Warwickshire What's On March 2016

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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands Warwickshire

’ What sOn www.whatsonlive.co.uk

ISSUE 363

MARCH 2016

MARY PO PPINS FLIES INT

O THE MID LANDS

thelist inside:

Your 16-page week by week listings guide

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Contents March Warwickshire/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:13 Page 2

March 2016

Contents

Mary Poppins - West End musical flies into the Midlands. Read the feature page 19

the list

A Raisin In The Sun

Rachel Ries

Bridget Christie

Lorraine Hansberry’s classic at

American singer-songwriter brings Cardinal to The Tin Music & Arts

explains the difference between Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner

Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide

page 22

page 51

The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry page 8

page 14

inside: 4. First Word

11. Food

14. Music

22. Comedy

26. Theatre

36. Film

@whatsonwarwicks

@whatsonworcs

Warwickshire What’s On Magazine

Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

What’sOn MAGAZINE GROUP

42. Visual Arts

44. Events

Editorial 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 Matt Rothwell matt@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707 Sue Jones sue@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701 Ryan Humphreys ryan@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281722 Abi Whitehouse abi@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281716 Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Helen Stallard, Kathryn Ewing Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine.

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

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

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First Word Major new work to be unveiled in Stratford A major new contemporary artwork is set to be unveiled at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Commissioned by the RSC, artist and designer Steven Follen’s For All Time will be located in the refurbished Swan Wing.

Steven’s artwork is a three metre-tall, three-dimensional presentation of a human face, made from 2,000 hand-folded stainless steel stars. It will be revealed to the public on 23 April, as part of the 400th anniversary commemorations of Shakespeare’s death.

Commenting on his artwork, Brighton-based Steve said: “I set out to produce a piece that people can engage with on several levels.

For All Time will hopefully prompt thoughts about the imagery and symbols Shakespeare used within his works, particularly around the theme of time and mortality. But it will also be a piece that can be enjoyed for its visual and technical qualities alone. Whilst it references the materials and styling found in different parts of the theatre complex, the work is very much a reflection of the skills of contemporary metalwork, design and technology available to us now, in 2016.”

RSC provides a platform for budding performers...

Midlands schools, colleges and amateur and semi-professional theatre groups are being offered the chance to put on a play by Shakespeare or his contemporaries at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) open-air performance space in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The space, which is called The Dell, will be made available by the RSC on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer (2 July to 28 August).

The groups can choose either to perform an established piece of work or create a new one.

Commenting on the initiative, the RSC’s Events & Exhibitions Officer, Nicola Salmon, said: “The Dell is a fantastic platform for amateur theatre companies, community groups, schools, universities and professional theatre companies to perform to an audience of all ages in the heart of Shakespeare’s hometown.

“As a national theatre based in the heart of the Midlands, it’s important that we invite theatre-makers to share their work where possible, and also offer visitors a series of exciting weekends of free outdoor theatre.”

To apply to use The Dell, download an application form from rsc.org.uk/thedell The closing date for applications is Monday 7 March.

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Visualisation of For all time, commissioned artwork by Steve Follen

Games And Thrones in Warwick A company of 36 young actors is set to present an ambitious adaptation of Shakespeare’s three Henry Vl plays.

Games And Thrones will be presented by Playbox Theatre and Shakespeare Young Company.

The production opens for two weeks of performances at Playbox’s Dream Factory home on 23 April, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

The play will then visit The Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick.

Banged up in the Library of Brum

The Library of Birmingham is this month offering visitors the chance to find out what it’s like to be banged up in prison.

Between Tuesday 1 and Saturday 12 March, the Centenary Square venue will host a replica cell, built to government regulations and housing two ‘prisoners’. Visitors can either observe the prisoners through the window or enter the cell to chat with them - asking questions about their lives, their sentences, and how prison affects them. Although the two prisoners are performers, both are former inmates who’ve served time in Her Majesty’s prisons.

Commenting on the Go To Jail project, Saul Hewish, who works for Rideout, a co-developer of the initiative, said: “Unless you've actually ‘served time at Her Majesty’s pleasure’, it’s hard to imagine what life is really like for those incarcerated in our over-crowded prisons. Go To Jail allows people to see the reality, and hear real stories from those who've served sentences.”

Go To Jail is open in the Library of Birmingham from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 12 March (closed Mon and Sun) between 11am and 4pm at The Gallery (Floor 3). Admission is free and no appointment necessary.

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Entertainment news from around the region

Enthusiasts offered free testing at Silverstone

Arts Council funding brings Cosmic Birds to International Dance Festival Birmingham

Competitors gearing up for this year’s Silverstone Classic are being offered the chance to finetune their cars and familiarise themselves with the famous Grand Prix circuit - for free.

The free-test opportunity is being made available at the Classic’s annual media preview day on Wednesday 27 April.

Entries will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, with application forms available via silverstoneclassic.com/competitorzone.

The Silverstone Classic takes place from 29 to 31 July.

A major exhibition by renowned Japanese artist Shun Ito will be on display at this year’s International Dance Festival Birmingham - thanks to a £38,500 investment from Arts Council England.

The exhibition, entitled Cosmic Birds and comprising 20 mechanical sculptures, will be available to view at the city’s disused 1930s Municipal Bank building, from Tuesday 3 to Friday 20 May. The sculptures will be exhibited alongside a new installation entitled CELLS. The new commission, created especially for the festival, will be made in Birmingham by the artist.

A new performance piece, inspired by the sculptures and combining contemporary music and dance, will also be produced.

International Dance Festival Birmingham takes place at various venues throughout the city from 1 to 22 May.

Joint production honours Victoria Cross recipient A joint production by Leicester’s Curve theatre, the Coventry Belgrade and Watford Palace Theatre is set to pay tribute to the first South Asian soldier ever to be awarded a Victoria Cross.

Ishy Din’s brand new play, Wipers, tells the real-life story of Khuddadad Khan, who recieved the honour for his extraordinary bravery in the Great War’s First Battle of Ypres.

Commenting on the new show, Curve chief executive Chris Stafford said: “We continue to celebrate diversity and share stories from many different perspectives in Ishy Din's profoundly moving new work. The play celebrates the extraordinary contribution of South Asian soldiers during the Great War, and we’re proud to present it during this centenary.”

Wipers shows at Curve from 14 to 23 April and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from 12 to 21 May.

Waleed Akhtar who stars in Wipers

Team GB takes on Japan Birmingham is this month hosting Great Britain’s first-round tennis match in the 2016 Davis Cup. The tie takes place at the Barclaycard Arena from 4 to 6 March and sees the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team take on Japan.

Commenting on the fixture, GB team captain Leon Smith said: “Birmingham is a city with a great sporting history that’s hosted some incredible Davis Cup ties in the past.

Japan will be a tough contest, but I’m sure the Birmingham fans will get right behind us and make as much noise as they can.”

Coventry Music Museum top of the charts The Coventry Music Museum has been rated the number one museum in the West Midlands by travel website Trip Advisor.

The museum, which opened in 2013 and recently welcomed its 9,000th visitor, is the life-long vision of Coventry music historian Pete Chambers and his wife Julie.

Commenting on the news, Julie said: “It's just incredible to be in this position. We’ve been tops in Coventry for about two years now, but being the top-rated museum in the West Midlands is a tremendous achievement. It means that we’re ahead of attractions like the Black Country Museum, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and even Cadbury World. Not bad for a museum with a tiny infrastructure and no paid staff. We know that this ranking is by no means definitive, but there again, Trip Advisor is the largest and most respected site of its type in the travel industry.”

The Coventry Music Museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.covmm.co.uk

Immersive experience explores people’s relationship with food Award-winning theatre ensemble Protein is this month presenting the world premiere of a dance and music theatre production at Warwick Arts Centre.

May Contain Food has been created by choreographer Luca Silvestrini and renowned composer Orlando Gough. The show explores people’s relationship with what they eat and is described as ‘an immersive experience of indulgence, nostalgia and mischief’. It shows at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on 9 & 10 March.

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First Word Festival celebrates the ‘Irish spirit’ Birmingham’s ever-popular St Patrick’s Day Parade is once again taking place in Digbeth this month (Sunday 13 March).

The theme of this year’s procession, ‘The Irish phoenix rising from the flames of diaspora’, will celebrate ‘the famous Irish spirit, heritage and journey throughout the years’.

Funding for the parade, which no longer receives financial support from Birmingham City Council, is being raised via an official launch party, taking place at the Macdonald Burlington on Friday 4 March. The evening includes a two-course meal and live entertainment from The Holy Show band.

For tickets to the fundraiser, visit stpatricksbirmingham.com/product/launch -party-tickets

CBSO appoints new director Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla has been appointed Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Gražinytė-Tyla will take over the post from Andris Nelsons in September for an initial three-year period.

She made her debut with the CBSO in July 2015.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I felt so at ease working with the Orchestra at the CBSO Centre and at Symphony Hall, and I can't wait to get started and to call these venues my homes too. I am also very excited about working with the CBSO family, including its brilliant choirs led by Simon Halsey, and getting involved with its extensive learning and participation programme, both locally and further afield. I believe we will be a great team and really look forward to making music together.”

Gražinytė-Tyla’s artistic plans with the CBSO range from Mozart and Haydn to 20th century classics and works by living composers.

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BMAG to host Arts Council Collection Birmingham Museums Trust has been awarded £600,000 to bring to the Midlands the Arts Council Collection, the UK’s most widely seen collection of modern and contemporary art.

The grant will allow the Trust to host and curate new exhibitions from the Collection over the next three years.

Commenting on the news, the Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, Dr Ellen McAdam, said: “This is an enormously prestigious programme and a great coup for Birmingham Museums. We look forward to showcasing Arts Council Collection’s outstanding contemporary art alongside Birmingham’s own internationally important collections.”

Birmingham Museums Trust is one of only four National Partners for the Collection.

The exhibitions will include eight new commissions, produced as part of the Collection’s 70th anniversary programme.

EastEnders head north for Perfect Murder EastEnders favourites Kat and Alfie Moon are heading for the Coventry Belgrade Theatre this month.

Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie, who play the popular pair in the hit BBC TV soap, will be appearing on stage together for the very first time when they star at the venue in the Peter James thriller, The Perfect Murder.

The production shows at the Belgrade from Tuesday 29 March to Saturday 2 April.

You’re ’avin a laugh!

What’s On’s new column looks at the comedy circuit from the perspective of a local comic...

Sausage rolls, traffic alerts and the M6! There's more to comedy than the glamour of applause and encores, y’know...

Each week, hundreds of comedians set out across the country in cars and on trains to stand on stages and entertain their audiences. From Small Heath to Scunthorpe, they live for one thing - to make you laugh!

But before the glitz and glamour of 30-day tours and Champagne baths (I can only imagine!) comes the seemingly endless grind of writing and perfecting material to comedy club standard.

Clubs such as The Glee host four different comedians each weekend - unsung heroes of the comedy world.

And make no mistake, every comedian you’ve ever heard of - from rising star Joe Lycett to long-in-the-tooth Lee Evans - has paid their dues on the comedy circuit.

Stars of TV they may be, but that doesn't stop them from making the occasional welcome return to the club circuit where it all began...

Throughout the year, The Glee welcomes back special ‘mystery guest performers’, well-known comedians who’re busily honing new material to TV and arena standard.

So visit The Glee and expect the unexpected - you never know who might pop in!

by Adam Jaremko

Joe Lycett

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FEATURE

A Dream Deferred Dealing with poverty, segregation and the meaning of the American Dream, Lorraine Hansberry’s classic A Raisin In The Sun is currently being performed by Eclipse Theatre Company.

What’s On caught up with the show in Sheffield to find out more.

In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry became both the first AfricanAmerican woman to have a play staged on Broadway and the youngest playwright ever to win the New York Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Dealing with themes of poverty, segregation and the meaning of the American Dream for black men and women denied the chance to flourish, her ground-breaking domestic drama A Raisin in the Sun has been hailed as a masterpiece of American theatre, yet remains relatively unfamiliar to UK audiences.

Seeking to rectify this is director Dawn Walton, currently touring the play with her company Eclipse Theatre. Her production, which arrives at the Belgrade Theatre on 22 March, stars Ashley Zhangazha as Walter Lee Junior, Alisha Bailey as his wife Ruth, Chewing Gum's Susan Wokoma as his sister Beneatha, and Angela Wynter as their mother Lena. Warm and charismatic with a south London accent and a sharp sense of humour, Walton inspires a natural confidence that any show would be safe in her hands, but it's also clear that Hansberry's work is a particular passion for her.

“I've always known the expression 'a raisin in the sun', and I knew about the film with Sidney Poitier – I think most black families have probably heard of that. But it wasn't until 2001 that I saw a production of the play at the Young Vic, and I was so moved by it, and so shocked that a play from that time could resonate so completely with me, that I decided to go off on a little exploration of Hansberry,” she said. “You can find a lot of her work online, and when I started reading her writing, I was struck by the fact that she's so articulate, so funny and serious at the same time.”

A journalist, poet and political campaigner as well as a playwright, Hansberry died aged just 34, but her achievements in her short time were substantial. As well as speaking out about American civil rights, in her capacity as a writer and editor at Freedom newspaper, she commented on issues of global significance, supporting the Kenyan Mau Mau uprising and the struggle for women's liberation in Egypt, for example. She was vocal on the subject of sexual freedom, and today is generally believed to have been gay. Nina Simone's song “Young, Gifted and Black” was written about her.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry draws on a subject close to home: the housing covenants that kept black families out of white-only areas in Chicago. As a child, she had watched her father face court proceedings after buying a house in the Washington Park Subdivision of the city's South Side. Angry white neighbours attempted to force the family out by taking legal action, leading to the major U.S. Supreme Court case Hansberry v. Lee. In the play, the Younger family receive a $10,000 insurance cheque following the death of the patriarch, Big Walter. When Youngers use the money to buy a house in Clybourne Park, a white resident called Karl Lindner tries to buy them out.

Angela Wynter explained: “When Lena buys the house in Clybourne Park, the children ask her why she couldn't find one somewhere else, and she tells them that it was the nicest house she found for the least amount of money. At the time, even though black areas were ghettoised, the houses in them actually cost about twice as much. People had to pay out so much more for the most basic things, because the system was deliberately designed to keep the black population poor.”

Unlike the Hansberrys, the Youngers don't face legal action

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– at least not within the time-frame of the play, but taken in context, there's a sense of uncertainty about what will become of them after they move.

“At the time, black houses were being firebombed, so they're taking a real gamble,” Wynter continued. “But they're not a fearful family, and it's all about standing up for yourself and knowing that you belong wherever you want to be. Lena says they won't take the money because it would be like admitting that they're not fit to walk on the same earth as the Lindners.”

At the heart of the play, however, are the family's struggles with each other, their disagreements over what to do with the money, and the conflicts that naturally arise from having three generations under the same roof: as well as Walter Lee and the three women, there's also his young son, Travis.

“Walter is working as a chauffeur, and he wants to use the insurance money they've been left to start a liquor store so he can set himself up as a businessman,” said Ashley Zhangazha. “When we meet him at the beginning of the play, he's very frustrated and unfortunately, that often manifests in him taking things out on his family, so he becomes quite a difficult person to be around. This is an age where men are very traditionally masculine, so after his father dies, he feels he has to step up to the plate and provide, and he struggles with that.”

Meanwhile, his sister Beneatha's ambitions are more academic in nature – she'd like some of the money to be set aside for her medical training. Lena just wants the family to have a comfortable home while Ruth is the most content with the way things are.

“Like all great plays, it's universal,” said Walton. “Everybody understands poverty and ambition, everyone knows what it's like to argue with your brother or your parents, and any parent will know what it's like when their children come home and they have no idea what they're talking about. In this case you've got three generations living in one house, which is something you see happening increasingly in this country today because people can't afford to leave home.”

Yet for all that, UK productions of the play aren't exactly in abundance. Doesn't it sound like exactly the sort of thing that you'd expect kids to be learning about in schools, or at least in universities?

