty Swan Theatre, Worcester l Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THEATRE: Best Panto Dame l Ben Humphrey - Sleeping Beauty at Swan Theatre, Worcester l Brad Fitt - Snow White 1And The Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury l Ceri Dupree & David Dale - Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome l Ian Adams - Jack And The Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Sam Rabone - Aladdin at Lichfield Garrick

THEATRE: Best Festive Show l 101 Dalmatians The REP, Birmingham l A Christmas Carol The RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon l Alice In Wonderland The Old Rep, Birmingham l Stick Man - Birmingham Town Hall l The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe - Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THEATRE: Best Kids Show l Disney On Ice: Passport To Adventure l Gangsta Granny l Stick Man l The Snowman l We're Going On A Bear Hunt THEATRE: Best Amateur Dramatic/Operatic Group

l Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society (BMOS) l Get Your Wigle On, Shrewsbury l Mad Cows Productions, Shrewsbury l Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company l West Bromwich Operatic Society (WBOS) THEATRE: Best Amateur Production l BMOS: Miracle On 34th Street New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham l Bilston Operatic Company: A Christmas Carol Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Get Your Wigle On: Hairspray Theatre Severn

VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk 50 whatsonlive.co.uk

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#readersawards2018 l Mad Cow Productions: Present Laughter - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury l OJS Company - Bonnie & Clyde DANCE: Best Production

l Balletboyz: Fourteen Days l Birmingham Royal Ballet: Aladdin l Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker l Breakin’ Convention - The REP l Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

CLASSICAL (inc Opera): Best Production

l BCMG@30 CBSO Centre,Birmingham l Birmingham Bach Choir: Handel's Messiah - Wolverhampton Grand l CBSO Spectacular Classics Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Eugene Onegin - Welsh National Opera @ Birmingham Hippodrome l Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By Candlelight - Birmingham Cathedral l The Sixteen: Glory To The Christ Child Symphony Hall, Birmingham

CLASSICAL: Best Orchestra/Choir

l Birmingham Cathedral Choir l Birmingham Contemporary Music Group l Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l CBSO

ARTS: Best Midlands Arts/ Cultural Festival

l Artsfest Wolverhampton l Birmingham Comedy Festival l Birmingham Weekender l Lichfield Arts' Fuse Festival l Worcester Festival l Godiva Festival

ARTS: Best Exhibition

l Brick Wonders Wolverhampton Art Gallery l I Want! I Want! -

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l New Art West Midlands various venues l Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Compton Verney, Warwickshire l Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 - Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Best Midlands Musician l Dan Owen l Laura Mvula l Jack Blackman l Scott Matthews l Soweto Kinch

Best Midlands Live Band Best Independent Cinema

l Artrix - Bromsgrove l Electric Cinema - Birmingham l Light House Media Centre Wolverhampton l Old Market Hall - Shrewsbury l Red Carpet Cinema - Burton

COMEDY: Best Midlands Comedian l Barbara Nice l Greg Davies l Joe Lycett l Jonny Cole l The Fizzogs

COMEDY: Best Midlands Comedy Night

l Blue Giraffe Wolverhampton l Comedy Carousel at The Glee Club - Birmingham l Comedy at Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury l Comedy 42 - Lichfield Garrick l Fitz of Laughter (Stourbridge) l Funhouse Comedy - Birmingham & West Midlands

l Black Sabbath l Ocean Colour Scene l The Ronaldos l The Specials l UB40

Best Midlands Chef

l Adam Stokes (Adams, Birmingham)) l Andrea Birch (New Inn, Baschurch, North Shropshire) l Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Birmingham) l Josh Crouch (CSONS, Shrewsbury) l Luke Tipping (Simpsons, Birmingham)

Best Midlands Food Festival

l Colmore Food Festival - Birmingham l Foodies Festival Birmingham l Lichfield Food Festival l Ludlow Food Festival l Shrewsbury Food Festival

Best Midlands Street Food Vendor l Bournville Waffle Co l Buddha Belly l Vegan Grindhouse l Victorian Creperie l The Meat Shack

Best Midlands Music Venue (Large: 1000+ capacity)

Best Midlands Retail Shopping Centre

Best Midlands Music Festival

Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award

l Arena Birmingham l Civic Hall, Wolverhampton l Genting Arena, Birmingham l O2 Academy, Birmingham l Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Birmingham Pride l Lichfield Festival l Moseley Folk Festival l Shrewsbury Folk Festival l Swingamajig, Birmingham

l Bullring - Birmingham l Grand Central - Birmingham l intu Merry Hill - Brierley Hill l Telford Shopping Centre l Touchwood - Solihull

l Beverley Knight l Doreen Tipton l Frank Skinner l Joe Lycett l Julie Walters

and choose your WINNER! whatsonlive.co.uk 51

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What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION BIRMINGHAM

BLACK COUNTRY

WARWICKSHIRE

WORCESTERSHIRE

STAFFORDSHIRE

SHROPSHIRE

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

l MAC Birmingham l New Alexandra l Old Joint Stock l The Old Rep l The REP

Best Music Venue l The Glee Club l Hare & Hounds l MAC, Birmingham l The Jam House l The Sunflower

Lounge

l O2 Academy

Best Festival l Birmingham Comedy l Birmingham

Weekender l Moseley Folk l Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul l SHOUT Festival

Best Visitor Attraction l Birmingham Back to

Backs

l Birmingham Botanical

Gardens l Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l Cadbury World l Thinktank

Best Outdoor Event l Birmingham Frankfurt

Christmas Market

l Birmingham Pride l Christmas at

Birmingham Botanical Gardens l Digbeth Dining Club l Summer in Southside

Best Indoor Event l BBC Good Food

Show l Birmingham Cocktail Weekend l Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone In Concert l MCM Birmingham Comic Con l Strictly Come Dancing Live

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue

l The Barber Institute l Birmingham Museum

& Art Gallery l MAC Birmingham l IKON Gallery l Thinktank Museum

52 whatsonlive.co.uk

l Arena Theatre l Forest Arts Centre l Grand Theatre l Light House Media

Centre

l Stourbridge Town Hall

Best Music Venue l Brierley Civic Hall l Newhampton Arts

Centre l The Robin l The Slade Rooms l Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Best Visitor Attraction

l Black Country Living

Museum l Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust l Dudley Zoo l RAF Cosford Museum l Wightwick Manor

Best Event

l 1940s Evening - Black

Country Living Museum l Artsfest W’hampton l Black Country Boating Festival l Cosford Air Show l Dudley Beer Festival

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue l Bilston Craft Gallery l Dudley Museum

& Art Gallery l Light House Media Centre l New Art Gallery, Walsall l Wolverhampton Museum & Art Gallery

Best Independent Restaurant l Bella Restaurant,

Wolverhampton

l Il Michaelangelo,

Brierley Hill

l Indigo Restaurant,

Wolverhampton

l Mad O'Rourkes Pie

Factory, Dudley

l The Bilash,

Wolverhampton

Best Independent Cafe l Cozy Coffee, Dudley l Gluttons For

Nourishment l Madame Clarkes, Wolverhampton l The Old School Tea Rooms, W’hampton l Zuri, Wolverhampton

l Belgrade Theatre,

Coventry l Bear Pitt Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa l Warwick Arts Centre

Best Music Venue l Shakespeare Street,

Stratford-Upon-Avon l The Assembly, Leamington Spa l The Big Comfy Bookshop, Coventry l Tin Music & Arts, Coventry l Warwick Arts Centre

Best Festival

l Godiva Festival l Leamington Food and

Drink Festival

l Stratford-upon-Avon

Music Festival

l Stratford River Festival l Warwick Folk Festival

Best Visitor Attraction

l Charlecote Park l Compton Verney l Coventry Transport

Museum

l Shakespeare’s

Birthplace Trust

l Warwick Castle

Best Event

l 1960s Vintage Day at

Compton Verney

l Art In The Park l British Showjumping

Championships

l Godiva Festival l War of the Roses Live

at Warwick Castle

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue l Compton Verney l Coventry Music

Museum l Herbert Art Gallery l Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum l Mead Gallery

Best Independent Restaurant l Edward Moon,

Stratford-Upon-Avon l Fleur De Lys, Henley-in-Arden l La Coppola, Leamington Spa l Lambs Restaurant, Stratford-Upon-Avon l Vintner, Stratford-Upon-Avon

l Artrix, Bromsgrove l Huntingdon Hall,

Worcester

l Malvern Theatres l Swan Theatre,

Worcester l The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster l Palace Theatre, Redditch

Best Music Venue l Huntingdon Hall,

Worcester

l Lichfield Garrick l New Vic Theatre,

Newcastle-under-Lyme

l Prince of Wales,

Cannock

l Regent Theatre,

Stoke-on-Trent l Stafford Gatehouse Theatre l Lichfield Guildhall l Eleven,

Stoke-on-Trent

Kidderminster Bromsgrove

Best Festival

l The Hop Pole Inn, l The Marr's Bar,

Worcester

l The Queen's Head,

Bromsgrove

l The Iron Road, Eve-

sham

Best Festival l Droitwich Spa

Food Festival

l Malvern Food Festival l Worcester Festival l Worcester Music Fest l Upton Upon Severn