“It's interesting, isn't it?” said Walton, drily. “There's an American canon used in this country which tends to centre on certain playwrights, and funnily enough, they're all male. Even if you look at the black playwrights people know, Hansberry doesn't really appear. One of the things that we try to do with Eclipse is to look at what the establishment deems “acceptable”, and then we turn the mirror round the other way, and it's astonishing what you find on the other side. We did it before with One Monkey Don't Stop No Show by Don Evans and I hope we're doing it again now with an even greater classic.”

Zhangazha agreed.: “I did know the play, but whenever I've spoken to friends about it, it is interesting how few people know about it. I'm a really big fan of American theatre – Eugene O'Neil, Arthur Miller, August Wilson – and I think this is really up there with the best American plays of all time, so it's exciting to be introducing people to this amazing piece of work.”

If there's any theatre company perfectly equipped to do

‘‘

Like all great plays, it’s universal. Everybody understands poverty and ambition, everyone knows what it’s like to argue with your brother or your parents...

”

this, it's surely Eclipse, whose unique, audience-led approach has already been hugely successful in attracting new people to its shows.

“Eclipse started as an Arts Council initiative which I took on, and I brought with me one very simple idea: I said that I wanted it to be about audiences,” said Walton. “We take shows that deal with the black experience and tour them around the UK, and alongside that, we have an audience development programme, designed to make sure that the people who are usually the last to hear about a production become the first. So far, the result has been that on average, about a third of our audiences are completely new to the venues.”

An impressive achievement, as anyone in the business will tell you, but as far as Walton is concerned, what she's doing ought to be the rule, rather than an exception.

“Buildings like these and organisations like mine are publicly funded, so I'm quite hard on people who aren't getting it right or even trying to get it right. I think we have a responsibility, and I don't know how you can justify not doing it,” she said. “Things often happen in peaks and troughs in this industry – every now and then there'll be an initiative and suddenly everyone will be talking about something, and then it all dies out because it stops being monitored. Developing audiences is a long-term process and it needs to be consistent.”

This is just one part of what the company is doing however: through her Revolution Mix project, Walton is also on a mission to develop a large body of new writing.

“Revolution Mix is a big project aiming to work with large numbers of new black British writers. What's unusual about it is that there's so much happening at once – we currently have sixteen writers all developing plays, and we're working in partnership with eleven theatres across the country, which is really exciting. This production actually came out of our Revolution Mix Library. When the writers came in and did their first session with us in Sheffield, everyone brought along a play they were inspired by, and this was my choice.”

Expect to see more soon, then: as one of the eleven partner venues, the Belgrade looks set to play a part in more Revolution Mix projects as they unfold.

Feature by Heather Kincaid

A Raisin in the Sun shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 March. whatsonlive.co.uk 9

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Food It’s a deal! MasterChef winner joins forces with Debenhams A MasterChef winner is set to bring a taste of Malaysia to the heart of Birmingham.

Ping Coombes, who won the popular TV show in 2014, has signed a partnership deal with Pan-Asian restaurant Chi Kitchen.

Ping will be creating her own menu for the Debenhams-based Bullring eatery.

Commenting on her new deal, Ping said: “I am very proud to announce my involvement with

Chi Kitchen. I love that they share my approach to food and dining, which is serving fresh ingredients in a warm and inviting environment. Asian cuisine is obviously my favourite type of food - it can be simple yet so flavoursome and delicious. I have lots of new ideas, so I can’t wait to get started.”

To book a table at Chi Kitchen Birmingham, visit http://www.chikitchen.co.uk

REVIEW: The Nightingale, Worcestershire

Warm, welcoming and friendly...

When looking for a place to eat, the temptation to check reviews on Trip Advisor is overwhelming. But as with pretty much every interactive element of the internet, the website really does attract all sorts - from the reviewer who’s unhappy that their knife and fork wasn’t positioned quite as they’d have liked, to the unfortunate diner who found a bicycle wheel in their soup (a bizarre and madeup example for effect, obviously, but you get the point).

In short, pay too much heed to what you find on there and you’re likely to decide beans on toast in front of the telly is the better option.

Still, I nonetheless went online before heading to the Nightingale and, reassuringly, found plenty of positive critiques of the venue. It became obvious from reading that the Spetchleybased pub was, for many people, one of their favourite eateries.

And having now had the pleasure of an evening there myself, I can absolutely see why.

The Nightingale is indeed - as its very own website describes - ‘a country pub oozing rural charm and rustic character’. Its wintertime ‘roaring fire’ and summertime ‘delightful beer garden’ further recommend it. The venue takes the provision of a cosy and relaxing atmosphere extremely

Choc-tastic event for Coventry The Midlands’ first ever twoday chocolate festival is this month taking place at Coventry’s FarGo Village.

The 11 and 12 March event features new candy store Spangles and a chocolate lovers’ afternoon tea party.

Food items on display include handmade churros served with either Oreo luxury chocolate dipping sauce or salted chocolate caramel sauce.

seriously, just as it does the quality of the food on its menu.

Speaking of which...

There’s an imaginative and diverse selection of starters available. Options include: Oaksmoked chicken liver pâté with onion marmalade and toasted sourdough bread; handcrumbed langoustines and mussels with a dill pickle hollandaise; salt and pepper calamari with chorizo and chipotle jam; and chargrilled lamb koftas on a cucumber, tomato, onion and mint salad.

I’m a vegetarian, so selected the chargrilled halloumi and beetroot hash with avocado, soyaroasted seeds and béarnaise sauce. It sounded delicious, and proved to be every bit as delightful an experience as I’d hoped it would be. My dining partner, meanwhile, thoroughly enjoyed his prawn and avocado cocktail with Marie Rose sauce and sourdough bread.

Portion sizes were just as you’d hope they would be with the mains still to come. And on that subject...

Quinoa and edamame bean salad with roasted beetroot, butternut squash, soya-roasted seeds and pineapple dressing was an appealing prospect for my vegetarian palate - but not quite as appealing as the butternut squash with coconut, lentil and chickpea dahl, served with coriander rice. I was pleased indeed with my choice, as was

Caribbean eatery planning third Midlands venue Solihull may soon be getting a new Caribbean eatery.

Turtle Bay has applied to the council for a licence to operate from a building previously occupied by Allied Irish Bank. The restaurant chain currently has outlets in Birmingham and Leamington Spa.

my friend with his - the fillet of sea bass on crushed baby potatoes, with Mediterranean vegetables, broccoli and a tomato and olive sauce.

The Nightingale offers a good selection of desserts, among which you’ll find: Peanut butter, chocolate and toffee cheesecake; a Belgian chocolate brownie with chocolate fudge sauce and Irish liqueur ice cream; and melba crème brûlée - peach and raspberries set in a vanilla custard topped with caramelised sugar, with freshly baked butter cookies.

With prices for main courses ranging from £7.99 to £14.99, dinner at the Nightingale can be a reasonably inexpensive affair.

It will also be an impressively tasty one, thanks to a menu that’s every bit as imaginative as the venue is warm, welcoming and friendly. Helen Jackson Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL

nnnnn nnnnn nnnnn nnnnn nnnnn

The Nightingale, Evesham Road, Spetchley, Worcester, WR7 4QS Tel: 01905 344901

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Food A dining experience not to be missed...

A Kenilworth pub/restaurant is next month offering patrons the chance to enjoy not only the experience of Michelin-starred food but also wines from one of the world’s most famous vineyards.

As one of a series of gourmet wine dinners hosted at The Cross Warwickshire’s only Michelin-starred establishment - diners will get the chance to enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by award-winning chef Adam Bennett, with each course paired with a wine from Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

Tickets for the event, which takes place on Thursday 14 April, are priced at £100. For more details, email enquiries@thecrosskenilworth.co.uk or call The Cross on 01926 853 840.

Four-time win for Warwickshire venue Popular Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant The One Elm has won the Customer Care Award at the Touch FM Pride Of Stratford Awards for an impressive fourth time. Speaking about the success to the Coventry Evening Telegraph, venue general manager Mat Faulkner said: “It's a fabulous feeling to have been nominated for this award and to win on the night. I was positively gleaming with pride when I came back to the table clutching the trophy. It means such a lot, for me and for all of the team, to have won - and to have the work we do to look after our guests recognised in this way.”

A gourmet journey around Resorts World As the latest addition to Birmingham’s growing leisure offering, Resorts World prides itself on providing ‘an unrivalled choice of shopping, dining and entertainment, all under one roof’.

First stop on the evening’s culinary tour was The World Bar, to sample a selection of its globally sourced cask craft and IPA ales. The venue is poised somewhere between upmarket brew house and inner-city gastro-pub. Ale connoisseurs and amateur drinkers alike are sure to appreciate its relaxed yet sophisticated surroundings, not to mention its impressive and carefully thought-out pairing of ales with a selection of tempting tapas-style ‘beer foods’ (including rosemary popcorn, jalapeno pretzel pieces, waffle dogs and nachos with Brooklyn fondue, to name but a few). If you’re struggling to make a decision, I’d recommend the Seasonal Beers tasting menu, priced at £20 for six bottles - a fun and relatively inexpensive way to sample a selection of internationally sourced beers, many of which cannot be found on the high street.

For a sophisticated dining experience with added flare, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to The Robata Bar & Grill.

Perfectly positioned to make the most of the stunning lakeside setting, and stylishly furnished to a minimalist brief, the venue takes its name from the Japanese ‘robatayaki’ cooking method of slowgrilling over hot charcoal.

Described as ‘a fusion of European, Australasian and Pan-Asian cuisine’, sample dishes ranged from the deli-

ciously simple appetiser of ‘sweet and sour French fries’ green beans lightly fried in tempura batter - to the exquisitely presented flame-grilled chicken skewer with Asian chimichurri, grilled to absolute perfection on the open charcoal. For a showstopping main course packed full of authentic Thai flavour, I recommend the ‘Whole Grilled Gilt Head Bream in Banana Leaf with Ginger and Lime’ - a speciality ‘from the Pacific Rim’ - beautifully tender, fragrant, oozing freshness and, at £22, not at all unreasonable.

Special mention must also go to the chef’s unique variation on the classic Pad Thai, a fiery concoction of glass rice noodles, Asian string vegetables, Tofu and shrimp pieces.

A perfect stop-off point for after-work drinks, a romantic evening for two or a light lunch with friends, Bottega Prosecco Bar is a must for lovers of authentic Mediterranean street food.

Boasting an extensive choice of Venetian-inspired antipasti, sharing platters and sweet treats alongside a bespoke menu of premium Prosecco, wines and signature liquors, what sets Bottega apart from the average high street chain is its carefully considered pairing of food and drink, which - in traditional Italian style - is best enjoyed together. With pairings starting from just £8, it’s also surprisingly affordable given its location. The Italian cheese plate with honey and sorrento walnuts comes highly recommended at £8, whilst the panna cotta with biscotti a delectable infusion vanilla

and cream served with rich fruit compote - is worth a visit alone. For a dessert with added punch, try the Fragole E Fragolino at £5, a delicious mix of fresh strawberry pieces topped with sparkling Italian red wine.

Rounding off the evening was a visit to The Sky Bar, a venue nothing short of show-stopping in every aspect. With effortlessly stylish interiors, an outdoor terrace boasting incredible views of the Birmingham skyline, an unrivalled drinks menu and a highly skilled team of expert mixologists on hand to talk you through the signature Wu Xing five elements cocktails menu, this is a venue truly worthy of a world city. For the ultimate five-star dining experience, try the Chef’s Table nine-course taster menu at £65 per head.

Whether it’s a pre-gig drink sampling one of The World Bar’s 40-strong artisan craft ales, a post-work Prosecco at Bottega served with Venetianinspired tapas, or a specialoccasion dinner at Robata, enjoying one of their mouthwatering Pan-Asian inspired grills, Resorts World offers the ultimate ‘all-in-one’ solution for affordable fine dining with an international flavour. As the first complex of its kind to open in the UK, this as yet hidden gem in Birmingham’s culinary crown is deserving of the success that’s sure to come its way, bringing with it a welcome taste of Las Vegas glamour and cosmopolitan sophistication to the UK’s second city.

Katherine Ewing whatsonlive.co.uk 13

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Gigs Adele Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tues 29 - Wed 30 March & Fri 1 - Sat 2 April

Adele's soulful sound has captivated audiences worldwide. Her debut album, 19, was released in 2008 and is certified seven times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US. Her second offering, 21, saw her spend longer at number one than any other female artist in the history of both the UK and US album charts. It was also the fourth best-selling album of all time in the UK. Arguably one of the music industry’s most iconic stars, Adele has a hugely impressive 88 awards under her belt, including BRITs, Golden Globes and Grammys.

She’s also produced six UK top 10 singles, including Bond movie theme Skyfall, Someone Like You and Rolling In The Deep.

The global superstar is now back with a third studio album, 25, and her first tour in four years.

Rachel Ries

Emmy The Great

The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Wed 9 March

O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 19 March

Hong Kong-born acoustic guitar singer Emma-Lee Moss became a well-respected musician on the folk circuit following collaborations with Lightspeed Champion and Fyfe Dangerfield, and festival appearances at Glastonbury, Latitude and Green Man. She released debut album First Love in 2009, ranking at number seven on the New York Times’ Albums Of The Year list.

Second album Virtue, fuelled by the lastminute breakdown of an engagement, followed three years later...

This current tour comes in support of Moss’ third album, Second Love, released on the 11th of the month.

American singer-songwriter Rachel’s debut album, 2005’s For You Only, was described as ‘a laid-back smattering of banjo, fiddle, piano, accordion, pump organ and percus-

Natty

sion’. Two years later, she released second

O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wed 16 March

album Without A Bird on her own label, SoDak Records.

This month sees the release of Cardinal, a handcrafted EP of songs written while on residency in Rouen, France.

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Based in North London, singer-songwriter Natty is best known for his top 20 debut album, Man Like I, which was released back in 2008.

After a seven-year wait, he’s now making a return with highly anticipated second album Release The Fear, released on his independent record label Vibes And Pressure. This new future-roots concept album promises to take its listeners on a journey through love, redemption, self-identity and unity.

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Gig previews from around the region

Peter Hook & The Light The Copper Rooms, Coventry, Fri 4 March

This English rock band were formed in 2010 by former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook. Hook is joined by Jack Bates on bass, David Potts on guitar, Andy Poole on keyboards and Paul Kehoe on drums.

The band here perform New Order’s third and fourth albums - Low Life and Brotherhood - as well as an opening set of Joy Division material.

The Roving Crows Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 26 March

Roving Crows are a Celtic folk fusion band based in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Since forming in 2009, they’ve released three full-length albums, including Bacchanalia (2012) and Deliberate

Distractions (2013). They’ve also won numerous awards along the way, including Best Folk Act at Exposure Awards 2011 and Band Of The Year in the Fatea Music Awards 2014.

Expect a fast-paced, high-energy performance from this talented four-piece.

Gwyneth Herbert

The Puppini Sisters

Janet Jackson

The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 18 March

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 15 March

Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 30 March

Award-winning composer and lyricist Gwyneth Herbert is well known for her strikingly original performances.

Initially hailed for her interpretation of jazz and swing standards, she’s now a well-established composition and music theatre writer.

Herbert recently spent a month in Kenya collecting lullabies, sharing songs in shanty-town schools and staging large, multi-tribe storytelling happenings under the Mombasa stars.

She visits the Glee as part of her current tour.

With influences that range from The Andrews Sisters to Mike Flowers Pops, it’s fairly evident that The Puppini Sisters are peddling something rather unique. The retro stars are lauded for their ‘1940s glamour’ look and perform tongue-in-cheek classics in three-part harmony.

Comprising Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins and Emma Smith, the three-piece count Prince Charles and Cyndi Lauper among their fans and have been awarded gold and multi-platinum discs.

See them here on their Highlife Tour, ahead of the release of their new album.

Read our interview with Marcella Puppini on page 25.

Now here’s a woman who needs no introduction. The sister of late pop legend Michael Jackson, Janet is best known for her sexually provocative records and elaborate stage shows, as well as for multiple television and movie roles spanning the last 30 years.