Jazz Festival l Asparafest, Evesham

Best Visitor Attraction

l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove l Hanbury Hall

and Gardens

l Lichfield Arts' Fuse

Festival

l Lichfield Festival l Lichfield Food Festival l Tamworth Arts Festival l V Festival

Best Visitor Attraction

l Alton Towers l Cannock Chase

Visitor Centre l Drayton Manor Theme Park l Lichfield Cathedral l National Memorial Arboretum l Tamworth Castle

Best Event

l Bonfire & Fireworks

at Trentham Estate

l Severn Valley Railway,

l Lichfield Proms at

Bewdley l West Mid Safari Park l Witley Court l Arley Arboretum l Eastnor Castle

Beacon Park l Scarefest at Alton Towers l St. George's Day at Tamworth Castle l The Cathedral Illuminated - Lichfield Cathedral

Best Independent Restaurant l Ostlers at No.1,

Worcester

l The Old Rectifying

House, Worcester l The Olive Branch, Worcester l The Orangery, Redditch l Venture In, Ombersley l The Royal Oak, Evesham

Best Independent Café

l Coffee No.1, Pershore l G&Tea, Worcester l Lorita's Bakehouse,

Bromsgrove l Mac & Jac's Cafe-Deli, Worcester l The Shambles Cafe, Bewdley l Word Of Mouth, Evesham

Shrewsbury

Best Music Venue l Albert's Shed,

Shrewsbury

Best Music Venue l The Sugarmill, Stoke l Victoria Hall, Hanley

l The Boar's Head,

l Theatre On The Steps l Theatre Severn l The Hive, Shrewsbury l The Place, Telford l The Wightman,

Best Independent Café l 15 On The Corner,

l Henry Tudor House,

Shrewsbury

l The Buttermarket,

Shrewsbury

l The Hive, Shrewsbury l The Wightman,

Shrewsbury

Best Festival

l Farmer Phil’s Festival l Ludlow Food Festival l Shrewsbury

Chocolate Festival

l Shrewsbury Folk

Festival

l Shrewsbury Food

Festival

Best Visitor Attraction

l Attingham Park l British Ironworks

Centre, Oswestry

l Dana Prison Tours l Ironbridge Museums l Severn Valley Railway,

Bridgnorth

Best Event

l 1940s Evening at

Blists Hill

l The Big Busk l Oktoberfest l Ludlow Food Festival l Shrewsbury Flower

Show

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue l Bear Steps Art

Gallery, Shrewsbury

l Coalbrookdale

Gallery, Ironbridge

Lichfield

l Shrewsbury Museum

Cafe, Lichfield

l Twenty Twenty

l Little Green Frog l Snug Coffee and Tea

Emporium, Rugeley

l The Apple Tree,

Barton Marina

l The Lounge of

Lichfield

Best Independent Restaurant l Mackenzies, Lichfield l 1709, The Brasserie l Olive Tree Restaurant l Netherstowe House l Christopher’s British

Bistro, Tamworth

& Art Gallery

Gallery, Much Wenlock

l Van, The Market Hall,

Shrewsbury

Best Independent Café l The Bird’s Nest Cafe,

Shrewsbury

l Ginger & Co,

Shrewsbury

l The Winding House

Tea Rooms, B-north

l Liar, Liar, Oswestry l Crystals Cupcakes,

Telford

Penguins.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 17:10 Page 1

GETTING IN A FLAP! Steve Ball talks to What’s On about Penguins, a new LGBT-friendly show about two ‘gay’ penguins that’s coming to the Birmingham Rep this month...

Penguins.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 17:10 Page 2

Why Penguins, Steve?

I’ve always been fascinated by the true story of Roy and Silo, two chinstrap penguins at New York City’s Central Park Zoo, who bonded as a couple and tried to hatch a rock as if it were an egg. On noticing this, the zookeeper gave them a spare egg from another couple that subsequently hatched. The baby penguin, Tango, and her two dads achieved celebrity status when the story was told in the New York Times in May 2004. It caught my imagination as being a story that could be brought to life on stage.

Who’s making the show?

It’s an international collaboration. We have a director from Northern Ireland, a French designer and a Spanish choreographer.

Penguins is directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney, founder and artistic director of Belfast children's theatre company Cahoots NI, who’ve gained an international reputation for creating magical theatrical experiences for young audiences. It’s

choreographed by Carlos Pons Guerra, founder of DeNada Dance Theatre, who’s created lots of cutting-edge dance, much of which has explored LGBT themes.

Who’s the show for?

It’s for everyone, but it’s been made with young children aged from three to seven in mind. It’s a family show, though, so will appeal to adults too.

Why is the show important?

First of all, it’s gong to be a great piece of dance theatre that will entertain and captivate audiences. But it’s also a celebration of different types of families and provides a safe space to explore and celebrate family relationships and diversity.

There are very few examples of theatre for children that offer these opportunities in a way that’s child-friendly in its simplicity and focus on story. Ultimately, this production is about love within a family, which is something all children should

relate to. As they grow up, children will meet, work and live alongside people who’re different to them, and as they watch Penguins they’ll be transported to a world where difference isn’t questioned; it just is.

No one questions the two male penguins who fall in love, and no one questions their desire to have a child. It’s very timely because the government has confirmed that from September 2019, all schools in England will be required by law to teach Relationship & Sex Education which must include reference to same-sex relationships.

When is Penguins on and how do we get tickets to see it?

Catch it at The REP from 1 to 10 February.

For tickets, call The REP’s box office on 0121 236 4455 or book online at birmingham-rep.co.uk Steve Ball is Associate Director at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome

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Your Y Yo ur weekb by -week by-week llistings li isti is t ng ngs gs gu gguide ide d de

February ebruary 2018

Awful Auntie at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry - Tues 20 to Sat 24 February

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I

What’s On

and more!

Thurs 1 to Sun 4 February

Mon 5 to Sun 11 February

Mon 12 to Sun 18 February

Mon 19 to Wed 28 February

Mirror Mirror at Artrix, Bromsgrove

Dane Baptiste at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

Stunt Fest at Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Palace Theatre, Redditch

Sun 4 February

Fri 9 February

Sat 17 February

Fri 23 February

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THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

Visual Arts Artrix, Bromsgrove NEW STUDIO 4: FIRE AND ICE Exhibition of striking images by four women artists with an interest in contemporary art, Wed 7 Feb - Sun 1 Apr

NEW NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Mixedmedia exhibition including painting, sculpture, digital and sound installations, assemblage, photography & prints by 28 selected artists, all of whom are recent graduates from the region’s six university art schools, Sat 24 Feb - Sun 13 May

The Hive, Worcester Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND IDENTITY Ground-breaking exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexual acts in England and Wales.

Featuring over 80 modern and contemporary artworks by internationally renowned artists who explore themes of gender, sexuality and identity in art, until Sun 15 Apr NEW NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS A mixed-media exhibition including painting, sculpture, digital and sound installations, assemblage, photography & prints by 28 selected artists, all of whom are recent graduates from the region’s six university art schools, Fri 16 Feb - Sun 6 May

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum LIGHTS OF LEAMINGTON In the 1950s, a festival called The Lights of Leamington drew 300,000 visitors to the town. This new exhibition, selected and curated by Birmingham-based artist Stuart Whipps, brings the theme up to date, showing the diverse ways that light runs through the collection at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, until Sun 15 Apr

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum MADE IN THE MIDDLE A recurring touring exhibition of high-quality contemporary craft and applied art from the Midlands, until Sat 10 Mar

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum SACRED THINGS: ELALMADINAH …TO THE CITY Thought-provoking exhibition by photographer and anthropologist Liz Hingley, created with the intention of introducing recently arrived Syrians to the people of Coventry, until Sun 11 Feb NEW COVENTRY ARCHIVES: COVENTRY LIFE IN THE 1960S Explore the Swinging 60s through photographs, newspapers, theatre, music and cinema, Fri 16 Feb - Fri 1 June NEW POP! BRITISH & AMERICAN ART 1960 -1975 Explore how art found its POP! in this transatlantic showcase of the movement’s most iconic artists, Fri 16 Feb - Sun 3 June

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NEW HEATHER & IVAN MORISON SCULPTURES Heather and Ivan were ‘artists in residence’ at The Hive and University of Worcester in 2017, Thurs 1 Feb - Sat 24 Mar NEW ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE Exhibition featuring 100 images submitted from over 80 countries and selected by an expert judging panel, Fri 2 Feb - Sun 18 Mar NEW SUFFRAGETTES, VOTERS AND WORCESTER WOMAN Exhibition to mark the centenary of some women’s enfranchisement in Britain on 6 February 1918, Mon 5 - Fri 23 Feb NEW WORCESTER STANDS TALL DESIGNS Artists have been dreaming-up colourful and inventive designs for giraffe sculptures, Thurs 8 - Tues 13 Feb, The Hive Worcester

Gigs HVMM Thurs 1 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester THE BOB DYLAN STORY Thurs 1 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Thurs 1 Feb. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry BROOKE BENTHAM Thurs 1 Feb, The Tin Music And Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry SLEEPTALKING Thurs 1 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham BITE THE BUFFALO Thurs 1 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LADY GAGA Thurs 1 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE DAMNED Thurs 1 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE AMAZONS Thurs 1 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery

POLICE DOG HOGAN Thurs 1 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

NEW THE WAR TO END ALL WARS Exhibition exploring how our future was changed forever by the First World War, Sat 3 Feb - Sat 10 Nov

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Thurs 1 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry

NEW BENJAMIN WILLIAMS LEADER: BLEST BY THE SUNS OF HOME Exhibition exploring the significance of landscape painting during World War One, when the British countryside became a symbol of hope and national identity at a time of crisis, Sat 17 Feb - Sat 2 June

Other VISUAL ARTS GARAGE ART GROUP Garage Arts promotes health & wellbeing through painting, drawing, textile and other visual arts, until Fri 9 Mar, Evesham Arts Centre

HIGHLY SUSPECT Fri 2 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham TOTALLY TINA, Fri 2 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE HOWL & THE HUM Fri 2 Feb, The Tin Music And Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry THE STYLE COUNCILLORS, Fri 2 Feb, The

Robin, Bilston CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. ROOKIE Fri 2 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham MELLSTOCK TRIO THOMAS HARDY SONGBOOK Fri 2 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester SHADOW CITY SOUNDSYSTEM & SALARY BOY Fri 2 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham MODERN DAY DELILAHS Fri 2 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE DEAD BOYS Fri 2 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE LEN PRICE 3 + THE DEEP SIX Fri 2 Feb, The Flapper, B’ham DEFINITELY MIGHTBE & ADORED Fri 2 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge GAZ BROOKFIELD AND THE COMPANY OF THIEVES Fri 2 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester 'OLLY MURS & BRUNO MARS' WITH ROBBIE GLENN Fri 2 Feb, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire LET'S HANG ON Fri 2 Sat 3 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull THE COUNTERFEIT STONES Fri 2 - Sat 3 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE ELVIS YEARS Sat 3 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury KAST OFF KINKS Sat 3 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry MALEEK BERRY Sat 3 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

THE ROCK 'N' ROLL ERA Sat 3 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester ALLISTER WHITEHEAD, JON DASILVA, TOMISLAV & PHIL GIFFORD Sat 3 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DANIEL CAESAR Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ANDY BROWN Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE BHANGRA SHOWDOWN Sat 3 Feb, Genting Arena, B’ham CELINE DOMMAERT & MONTPARNASSE Sat 3 Feb, The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon GREEN HAZE Sat 3 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester PAUL CARRACK Sat 3 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GAZ BROOKFIELD AND THE COMPANY OF THIEVES Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 3 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge GUNTHER PRAGUE, THE COURTESY GROUP + FUN SPONGE Sat 3 Feb, The Tin Music And Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry NATHAN CARTER Sun 4 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SHAKE THE CHAINS Sun 4 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall THE TASK IN HAND + SURPRISE ATTACKS PRESENTS... Sun 4 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester

CLARE WOODS Renowned British painter Clare has established her reputation with large-scale landscapes painted in household gloss and enamel on aluminium. The artist has recently moved into figurative painting, until Sat 10 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry NEVILLE STAPLE - THE ORIGINAL RUDE BOY The exhibition hopes to show many aspects of a man who has done so much for Coventry music, but also so much for other artists, until Sun 2 Dec, Coventry Music Museum Paul Carrack - Symphony Hall, Birmingham

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Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 February

Classical Music

JUNIOR SIMPSON, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, JARLETH REGAN & PETE OTWAY Sat 3 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham

RACHMANINOV'S SECOND Featuring Kazuki Yamada (conductor) & Dejan Lazić (piano). Programme includes works by Glinka, Beethoven & Rachmaninov, Thurs 1 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

DESIREE BURCH, EDDIE BRYANT & SPUDDZ Sat 3 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

CELEBRITY RECITAL: PETER DONOHOE (PIANO) Programme comprises five Mozart Sonatas, Thurs 1 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Theatre LET THE RIGHT ONE IN The Crescent Theatre Company present an amateur production based on John Ajvide Lindqvist's Swedish vampire fiction novel of the same name, Sat 27 Jan Sat 3 Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham

CBSO PRE-CONCERT SHOWCASE FEAT. ROMAN KOSYAKOV, DEJAN LAZIć & XIAOFEN SONG (PIANOS) Programme includes works by Haydn, Rachmaninov, Glinka, Beethoven, Gershwin/Earl Wild & Fazil Say, Thurs 1 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE BRITISH Amateur staging presented by the Nonentities, Mon 29 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster

ALEC FRANK-GEMMIL (HORN) & DANIEL GRIMWOOD (PIANO) Programme includes works by Mozart, Punto & Beethoven, Fri 2 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham

THE LATE MARILYN MONROE Biographical drama based on the final day of one of the most iconic movie stars of all time, Tues 30 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham

ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE PROJECTS ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor). Programme includes works by Schumann, Ibert & Korngold, Fri 2 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

HAYFEVER Noel Coward’s celebrated comedy, until Sat 3 Feb, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham

ARMONICO CONSORT Programme comprises Handel’s Water Music & Biber’s Missa Salisburgensis, Sat 3 Feb, Malvern Theatres

A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive classic. Phil Daniels stars, until Sun 4 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

EX CATHEDRA: MOZART’S WOMEN Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor) & Carolyn Sampson, Elizabeth Cragg, Elizabeth Adams & Katie Trethewey (sopranos), Sun 4 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & EARLY MODERN ENSEMBLE Featuring Andrew Kirkman (conductor) & Amy Brosius (EMVE Director) Sun 4 Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of B’ham

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL The inspiring story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, until Sat 3 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome

IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 CONSPIRATOR Mike Poulton turns his pen to the thrilling world of power politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy.

Gregory Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon

Comedy

IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART II DICTATOR Mike Poulton turns his pen to the thrilling world of power politics in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL MCCAFFERY & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

TWELFTH NIGHT Ade Edmundson & Kara Tointon star in Shakespeare’s tale of unrequited love, until Sat 24 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

JIM DAVIDSON Thurs 1 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Guy Masterson’s Shylock - The Swan Theatre, Worcester

ring Jacob Lovick & Vita Fox, Fri 2 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham

Booth, Jerome Flynn. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 2 & Mon 5 Feb

UNDER MILK WOOD Guy Masterson brings all of Dylan Thomas’ 69 characters to life in an ‘amazing’ feat of memory and virtuosity, Fri 2 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester

MOLLY'S GAME (15) Biography/Drama.

Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba.

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb

BRIEF ENCOUNTER Emma Rice's staging of Noel Coward's haunting love story, Fri 2 - Sat 17 Feb, The REP, Birmingham

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) Biography/Crime. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb

SHYLOCK Guy Masterson promises a powerful portrayal of Shakespeare’s comic villain, Sat 3 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester MRS BLOSSOM’S MAGIC CAKES Join in the fun, songs and audience participation in popular plays for children aged from two to nine, Sat 3 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester THE M.M.O.R.P.G SHOW Return of the much-acclaimed show, combining improvised comedy with tabletop gaming, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign language in a mischievous take on the ever-popular tale of Snow White, Sun 4 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove

Film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 2 - Wed 7 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb

KATHERINE RYAN Fri 2 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SCOTT CAPURRO Fri 2 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

THAT'LL BE THE DAY Thurs 1 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

JUPITER'S MOON (15) Drama/Sci-Fi. Starring Merab Ninidze, Zsombor Jéger. Foreign language, subtitled.

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 1 Feb

RAW COMEDY Fri 2 Feb, Evesham Arts Centre

PENGUINS Unique and engaging show for children about friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 Feb, The REP, Birmingham

A WOMAN'S LIFE (12a) Drama. Starring Judith Chemla, Jean-Pierre Darroussin. Foreign language, subtitled.

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 1 Feb

ON WINGS Two-hander fusing comedy with a love story. Written by and star-

LOVING VINCENT (12a) Animation/Biography. With the voices of Douglas

SAMANTHA BAINES Sat 3 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove

PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Animation/Adventure. Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant. Warwick Arts Centre, Sat 3 Feb

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 2 Feb, showing at selected cinemas DEN OF THIEVES (tbc) JOURNEY'S END (12a) PHANTOM THREAD (15) ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ (12a) WINCHESTER (tbc)

MALCOLM STENT’S SONGS OF PRAISE Hymns & songs with a comedy sparkle, Thurs 1 Feb, The Core, Solihull

SUZI RUFFELL, GEOFF NORCOTT, ANDY ROBINSON & PAUL MCCAFFERY Fri 2 Sat 3 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham

THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama.

Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks.

Malvern Theatres, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, Fri 2 - Sun 11 Feb

Events BOUNDARY WALK Series of guided walks around the park's boundaries, Fri 2 Feb, Charlecote Park, Warwick SUNDAY TALK: 'THE GREAT BIRMINGHAM SQUABBLE' Fascinating glimpse into the history of Tudor and Stuart Birmingham and Yardley, Sun 4 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMILIES Learn more about coding with your kids at these brand new workshops, Sun 4 Feb, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire SPRING FAIR The UK’s definitive destination for the home & gift industry, Sun 4 - Thurs 8 Feb, NEC, B’ham

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Classical Music

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Featuring Marin Alsop (conductor) & Nicola Benedetti (violin), Tues 6 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham

SINFONIA OF BIRMINGHAM Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) & Ben Dawson (piano). Programme includes works by Copland & Vaughan Williams, Sun 11 Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL Featuring Henry Fairs & Daniel Moult, Tues 6 Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham

Natalie Imbruglia - Birmingham Town Hall

Gigs NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Mon 5 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall KAIA KATER Mon 5 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham NYJO - FEMALE JAZZ ICONS Tues 6 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch WHILE SHE SLEEPS Tues 6 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ZARA MCFARLANE Wed 7 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham HOLLIE COOK Wed 7 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham FAIRPORT CONVENTION Wed 7 Feb, Lichfield Garrick MARK NEVIN & BAND Thurs 8 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham TONY ALLEN Thurs 8 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry JHENÉ AIKO Thurs 8 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham TDE PROMOTIONS: BIG SATAN: TIM BERNE, MARC DUCRET AND TOM RAINEY Thurs 8 Feb, MAC, Birmingham THE MAVERICKS Thurs 8 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT Thurs 8 Feb, The Robin, Bilston NIGHTMARES ON WAX Thurs 8 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham TANNAHILL WEAVERS Thurs 8 Feb, Hunting-

56 whatsonlive.co.uk

don Hall, Worcester NOBLE JACKS Fri 9 Feb, Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore STEVE KNIGHTLY SONGS & STORIES 2018 TOUR Fri 9 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester RE-TAKE THAT: WONDERLAND Fri 9 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch PEGGY SUE Fri 9 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry REGGAE TAKEOVER Fri 9 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE WHITE NOISE Fri 9 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE WORLD FAMOUS ELVIS SHOW Fri 9 - Sun 11 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry SUPREME QUEEN Sat 10 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge ALIVE AND DREL Sat 10 Feb, Malvern Theatres SWINGING 60’S & MOTOWN’ PARTY WITH THE KRYSTALETTES Sat 10 Feb, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell JEZ LOWE Sat 10 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall BARS AND MELODY Sat 10 Feb, O2 Academy, Bristol Street

COLOSSUS YETI Fri 9 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

JUAN MARTIN Sat 10 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

KENDRICK LAMAR Fri 9 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

KEYWEST Sat 10 Feb, O2 Institute, B’ham

THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Fri 9 Feb, Malvern Theatres NICK HARPER Fri 9 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham KENT DUCHAINE Fri 9 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge BEE GEES FEVER Fri 9 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 9 Feb, Route 44, B’ham CLAUDE BOURBON, MEDIEVAL & SPANISH BLUES Fri 9 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch MAX BOYCE Fri 9 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury LOST SOCIETY Fri 9 Feb,

MIDDAY MUSIC WITH FU-MIN TSENG (PIANO) Programme includes works

by Brahms, Carl Vine & Liszt, Tues 6 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CBSO: PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION Featuring Constantinos Carydis (conductor) & Javier Perianes (piano). Programme includes works

by Skalkotttas, Falla & Mussorgsky, Wed 7 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham LONDON SINFONIETTE: TURNING POINTS 1960 Programme includes works by Ligeti, Stockhausen, Boulez & Berio, Wed 7 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH MUSICIANS FROM KING’S SCHOOL, WORCESTER Thurs 8 Feb, Worcester Cathedral CBSO OPERA GALA Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor), Natalya Romaniw (soprano), Madeleine Shaw (mezzo soprano), Noah Stewart (tenor) & Simon Thorpe (bass). Programme includes works by Saint-Saens, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, Ponchielli, Bizet, Wagner, Gounod & Verdi, Fri 9 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE SIXTEEN: VIVALDI GLORIA Fri 9 Feb, Worcester Cathedral

ABBA FOREVER Sat 10 Feb, The Swan Theatre Worcester

TRANSATLANTIC SESSIONS Sat 10 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MADE IN LIVERPOOL Sun 11 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ERASURE Sun 11 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham BREABACH Sun 11 Feb, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham THE LIQUOR AND POKER BAND Sun 11 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge

Comedy AHIR SHAH Thurs 8 Feb, The REP, Birmingham THE COMEDY HUT Fri 9 Feb, The Civic, Stourport-on-Severn PATRICK MONAHAN Fri 9 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOE LYCETT, TOM PARRY, MIKE BUBBINS, RACHEL PARRIS & DANNY CLIVES Fri 9 Feb, MAC, Birmingham ANDREW LAWRENCE, MICHAEL FABBRI, ANT DEWSON & CHRIS BROOKER Fri 9 Feb, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton PAUL CHOWDHRY Sat 10 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry GARRETT MILLERICK, ANDRE VINCENT, STEVE HARRIS & JAKE LAMBERT Sat 10 Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 10 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove MILTON JONES Sun 11 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham JOSH PUGH & JO D'ARCY Sun 11 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham VENUS VS MARS Sun 11 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Theatre

THE FEZ Sat 10 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester MEAT LOUD Sat 10 Feb, Evesham Arts Centre

ENSEMBLE 360: STAN & MABEL AND THE RACE FOR SPACE Featuring Polly Ives (narrator), Sun 11 Feb, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

SIGLO DE ORO Programme weaves together a musical history from the Reformation and Counter-reformation with works by Josquin, Tye, Sheppard, Byrd, Palestrina & Victoria, Fri 9 Feb, The Barber Institute, B’ham LEON MCCAWLEY PIANO CONCERT Programme includes works by Haydn, Hans Gal, Beethoven & Schubert, Fri 9 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR - COME AND SING! MOZART’S REQUIEM Sat 10 Feb, Selly Oak Methodist Church, B’ham ENSEMBLE 360: BRAVO BRAHMS Programme comprises Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor Op. 34 & Serenade No.1 in D Op 11, Sun 11 Feb,

ABSENT FRIENDS Amateur staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy, Mon 5 - Sat 10 Feb, Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre, Kenilworth THE SOUND OF MUSIC Lucy O’Bryrne (The Voice) takes the lead as Maria in a lavish staging of one of the greatest musicals of all time, Tues 6 Sat 10 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry KANADA Brand new play telling the story of two Jewish prisoners in the Second World War concentration camp of Auschwitz, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham JERSEY BOYS The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Tues 6 Sat 17 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent CHOKE Chris O’Connell’s story of life-

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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 February long friends Rob & Stu, each staring at the gap between who they thought they were and who they are now, Tues 6 - Sat 17 Feb, Shop Front Theatre, Coventry

SLEEPING BEAUTY GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE Travel through time as this traditional pantomime is given an unusual twist, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Feb, The Core, Solihull

MAMMA MIA! The sensational feelgood musical returns to the Midlands, Tues 6 - Sat 24 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

ROBBIE'S SUPERSONIC ROCKET - THE MUSICAL! Timeless musical based on Hazel & Andy Hiles’ newly published picture storybook. Suitable for children aged between one and 11, Sat 10 Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham

BLACK MEN WALKING Eclipse Theatre Company present an innovative new play which tells the story of three middle-aged men who find themselves travelling further than any of them expected when they set out for a walk in the Peak District, Wed 7 Sat 10 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign language in a mischievous take on the ever-popular tale of Snow White, Sun 11 Feb, MAC, Birmingham DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON Musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family, Sun 11 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Austen The Musical - Artrix, Bromsgrove

Dance AUSTEN THE MUSICAL Rob Winslow's full version of his new musical, which explores the transition of Jane Austen from country parson's daughter to one of the most widely read writers in English literature, Thurs 8 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove GREAT EXPECTATIONS New staging of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Feb, Malvern Theatres TWIST & SHOUT An all-star West End cast present a musical celebration of the 1960s, Fri 9 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester THAT'LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostalgia, laughs and comic sketches, Sat 10 Feb, Bedworth Civic Hall NOTHING Series of interwoven monologues dealing with issues including customer service, crap television, cup cakes, sex, buses and stalking, Sat 10 - Sat 17 Feb, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham BILLY LIAR Roses Youth Theatre present an amateur staging of Keith Waterhouse’s groundbreaking novel, Sun 11 Feb, The Roses, Tewkesbury

Kids Theatre TELETUBBIES LIVE The iconic, Teletubbies star in their first ever theatre show, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham HUSH-A-BYE Oily Cart present an interactive, multisensory production for the very young, with live music and puppets, Wed 7 - Sun 11 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

CINDERELLA New Adventures present Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairytale, hailed as one of the company’s most popular and beloved productions, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome JOSS ARNOTT DANCE: TRIPLE BILL Featuring two brand new dance works A Movement In 3 and RUSH - alongside the company's internationally award-winning solo, V, which features live music for the very first time, Wed 7 Feb, MAC, Birmingham MACBETH The award-winning Mark Bruce Company present a striking dance theatre adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Thurs 8 Fri 9 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12a) Biography/Comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 6 & Fri 9 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Oldman, Lily James. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig.