She visits Birmingham with her Unbreakable World Tour.

Clint Mansell Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 23 March

Best known for his collaborations with director Darren Aronofsky, acclaimed British composer Clint Mansell has scored soundtracks for numerous films - including Black Swan, Requiem For A Dream and The Fountain - and will here perform a selection of his most familiar works.

His band, pianist Carly Paradis and Sonus Quartet also contribute.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15

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Classical Music Piatti String Quartet Armonico Consort

Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Fri 18 March

The Courthouse, Warwick, Thurs 17 March; Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Sat 19 March

These rising stars of the classical music scene caused a significant stir when they made their Leamington Music Festival Weekend debut back in 2011 - and they’ve been going from strength to strength ever since. Runners up in the 2015 London International String Quartet Competition, the ensemble are currently mentored by the Belcea Quartet. They also receive regular coaching from former Doric Quartet maestro Simon Tandree. The group take their name from 19th century cellist Alfredo Piatti, a leading professor and exponent of quartet playing at the Royal Academy of Music.

Founded by organist and conductor Christopher Monks in 2001, Armonico use authentic period instruments and regularly perform with some of the best solo musicians in the world.

This latest concert promises ‘a sublime evening of baroque brilliance’ and sees internationally acclaimed soprano Gillian Keith (pictured) joining the Consort for what’s being described as ‘a rollercoaster ride of melody and profound beauty’.

The programme features: Ich habe genug BWV 82a, O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit BWV 210 and a movement from The Wedding Cantata BWV 202.

Beyounes String Quartet Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 March

Ex Cathedra: Easter with Bach St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham, Sat 19 March; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 25 March

The Benyounes Quartet is one of the most engaging young ensembles to have emerged from the UK in recent years. They formed at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2007, and have been making a significant international splash ever since.

Here paying their first visit to Bromsgrove, they’ll be playing Ian Venables’ only String Quartet, originally commissioned by Droitwich Concert Club for their 25th anniversary in 1998.

Mozart’s String Quartet in D K575 and Debussy’s String Quartet complete the programme.

16 whatsonlive.co.uk

A favourite at Eastertide, Bach’s St John Passion, a re-telling of Christ’s betrayal and death, continues to be one of classical music’s most profound experiences. The work is here performed by the Ex Cathedra Consort and Baroque Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jeffrey Skidmore.

And Skidmore picks up the baton again later in the week as Ex Cathedra present a Good Friday performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, widely considered to be among the most powerful and moving of sacred works.

Coull Quartet: Northern Light Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 16 March

Warwick University’s quartet-in-residence since 1977, Coull have also made a name for themselves in places as far flung as the Americas, Australia, India and the Far East.

This latest offering sees them celebrating the natural beauty of Scandinavia via Carl Nielsen’s exuberant Second Quartet. They also have fun with Haydn’s witty and folkflavoured Op.74 No.1, and tug at the heartstrings when they play Dvorak’s poignant Quartet Op.34 - a mini-masterpiece about personal sorrow that comes complete with playful Czech polkas.

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FEATURE

by Heather Kincaid

Mary Poppins “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” Magic and madness as Mary Poppins flies into Birmingham Hippodrome

It's over 50 years since Walt Disney's take on PL Travers’ classic story of a magical nanny first captured the hearts of families around the world. Now firmly cemented in popular imagination, Mary Poppins has won over generations with her spoonfuls of sugar, magic umbrella and bottomless carpet bag.

But as anyone who's seen the film Saving Mr Banks will know, the creator of the iconic character was rather less than impressed with Disney's saccharine-sweet adaptation of her stories. Her vision of Mary Poppins was as a much more hardnosed figure, fighting to win round the kind of materially spoilt but under-nurtured trouble-makers that most of us will recognise - a far cry from the misunderstood angels in the movie.

Embarking on a new UK tour for 2016 that stops off at Birmingham Hippodrome in the spring, Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed stage production aims to strike a balance between the two.

“I think the show is a mixture of the film and the PL Travers books,” explains Zizi Strallen, who will follow in her big sister Scarlett's footsteps by playing the title role. “Anyone who's read them will know that in the books, Mary Poppins is a stricter nanny, more of a disciplinarian, and the kids are really badly behaved by comparison. I'm quite feisty at the beginning, and then I start to soften towards the end.”

Nevertheless, this isn't to suggest that Julian Fellowes' reworking of the story is in any way downbeat. Though partly inspired by the real-life figures which are a dark blot on many childhoods, Mr Banks’ own monstrous nanny, Miss Andrew, is more pantomime villain than genuine horror. Moreover, there's perhaps a greater satisfaction to be derived from the Banks family's resolution of genuine problems. Mary Poppins’ triumph here is to draw out courage and kindness from very vulnerable people, not only preventing unfortunate adults from inflicting their misery on their children, but encouraging them to see their kids as offering a clean slate - an opportunity to find happiness themselves.

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FEATURE

‘‘ If you say it loud enough, you'll always sound “My mum read the books to me and my sisters when we were younger,” says Strallen, “so I was always very aware of that side of the story, and I think it gives the show a really good journey.”

Worcester-born Maria Garrett, who’s performing in the ensemble cast, agrees: “I feel like the film focuses more on Mary and Bert, whereas the musical takes you on this journey with the family, and really shows the importance of how George and Winifred Banks come together as a family unit at the end.”

There's no sense of throwing the baby out with the bathwater either: this is a showstopping, super-sized musical retaining all the Sherman Bros' irresistible tunes, along with the odd addition here and there.

Strallen's favourite is the poignant Feed The Birds, while Garrett prefers the energy of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius (‘Supercal’ for short): “It's really exhilarating,” she says, “especially when we do the reprise because all the audience tends to clap along and join in.”

Then there's the larger-than-life look of the film, beautifully reimagined for the stage through elaborate sets and some truly spectacular effects. Intricately hand-painted backdrops have the charming, sketchy quality of storybook illustrations, as though the action has burst into life directly from the page. The Banks’ three-dimensional home is pulled out, spun around and opens up to reveal different rooms at the front and back; the upper floor nursery and the bank are separate sets entirely. In Jolly Holiday, a drab black-and-white palette suddenly explodes into colour, while numerous chimneys fill the stage for Chim Chim Cher-ee, each with their own individual smoke ma8 20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk

chines. Those who know a little about the show might already have heard whispers of its spectacular finale. For those who haven't, we'll refrain from spoiling anything, but suffice to say there's flying involved...

“The Saturday matinees are my favourite,” says Garrett, “because that's when all the kids come with their mums and their dads, and you can just see their faces light up when they see Mary flying - it's so magical!”

“It feels amazing,” adds Strallen, “and the audience just love it because it's so well done. Because I have so much to do in the show, it's actually quite a nice little rest for me when I get to fly, and we have a brilliant team that makes me feel very safe.”

As Mary Poppins’ production manager, Neil White, explains, the most important person travelling with a show on this scale is the health and safety advisor, who performs checks after every performance, including between matinee and evening shows. Attention to detail in every aspect of the production is key to ensuring things are “practically perfect in every way”, inspiring a sense of wonder in big kids and little ones alike.

“Everything looks as good up close as it does out front,” White continues. “Cameron Mackintosh is a whirlwind when he visits: he can spot a moustache out of place or a light that isn't quite right. A member of the creative team watches every show and writes a report of it, so that standards never slip. It really keeps you on your toes!”

In the two or three days before opening at a new venue, a huge crew of 100-plus people works around the clock in two shifts to get everything ship-shape and ready for action.

There's masses of stuff to be shifted, from the two-ton nursery, 25 flying elements and 58 motors used to suspend the set and equipment, right down to carefully organised make-up sets and multiple chimney brushes. Most of this will be transported in 18 trailers, each 45ft long. Electrical equipment, including smoke machines, haze machines, foggers, followspots and 97 moving lights, takes up two of these alone. Since much of it runs on rechargeable batteries, it's down to the electrics department to make sure everything is always fully charged.

“This is the biggest touring show in Europe,” says White, “so moving it is such a military operation. Everything is labelled beyond belief.”

This is, of course, before we've even come to wigs and costumes. According to White, the three washing machines and four tumble dryers that tour with the production get through roughly as much laundry in a week as does an average family household in a year. Each day, two people arrive at 8am to start on washing and ironing, and members

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precocious, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! of the wardrobe department will spend hours darning stockings. Clean costumes are stored in an extensive ‘Quick Change Village’, where every character has their own section with three sets of each of their outfits. Of course, some of these, such as the chimney sweep costumes, never stay clean for very long - a special spray called Dirty Down is used to get things grubby without causing lasting damage.

tender age of nine, is excited about getting to grips with the dancing.

“You spend so much time getting things clean and then a lot of it has to be deliberately dirtied up again!” White laughs.

For such an energetic show, getting the clothes right is essential: they must be flexible enough for dancing and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, as well as always looking fantastic.

A stepping up of the dance moves for Mary and Bert is just one of the many changes that have taken place since Mary Poppins’ last tour, so even if you've seen the show before, there should still be some surprises this time round.

Strallen is particularly pleased with hers: “They've all been made for me, which is lovely because everything fits me really well.

I do have to wear a corset and a bustle underneath my skirt because it's all very traditional and true to the Edwardian period, but my clothes are comfortable enough that I can move and dance and fly and slide up a bannister in them. It's a joy to wear them.”

For Strallen, who’s a fully trained dancer with experience of working on the likes of Matthew Bourne's Car Man, there'll be even more dancing than in previous runs of the show.

“I used to come to the Hippodrome every Saturday because I was a Junior Associate of Birmingham Royal Ballet,” she explains. “It's great to be doing this show because I've known the choreography of people like Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear for years, so it's exciting to finally be performing their work.”

“It never stops evolving,” says White.

“Cameron's not just about money - he's about making great theatre. The audience is getting a return on every penny they pay to see it, and it's such a nice thing in this industry when you know you're not short-changing anyone.”

In addition to the main cast, there are two understudies for every adult role (the parts of Jane and Michael are each shared between seven to eight young actors), as well as six swings (understudies who prepare several roles) on hand to fill in any gaps in the ensemble. Each swing has 19 sets of costumes, shoes and hats, ready to jump into any scene at short notice.

“Zizi is such a strong dancer that they've increased all the choreography for Mary,” says White. “Matt [Lee, who plays Bert] is brilliant too. It's things like this that keep it really fresh.”

“A production like this couldn't function without the swings,” says White. “Their brains are just amazing - they know all the parts.”

Garrett, who trained at Harlequin Stage School and played a small part in BRB's Giselle at Birmingham Hippodrome at the

It's hard to exaggerate the huge demands a production like this places on every member of the cast and crew. Even after the 72-hour set-ups, on matinee days, they'll be working

”

from 8am until about 11pm, leaving just enough time to get a bit of sleep in before they're up and doing it all over again.

“It's not a show where anyone has an easy ride,” says White. “It's exhausting, but every time you do a show like this, everyone is really proud to get people in to see it.”

As Mary herself would suggest, all you have to do is, “find the fun and - snap! - the job's a game”. Luckily, there are plenty of people to share the pressure, and by all accounts, over the course of the full year they spend together, the whole team ends up pretty close.

“Unlike when you just do a show in London, on a touring production we're like a second family,” says White. “You get to know how everyone works. In a lot of touring shows, the ensemble casts are cut down, so you might have about eight people on stage. In this, there are 30. People in Birmingham are essentially getting a West End show without having to pay a ridiculous price to go to London and see it.”

For Garrett, the trip back up to Birmingham is likely to spark a few fond memories of her time both as an audience member and as a budding performer.

“It’s fun getting to travel round the UK doing what I love, but the Hippodrome's so special because that's where it all started for me. We used to go to the old-fashioned sweet shop just across the road from the theatre to choose our favourite sweets every Saturday after ballet, so I'll definitely be going back there!”

Mary Poppins shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 9 March until Saturday 23 April. www.whatsonlive.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 21 9

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Comedy

Bridget Christie Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 17 March; mac, Birmingham, Tues 22 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 28 April

Bridget Christie describes herself as ‘a female person’ and ‘the only stand-up to have been billed alongside both Lionel Blair and Naomi Wolf’.

Married to fellow laughter merchant Stewart Lee since 2006, Bridget’s gags include: “Every vagina is a unique snowflake... made of gammon”, and “Feminism isn’t a fad. It’s not like Angry Birds. Although it does involve a lot of angry birds. Bad example.”

Bridget’s latest touring show promises to answer a wide range of intriguing questions, including why she’s been sending her stained underpants to George Osborne at Her Majesty’s Treasury every month.

She’ll also be explaining the difference between Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner...

So as you can see, missing this show just isn’t an option.

Six of the best...

Katherine Ryan

Carl Donnelly

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 3 March; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Thurs 10 March; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 20 May

The Glee Club, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sat 11 March

Having experienced motherhood, divorce and MTV, awardwinning Canadian funny lady Katherine Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look at those aspects of life that make people angry and bitter.

Alongside her comedy career, Katherine also takes occasional acting roles - the part of George in Channel Four’s Campus and Merc’s assistant in Episodes feature among her more recent engagements.

She visits the Midlands this month with her new show, Kathbum.

22 whatsonlive.co.uk

Launching himself onto an unsuspecting comedy circuit in 2004, Carl Donnelly’s made his name via numerous festivals and plenty of contributions to all manner of radio shows. At his best when portraying himself as a bit of a hapless idiot, Carl’s as happy as the proverbial sandboy chatting about all manner of subjects, from encounters with intimidating yahoos on a train to the rather more personal business of accidentally soiling himself.

Check out page 65 for EXCLUSIVE Friday night deals at The Glee Club

Romesh Ranganathan Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 11 March; Evesham Arts Centre, Sat 16 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 27 April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 22 May

With his support slots having included one for Ricky Gervais, it’s fair to say former Maths teacher Romesh Ranganathan has made a significant impact since bursting onto the comedy circuit in 2010. The 2013 winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury New Act Award, Romesh has also become a familiar face on TV, with credits including Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News and a regular slot on Channel Four’s Stand Up For The Week.

It’s all a far cry from his previous career in a Crawley classroom. "In the early days I would be performing to eight people in a pub and my sixth formers would turn up,” Romesh recalled recently in an interview with Crawley News. “I couldn't help but think, 'Oh God, this isn't going to end well’.

It undermined my authority to tell the students off the next day, because it must’ve been hilarious for them to see me die on stage and think 'I'm just going to heckle him now'!”

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Barbara Nice’s Easter Funny The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 23 March

“Our Easter Funny promises to be a night of much laughter,” says Janice Connolly, whose alter-ego is comedy creation Barbara Nice. “I’m delighted that the very talented Angela Barnes, Rachel Parris and Rob Deering will be joining Barbara for these Easter-themed antics.”

Barbara’s Easter Funny is a comedy fundraiser for Birmingham-based charity Women & Theatre. The company delivers performances, projects and workshops for a variety of target groups, including looked-after young people, young carers, mental health service users and older adults in residential settings.

“The evening is an opportunity for us to fundraise for Women & Theatre,” says Janice, the charity’s artistic director. “The funds will ensure we’re able to continue working with a range of people to understand what matters to them, and with them to create theatre and comedy that reflects their lives.”

Nathan Caton

Chris Purchase

Bramall Music Building, Birmingham University, Thurs 31 March

Lichfield Garrick, Sat 5 March

Chortle’s Student Comic Of The Year 2005 and an Edinburgh Fringe regular, the charismatic Nathan Caton is a man with plenty of good material and some sharp storytelling skills.

“I did a gig recently where I got booed off stage for saying that I live at home with my parents,” explains Nathan, in joke-telling mode. “I walked out and said: ‘Hello. My name's Nathan Caton. I'll tell you a bit about myself. I still live at home with my family...’

And as soon as I said it, the whole audience went, “Booooo!”. I gotta tell you, that's the last time I do a charity gig for an orphanage!”

Gein’s Family Giftshop

“A while ago, I was starting to experiment with slightly darker comedy,” explains Chris Purchase, a finalist in the Best Midlands Comedian category of this year’s What’s On Readers’ Awards. “I sent out a couple of jokes into the ether, not really hoping for anything back but just seeing what everyone thought of my new direction. The response was phenomenal. It made me feel incredible. I was talking about stuff I believed in and people loved it.”

Chris’ change of direction coincides with the tour of his first ever solo offering, Distant - a show about getting closer to people and making new friends...

Away from the wonderful world of comedy, Chris cites his ambitions as (1) swimming with dolphins and (2) being able to go to Alton Towers without having to sit in a specially constructed chair designed to embarrass larger people.

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 16 March; mac, Birmingham, Fri 15 April

This three-strong sketch group, comprising two boys and one girl, is one of the newer kids on the comedy block, scoring high marks at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kath, Jim and Ed’s material ranges from being very funny to not funny at all.

Thankfully, though, the majority of their offerings are in the former category rather than the latter.

As the group’s name suggests (‘Gein’ was the surname of a notorious US serial killer and body snatcher), their material is of a dark and definitely adult nature, but is presented with more than enough silliness to ensure it feels neither oppressive nor uncomfortable.

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FEATURE

by David Vincent

Sisters are doing it for themselves

As close harmony trio The Puppini Sisters release their new album, Marcella Puppini talks DIY and her year-long New Year's Resolution challenge...

We're only a few weeks into 2016, yet Marcella Puppini is already wondering if her New Year's Resolution was perhaps a little too ambitious.

“I set myself a fashion challenge - my 365 Outfit Challenge,” says the glamorous singer.

Although she trained in fashion as well as music, working from home all day, the temptation to skip the lip gloss and reach for well-worn yet comfortable scruffs was getting too great.

“If I don’t go out all day, although I’d not say I’m sitting around in my pyjamas, I certainly don’t bother with what I’m wearing, which gets me down. When we were recording our new album, I thought about what I was wearing more, and I liked that. This 365 Challenge is making me much happier working - it’s a nice feeling.”

The challenge Marcella has set herself is to wear a new outfit every day over the coming year - all 365 days, without exception (we didn’t like to point out to her that it’s a leap year!). She’ll document her progress with a daily blog post and selfie.

“It’s a proper, full-on challenge. So far, I’ve used all the stuff in my wardrobe, so I’m working through stuff I’ve not worn in ages.

I’ve already realised that there aren’t going to be enough clothes, so I’ve started customising things.”

The Puppini Sisters’ update of Andrews Sisters-styled ’40s harmonies has been wowing audiences for over a decade. The trio have an eye on nostalgic ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ glamour and a foot in the London burlesque, cabaret and performance art scene. Their slick and swingin' take on such standards as Jeepers Creepers, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend and In The Mood, along with the odd contemporary number such as Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, The Smiths' Panic and Beyonce's Crazy In Love has attracted a fan base that includes Prince Charles, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Bublé.

In fact, King of the Crooners Bublé was so impressed with the girls' 2010 Christmas With... album that he famously whisked them over to LA to guest on his own 2011 Christmas record and later his ITV1 festive special.

The Puppini's fifth record, The High Life, is released on 5 March and features Marcella, Kate Mullins and ‘newcomer’ Emma Smith (who joined in 2012) in fine voice.

It’s been over four years since The Sisters’ last long-player. Marcella states that part of the unintentionally lengthy gap between albums has been down to the threesome kickstarting their own record label, and paying for the entire process via online crowdfunding platform PledgeMusic. Though it means she's now spending more time at home, holed up in her office, Marcella reckons it was the perfect move, allowing the trio to

fully take control of their career.

“Who’s the most passionate about The Puppini Sisters? Us three! Record companies have bottom lines, and if you don’t sell millions of copies in the first week, they’re onto the next release, so we decided that we wanted to be the record company and set up Millionaire Records.

“It’s almost a full-time job, there’s so much to do every day. Apart from the promotion, there are all the things that fans buy.” Marcella is here referring to the 'pledges' the trio offer in return for funding.

“One of the things we offered was sing-agrams, so we’d have to meet up for a day to write and record those. It was a lot of work, but I’m surprised how much I loved it.

There’s been nothing better. We wrote a song and made a film for one pledger’s wife, and when she saw it... Wow! It was written with her husband, he gave us all the prompts, and she was so moved. She’d told him she’d gotten to an age where no-one would ever consider writing a song for her... so he did. It was beautiful. You see the joy!

Priceless!”

The Puppini Sisters play Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Tues 15 March

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Theatre Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 30 March - Sat 9 April; Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 7 - Sun 18 September

Everybody's favourite flying car makes a welcome return to the Midlands this month, complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score and a high-energy cast headed

by Jason Manford, Michelle Collins and comedian Phill Jupitus.

When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Manford) creates an amazing flying car, he takes his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal...

Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.

Goodnight Mister Tom New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 15 - Sat 19 March

The Government Inspector

A Passion For Birmingham

The REP, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sat 26 March

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 15 - Fri 25 March

When news reaches them that a government inspector is set to visit, the bureaucrats in a small Russian town are sent into a blind panic. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, the town’s hospital is a health hazard, its school a war zone and its soldiers lacking trousers to march in...

Nikolai Gogol’s biting moral satire is here presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Ramps On The Moon, a ground-breaking touring project committed to disability arts provision in the UK. Set during the dark and dangerous build up to the Second World War - and based on the 1981 novel of the same title by Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom follows the story of evacuee William Beech.

Relocated to the idyllic English countryside, the young boy builds a remarkable and moving friendship with an elderly recluse named Tom Oakley.

Life suddenly seems perfect for William until, that is, he receives a summons from his abusive mother to return home to London...

A tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale, Goodnight Mister Tom is here presented by Chichester Festival Theatre. The production is an Oliver Award winner.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk

Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie Crewe Lyceum, Wed 2 March; Lichfield Garrick, Fri 18 March; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 24 March

The Edinburgh Spotlight was well impressed with Les Enfants Terribles’ Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie when it performed at the city’s Fringe festival. The popular website described it as the show which Roald Dahl and Tim Burton would’ve produced had they ever met one another and decided to open a travelling circus! Les Enfants Terribles have previously enjoyed stage success with the equally clever shows Alice Underground and Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs.

They here present a combination of vaudeville, circus, puppets, dance, music and magic that seems sure to delight.

The Old Joint Stock Theatre Company once again present their promenade retelling of the Passion Story, set in modern-day Birmingham and spanning numerous buildings and various streets in the city centre.

The show has met with positive reviews in previous years, the young ensemble widely hailed for their ambition, creativity and commitment. Earlier presentations drew gentle criticism for being a little overlong, so it will be interesting to see how the show’s evolved.

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Theatre previews from around the region WIN! TICKETS To enter, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

The Jewellery Quarter At War Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 12 - Sat 19 March

Blue Orange’s Youth Theatre here present a production that promises to be every bit as educational as it is imaginative. The show comprises a number of devised works of drama, presented at various locations around the Jewellery Quarter and based on the experiences of local people during the Great War. The presentation is supported by Birmingham City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is struggling to come to terms with his life. Faced with the ghost of his murdered father, he must also grapple with the indecently hasty remarriage of his widowed mother to his conniving uncle...

A masterpiece of world theatre, Shakespeare’s famous play is a challenging piece to perform. The lead role is one of the largest ever written, and it's a brave actor indeed who undertakes the necessary plunge into his own psyche. So good luck on this particular occasion to Paapa Essiedu...

Additional casting includes Cucumber’s Cyril Nri as Polonius and James Cooney as Rosencrantz.

Tinned Goods

This Land

mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 March; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 19 March; Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 31 March

Bromfield, Nr Ludlow, South Shropshire, Wed 9 March; All Stretton Village Hall, South Shropshire, Thurs 10 March; Snailbeach Village Hall, Shropshire, Thurs 11 March; SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, Fri 12 March; Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, Shropshire, Wed 16 March; Foxlowe Arts Centre, Staffordshire, Thurs 17 March; Worcester Arts Workshop, Sat 19 March

Hamlet Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, Sat 12 March - Sat 13 August

‘Safe’ What Is The State Of Your Empire Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Fri 18 March

This emotionally charged piece sees five male performers inhabit the world of the 1930s construction workers who built the Empire State Building. Pitting masculinity against fragility and hailed for its punchy choreographic language, the show is presented by the highly acclaimed ZoieLogic Dance Theatre.

The hugely accomplished Tea And Tenacity contemplate politics, picket lines and principles in their latest offering, which takes as its subject matter the national miners’ strike of 30 years ago. Presented by an all-female cast, the production focuses on Sue and Rachel, two women whose friendship has been profoundly compromised by the miners’ walk out. As the pressure mounts, the women find themselves engaged in a desperate battle to save not only their relationships but also their very way of life...

Producing quality theatre about the contemporary rural world is the stated mission of Shropshire-based company Pentabus. They here join forces with Salisbury Playhouse to present a new play by Siân Owen that explores concerns about the process of fracking.

“Fracking is a controversial issue which is happening right now across the UK and all over the world,” says the play’s director, Jo Newman. “This Land is going to be touring to places where the prospect of fracking is a reality. We’re heading towards some scary and challenging times in the continued search for power. We more than ever need to be alert to what’s happening, and questioning, for ourselves, what is right.”

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Shen Yun Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 March

The New York Times described this show as ‘5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one night’. As evenings of theatrical entertainment go, sounds like a pretty good deal.

Based in New York, Shen Yun is a not-forprofit organisation dedicated to reviving authentic Chinese culture. And they certainly do that here, with a show that’s been enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. Expect ethnic and folk dancers, ‘brave generals, heavenly maidens, mischievous monks’ and plenty more besides. Heck, there’s even a contribution from a flying pig!

Red Snapper

Don Quixote

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 5 - Sun 19 March

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, until Sat 21 May

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s novel is one of the Spanish Golden Age’s most influential works of literature, inspiring, among others stories, The Three Musketeers and The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn.

His sanity compromised by his love of chivalric romances, a nobleman decides to adopt the name of Don Quixote, take up the sword, recruit a simple farmer named Sancho Panza as his squire, and revive the chivalric code.

To say that things don’t go quite according to plan would be an understatement...

The first full production to come out of the Belgrade Theatre’s Critical Mass playwriting project, Red Snapper is set in Jamaica in 1962 - a Jamaica where personal and political tensions simmer against a backdrop of mass emigration and unrest.

Cuba’s communist leader, Fidel Castro, is set to pay a visit - but nobody’s quite sure how he’ll be received. As the wives of five councillors prepare a welcome meal for Castro, longheld resentments threaten to turn the occasion into an unmitigated disaster...

Mona Lisa star Cathy Tyson heads the allfemale cast in this debut offering from promising new playwright Liz Mytton.

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The Canterbury Tales Solihull Arts Complex, Thurs 24 March

One of English literature's most famous works, Geoffrey Chaucer's legendary epic was written at the end of the 14th century. It presents a series of cautionary tales supposedly recounted by a group of pilgrims as they travel together to the shrine of Saint

Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral.

The work is best known to modern audiences for its spectacularly bawdy charms, and features more than its fair share of references to willies, bottoms and bodily functions. Presented by Blast From The Past.

Fake It 'til You Make It Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 March; mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 March

‘Brutally honest’ and ‘powerfully heartbreaking’ feature among reviewers’ assessments of this well-received Edinburgh Fringe First winner. A show described by creator Bryony Kimmings as being about ‘the wonders of the human brain, being in love and what it takes to be a real man’, Fake It ’til You Make It takes a look at the issue of clinical depression. The show’s been made

by Bryony in collaboration with her partner, Tim, who suffers from the condition himself.

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Wed 22 - Sat 25 Jun

Shakespeare Triple Bill

Carlos Acosta

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Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 5

Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

Kiss Me Quickstep

The Tailor Of Inverness

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 4 - Sat 19 March

It’s reasonable to assume writer and performer Matthew Zajac has at some point needed to purchase a sturdier mantlepiece, given the amount of silverware this compelling work of theatre has received over the last few years.

Debuting in 2008, The Tailor Of Inverness has scored a massive success internationally, playing to tens of thousands of people in no fewer than 10 countries. Telling the story of Matthew’s search for his Polish father, the play is here making its English debut, and has been described as ‘a powerful allegory for all victims of war’.

The New Vic has collaborated with Oldham Coliseum Theatre to produce this brand new offering from Amanda Whittington, whose previous successes include The Thrill Of Love and Be My Baby.

Set in the ultra-competitive world of ballroom dancing, the play focuses on the lives, loves and sorrows of a handful of performers competing in the national championships in Blackpool. They’re all desperate to achieve their dreams but it isn’t long before the realities of life away from the ballroom begin to take their toll...

The New Vic’s artistic director, Theresa Heskins, is the woman at the helm of this thought-provoking new show.

Lysistrata Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 1 March; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 15 Wed 16 March; The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Fri 18 March

Actors of Dionysus here continue with their avowed intention to ‘put flesh on the bones of ancient Greek drama’ by presenting an absurdist version of Aristophanes’ comic masterpiece.

Lysistrata is a woman on a mission. She intends to end the Peloponnesian War by encouraging the women of Greece to join her in withholding sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers - until such time as the menfolk negotiate a peace.

Needless to say, Lysistrata’s plan isn’t one that the men of Greece are happy to accept lying down...

The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 March

Of Mice And Men Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 8 - Sat 12 March

George and Lennie are drifters who only have each other and their shared search for the American Dream to sustain them. George is the sharp little guy who looks out for Lennie.

Lennie, meanwhile, is his big-hearted companion who, unaware of his own strength, seems unable to keep out of trouble.

Finding work on a ranch in California, they plan to stay long enough to buy a little place of their own - but their arrival triggers a tragic chain of events that threatens to destroy the very dream that unites them...

This returning version of the John Steinbeck classic stars Dudley Sutton in the role of Candy.

is about what’s happened to the north since the miners’ strike. There have been a lot of plays about the strike per se but nothing about what happened next. When the television cameras went away, it was almost like, ‘well you’ve had your moment’s coverage, now get on with your lives’. So this is a very vitriolic play about what’s happened to the north since the strike ended 30 years ago.”

Transports Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 15 March

Furthering its already impressive reputation for addressing serious material in a lighthearted and thought-provoking way, Pipeline Theatre here presents a story inspired by the Kindertransport refugees of the Second World War. The production jumps between the ’40s and the late 1970s, when a spiky 15-year-old’s arrival in a foster home leads to a devastating collision of revelations.

Tell Me On A Sunday Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 20 March

Shafted New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under Lyme, Wed 30 March - Sat 2 April

My writing has become much more angry, a kind of amphicentric vision of how we are,” says John Godber in talking about his latest play. “Shafted

One of the minor constellations in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s firmament of shows, Tell Me On A Sunday has some real gems hidden in its score, the most memorable among which is the plaintive Take That Look Off Your Face. Charting the course of an optimistic English girl as she arrives in New York seeking love and success, the show combines British wit with American sass, running a gamut of emotions in the process.

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Theatre

Kids shows this month...

Hetty Feather at The Rep

Up, Up And Away at Warwick Arts Centre

Hetty Feather

Tracy Beaker Gets Real

The REP, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Sat 12 March

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 29 - Wed 30 March

“She’s very naughty, very difficult but full of spirit,” says author Jacqueline Wilson of her character Hetty Feather. A child of the Victorian era, Hetty was left at the Foundling Hospital when she was a baby and has grown up to have a famously short fuse...

Featuring all the best-loved characters from the hugely popular books - including the frightening Matron ‘Stinking’ Bottomly - this well-reviewed touring show is suitable for children aged seven and older.

Jacqueline Wilson’s most famous character here makes a welcome return to the Midlands in a musical written by the BAFTAnominated Mary Morris. The show finds 15year-old Tracy wondering whether her mom’s reappearance in her life may finally bring to an end her days of being passed around like a parcel. But if there’s one thing Tracy’s hard-knock existence has taught her, it’s that nothing in life can be taken for granted...