Malvern Theatres, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Redmayne. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 9 - Fri 16 Feb TIREZ SUR LE PIANISTE (12)

Drama/Thriller. Starring Charles Aznavour, Marie Dubois. Foreign language, subtitled. The Coach House Theatre, Malvern, Sun 11 Feb THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring James Franco, Dave Franco. Malvern Theatres, Sun 11 Feb

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 9 Feb, showing at selected cinemas FIFTY SHADES FREED (18) LOVELESS (15) TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS (U) THE 15:17 TO PARIS (15) THE MERCY (12a)

Events STAR VEHICLE STORIES Interactive stories, songs and hands-on experiences, Mon 5 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum PACKWOOD BREAKFAST TOURS 2018 Every Monday in February enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by an exclusive tour of the house and attic spaces, displayed just as Baron Ash intended his guests to view them, Mon 5 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull STEMTASTIC EXPLORERS Introducing different Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) themes with songs, stories and experiments, Wed 7 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Fri 9 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs ALL-STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING 2018 Larger-than-life characters from all corners of the world do battle inside the ring, Fri 9 Feb, Royal Spa Centre,

Leamington Spa 100 COCKPITS AND CABS Rare chance to get a closer look inside 100 cockpits and vehicles from the collection, Fri 9 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shifnal RAG RUG VALENTINES HEART Have a go at crafting a traditional handmade decoration with a romantic twist, Sat 10 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs ST RICHARD'S HOSPICE LANTERN WALK Sat 10 Feb, Croome Park, Worcester NORDIC WALKING COURSE Nordic walking is a complete body workout that can be enjoyed by anyone of any fitness level, Sat 10 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull VICTORIAN VALENTINE WEEKEND See the townsfolk at Blists Hill Victorian Town preparing for the romantic day in their cottages, demonstrating crafts such as decoupage and cardmaking, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Feb, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sat 10 - Sun 11 Feb, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire STAR CARS - FEBRUARY HALF TERM Meet Parker or Lady Penelope and discover some of the stories behind the museum's collection of Star Cars.

Get creative with crafts and complete the Star Car Trail, Sat 10 - Sun 25 Feb, British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Warwickshire THOMAS & FRIENDS Meet Thomas and all his friends at Europe's only Thomas Land, Sat 10 - Sun 25 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth PIRATE AND PRINCESS WEEK Featuring a treasure hunt, meet-and-greets with CBeebies Land characters, an essential pirate skills school and a disco with fancy dress parade, Sat 10 - Sun 25 Feb, Alton Towers, Staffordshire DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMILIES Learn more about coding with your kids at these brand new workshops, Sun 11 Feb, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire

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SUN 18th FEB, 2.30pm

CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DINOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS

Les Petites Theatre Company performs the hugely anticipated sequel based on the book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto.

Ages 3+

TUE 24th APR, 7.30pm

A BRAVE FACE

A Brave Face explores Post-Traumatic Stress, an unseen and often unrecognised injury of war, and the impact it can have on even the closest of families. With compassion and fearlessness, Vamos brings its trademark, wordless, full mask style to a story that needs to be told.

THU 19th APR, 7.30pm

JANE EYRE – AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY ★★★★★ ‘Truly extraordinary… one of the most exciting young performers on the British Stage’ (British Theatre Guide)

TUE 1st MAY, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

LEARNED FRIENDS

Prosecution and Defence Counsel await the verdict in the trial of a high profile football manager. Each holds a secret which will pose irreconcilable conflicts as irregularities in the trial are exposed and friendships, careers and the true course of justice are placed on trial.

www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438

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Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February Tin Music And Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Sat 17 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch THE REAL COOL Sat 17 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham MAGIC VOICES IN CONCERT Sat 17 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull

Rachel Newton - The Fleece Inn, Nr Evesham

Gigs FCS: JAYA THE CAT Mon 12 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester MAX & HARVEY Mon 12 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham NICK HAKIM Mon 12 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ALIEN ANT FARM Mon 12 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

Lounge, Birmingham DERMOT KENNEDY Thurs 15 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham DON BROCO Thurs 15 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE SCRIPT Thurs 15 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE ELVIS YEARS – THE STORY OF THE KING Fri 16 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch

GYJO & MYJO: A BIG BAND EXTRAVAGANZA Sat 17 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury TROPICAL SOUNDCLASH Sat 17 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham HRH METAL: WEEKEND TICKET Sat 17 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham I’M STILL STANDING – THE ELTON JOHN STORY Sat 17 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry $UICIDEBOY$ Sat 17 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ALADDINSANE - SOUND & VISION OF DAVID BOWIE Sat 17 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester

IRON & WINE Tues 13 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE LIONEL RICHIE SONGBOOK Fri 16 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester

MADI SASKIA Tues 13 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Fri 16 Feb, Malvern Theatres

VALENTINE'S HEART & SOUL PARTY WITH HARRY CAMBRIDGE Sat 17 Feb, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell

WILLY MASON Tues 13 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

CHANGING MAN VS. THE POLICE FORCE Fri 16 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

THE WHITNEY HOUSTON LIVE EXPERIENCE Sat 17 - Sun 18 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove

JEN CLOHER Fri 16 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

RODERICK WILLIAMS & IAN BURNSIDE Sun 18 Feb, Malvern Theatres

KING 810 Fri 16 Feb, The Asylum, B’ham

THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA Sun 18 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

REBECCA FERGUSON Tues 13 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall BOWLING FOR SOUP Tues 13 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE BLUES BAND - 39 YEARS AND BACK FOR MORE Wed 14 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester WARWICK FUSED VII: LOVE WILL FIND A WAY Wed 14 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry TANNAHILL WEAVERS Wed 14 Feb, The Red Lion Folk Club, B’ham FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS Wed 14 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull ROMANCE ON VALENTINE’S NIGHT WITH BOOTLEG BARLOW Wed 14 Feb, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell INDOOR PETS Thurs 15 Feb, The Sunflower

JOHN OTWAY Fri 16 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT TO THE MAN IN BLACK) Fri 16 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

TRIP Sun 18 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge PENGUIN CAFE Sun 18 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY Fri 16 Feb, Bedworth Civic Hall

PAUL CARRACK Sun 18 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS Fri 16 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY, Sun 18 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

LABOUR OF LOVE - UB40 TRIBUTE Sat 17 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

RACHEL NEWTON Sun 18 Feb, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham

PIANO WIRE, TENEBROUS LIAR + HORSEFLIES Sat 17 Feb, The

PUBLIC ACCESS T.V Sun 18 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

Classical Music

Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

GAMELAN ENSEMBLE Dr Andy Channing directs a lunchtime concert featuring traditional music from Indonesia, Mon 12 Feb, The Dome, The Bramall, Universiry of B’ham

LONDON HANDEL PLAYERS: BAROQUE REBELLION Featuring Mary Collins & Steven Player (baroque dancers), Fri 16 Feb, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire

RODERICK WILLIAMS AND ENGLISH SONG Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & Patrycja Pieczara (conductor). Programme includes works by Vaughan Williams, Finzi & Ireland, Tues 13 Feb, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon

ARCADIA STRING QUARTET Featuring Ana Török & Râsvan Dumitru (violins), Traian Boalā (viola) & Zsolt Török (cello). Programme includes works by Haydn, Bartok & Beethoven, Fri 16 Feb, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa

CZECH PHILHARMONIC - DVORÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY Featuring the Czech Philharmonic, Tomáš Netopil (conductor) & Alisa Weilerstein (cello). Programme includes works

by Mozart & Dvořák, Wed 14 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: ENGLISH GENIUS Featuring David Curtis (conductor) & Francesca Moore-Bridger (horn), Fri 16 Feb, Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Worcestershire

RODERICK WILLIAMS AND ENGLISH SONG Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & Patrycja Pieczara (conductor). Programme includes works by Vaughan Williams, Finzi & Ireland, Wed 14 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall CBSO: GRIEG’S PIANO CONCERTO Featuring the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Michael Seal (conductor) & Freddy Kempf (piano).

Programme includes works by Bax, Grieg & Elgar, Thurs 15 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring Rory Macdonald (conductor) & Kian Soltani (cello), Thurs 15 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry JOSE MENOR Lunchtime piano concert, Thurs 15 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THE GONZAGA BAND: VENICE 1629 Featuring Faye Newton (soprano), Jamie Savan & Helen Robert (cornett), Oliver Webber & Theresa Caudle (violins) & Steven Devine (organ & harpsichord), Thurs 15 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH ALEX MASON (ORGAN) Thurs 15 Feb, Worcester Cathedral ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Chloe Hanslip (violin) & Kenneth Woods (conductor).