The Remarkable Tale Of Oliver Twist

Peppa Pig’s Surprise

Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 9 March; mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 March

Based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel, this Red Earth production tells the story of a raggedy orphan boy as he discovers the difference between the darkness of the underworld and the love and warmth of the upper classes in Victorian London. Along the way, he encounters many of Dickens’ most colourful characters, not least among whom are Mr Bumble, The Artful Dodger, Bill Sykes, Nancy and, of course, everyone’s favourite pickpocketing wrong-doer, the conniving and sinister Fagin.

Presented in the style of Victorian music hall, complete with speciality acts and variety entertainments, the show is suitable for children aged six and older.

Rainbow Magic Live: Saving Fairyland Solihull Arts Complex, Mon 14 March

If your children have enjoyed any of Rainbow Magic’s 130 Rainbow Fairies books, they’re sure to be delighted by this associated musical. Best pals Rachel and Kirsty take centre stage in the show, enjoying plenty of fun and adventures as they help their fairy friends hunt for magical moonstones and tackle naughty goblins.

32 whatsonlive.co.uk

Malvern Theatre, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 March

If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and enjoyed the experience of watching them having a fantastic time - you’ll already know that this latest production is well worth catching.

“It hardly seems like seven years since we started on the first Peppa Pig Live stage show,” observes the show’s writer and director, Richard Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience seeing the children’s reactions, not only in the UK but throughout the world.

It just confirms that Peppa really is a global phenomenon.”

The Boy Who Bit Picasso Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 20 March

Play-clothes are very much the order of the day with this show - it’s fair to say things could get decidedly messy!

An interactive theatre production for children aged four and older, The Boy Who Bit Picasso tells the story of how a young lad became friends with one of the greatest artists who ever lived. Along the way, the show offers audience members the chance to get really hands-on by making their own art hence the play-clothes recommendation!

Peppa Pig’s Surprise at Malvern Theatres

The Old Woman, The Buffalo And The Lion Of Manding Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 10 March

Having played to great acclaim at the Hay Literature Festival and the RSC in Stratfordupon-Avon, this story of West African kingship and battle is here making a sure-to-bewelcome return to the Midlands.

Telling the tale of the birth of Sundiata Keita, visionary leader of the great Malian empire, it brings together much-admired storyteller Jan Blake, West African musicians Kouame and Raymond Sereba, and a range of musical instruments that includes Nordic flutes, djembe drums and the extraordinary dodo mouth bow.

The show is presented by the highly rated Adverse Chamber, specialists in the presentation of ‘epic stories told by countless voices over hundreds of years’, and is suitable for audience members aged 14 and older.

Handa’s Hen Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Wed 9 March

With a running time of just 35 minutes and a cast of 55 hand-created puppets, this brand new offering from the supremely talented Little Angel Theatre is ideal for youngsters aged between two and six.

The play’s been adapted from the book by Eileen Browne and finds Handa and her friend, Akeyo, looking for Grandma’s black hen. Problem is, the hen is nowhere to be found - although there’s certainly no shortage of other creatures making their presence felt, including fluttery butterflies, stripy mice and lurking lizards...

For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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FEATURE

Arlene Phillips talks about choreographing Jackie The Musical The year is 1964, and on Wednesday 1st January, the very first episode of Top Of The Pops airs on BBC1, beginning a British institution that would last for over 42 years. Less than two weeks later, on Saturday the 11th, the first issue of Jackie magazine hits the shelves of shops around the country...

The near simultaneous launch of these two hugely successful brands marked a growing industry awareness of a rapidly expanding youth market. Pop music, fashion and romance were hot topics in this teen-dominated age, where greater freedom and purchasing power among young people played a pivotal role in shaping the culture, and would continue to do so for decades to come.

It would be a few more years before both platforms would really reach their peak. By the early ’70s, the new teen culture had taken root, with sales of Jackie rising to 605,947 copies and Top Of The Pops attracting around 15 million viewers each week.

It's around this time that the story of Jackie The Musical unfolds - at least in part. Half set in the present-day and half in the past, Mike James' and Anna Linstrum's new show, arriving in the Midlands this month, tells the story of Jackie, a middle-aged woman reflecting on her formative years.

Choreographing the musical is the illustrious Arlene Phillips, whose diverse work on stage musicals, pop videos, live gigs, special events, feature films and, of course, Strictly Come Dancing, has won her huge renown both at home and overseas, as well as leaving her uniquely qualified for the job.

“Jackie magazine was a huge influence on 34 whatsonlive.co.uk

teenagers at the time,” says Phillips. “Girls wrote in to its columnists, Cathy and Claire, in their droves, sometimes about meeting boys but also about problems at home. For many of them, Cathy and Claire were the only people they could turn to for advice.

Nina Myskow was Editor-in-Chief on the magazine, and she's been very involved in the whole development of the musical.”

The story begins with Jackie (Janet Dibley), a recent divorcée for whom everything seems to have taken a downward turn. As she seeks to get her life back on track, she finds herself turning once more to the pages of Jackie - and more particularly to Cathy and Claire - for advice, transporting audiences back to her own coming of age.

“There's the ex-husband, John (Graham Bickley), who's got a new, younger model for a girlfriend - there's always one of those, isn't there?” Phillips laughs. “And then there's Jackie's younger self, who is another character played by a separate actor (Daisy Steere).”

The show's double timeline has provided Phillips with the interesting challenge of marrying different dance styles in keeping with the two settings. Having risen to fame as the founder of dance troupe Hot Gossip during the ’70s, she's well-versed in the styles of that period.

“Because the show is set in two eras, we've got a lot of contemporary choreography as well as a lot of ’70s dance styles,” she explains. “Hot Gossip really impacted in the late ’70s and were known mainly for their sexiness. While there will be some connection through iconic moves from the ’70s,

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by Heather Kincaid

Phillips' choreography will be set to the likes of Puppy Love, Tiger Feet and I Love To Love - ‘blast from the past’ chart-toppers guaranteed to make a certain generation of viewers misty-eyed with nostalgia. “It's a non-stop ’70s music fest!” she exclaims.

It's not only the trends of the time that have influenced her choices in creating routines for the production. Phillips has also taken inspiration directly from the unique features of Jackie magazine itself.

“I'm older than the Jackie readers, but I always loved their photo and drawn picture stories with speech bubbles. I was fascinated by those, and I've always wanted to find a way to use speech bubbles in a musical, so I'm delighted that I've been given that opportunity at long last.”

Adrift in a new age of social media, mobile phones, internet dating and tech-savvy teens, our protagonist yearns for the relative innocence and simplicity of her youth.

“I think that even though girls were asking the same questions in the ’60s, they weren't quite so obsessed with love and fashion as they became in the ’70s. In the ’60s, there were many homes that didn't have telephones, but by the ’70s, everyone had one.

That meant that a boy could actually call you, even though your parents would probably be standing in the hallway listening in to the conversation! So I think that's part of why the magazine really took off then.”

Naturally, this is a show primarily for and about the women who will enjoy getting right back to where they started from and looking back fondly on reflections of their life, but it's not all about turning back the hands of time or harking back to golden years. This is just as much a show about holding your head up, finding the confidence to express yourself, realising we've only just begun and looking forward to another day as it is about that sweet and innocent time. Phillips certainly believes that there's enough in this colourful, feel-good production to make just about anyone want to get up and boogie.

“Nowadays, relationships are available at the touch of a button,” says Phillips. “If you want to speak to a boy, you can look him up on your phone, find out all about him and send him a message. It appears to be so much simpler, but does it actually make life any easier? I'm not sure. It's just faster.”

“My daughters, who are 25 and 36, have already peeped in on rehearsals and they can't wait to see it now! It's not just for women, either - I think there's enough in it for men to enjoy too.”

For all that, of course, the ’70s weren't without their own social and technological upheavals, and Jackie's generation witnessed many cultural changes that might have come as a surprise to those of their parents' and grandparents' time.

Jackie The Musical boogies on down at: Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Tues 15 to Sat 19 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham from Tues 24 to Sat 28 May & Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from Tues 31 to Sat 4 June.

‘‘

the ’70s weren’t without their own social and technological upheavals, and Jackie’s generation witnessed many cultural changes that might have come as a surprise to those

‘‘

with Jackie The Musical, we're looking back at a slightly earlier, younger era, so there's a lot of disco and a much fresher look.”

of their parents’ and grandparents’ time.

whatsonlive.co.uk 35

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Film CRITIC’S CHOICE

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice CERT 12a

Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot, Michael Shannon Directed by Zack Snyder (USA)

It’s what we’ve been waiting for now for aeons: the showdown between The Caped Crusader and The Man of Steel. Ben Affleck may not have been everybody’s choice for the role of the former, but he does have the chiselled chin and stature. And he’s even taller than Henry Cavill (just don’t mention Daredevil). Anyway, Batman decides to pick a spat with Superman and while the superheroes are having their argy-bargy, Lex Luthor sees an opportunity to unleash his ultimate secret weapon on Metropolis: Doomsday.

Thank God, then, for Wonder Woman… For those who care, the budget reached $200 million.

Released Fri 25 March

Film highlights released in March...

London Has Fallen

The Other Side Of The Door CERT 15 (125 mins)

CERT 15 (125 mins)

Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Alon Moni Aboutboul, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster, Melissa Leo, Radha Mitchell Directed by Babak Najafi (USA/UK/Bulgaria)

The last time Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) had his work cut out for him, he was saving the White House from the clutches of North Korean terrorists. That was in Antoine Fuqua’s ludicrous, extremely violent and guiltily thrilling Olympus Has Fallen. Now, as world leaders gather in London for the funeral of the British prime minister (not David Cameron), Banning has to thwart a mass assassination plot.

Released Thurs 3 March

Starring Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Javier Botet, Sofia Rosinsky Directed by Johannes Roberts (UK/India)

The Choice CERT 15 (125 mins) Starring Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace, Alexandra Daddario, Tom Welling, Tom Wilkinson Directed by Ross Katz (USA)

Nicholas Sparks adaptations are now as common as awards ceremonies and this one, based on Sparks’ 2007 novel of the same name, is the simple story of two neighbours falling for each other. Yet nothing is that straightforward in love and outside events do conspire to rock the boat. And in case you were interested, Teresa Palmer played the female lead in last month’s Point Break.

Released Fri 4 March

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However much one loves someone, be they a partner, a parent or a child, one should let them rest once they have passed on.

However, grieving mother Maria (Wayne Callies) believes she has a right to say goodbye to her late young son, and so unlocks a portal that she should have well left alone...

Expect some extreme bloody imagery.

Released Fri 4 March

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Film releases in March CRITIC’S CHOICE

Truth CERT 15 (125 mins) Starring Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Topher Grace, Elisabeth Moss, Dennis Quaid, Bruce Greenwood, Stacy Keach Directed by James Vanderbilt (USA/Australia)

Based on the so-called Killian Documents controversy (aka Rathergate), this top-tier political docudrama packs an impressive cast. Cate Blanchett plays the CBS news producer Mary Mapes, on whose memoir - Truth And Duty: The Press, The President And The Privilege Of Power - the film is based. Robert Redford plays the legendary anchorman Dan Rather.

Released Fri 4 March

Hail, Caesar! CERT 12a (106 mins) Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Christopher Lambert Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (USA)

When a Hollywood star in 1950s’ Hollywood is kidnapped, a ‘fixer’ (Josh Brolin) is called in to solve the problem.

The third instalment in the Coen brothers’ so-called ‘Numbskull Trilogy,’ George

The Divergent Series: Allegiant CERT 12a

Clooney is back on board, following his turns in the filmmakers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Intolerable Cruelty.

Brolin himself starred in the Coens’ No Country For Old Men, while Frances McDormand - who plays a film editor - is married to Joel Coen.

The film in which Clooney’s hungover matinee idol stars is called Hail, Caesar!

Released Fri 4 March

The Ones Below CERT PG (95 mins)

Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts Directed by Robert Schwentke (USA)

Starring Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Stephen Campbell Moore, Laura Birn, Deborah Findlay Directed by David Farr (UK)

Young adult dystopia continues apace with this, the third edition in the film series based on Veronica Roth’s literary trilogy. Now, the deviant and rebellious Beatrice 'Tris' Prior (Woodley) aims to escape the walls that confine her and her friends in a mad, futuristic Chicago. What they find will blow their minds... But it’s not all over yet, as the filmmakers have decided to divide Roth’s final book into two movies. We wonder where they got that idea from.

A wealthy couple, Kate and Justin, are expecting the birth of their first child when they befriend the new occupants in the apartment below. As it happens, the new couple are also expecting, although their take on parenthood would appear to be diametrically opposed to Kate and Justin’s. And so a new tension enters all their lives...

The debutant writer-director David Farr previously scripted the TV series Spooks.

Released Thurs 10 March

Kung Fu Panda 3 CERT PG (95 mins)

Featuring the voices of Jack Black, J. K. Simmons, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Seth Rogen Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni (USA/China)

Released Fri 11 March

When the kung fu master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) retires, he insists that Po (Jack Black) takes his place, an eventuality that does not go smoothly. Meanwhile, Po finds that he also has to combat a far more supernatural threat... Of course, it’s anything but po-faced. In 3D. Released Fri 11 March whatsonlive.co.uk 37

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Film Anomalisa CERT 15 (90 mins)

Risen CERT 12a (107 mins)

High-Rise CERT 15 (119 mins)

Featuring the voices of David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan Directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson (USA)

Starring Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis, Leonor Watling Directed by Kevin Reynolds (USA)

Starring Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, Elisabeth Moss, James Purefoy Directed by Ben Wheatley (UK)

The risen in question is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, and it befalls the Roman centurion Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) to investigate the rumours surrounding his resurrection. The director Kevin Reynolds previously brought us Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, so one might be wary of expecting enormous historical accuracy. It’s described as a mystery thriller.

The director Ben Wheatley has garnered considerable acclaim following his films Down Terrace, Kill List and A Field In England.

Here, he untangles an eco-system preserved in a luxury London tower block, where a young doctor (Hiddleston) moves to the 25th floor to discover fierce dissent between the residents. Based on the 1975 novel by JG Ballard.

David Thewlis provides the voice of a selfhelp author who views everybody as identical until meeting a highly original woman in a Cincinnati hotel. A stop-motion cartoon based on Charlie Kaufman’s 2005 play of the same name, Anomalisa has been getting rave reviews ever since it premiered at the Telluride Film Festival last September.

Kaufman, of course, has always delved into the surreal, having scripted the wildly inspired Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.

Released Fri 11 March

Released Fri 18 March

Released Fri 18 March

Rock The Kasbah CERT 12a (107 mins)

Starring Bill Murray, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride, Scott Caan, Bruce Willis Directed by Barry Levinson (USA)

The Witch CERT PG (95 mins) Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw Directed by Robert Eggers (Canada/USA)

Set in the 1630s, The Witch is an award-winning Canadian horror film that would appear to be something of an original. Living on the edge of the New England wilderness, a Puritan family battles with the loss of their infant son when darker forces start to emerge from them thar woods. Preceding the Salem Witch trials, the film’s events are said to be pretty damned authentic.

Released Fri 11 March

Loosely adapted from the 2009 documentary Afghan Star, this is the story of a music manager severely down on his luck. Then, when Richie Lanz (Bill Murray) finds himself in Kabul without a penny or his passport, he encounters a young Afghan girl with an amazing voice. The next step is getting her into the Afghan version of American Idol...

From the director of Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam.

Released Fri 18 March

10 Cloverfield Lane CERT tbc

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (USA)

We don’t get many Chinese-AmericanCanadian horror films, so this may be different from the rest. Here, a young American nanny (Cohan) moves in with an English family to look after their son, only to discover that he is a life-sized doll. Maybe. A sequel is already in the works (called The Boy 2).

No sooner have we recovered from Lenny Abrahamson’s remarkable Room, than this claustrophobic thriller drops us into the same scenario.

A woman (Winstead) wakes up from a car accident to find herself trapped in a stranger's basement. He tells her that he’s saved her from a global chemical attack that has left the earth’s surface uninhabitable...

The good news is that co-scripter Damien Chazelle previously brought us Whiplash (2014).

Released Fri 18 March

Released Fri 18 March

The Boy CERT 15 (97 mins) Starring Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, Jim Norton, Diana Hardcastle Directed by William Brent Bell (China/USA/Canada)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 CERT tbc Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin Directed by Kirk Jones (USA)

The original 2002 comedy was not only a hugely surprising hit but it went on to spawn a slew of My Big Fats. Here, though, is the very first sequel in which the profoundly married Toula (writer and star Nia Vardalos) and her gorgeous husband (Corbett) are experiencing marital issues. Meanwhile, there’s another Greek wedding around the corner which is even bigger and fatter than the first one. Well, it would be, wouldn’t it?

Released Fri 25 March

Zootropolis CERT PG (108 mins) Featuring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush (USA)

Disney’s 55th ‘official’ animated feature film, Zootropolis is set in an anthropomorphic metropolis, obviously. Here, the leading characters are a red fox who’s a con artist (Bateman) and a rabbit who’s a rookie cop (Goodwin). Together, they team up to try and uncover a conspiracy. Idris Elba is the voice of a cape buffalo, obviously.

Released Fri 25 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 39

Arts & Science NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:52 Page 1

FEATURE

Memory and Forgetting: University of Birmingham Art and Science Festival

Themed around the act of remembering itself, this year's University of Birmingham Art and Science Festival looks set to be a memorable one. With a diverse array of concerts, screenings, performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks and lectures on offer, the week-long festival offers something to excite the curiosity of just about anyone. Best of all, the vast majority of events are completely free to attend.

Highlights for 2016 include a talk from Professor Alice Roberts on her recent BBC series, The Celts, discussions around commemoration inspired by last year's World War One centenary, and exhibitions and events drawing on Birmingham's own past and community heritage.

What makes this festival so special, however, is its bringing together of science and art on an equal footing. Music meets medicine and dark matter meets dance in this multi-disciplinary celebration of innovation and experimentation. It's more than just a case of different events being programmed side by side: there's an emphasis on meaningful connections between the arts and sciences through new and exciting collaborations.

“It's an amazing festival, because there's no other event that touches on so many elements of art and science in this way,” said sound artist Justin Wiggan, who will be running an interactive workshop at the festival as part of an ongoing project called Life Echo. “Art and science have always gone hand in hand, but I think in the past art has often been pushed into the background while its older brother science has taken the lead, partly because some people just see art as just entertainment. I think now artists are pushing 40 whatsonlive.co.uk

more for active research and collaborations within fields of science, and there's a greater awareness and acceptance of its value.”

these, he created one-minute sound experiences, which were given to the subjects to access whenever they were feeling low.

These Large Hadron-like collisions between diverse fields of research have resulted in the development of some fascinating ideas. In “Silent Signal”, Vivid Projects presents a series of animations exploring the human body, created by six artists and six leading biomedical scientists. A performance from contemporary dancers Mairi Pardalakiand and Fanny Travaglino called “The Neutrino Passoire” explores the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations and the unconscious passing of these particles through the human body. Meanwhile, in “Art that Tickles the Brain”, Professor Jane Raymond of the School of Psychology leads an interactive session at The Barber Institute revealing the activity that occurs in the brain when we encounter works of art.

Then, of course, there's Wiggan's own work, which explores the links between sound, memory and wellbeing.

“We found that this not only had a massive positive effect on them, but also that it helped their families, both in terms of leaving a legacy and bridging a gap at a time when conversation is hard. When you see someone at a hospice, day in, day out, you often end up not talking about what's important and just discussing mundane things like medication, so this became a way for people to share emotions.”

“Life Echo started when I discovered that my wife had triple negative breast cancer, which obviously had a massive impact on our lives. I became aware of how much I was relying on recalling good memories to get me through this traumatic period, and I started analysing those memories. As a sound artist, I was curious about the connection between sound and memory, and wanted to investigate that further.”

“I think it's really important, not just for people who are ill but for people from all walks of life. Things like dementia are on the rise, but also a lot of people are insecure about their future, and this helps them to allow their past to be moulded by positive experiences.

It's a different way for people to use their memories – not in a nostalgic way, but in a very purposeful, meaningful way that contributes to wellbeing and social interaction.”

It wasn't long before Wiggan realised that his research might be able to impact positively on other people's lives as well; thus, he embarked on a residency at the John Taylor Hospice, interviewing patients and selecting five strong memories from each. From

Since then, he's been exploring other potential applications for the project in schools and elsewhere. Workshop attendees will each be given a “memory atlas”, which, with guidance, they'll use to select memories and relate them to specific sounds. Then sounds will then be collated in a “Phonic Memory Garden”, where visitors will be able to hear their own memories as well as those of others, which may, in turn, trigger new connections.

The University of Birmingham Art and Science Festival takes place from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 March.

A full brochure is accessible at birmingham.ac.uk/events/arts-and-science

NEC 2016 Spring A4:Layout 1 17/02/2016 15:25 Page 1

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Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:07 Page 1

Visual Arts Shakespeare In Art: Tempests, Tyrants And Tragedy Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 19 March - Sun 19 June

Organised in association with the RSC as part of this year's 400th anniversary celebrations, this unique, multi-media experience combines iconic visual representations of Shakespeare's plays with specially commissioned audio accompaniments. Through recorded excerpts, RSC actors bring to life the scenes depicted in classic paintings, displayed alongside more recent responses to the texts in photography and film. Art and theatre enthusiasts alike can explore Shakespeare's enduring appeal to artists through the ages, from Singer Sargent, Fuseli, Watts, Romneyi and the Pre-Raphaelites to Tom Hunter and other contemporary artists.

Willard Wigan MBE: Micro sculptures The Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Sun 13 March - Mon 2 May

Wednesfield-born sculptor Willard Wigan returns to the Black Country for a special homecoming exhibition at Wolverhampton's Light House Media Centre, launching in March with a VIP celebration of the region's cultural and sporting achievements.

Known for his minute works which are displayed and viewed through microscopes, Wigan has gained a huge international following. In tribute to his home region, his latest work is a micro sculpture of another local legend, Noddy Holder, reflecting his belief that Black Country boasts incredible beauty and creativity that its modesty often fails to highlight.

42 whatsonlive.co.uk

Birmingham People And Change In The Inner City Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Mon 14 - Thurs 31 March

Shedding a light on the people and places of Birmingham's past, these free, joint exhibitions at BMAG offer a fascinating glimpse into the changes the city has witnessed over the years, as portrayed in a variety of media.

Focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries, Birmingham People explores the representation of ordinary residents of the city through a range of oil paintings, photographs, film and sculpture. Meanwhile, Change In The Inner City highlights the evolution of the urban landscape since the Second World War, with a focus on the four central wards of Nechells, Soho, Aston and Ladywood. Material from the museum's art and history collections is displayed alongside architectural models, including one of the Aston Expressway in 1967.

Endangered And Extinct Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, Sat 12 March - Sun 8 May

After hosting her hugely popular Reincarnated Rubbish exhibition in 2014, Shire Hall Gallery invites Val Hunt to return with more creative transformations of household waste. Themed around the issue of animal extinction and human impact on delicate ecosystems, this new exhibition sees drinks cans and plastic bags, among other items, sculpted into an assortment of colourful creatures, each representing a species now lost or on the verge of dying out.

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Design And Desire: The Great Exhibition of 1851 Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Mon 21 March - Fri 24 February 2017

Bringing together objects, prints and paintings from the Elton Collection, this free presentation aims to revive the excitement and intrigue of The Great Exhibition, the world's first international show of manufactured products.

Held in the futuristic glass and iron setting of Hyde Park's Crystal Palace in 1851, the ground-breaking show was the ultimate embodiment of Victorian ingenuity, combining art, science and engineering and capturing imaginations across boundaries of class and culture. After its closure, many of its exhibits became part of the collection of the South Kensington Museum (later the V&A). By examining the creation of the exhibition, its social and economic impact, and the public response at the time, Design And Desire offers visitors an insight into how it might have felt to witness this incredible spectacle 165 years ago.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 27 February Sun 5 June

This loan exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery showcases award-winning photographic portraits from last year's Taylor Wessing competition, a prestigious annual event celebrating the best in contemporary portrait photography from around the world. The 2015 entries range from informal pictures of family and friends, to revealing images of well-known figures such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Barack Obama.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43

Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:21 Page 1

Events International Crafts And Hobby Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 March

Cake International is this year linking up with three other wellestablished NEC shows for the very first time.

The popular sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking show joins forces with Fashion & Embroidery, Sewing For Pleasure and Hobbycrafts.

Highlights of the 2016 event include demonstrations by Daniel Diéguez, who specialises in 3D, wedding and celebration cakes and chocolate sculpture. Daniel returns to Cake International having won a gold medal at last year’s show.

Fashion & Embroidery enthusiasts, meanwhile, are sure to be impressed by the chance to check out skilfully made costumes from the 2015 film version of Far From The Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan.

Sewing For Pleasure is also turning to the arts for its inspiration, presenting a life-sized knitted and crocheted creation depicting three scenes from The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.

And be sure to visit the Hobbycrafts element of the show, which welcomes back TV stars Julie Peasgood and Wendy Turner. The Crafty Beggars In The House favourites will be helping visitors make simple sock teddies and delightful desk hogs.

Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship

KIDS GO * FREE *Children under 16 go FREE when accompanied by a parent/guardian

White Water Active

Edible Garden Show

Chapel Street, Llangollen, Wales

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Fri 11 - Sun 13 March

If you’re bursting with energy and fancy a new adventure, this wellregarded outdoor-activity provider is well worth a look. Kayaking whitewater rapids, ‘descending into the mysterious green gorges of Wales’, 90-foot abseiling experiences and whitewater rafting are just some of the adrenaline-pumping experiences available to enjoy.

The company also caters for stag and hen weekends, offering a range of options designed to meet most needs, from peaceful ‘pamper days’ to pumped-up adventures in the great outdoors.

Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Sun 13 March

This month sees a host of world-class badminton players descend on Birmingham to compete not only for the coveted Yonex title itself but also for Rio 2016 Olympic qualification points.

Now in its 106th year, Yonex is one of badminton’s five ‘majors’, as well as being the sport’s oldest and most prestigious competition. This year’s highlights include husbandand-wife team Chris and Gabby Adcock attempting to win their first ever Yonex All England title.

44 whatsonlive.co.uk

Quote “What’s On” to receive 10% discount when booking

The Edible Garden Show here returns to the Midlands for the first time since 2013.

Now in its sixth year, the event brings together a wide range of experts and exhibitors to offer visitors an insight into how to get the very best out of their garden or window box.

“Although we’ve had two good years in London, a large proportion of our audience remains our loyal following from Stoneleigh,” says the event’s director, Geraldine Reeve. “Last year’s post-show research clearly illustrated that nearly half of our audience wanted the show to return to the Midlands.

“With the changes we’ve made this year, adding more interactive features as well as entertainment for the whole family, we know we’ve got a winning formula. By returning to Stoneleigh, we’re able to bring back the popular animal marquee, as well as offering a great food festival.”

Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:54 Page 2

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46 whatsonlive.co.uk

Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:54 Page 4

more events from around the region

Events Easter half term Fun at Cadbury World Cadbury World, Bournville, Sat 19 March - Sun 17 April

Egg Dancing at Blists Hill Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April

Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town this month for a spot of sure-to-be-fun Easter egg dancing. Watch the residents dance blindfolded across the streets, attempt-

Easter half term activities at Coventry Transport Museum Coventry Transport Museum, Sat 26 March - Sun 10 April

Coventry Transport Museum’s latest interactive exhibition, a celebration of the city’s link with tractors, has been mounted to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the first tractor off the line at the Massey Ferguson Banner Lane plant.

As you’d expect - and particularly during the Easter holidays - it’s a family-friendly experience, offering visitors the chance to learn all about tractor technology. Artist Jim Morris is on hand too, showing youngsters how to use recycled card and tactile materials to make a model tractor. His workshop is suitable for children aged four and older.

And speaking of workshops, there’s a tractorfree one to enjoy in the Transport Museum’s MiC Lab, with children aged four-plus being given the chance to ‘experience the power of veg’ by making it light up!

ing to avoid the eggs placed along their route.

After they’ve demonstrated how to do it - or maybe how not to do it! - it’s time for any have-a-go visitors to ‘go blind and get dancing’!

A wealth of Easter fun awaits visitors to Cadbury World this month, with an egg hunt, a chance to meet a host of colourful Cadbury characters and the opportunity to enjoy live family entertainment adding to the usual fare on offer.

A great day out for adults and children alike, Cadbury World comprises various zones which take visitors through the origins of the cocoa bean and the history of the Cadbury brand.

A trip on board the magical Cadabra is a surefire hit with younger visitors, as is the 4D cinema experience - complete with the chance to ride the Crunchie rollercoaster and dive into liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.

And, of course, there are always the free samples to enjoy...

Enginuity Workshops Practical Classics Restoration Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 March

Midlands Classic Car enthusiasts can really immerse themselves in their passion at this specialist event.

Showcasing in excess of 700 magnificent motors, the show also boasts live demos, expert tutorials, workshops, celebrity seminars and 350 exhibitors selling a wide range of popular products.

Other attractions include the Spring’s largest indoor autojumble, a ‘cars for sale’ area, Silverstone auctions, the Practical Classics Live Stage and the UK’s biggest collection of barn find displays.

Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April

These Easter holiday drop-in workshops provide participants with the chance to design colourful spring-loaded creatures and see how far they can jump. Visitors can also make and experiment with a catapult to compare how far it can launch a ‘missile’. The workshops take place each day (see above dates) between 10.30am and 3.45pm, with activities varying from day to day and some additional costs applying.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47

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more events from around the region

Events

Insomnia 57

Birmingham Botanical Gardens at Easter

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Mon 28 March

The UK’s biggest gaming festival has recently relocated to Birmingham’s NEC, having outgrown its previous home at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Insomnia Gaming Festival is a 24hour event ‘combining all the best bits of video-gaming’, with the show offering visitors the chance to play an impressive selection of both new and vintage games. They can also watch their favourite online YouTube and Twitch stars as they participate in live Q&A sessions and interactive activities.

MCM Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sun 20 March

American actress Lindsay Wagner became one of Hollywood’s hottest properties in the 1970s when she starred as the bionicallyenhanced Jaime Sommers in hit television series The Bionic Woman.

Lindsay is one of numerous celebrities (Red Dwarf’s Robert Llewellyn’s another) who’re making guest appearances at this well-established show. The event brings together a broad scope of popular-culture categories including movies, gaming, comics, anime, television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys.

Easter at Tamworth Castle Tamworth, Staffordshire, Mon 28 March - Fri 8 April

Entertainment and education is the package being offered to families visiting Tamworth Castle this Easter.

Most importantly (given the fact it’s a holiday from school!) is the entertainment element of the visit, which comes in the form of an Easter egg hunt.

Ruby, the castle’s dragon, has hidden her eggs from the dastardly dragon hunter (cue panto-style booing and hissing). Problem is, she’s been a bit too clever for her own good and can’t quite remember where she’s put them. As you can imagine, any assistance visiting families can offer her will be greatly appreciated - although Ruby herself won’t be around, as she’ll be way too busy searching for her missing eggs...

As for the educational element of a day out at the venue, that’s provided by enjoying a walk around the castle and checking out its 48 whatsonlive.co.uk

Edgbaston, Birmingham, Mon 28 March - Fri 1 April

Alongside its usual attractions of exotic glasshouses and beautiful lawns, Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens is this month offering plenty of Easter-themed family entertainment. Highlights include an egg trail through the gardens - with a prize awaiting intrepid participants - the chance to have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and plenty of family entertainment courtesy of the ever-popular Bibbledy Bob.

numerous displays, which take visitors on a journey from Saxon to Victorian times. Items from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard are also available to view.

Gandeys Circus Old Sainsbury’s Site, Ryecroft, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Fri 11 - Sun 20 March; Lighwoods Park, Smethwick, Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April

Boasting a long tradition of presenting accessible big-top entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, Gandeys is this month visiting the region with a brand new production.

Your Circus Awakens is being described as a show that uses modern-age technology ‘to bring its audience a truly intergalactic experience’.