Programme includes works by Mendelssohn, Brahms & Schumann, Thurs 15 Feb, Malvern Theatre BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL RECORDER & EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Feb, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: SYMPHONIC ROCK Fri 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DAN LAURIN (RECORDER) & ANNA PARADISO (HARPSICHORD) Fri 16 Feb,

ORCHESTRA OF SOLIHULL SCHOOLS IN CONCERT Fri 16 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

CAROLIN WIDMANN VIOLIN CONCERT Programme includes works by Pascal Dusapin, Hans Abrahamsen, Salvatore Sciarrino & Michael Zev Gordon, Fri 16 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Featuring Daniele Rosina (director) & Lydia Haynes (voice), Sat 17 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CBSO: CARMINA BURANA Featuring Michael Seal (conductor, Freddy Kempf (piano), Fflur Wyn (soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor), Leigh Melrose (baritone), the CBSO Chorus & CBSO Children's Chorus. Programme includes works by Bax, Grieg & Orff, Sat 17 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUSICAL & AMICABLE SOCIETY: BACH & VIVALDI CONCERTOS Featuring Roźa Bene, Robin Bigwood, Steven Devine & Martin Perks (harpsichords), Sat 17 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire MALVERN CONCERT CLUB WITH RODERICK WILLIAMS (BARITONE) & IAIN BURNSIDE (PIANO) Programme comprises Schubert’s Winterreise, D.911, Sun 18 Feb, Malvern Theatre

Comedy DAN NIGHTINGALE, ELEANOR TIERNAN & OTIZ CANNELLONI Mon 12 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry TOM ALLEN THURS 15 Feb, Evesham Arts Centre TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY ASKINS & FREDDY QUINNE Thurs 15 Feb, The Bramall, Birmingham LOU CONRAN Thurs 15 Feb, MAC, Birmingham ADAM HESS & GLENN MOORE Fri 16 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham STEVE WILLIAMS, TOM LUCY, JOHN

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FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Fri 16 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

JIM DAVIDSON Sat 17 Feb, Bedworth Civic Hall STEPHEN BAILEY Sat 17 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry TOM LUCY, STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Sat 17 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham REGINALD D HUNTER Sat 17 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ANDREW O'NEILL Sun 18 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

Theatre METAMORPHOSIS Splendid Productions present Franz Kafka's chilling story of dislocation, mutation and isolation, Mon 12 Feb, MAC, B’ham THE BALD PRIMA DONNA Eugene Ionesco’s maniacal assault on the banality of English suburbia, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Feb, The Bear Pitt Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon SON OF A PREACHER MAN Debra Stephenson and Alice Barlow star in Craig Revel Horwood’s touching new musical featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February

Kids Theatre

DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON Musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family, Mon 12 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury SHREK THE MUSICAL Join Shrek and Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a firebreathing, love-sick dragon, Wed 14 Sun 25 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham FIRST STEPS, A CHILD'S SLEEPING BEAUTY Hour-long interactive show for children aged three-plus, performed

by Birmingham Royal Ballet, Fri 16 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-dancing celebration of the world’s favourite fairytales, Sat 17 Feb, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Children’s show featuring audience participation, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Sat 17 Feb, Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, Kidderminster, DY14 0TP CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DINOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Action-packed theatrical experience for younger audiences, complete with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs, Sun 18 Feb, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick

CONSTELLATIONS Nick Payne’s metaphysical love story, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Feb, Criterion Theatre, Coventry A PACIFIST’S GUIDE TO THE WAR ON CANCER Bryony Kimmings’ ‘funny and moving’ show, which looks behind the poster campaigns and pink ribbons and into the reality of cancer, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which centres on family relationships and lies... Thurs 15 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The REP, Birmingham WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Country theatre favourites Fizzog present their version of The Wizard Of Oz, Fri 16 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove JAY FOREMAN’S DISGUSTING SONGS FOR REVOLTING CHILDREN Familyfriendly show with songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages, Sat 17 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Company present John Godber's classic classroom comedy, Sat 17 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Worcester

Dance POINT OF ECHOES bgroup and China Plate present a theatre/dance piece about love, death and the supernatural, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BRB: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Birmingham Royal Ballet version of the Tchaikovsky classic, Tues 13 - Sat 24 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome #JESUIS A company of Turkish dancers explore the media’s presentation of their country, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company present a dance-digital solo production exploring light vs dark and real vs fairytale versions of female existence, Thurs 15 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) Documentary. Starring Eric Clapton,

Bobby Whitlock. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 13 - Mon 19 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 12 - Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Feb DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 12 - Thurs 15 Feb BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12a) Biography/Comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 12 & Thurs 15 Feb THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE (18) Drama. Starring Beryl Reid, Susannah York. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 13 Feb THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring James Franco, Dave Franco. Malvern Theatres, Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Feb BRIEF ENCOUNTER (PG) Drama. Starring Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard.

Artrix, Bromsgrove, Weds 14 Feb WALK WITH ME (PG) Documentary.

Starring Thich Nhát Hanh, Brother Pháp De. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 Feb LAST FLAG FLYING (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 16 Thurs 22 Feb EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Redmayne. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Feb FERDINAND (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Kate McKinnon, David Tennant. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 17 Feb UNREST (12a) Documentary. Starring Jennifer Brea. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 18 Feb

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Tues 13 Feb, showing at selected cinemas BLACK PANTHER (tbc) THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) FATHER FIGURES (15) LADY BIRD (15)

Events TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Over 500 stalls packed with all kinds of collectable toys, trains and models for sale, Sun 11 Feb, NEC, Birmingham STAR VEHICLE STORIES Interactive stories, songs and hands-on experiences, Mon 12 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum

PACKWOOD BREAKFAST TOURS 2018 Every Monday in February enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by an exclusive tour of the house and attic spaces, displayed just as Baron Ash intended his guests to view them, Mon 12 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull AFTER-HOURS CONSERVATION TOUR Explore Croome court through the eyes of the house steward, Tues 13 Feb, Croome Park, Worcester CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Wed 14 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION Showcasing a huge range of national franchise opportunities for anyone looking to run their own business, Fri 16 - Sat 17 Feb, NEC, Birmingham BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW The UK’s flagship shooting event, featuring leading manufacturers, distributors, retailers and shooting organisations, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham NORDIC WALKING COURSE Nordic walking is a complete body workout that can be enjoyed by anyone of any fitness level, Sat 17 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull STUNT FEST Featuring some of the UK’s top stunt drivers and riders, Sat 17 Feb, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton FEBRUARY HALF TERM: BEHIND THE SCENES Explore the science used ‘behind the scenes’ of a museum, Sat 17 - Fri 23 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GEORGIANS TRAIL Follow the family trail around the gardens and learn about the traditions of the era, the language of the fan and how flowers were used as symbols of affection, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster ENCHANTING FAIRY TRAIL Discover beautiful, enchanted, miniature houses created from Bodenham’s own wood, Sat 17 Feb - Sun 25 Mar, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT ENGINUITY Immerse yourself in an Augmented Reality world, where dinosaurs 'roam' around Enginuity, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire FEBRUARY HALF-TERM AT PACKWOOD Build a den, play hoop-la, splash in the puddles and have your own family adventure, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018 Free performances, market stalls, fairground rides and Asian street food, Sun 18 Feb, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT Can you help find a rather mischievous dragon who’s gotten a bit lost?, Sun 18 - Sat 24 Feb, Tamworth Castle, Staffs

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FEBRUARY 2018 www.artrix.co.uk Sat 10th February

Fri 16th February

Sat 17th & Sun 18th February

CLOUDBUSTING

THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG

THE WHITNEY HOUSTON LIVE EXPERIENCE

STUNNING TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF KATE BUSH

FEATURING NYA KING HILARIOUS PARODY OF TWO AMAZING STORIES

Thurs 22nd February

Fri 23rd February

Sun 25th February

MONSTERSAURUS!

KITTY MACFARLANE

ENERGETIC SHOW FULL OF THRILLS, SPILLS, MAGIC & MAYHEM

SOMERSET BASED SINGERSONGWRITER

FAIRPORT CONVENTION FINAL DATE OF WINTOUR 2018

COMING SOON: Germaine Greer, Counterfeit Stones, Samantha Baines, Mirror Mirror, ROH Live: Tosca, Austen The Musical, Leon McCawley, Barnstormers Comedy, Bobby Mair, RSC Live: Twelfth Night, T.Rextasy, Phil Wang, Official Receivers, You’ve Got A friend, Dane Baptiste, Sonia Sabri Company, Roy G Hemmings, Cwmbach Male Choir, Andrew Lawrence, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Macca, Emily Maguire, Genesis Connected, George Egg, Complete Madness...