“You can expect all the usual high-octane thrills and world-class performances,” says Gandey’s, “but this time with a space-tacular theme from a circus far, far away.”

Highlights include belly-busting trio Equivokee, fast-paced bolas act the Torres Brothers, high-speed juggler Gordon Marquez, Star Wars ewok Trevor Jones as Peanuts the Clown, and the ‘breathtaking neon skills’ of the intriguingly named Lazer Girl.

Acorn Academy The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 19 March

Beatrix Potter’s magical world of animals is brought to life in this special event celebrating the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth. Professor Bramble the Badger and headmistress Miss Nutella Nutkins’ impressive show-and-tell collection makes for a fun game of ‘animal, vegetable or mineral’ - an ideal way to introduce youngsters to the wonders of natural history.

Children can also enjoy the experience of holding real animals and discovering facts about their habitats and behaviour.

See thelist for all your events listings

Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:55 Page 6

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk

Win!

A Big Boy Beanbag worth ÂŁ159

Tickets to Horrible Histories Groovy Greeks

Ticket to Disney On Ice Silver Anniversary Celebration

Closes Monday 7 March

Closes Friday 11 March

Closes Tuesday 29 March

Tickets to Hannah Wants

Tickets to The Perfect Murder

Tickets to Slam Dunk Festival

Closes Friday 11 March

Closes Monday 21 March

Closes Friday 20 May

Tickets to Wipers

Tickets to Jackie The Musical

Tickets to Of Mice and Men

Closes Thursday 5 May

Closes Tuesday 8 March

Closes Tuesday 1 March

Tickets to The All-Star Stand-up Tour

Family Passport Ticket to Ironbridge Gorge Museums

Tickets to The Government Inspector

Closes Monday 4 April

Closes Monday 21 March

Closes Monday 14 March

Tickets to Get Carter

Tickets to Goodnight Mister Tom

Tickets to Hamlet

Closes Monday 14 March

Closes Monday 7 March

Closes Thursday 24 March

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions whatsonlive.co.uk 49

The List Cover March Birmingham ONLY.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 15:08 Page 1

thelist

The List Cover March Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 16:54 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide March 2016

Ellie Goulding at Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - Mon 21 March

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

and more!

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 March

Mon 7 to Sun 13 March

Mon 14 to Sun 20 March

Mon 21 to Sun 27 March

Mon 28 to Thur 31 March

Katherine Ryan at Warwick Arts Centre

Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships at NEC

Jackie The Musical at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at various National Trust properties

Jimmy Carr at Malvern Theatres

Tues 8 - Sun 13 March

Tues 15 - Sat 19 March

Fri 25 - Mon 28 March

Thurs 3 March

Thurs 31 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 51

The List 1-6 March - WARKS/WORCS ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:23 Page 1

thelist

Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March

THROUGHOUT MARCH

Visual Arts Artrix, Bromsgrove NEW! TAKE 13: A WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE A group of 13 contemporary female artists based in the West Midlands exhibit work celebrating women's creativity and ability to work together, Wed 2 - Sun 27 Mar. NEW! PAUL A BOND: PAINTINGS IN A LIFE Showcasing some of the infinite variety of geometric and real-world patterns, Wed 30 Mar - Sun 24 Apr.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 Exhibition of works by graduates from various West Midlands art schools, until Sun 15 May and until Sun 10 Apr, at mac, Birmingham WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS An installation made up of many parts, from small jewels in frames to large, freestanding furniture, until Sun 22 May. BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY IN 130 YEARS The story of the Museum & Art Gallery, told via a special anniversary exhibition, until Thurs 1 Sept FITTING IN AND GETTING ALONG This exhibition explores the life stories of members of the Birmingham Polish community, until Wed 23 Mar. BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People explores the ways in which ordinary Brummie folk have been represented in art during the 20th and 21st centuries, until Thurs 31 Mar.

Compton Verney Gallery, Warwick NEW! SHAKESPEARE IN ART: TEMPESTS, TYRANTS AND TRAGEDY Exhibition reimagining Shakespeare’s works through a unique series of multimedia encounters, Sat 19 Mar - Sun 19 June.

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry NEW! DEGAS' DANCERS Edgar Degas’ famous painting, Two Dancers On A Stage, is displayed alongside three other works by the artist, Fri 11 Mar Sun 19 June.

NEW! COURTAULDS IN COVENTRY Selection of items from the Herbert’s collection relating to the Courtaulds company and its links with Coventry, Fri 11 Mar - Sun 19 June.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2015 Featuring 100 amazing images, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes, until Sun 10 Apr. NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 Exhibition of works by graduates from various West Midlands art schools, until Sun 10 Apr, mac, Birmingham; until Sun 24 April, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry and until Sun 15 May,

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery KORABRA BY GAVIN JANTJES Dramatic paintings by Gavin Jantjes, on display as part of a collaboration with the Black Artists & Modernism project, until Mon 1 August.

CECILY BROWN Be Nice To The Big Blue Sea by Cecily Brown will be on show alongside the display of work

by Edgar Degas. On loan from a private collector, Fri 11 Mar - Sun 19 June, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry

Forge Needle Museum, Redditch A PICTORIAL VIEW OF REDDITCH Featuring rarely seen paintings and photographs from the Redditch library’s 60-year archive, until Sun 6 Mar. NEW! SEW SMALL! Explore the world in miniature with the Miniature Needlework Society International, Sat 12 Mar - Sun 24 April.

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum THROUGH THE SHOP WINDOW Discover what shopping was like in Royal Leamington Spa from the 1880s to the 1980s, until Sun 17 Apr.

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

Foxes at o2 Academy in Birmingham on 3 March

Gigs CARL SINCLAIR DUO Tue 1 Mar, The Jam House, Birmingham

MEAT LOAF GREATEST HITS TOUR Tue 1 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Wed 2 Mar, The Assembly, Leamington Spa

Warwick Arts Centre,Coventry

OTAVA YO Wed 2 Mar, mac, Birmingham

GERARD BYRNE: 1/125 OF A SECOND The means by which the present can be understood through a revisiting of the past is explored in the work of Irish artist Gerard Byrne, until Sat 12 Mar.

Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery THIS GREEN EARTH Malvern-based artist Bridget Macdonald’s landscapes, exhibited alongside works by great historic painters, Claude Lorrain, Samuel Palmer and Peter Paul Rubens, until Sat 25 June DIVIDED LOYALTIES Exhibition exploring Worcestershire’s heroes and rebels, until Sat 29 Oct. CRAFTCASE: CUT, FOLD, BIND Featuring a group of artists who combine traditional and contemporary approaches to bookbinding with drawing, painting, printmaking and textile, until Tues 8 Mar

THE DRIFTERS Fri 4 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

THE CULT Tue 1 Mar O2 Institute, Birmingham

KAWAII!!!? CRAFTING THE JAPANESE CULTURE OF CUTE A number of Japanese artists who’re using many of the traditional crafts of Japan including textiles, urushi (lacquer), ceramics, glass, Ohigashi (sculpting soft bean paste) and washi (handmade paper) - help in the exploration of the culture of kawaii, until Sat 2 Apr.

TIME MACHINES Taking inspiration from artist Gerard Byrne's interest in the mechanisms behind imagery and how these evolve with our thinking over time, until Sat 12 Mar.

THE RAT PACK & JUDY Thurs 3 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

THE RIFLES Wed 2 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham

CROOKS Wed 2 Mar, The Asylum, B’ham QUINTABILE - BRASS QUINTET Wed 2 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

MILOS KARADAGLIC Fri 4 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall THEORY OF A DEADMAN Fri 4 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS Barry Steele presents a multimedia tribute to The Big O, Fri 4 Mar, Bedworth Civic Hall BLOSSOMS Fri 4 Mar, Kasbah, Coventry

PLATINUM CELEB Sat 5 Mar, Bedworth Civic Hall

DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS Sat 5 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex THE SMITHS INDEED Sat 5 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester NEVILLE STAPLE BAND Sat 5 Mar, The Empire, Coventry JAMIE WOON Sat 5 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham VINNY PECULIAR Sat 5 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester THE WHITNEY HOUSTON DISCO DIVA SHOW WITH NYA KING Sat 5 Mar, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell

MYJO Fri 4 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex BABAL Fri 4 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE NEW BLACKS Fri 4 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham

THE ELO EXPERIENCE Thurs 3 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT Fri 4 Mar, The Copper Rooms, Coventry

FOXES Thurs 3 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

BREEZE Fri 4 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

GIGSPANNER Thurs 3 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri 4 Mar, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS Thurs 3 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham

THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Sat 5 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

SYLOSIS & DECAPITATED Thurs 3 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS Sat 5 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

THE COAST ROAD Sat 5 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

ALEXANDER SOARES Wed 2 Mar, Evesham Arts Centre CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. MYTH CITY Wed 2 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham

Palace Theatre, Redditch

THE COUNTERFEIT SIXTIES Sat 5 Mar,

DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE & THE HOT RODS Sat 5 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex UB40 - LABOUR OF LOVE Sat 5 Mar, The River Rooms, Stourbridge GUNTHER PRAGUE Sat 5 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry FAIRPORT CONVENTION Sun 6 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall LADY LESHURR Sun 6 Mar, O2 Academy.

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Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March

Classical Music Comedy Gigs VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY CONDUCTS RACHMANINOV’S SYMPHONY NO 3 Featuring Philharmonia Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor) & Vikingur Olafsson (piano).

Programme includes works by Liszt and Rachmaninov, Tues 1 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham QUINTABILE Featuring Stephen Peneycad and Sam Kinrade (trumpets) Emily Allen (horn), Katherine Hart (trombone) & Edd Leech (tuba).

Programme includes works by Bach, Arnold, Barber, Lucy Pankhurst and Gershwin, Wed 2 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa MARTIN ROSCOE PIANO CONCERT Also featuring Gad Kadosh (conductor).

Programme includes works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Haydn, Wed 2 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester ROYAL PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA Featuring Pinchas Zukerman (director/violin). Programme includes works by Elgar, Beethoven & Tchaikovsky, Wed 2 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

TOM STADE Wed 2 Mar The Glee Club, Birmingham

KATHERINE RYAN Thurs 3 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ZOE LYONS, GEOFF NORCOTT & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 3 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham LOST VOICE GUY & LUKE GRAVES Thurs 3 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall HAL CRUTTENDEN Fri 4 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ZOE LYONS, GEOFF NORCOTT, KEVIN MCCARTHY & TOM LUCY Fri 4 - Sat 5 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham STUART GOLDSMITH Fri 4 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOJO SUTHERLAND, KAI HUMPHRIES & JOHN ROBERTSON, NIPPER THOMAS & HARRIET DYER Fri 4 Mar, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge RAW COMEDY Fri 4 Mar, Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire CHRISTIAN O'CONNELL Sat 5 Mar, mac, Birmingham PAUL SINHA Sat 5 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

CBSO CENTRE STAGE: SHAKESPEARE Featuring Jane Wright & Charlotte Skinner (violins), Catherine Bower (viola) and Catherine Ardagh-Walter (cello). A unique programme celebrating the Bard’s birthday, Fri 4 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham

ALUN COCHRANE Sun 6 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

CBSO POULENC’S GLORIA Featuring Nicholas Collon (conductor), Sophie Bevan (soprano) & CBSO Chorus.

Programme includes works by Tchaikovsky, Berlioz & Stravinsky, Sat 5 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JS BACH'S ST JOHN PASSION Featuring Paul Spicer (conductor). Birmingham Bach Choir performs JS Bach’s St John Passion, Sat 5 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire

GEOFF NORCOTT, LLOYD GRIFFITH, MARK SIMMONS & SARAH CALLAGHAN Sat 5 Mar, Coventry Showcase

TOMMY TIERNAN Sun 6 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Theatre THE 39 STEPS Fiery Angel present Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller, Mon 29 Feb - Sat 5 Mar, The REP, Birmingham DON QUIXOTE James Fenton's staging of Cervantes' comic novel - a work regarded as one of the foundation stones of modern fiction. Rufus Hound stars, until Sat 21 May, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Read our interview with Rufus online at whatsonlive.co.uk

PYJAMA CONCERT: CINDERELLA Put on your pyjamas and head down to the Warwick Arts Centre for this early evening performance for all the family. Sit back, relax and listen to the story of Cinderella, accompanied by classical music favourites, performed by the University of Warwick Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra, Sun 6 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Also featuring the City of Birmingham Choir, Birmingham University Chorus, children’s choirs & soloists. Michael Lloyd conducts.

Programme comprises Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand, Sun 6 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

DOCTOR FAUSTUS Maria Aberg returns to the RSC to direct Marlowe's notorious tale of vanity, greed and damnation, until Thurs 4 Aug, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Welsh National Opera presents Kelly Rourke’s new translation of the ultimate feelgood opera, Tue 1 Mar Birmingham Hippodrome

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Welsh National Opera presents Kelly Rourke’s new translation of the ultimate feelgood opera, Fri 4 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true events and spanning three decades, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordinary journey of the strong-headed Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of World War Two, leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and beloved homeland in search of a better life in New York, Fri 4 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

LYSISTRATA Actors Of Dionysus present a bawdy, provocative and delighfully absurd comedy which follows Lysistrata as she leads the women of Greece in a revolt against the male establishment, Tues 1 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury HERO’S WELCOME Stephen Billington, Elizabeth Boag & Russell Dixon star in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy, Tues 1 - Wed 2 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Welsh National Opera present Mozart’s great comic work, Wed 2 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome WUTHERING HEIGHTS Warwick University Drama Society present April de Angelis’ unique adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic tale, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GROOVY GREEKS From savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre MERMAID Here To There Productions present a contemporary reminagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of love, loss & longing, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester LADY CONNIE AND THE SUFFRAGETTES Classwork Theatre present Ros Connelly's play, which explores Lady Constance Lytton's unique role in the Suffragette Movement, from priviledged 'useless spinster' to heroric icon. The tale is drawn from Constance's own writings in her letters, diaries and book, Thurs 3 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex PHANTOM & THE MUSICALS Barry Walker's Smackee return with musical numbers from the West End and Broadway, Thurs 3 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: A PLAY FOR THE NATION A co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company and amateur theatre companies across the UK, until Sat 5 Mar, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

Horrible Histories team. This time round, it's the ruthless ways of the Romans which come under scrutiny, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE TAILOR OF INVERNESS Dogstar Theatre Company present Matthew Zajac's moving story of displacement and survival in war-torn Europe, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Mar, The REP, B’ham

RICHARD HERRING Thurs 3 Mar Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

CBSO THE FIREBIRD Featuring Nicholas Collon (conductor) and Leonard Elschenbroich (cello).

Programme includes works by Tchaikovsky, Berlioz and Stravinsky, Thurs 3 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham

JENKINSON-FRITH DUO Programme includes works by Saint-Saens, Britten, Ian Venables & Beethoven, Fri 4 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

CONFUSIONS Stephen Billington, Elizabeth Boag and Russell Dixon star in Alan Ayckbourn’s five one-act plays, until Sat 5 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire

FIGARO GETS A DIVORCE Welsh National Opera present a new opera described as part comedy, part political thriller, Thurs 3 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome HORRIBLE HISTORIES: INCREDIBLE INVADERS Brand new show from the

THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Seven legendary names take to the stage, Sat 5 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Welsh National Opera present Mozart’s great comic work, Sat 5 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome SPRING IS SPRUNG Robin Russell’s play for young audiences which follows the Springtime Fairy and the Lollipop Lady as they attempt to teach Hector the Collector a lesson in respecting the countryside, Sat 5 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester RED SNAPPER Debut play by Liz Mytton which, set in Jamaica in 1962, centres on five women swimming against the tide. Cathy Tyson heads the all-female cast, Sat 5 - Sat 19 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL The show that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent and is now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st anniversary, Sun 6 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true events and spanning three decades, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordinary journey of the strong-headed Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of World War Two, leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and beloved homeland in search of a better life in New York, Sun 6 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

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SWAN LAKE

Wed 2 March, 7.30pm Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury ✆ 01684 295074 Mon 28 March, 5.00pm Arts Centre, Evesham ✆ 01386 446944 Thu 31 March, 7.30pm Civic Hall, Bedworth ✆ 024 7637 6707

Wed 13 April, 7.30pm William Aston Hall, Wrexham ✆ 01978 293293 Wed 20 April, 7.00pm Oakengates Theatre, Telford ✆ 01952 382382 Sun 1 May, 2pm & 5pm Artrix, Bromsgrove ✆ 01527 577330

GISELLE

Thu 19 - Sat 21 May, 7.30pm, Sat 21 Mat, 2.30pm Lichfield Garrick Theatre ✆ 01543 412121

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thelist Dance SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet presents its interpretation of one of the most romantic stories of all time, Wed 2 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March Gainsbourg. This event includes an illustrated presentation discussing the various incarnations of Catherine Deneuve and asks what the secret of such longevity on screen is. Sat 5 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry SPOTLIGHT (15) The spotlight is on Catholic priests in Boston back in 2001. ‘Spotlight’ was the name of a special investigative unit within The Boston Globe and the film reveals more about the mechanics of top-tier American journalism than it does about the corruption of the Catholic church. Stars Mark Ruffalo & Michael Keaton. Fri 4 - Thurs 10 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury.