Free parking on-site

@artrixarts

@artrix arts centre

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Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or download our latest brochure Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN

Box Office: 01527 577330

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Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February

ATTAN + CONJURER Sat 24 Feb, The Flapper, Birmingham

Classical Music

CATHEDRALS GROUP CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE Sat 24 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MIDDAY MUSIC FEAT KATARZYNA DEJA Programme comprises Beethoven’s Sonata Op.10, No.3, Mon 19 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

SOUNDWAVES MUSIC COMPETITION - BIRMINGHAM FINAL Sat 24 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham CHEMIKILL Sat 24 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham

JOGLARESA: THE ENCHANTRESS OF SEVILLE Featuring Belinda Sykes (voice, bagpipes, director), Angela Hicks (voice, harp), Mary Robertson (fidel, voice), Louisa Anna Duggan (duclimer, percussion, voice). Guy Schalom (percussion), Tues 20 Feb, St Mary's Church, Warwick

LONDON CALLING + THE RAMONAS Sat 24 Feb, The Assembly, Leamington Spa

UNIVERSITY OF CAMERATA Featuring David Rice, Peter Gortner & Augustina Kapoti, Tues 20 Feb, The Dome, The Bramall, Birmingham

THE COUNTERFEIT SIXTIES TRIBUTE SHOW 24 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch

HUW WATKINS AND CLARE HAMMOND An evening of British contemporary piano music as part of the University's CrossCurrents new music festival. Programme includes works by acclaimed composers Alexander Goehr, Robin Holloway and Michael Berkeley, Wed 21 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham

The Core Theatre, Solihull

Roni Size - O2 Institure, Birmingham

Gigs IRIT Mon 19 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham HELL IS FOR HEROES Mon 19 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham FRANZ FERDINAND Tues 20 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham JOGLARESA Tues 20 Feb, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa BRIAN FALLON & THE HOWLING WEATHER Tues 20 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham LAURA MISCH Tues 20 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT WITH NAKED SIX Wed 21 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham SEAL Wed 21 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ARIANA GRANDE TRIBUTE Wed 21 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry DUKE SPECIAL Wed 21 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham NEON WALTZ Wed 21 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham JOHN COOPER CLARKE Wed 21 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury DAPPY Wed 21 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham

Birmingham HIGH TYDE Thurs 22 Feb, Mama Roux's, Birmingham HUSKY LOOPS Thurs 22 Feb, The Flapper, Birmingham WILEY Thurs 22 Feb, O2 Institute, B’ham

IMAGINE DRAGONS Sat 24 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

WILSON AND WAKEMAN Thurs 22 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull

RONI SIZE - NEW FORMS LIVE Sat 24 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

SUNJAY Thurs 22 Feb, Evesham Arts Centre

GEORGE BENSON - STEVIE WONDER PARTY WITH NAT AUGUSTIN Sat 24 Feb, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire

JESSARAE Thurs 22 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham KITTY MACFARLANE Fri 23 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove ICONS OF THE 80S Fri 23 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE SKA45'S Fri 23 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge ITCH (THE KING BLUES UNPLUGGED) Fri 23 Feb, The Asylum, Birmingham THE GODFATHERS Fri 23 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DAVE SHARP Fri 23 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge A FISTFUL OF SPOOKIES Fri 23 Feb, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham CHASE & STATUS DJ SET Fri 23 - Sat 24 Feb, The Assembly, Leamington Spa

AUSTINN Wed 21 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham

THE MAN UPSTAIRS Sat 24 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

PAUL YOUNG Wed 21 Feb, Mama Roux's,

THE LIONEL RICHIE SONGBOOK Sat 24 Feb,

THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS Sat 24 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove PERMAGEDDON Sat 24 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge NEW DISORDER Sat 24 Feb, The Marr's Bar, Worcester JAMIE LENMAN Sun 25 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham FAIRPORT CONVENTION WINTER TOUR 2018 Sun 25 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove RUPERT MARSHALLLUCK & DUNCAN HONEYBOURNE Sun 25 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR 2018 Sun 25 Feb, Genting Arena, B’ham DAMIEN O’KANE BAND Sun 25 Feb, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham THE STRAIGHT ACES Sun 25 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge

MY FIRST CONCERT: JACK MCNEIL & FRIENDS Designed to give babies & children and introduction to the world of classical music, Wed 21 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring Leo McFall (conductor) & Paul Lewis (piano). Programme includes works

by Brahms & Prokofiev, Thurs 22 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham LA VIE PARISIENNE Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Vocal Department presents a semi-staged version of Offenbach’s champagne cork operatta. Michael Seal conducts, Thurs 22 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire LIGETI QUARTET Featuring Mandhira De Saram & Patrick Dawkins (violins), Richard Jones (viola) & Val Welbanks (cello). Programme includes works by John Zorn & Schnittke, Fri 23 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CATHEDRAL GROUPS CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE Sat 24 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: MAHLER’S SIXTH Featuring Jac van Steen (conductor), Sun 25 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy PAUL CHOWDHRY Mon 19 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 Feb, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham STEWART LEE Tues 20 Feb, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon JO ENRIGHT AND FRIENDS Thurs 22 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch DAN NIGHTINGALE, GLENN WOOL & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 22 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham BARBARA NICE: RAFFLE! Fri 23 Feb, The REP, Birmingham TEZ IIYAS, JOE BOR & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 23 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LLOYD GRIFFITH Fri 23 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham GLENN WOOL, DAN NIGHTINGALE, ALISTAIR BARRIE & ELEANOR TIERNAN Fri 23 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham PHIL WANG Sat 24 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove PAUL PIRIE, SEAN MEO, NIGE & KANE BROWN Sat 24 Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham

Theatre SON OF A PREACHER MAN Debra Stephenson and Alice Barlow star in Craig Revel Horwood’s touching new musical featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, Tues 20 Sat 24 Feb, Malvern Theatres MENTAL Moving and personal story about one son's relationship with his mother and her mental health, Wed 21 - Fri 23 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH BY ALAN AYCKBOURN Amateur staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s dark suburban comedy, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Feb, Swan Theatre, Worcester A BUNCH OF AMATEURS Second Thoughts Drama Company present Ian Hislop & Nick Newman’s affectionate study of amateur theatre, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Feb, The Bear Pitt Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa PeakeJones and Aden Gillett star in a major revival of Terence Rattigan's compelling tale of honesty and honour, Wed 21 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The REP, Birmingham CIRQUE ENCHANTMENT A concert-style cirque production featuring choreography, vocals and circus performers, Thurs 22 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch A BRAVE FACE Vamos Theatre explores post-traumatic stress in the military, Thurs 22 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy, told

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thelist through the eyes of those who came after him, Thurs 22 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Expect corsets, killer heels and stockings aplenty - and that's just the theatregoers who come to see the show! Fri 23 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury FRANKENSTEIN 1899 Starring Jonathan Goodwin as Frankenstein, Fri 23 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch PSYCHIC SALLY: KISSES TO HEAVEN TOUR Fri 23 Feb, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa A TIGER’S TALE M6 Theatre present a show featuring circus balancing acts, puppetry, live music and song, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CROONERS Big band swing and crooner classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole, Sat 24 Feb, Lichfield Garrick THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN OF THE LOST WAVES - HIDDEN GEMS Vaudeville-esque show using song, storytelling and a multitude of 'intergalactic time detective expressions',

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Sat 24 - Sun 25 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

bits left in, Wed 21 Feb, Lichfield Garrick

FLO SMITH - NOW AND THEN A woman looks back on life in London, from the Boer War to the Summer of Love, Sun 25 Feb, The Bear Pitt Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre brings its trademark style and energy to what they're describing as their 'wildest show yet’. There's even a chance to meet the characters afterwards, Wed 21 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Kids Theatre DEAR ZOO Puppetry and audience participation are the order of the day in this new staging for children, based on the book of the same name, Mon 19 - Tues 20 Feb, The Core, Solihull THE GINGERBREAD MAN Hiccup Theatre cook up a brand new version of the classic tale, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry AWFUL AUNTIE Birmingham Stage Company’s award-winning staging of David Walliams’ tale of frights, fights and friendship... Tues 20 - Sat 24 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry HORRIBLE HISTORIES - MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN History with the nasty

HOOT OWL Proon Productions fuse original songs, puppetry, animation and rapid costume changes in a show for children and their carers, Wed 21 Feb, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Little Angel Theatre put a new spin on the muchloved fairytale, Wed 21 - Sun 25 Feb, MAC, Birmingham MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-dancing celebration of the world’s favourite fairytales, Thurs 22 Feb. Lichfield Garrick LEAPING FROG Natural history adventure for children following the journey of a jaunty wood frog who unsuspectingly leaps from Little Pond into Big Pond, Thurs 22 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham MONSTERSAURUS! Energetic show full

of ‘thrills, spills, magic and mayhem’, with original music and plenty of audience participation, Thurs 22 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre brings its trademark style and energy to what they're describing as their 'wildest show yet’. There's even a chance to meet the characters afterwards, Fri 23 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE DOODLE DANCE SHOW Interactive show designed to get the whole family doodling, moving and imagining together, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry LITTLE MOCHI MAN Join Little Mochi Man as he embarks on an adventure across the snowy mountains of Hokkaido, Sat 24 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome MORGAN & WEST'S - MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS Morgan & West mix brain-busting illusion with old-fashioned tomfoolery, Sun 25 Feb, MAC, Birmingham MILKSHAKE! LIVE: THE MAGIC STORY BOOK All-singing, all-dancing celebration of the world’s favourite fairytales, Sun 25 Feb, Malvern Theatres

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Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February

Dance

Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 25 Wed 28 Feb

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Ballet Theatre UK present Shakespeare’s magical tale of lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight, Fri 23 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Released from Tues 20 Feb, showing at selected cinemas

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE:

I, TONYA (15)

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Ballet Theatre UK present Shakespeare’s magical tale of lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight, Sat 24 Feb, The Albany Theatre, Coventry

DARK RIVER (tbc)

U. DANCE WM 2018 Show combining dance genres and themes to celebrate some of the West Midlands’ best young performers, Sun 25 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome

Events

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Redmayne. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 19 Feb JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Starring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 19 - Thurs 22 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb FERDINAND (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Kate McKinnon, David Tennant. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 19 & Wed 21 Feb WALK WITH ME (PG) Documentary.

Starring Thich Nhát Hanh, Brother Pháp De. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 20 Feb MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 21 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Hugh Jackman. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 21, Fri 23 & Mon 26 Feb THE LION KING (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, Thurs 22 Feb PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel Day-Lewis. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb FUNNY GIRL (U) Biography/Comedy.

Starring Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 24 Feb ROMAN J. ISRAEL ESQ (12a) Crime/Drama. Starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 24 - Wed 28 Feb WINCHESTER (tbc) Biography/Horror.

Starring Helen Mirren, Sarah Snook.

FINDING YOUR FEET (12a)

PACKWOOD BREAKFAST TOURS 2018 Every Monday in February enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by an exclusive tour of the house and attic spaces, displayed just as Baron Ash intended his guests to view them, Mon 19 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull MINI MOTORISTS Under-fives activity morning - discover through play the world's largest collection of historic British cars, Mon 19 Feb, British Motor Museum, Gaydon FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Including arts and crafts, Mon 19 Feb, Birmingham Botanical Gardens HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 2018 Drama games and practical activities, Mon 19 - Tues 20 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry RSC FEBRUARY HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES A week of workshops and activities for all the family, Mon 19 - Fri 23 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon WILD CHILD WEEK Are you tough enough to brave the great outdoors at Brockhampton for a week of bushcraft survival, food foraging and den building? Mon 19 - Fri 23 Feb, Brockhampton Estate, Nr Bromyard DIY DRIVE-IN CINEMA Flatpack Ensemble present a family-friendly event aimed at toddlers and their carers.

Help build cars using scrap and craft materials before settling down and watching an array of animations from Flatpack's Colour Box Touring Shots Programme, Tues 20 Feb, MAC, Birmingham CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materials to create and decorate your own 17th century London buildings. Add some flames and some final touches, then add them to the large collage of the London skyline that’s displayed on the windows of the visitor centre, Tues 20 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MOTORHOME SHOW 2018 The biggest indoor display of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, caravan holiday homes & lodges, trailer tents & tents in the UK,

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 23 February; Albany Theatre, Coventry, Sat 24 February

After scoring a hit with their production of Romeo And Juliet, Ballet Theatre UK here turn their attention to another of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays. Original choreography set to the iconic Mendelssohn score transports audiences to a magical woodland where all manner of japes and capers are rapidly unfolding.

Lysander and Demetrius are vying for the love of Hermia while Helena sits on the shelf, Titania and Oberon are up to no good, Puck’s got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling and Bottom is making a complete Ass of himself...

Shakespeare, Mendelssohn and a critically acclaimed dance company doing what they do best. What’s not to like?...

Tues 20 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, B’ham FROM PUDDING LANE TO PIE CORNER Lighthearted family-friendly short drama. Samuel Pepys visits Blakesley Hall and recounts his experience of London ablaze, Wed 21 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materials to create and decorate your own 17th century London buildings. Add some flames and some final touches, then add them to the large collage of the London skyline that’s displayed on the windows of the visitor centre, Thurs 22 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham 999 EMERGENCY DAY Does your little one love playing pretend police? Are they a fan of Fireman Sam? Emergency vehicles will be on display outside the museum, with hands-on activities taking place all day, Thurs 22 Feb, Soho House, Birmingham ANIMAL MANIA Mobile zoo featuring lizards, snakes, chinchillas, hedgehogs, giant bunnies, tortoises, creepy crawlies and more!, Fri 23 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your special day at the UK’s

biggest & best wedding event. With hundreds of wedding specialists, from bridal boutiques and florists to jewellers and photographers, this is the ultimate wedding shopping experience, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, Birmingham NORDIC WALKING COURSE Nordic walking is a complete body workout that can be enjoyed by anyone of any fitness level, Sat 24 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull CARS THROUGH THE LENS Get to know your camera - and build your confidence to move away from 'auto' settings - while taking pictures of the museum’s cars, Sat 24 Feb, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, B’ham LIGHTS, CAMERA, CARS Photography workshop to help you develop lighting skills, in order to achieve the perfect photo of your car, Sat 24 Feb, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire DAD’S DAYS OUT WORKSHOP Workshop series offering an opportunity for dads of all ages to spend quality time with their children, exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Sat 24 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum

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Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 February

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Gigs PETER KNIGHT'S GIGSPANNER BIG BAND Mon 26 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Mon 26 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

DAVE GUNNING Wed 28 Feb, MAC, B’ham

NORTH SEA GAS Tues 26 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

K2 Wed 28 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

FIZZY BLOOD Tues 27 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

JD MCPHERSON Wed 28 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE LYNNES Mon 26 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

JUSTIN WIGGAN Tues 27 Feb, MAC, B’ham

HAK BAKER Wed 28 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

PLAYBOI CARTI Mon 26 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

RICKIE LEE JONES Tues 27 Feb, The Assembly, Leamington Spa

THE ROVING CROWS Wed 28 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham

MIKE DAWES Mon 26 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

MORRISSEY Tues 27 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

THE JIGANTICS Wed 28 Feb, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham

THE FRONT BOTTOMS

THE ENNIS SISTERS &

Comedy

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic thriller, Tues 27 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, Malvern Theatres

LEFTY SCUM Tues 27 Feb, MAC, Birmingham NOREEN KHAN, JUDI LOVE, SINDHU VEE & SUKH KAUR OJLA Wed 28 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE SITCOM Show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, golf and gay cats... Wed 28 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Theatre

AN ACT OF KINDNESS Award-winning play exploring gender pressure and its impact on our identity Wed 28 Feb - Thurs 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

THE BEST OF BE FESTIVAL 2018 Featuring three 30-minute samples of mask, theatre and circus productions, Mon 26 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Worcester Repertory Company presents Chris Jaeger’s rollercoaster account of the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie, Mon 26 - Tues 27 Feb, Swan Theatre, Worcester HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars a Motormouth Maybelle in the smashhit musical comedy, Mon 26 Feb Sat 3 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre DANGEROUS OBSESSION The Nonentities present an amateur staging of NJ Crisp’s psychological thriller, Mon 26 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster

Classical Music TAMÁS PÁLFALVI IN RECITAL Also featuring Marcell Szabò (piano).

Programme includes works by Eino Tamberg, Dmitri Shostakovich, George Enescu, Péter Eötvös & Pablo de Sarasate, Mon 26 Feb, Birming-

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GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL 2 Featuring talented organ scholars from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Tues 27 Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY’S FIRST PIANO CONCERTO Featuring Joana Mallwitz (conductor) & Gabriela Montero (piano). Programme

includes works by Kodály, Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn, Wed 28 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham RUSSIAN STATE PHILHARMONIC Featuring Valentina Lisitsa (piano) & Valery Polyansky (conductor). Programme includes works by Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov, Wed 28 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

DANCE TO THE MUSIC Featuring Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff, Wed 28 Feb, The Albany Theatre, Coventry

Events STAR VEHICLE STORIES Interactive stories, songs and hands-on experiences, Mon 26 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum

WARWICKSHIRE GANG SHOW 2018 (WAGS) Tues 27 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

PACKWOOD BREAKFAST TOURS 2018 Every Monday in February enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by an exclusive tour of the house and attic spaces, displayed just as Baron Ash intended his guests to view them, Mon 26 Feb, Packwood House, Solihull

DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Phil Daniels takes the lead in a new version of

Tamás Pálfalvi - Birmingham Town Hall

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Programme includes a new work set to Schumann’s Carnaval and a new piece by Martin Lawrance. Alston favourite Gypsy Mixture also features, Tues 27 - Wed 28 Feb, Malvern Theatres

TRANSLUNAR PARADISE Theatre Ad Infinitum presents a poignant, life-affirming tale without words, Tues 27 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Eric Idle’s riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen, Tues 27 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

ham Town Hall

Dance

AFTER-HOURS CONSERVATION TOUR Explore Croome court through the eyes of the house steward, Tues 27 Feb, Croome Park, Worcester

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Malvern Theatre, Tues 27 February - Sat 3 March; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 1 - Sat 5 May

Productions of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novella are all the rage at the moment, and there’s every reason to suppose this Touring Consortium Theatre Company/Rose Theatre Kingston collaboration will be one of the best of them. Adapted by David Edgar, whose imaginative version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol proved a major hit for the RSC over Christmas, the production stars former EastEnder and one-time Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels. The action, for anybody who doesn’t know, centres around Dr Henry Jekyll, a man whose willingness to dabble in the dark recesses of the scientific world lead him down a murderous path of utter self-destruction.

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