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MAPDANCE 2016 Tenth anniversary performance featuring new commissions and reconstructions from renowed international contemporary choreographers, as well as emerging new talents, Thurs 3 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham

Released Fri 4 March, showing at selected cinemas.

LONDON HAS FALLEN (15) THE CHOICE (12a) GOODNIGHT MOMMY (tbc) HAIL, CAESAR! (tbc) THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR (15)

Spoken Word RAY MEARS: TALES OF ENDURANCE Through carefully selected stories, Ray Mears reflects on our ingenuity, adaptability and sheer determination, providing an insight to what makes a survivor, Wed 2 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES A rhapsodic and special concert, raising funds for Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Fri 4 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE BIG SHORT (15) The recent economic crisis is given a make-over in this comic drama from the director of the Anchorman films. And it’s based on a true story. What makes it so compelling are the characters that people the battlefield, real eccentrics who rose to the top of the cesspool in spite of their quirks. Stars Christian Bale & Steve Carell. Until Thurs 3 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury JOY (12a) That’s Joy, as in Joy Mangano, the remarkable woman who founded a business empire after inventing the Miracle Mop. Stars Jennifer Lawrence & Robert De Niro.

Tues 1 - Wed 2 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove SUFFRAGETTE (12a) A drama that tracks the story of the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. Stars Anne-Marie Duff, Carey Mulligan & Meryl Streep. Thurs 3 - Fri 4 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove 3 HEARTS (PG) A tax inspector, his new bride and her sister become entwined in a love triangle. Stars Catherine Deneuve and Charlotte

TIME OUT OF MIND (15) TRUTH (15) See Film section for previews on p40

Events ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT The house will be brought to life with renenactments of Elizabethean life with costumes, music and dancing, Tues 1 - Sun 6 Mar, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster WINTER HERITAGE TOURS OF ASTON HALL Hear all about the fascinating history of Aston Hall, one of the last Jacobean houses to be built in Britain, Tues 1 - Thurs 24 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham WINTER HERITAGE TOURS OF BLAKESLEY HALL Experience one of Birmingham’s finest timber framed buildings and get a unique insight into the aspirations of the Tudor classes who lived and worked there, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Tues 1 - Thurs 24 Mar, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

Davis Cup at Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on 4-6 March

DAVIS CUP BY BNP PARIBAS FIRST ROUND GREAT BRITAIN VS JAPAN Fri 4 Sun 6 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham A NIGHT OF CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING EGGINGTON V SKEETE Sam Eggington defends his British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles against Bradley Skeete, Sat 5 Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham

FIRE AND DUST OPEN MIC POETRY An evening of poetry and spoken word at The Big Comfy Book Shop, Thurs 3 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW The UK’s biggest wedding show featuring over 300 wedding specialists from bridal boutiques and florists to jewellers & photographers, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Mar, NEC, Birmingham

BRICKISH WEEKEND The Brickish Association host a weekend for Fans of LEGO© for the whole family to enjoy, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, National Space Centre, Leicester

GHOST TOURS OF ASTON HALL An immersive evening ghost tour of one of Britain’s most haunted buildings, Sat 5 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIAEVAL BANQUET It is the year 1471 and you have been summoned to dine with the infamous Earl of Warwick for an unforgettable evening of eating, drinking and mediaeval revelry, Sat 5 Mar, Warwick Castle PRACTICAL CLASSICS RESTORATION SHOW Discover everything for your project from barn find to concours at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, NEC, Birmingham

MOTHERING SUNDAY Treat your mum to a relaxing day at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens - perfect as Spring starts to arrive, Sun 6 Mar, Birmingham Botanical Gardens KARMEN'S KREATIONS PRESENTS: MOTHERS DAY AFTERNOON TEA Mothering Sunday with high afternoon tea and tea leaf reading, Sun 6 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL RECORD FAIR Sun 6 Mar, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull RESOLUTION RUN If your New Year's Resolution is to get more fit and active in 2016, then this is the event for you, Sun 6 Mar, Ragley Hall, Alcester

BIG COMFY BOOK SHOP PRESENTS: TEA AND TABLE TOP Spend the evening playing a variety of board games and discover some brand new ones.

Tutorials available and all games can also be purchased, Tues 1 Mar - Fri 8 Apr, Fargo Village, Coventry WOODLAND EXPLORER Thurs 3 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry

Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire

CADBURY CHARACTER WEEKEND Pose for photographs alongisde Freddo, Caramel Bunny and friends as they meet and greet visitors, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham VINTAGE IN THE VILLAGE Featuring over 40 independent retailers, creatives and artists, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry THOMAS & FRIENDS WEEKENDS Thomas & his friends invite you to join them for a weekend full of fun for all the family, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar,

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thelist

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 March

Classical Music

tor) & Simon Trpc˘eski (piano).

Programme includes works by Grieg, Rachmaninov & Mahler, Sat 12 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MUSICA CALLADA/ MUSIC OF SILENCE The magical music of the Spanish composer Federico Mompou forms the basis of this musical journey and search for silence. Classical, jazz and improvisation in a continuous program full of surprises feature alongside a commission by Dutch composer Oene van Geel, Mon 7 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

LET THERE BE LIGHT Performed by the University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with guest soloists, Sun 13 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

WARWICK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Katharine Lam (piano) & Dominic Grier (guest conductor).

Programme includes works by Borodin, Gershwin and Stravinsky, Mon 7 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa THOMAS TROTTER ORGAN RECITAL Mon 7 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Reef at O2 Institute in Birmingham on 11 March

Gigs RUDIMENTAL Mon 7 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

Mar, O2 Institute, Bham

Birmingham

WESTROCK Thurs 10 Mar, Bedworth Civic Hall

LEGENDS OF LEGENDS 2016 Sat 12 Mar, The Drum, Birmingham

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Fri 11 Mar, Malvern Theatres

T REXTASY Sat 12 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD Mac Fri 11 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

THE STRANGLERS Sat 12 Mar, O2 Academy

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE Fri 11 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry BLACKPOOL MARCH Tue 8 Mar, Bedworth Civic Hall TURIN BRAKES Tue 8 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

JOSEF SALVAT Fri 11 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham KATHRYN ROBERTS AND SEAN LAKEMAN Fri 11 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham REEF Fri 11 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE POOZIES Fri 11 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

MATT CORBY Tue 8 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham ALMA GUITAR QUARTET Tue 8 Mar, Birmingham Conservatoire REFLECTION OF SILENCE Wed 9 Mar, mac, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Wed 9 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry LAPSLEY Wed 9 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham RACHEL RIES Wed 9 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry PAUL HEATON & JACQUI ABBOT Thurs 10 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham DAKESIS Thurs 10 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham THE CORAL Thurs 10

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THE MANFREDS Sat 12 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove PAUL MILLNS Sat 12 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry JASPER IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS Sat 12 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester 'MOTOWN' PARTY WITH THE BROTHERS OF SOUL Sat 12 Mar, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire THE ELVIS YEARS Sat 12 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Worcester

THE FEZZ Fri 11 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester THE DOLLY PARTON STORY Fri 11 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Worcester THE FEELING Fri 11 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham HOSPITALITY Fri 11 Mar, The Assembly, Leamington Spa THE SARAH WARREN BAND Fri 11 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester ULTIMATE GENESIS Sat 12 Mar, O2 Academy,

DJ ALPHA'S BIRTHDAY BASH 2016 Sat 12 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham THE SPITFIRES Sat 12 Mar, The Assembly, Leamington Spa TYKETTO Sat 12 Mar, The Robin, Bilston NATHAN CARTER Sun 13 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall RUSS BALLARD Sun 13 Mar, The Robin, Bilston IZZIE DERRY Sun 13 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry

BRENTANO QUARTET Programme includes works by Bach, Shostakovic & Dvorak, Tues 8 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH Following last season’s astonishing performance of the Shostakovich piano concerto no 2, Peter is back to perform the first concerto, complemented by one of Mozart’s earlier piano concertos. Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile adds a gentler Russian flavour, Tues 8 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon and Wed 9 March, Birmingham Town Hall SHOSTAKOVICH'S FIFTEENTH Featuring the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Alpesh Chauhan (conductor) & Eduardo Vassallo (cello).

Programme includes works by Borodin, Osvaldo Golijov and Shostakovich, Wed 9 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TRIO MARTINU Featuring Pavel Šafarík (violin), Jaroslav Matejka (cello) & Petr Jiríkovský (piano). Programme includes works by Martinu, Dvorák and Schubert, Thurs 10 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire CBSO SYMPHONIC DISCO SPECTACULAR Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor), Annie Skates (vocalist), Hazel Fernandes (vocalist), Lance Ellington (vocalist) & Andrew Playfoot (vocalist). Programme includes songs such as Blame It On The Boogie, I Will Survive & Disco Inferno, Fri 11 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring John Stogårds (conductor) & Martin Roscoe (piano). Programme includes works by Elgar, Beethoven & Sibelius, Fri 11 Mar, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART, HIS FRIENDS, ADMIRERS & RIVALS: OBOE & BASSOON CONCERTOS Presented by OOTS virtuoso principals & featuring David Le Page (violin), Victoria Brawn (oboe), Phil Brookes (bassoon), Nick Stringfellow (cello) & David Curtis (conductor). Programme includes works by Schnittke, Haydn, Mozart & Salieri, Fri 11 Mar, Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore OSLO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring Vasily Peterenko (conduc-

GRAND ORGAN GALA An afternoon of popular music including Saint-Saëns’ magnificent Symphony No. 3 ‘Organ’, Sun 13 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy Gigs TOM STADE Thurs 10 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry and also Sat 12 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester CARL DONNELLY, STEVE GRIBBIN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 10 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

STEWART FRANCIS Fri 11 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove CARL DONNELLY, STEVE GRIBBIN, INEL TOMLINSON & FREDDIE FARRELL Fri 11 - Sat 12 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham GARY DELANEY Sat 12 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon

PIERRE HOLLINS, FREDDY QUINNE, STEVE GRIBBIN & PETER BRUSH Sat 12 Mar, Coventry Showcase BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT LINE-UP TBC Sat 12 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove JENNY ECLAIR Sun 13 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham MARK WATSON Sun 13 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Theatre THRILLER LIVE A musical celebration featuring the hit songs of Michael and The Jackson 5, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham

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March 24, 7:30pm

April 1, 7:30pm

AND FINALLY… PHIL COLLINS

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Tickets £19.00* & £18.00*(disc)

Tickets £20.00*

April 9, 3pm & 7:30pm

April 2, 7:30pm

LEE NELSON: SUITED AND BOOTED

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Tickets £16.00* £14.50*(disc) & £54.00*(family)

Tickets £21.00*

April 28, 7:30pm

April 14, 7:30pm

TALON – THE BEST OF THE EAGLES

TAP FACTORY

Tickets £23.00* & £22.00*(disc)

Tickets £21*

April 29, 7:30pm

April 30, 7:30pm

DEBRA STEPHENSON

SHOWADDYWADDY

NIGHT OF ONE HUNDRED VOICES

Tickets £20*

Tickets £15*

March 2016 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE Tuesday 15th March

Sunday 20th March

Tuesday 22nd March

HANGMEN (15)

CARA DILLON

NT LIVE SCREENING

EVER-POPULAR FOLK SINGER

MARTIN HARLEY & DANIEL KIMBRO

Saturday 26th March

Tuesday 29th March

ROVING CROWS

PONGO’S PARTY

MUST-SEE FOLK/CELTIC GROUP

FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN

SLIDE GUITAR MAESTRO

Thurs 31st March & Fri 1st April

MARK WATSON TWO DATES FOR THIS TOP COMEDIAN

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Joy (12A) // Suffragette (12A) // The Lady In The Van (12A) // Sunset Song (15) // Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) The Big Short (15) // Dad’s Army (PG) // The Peanuts Movie (U) // Spotlight (15) // Revenant (15) FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Hangmen (NT Live) // The Car Man (Matthew Bourne) // Giselle (Royal Ballet Live) // Frankenstein (Royal Ballet Live) // Hamlet (RSC )

Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk

58 whatsonlive.co.uk

www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330

@artrixarts

Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ

@artrix arts centre

Free parking on-site

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thelist

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 March

SWEET CHARITY Knowle Musical Society present an amateur version of the popular musical, which features big standards such as Big Spender, If They Could See Me Now and The Rhythm Of Life, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Jodie Prenger stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s one-woman musical, which charts the misadventures of a young English girl in New York in the heady days of the 1980s, Thurs 10 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

makes a survivor, Sat 12 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD: ROBERT HABERMANN The story of how successful Broadway shows were taken to Hollywood and turned into both great and not-so-great Hollywood musicals, Tue 8 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE The singalong screening of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia NewtonJohn, brought to you by the producers of Sing-a-Long-a Sound Of Music, Fri 11 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

INDEPENDENT FILM:

THE NOTEBOOK Forced Entertainment present a World War Two story of twin brothers evacuated to an impoverished farm to shelter from the conflict, Tues 8 - Wed 9 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

BIG GIRLS BLOUSE Winner of Brighton Fringe LGBTQ Award 2015, Big Girls Blouse sees Kate O’Donnell make a song and dance of her life using humour, music and costume, Fri 11 Sat 12 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

SWEENEY TODD Bromsgrove School present an amateur staging of the tale of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson's tale of the plucky Hetty Feather is here brought to life by award-winning script writer Emma Reeves and Olivier Award-nominated director Sally Cookson. Suitable for children aged seven-plus, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Mar, The REP, Birmingham SECONDARY CAUSE OF DEATH Jeffrey Holland & Judy Buxton star in a staging of Peter Gordon’s murder-mystery spoof, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire OF MICE AND MEN Roxana Silbert directs John Steinbeck's classic story, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Seven legendary names take to the stage, Wed 9 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL The show that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent and is now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st anniversary, Wed 9 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury MAY CONTAIN FOOD World premiere of a brand new show from award-winning theatre troupe Protein. Featuring four vocalists and eight dancers, May Contain Food sees the performers sing for their supper in a dining setting that, er, may contain food... Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry APRIL IN PARIS The St John Players present an amateur production of John Godber’s beautifully observed bitter-sweet comedy, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester BRIGADOON Atswood Bank Operatic Society tell the story of two tourists who stumble upon a mysterious Scottish village which appears from the mists for only one day in every one hundred years, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch MARY POPPINS The supercalifragilistic international hit arrives in Brum as part of a UK tour, Wed 9 Mar - Sat 23 Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome Read our feature on page 19

MURDER BY GASLIGHT Encounter two of the most infamous poisioners in British history - William Palmer and Harvey Crippen, Sat 12 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch FIRST STAGES: TADPOLES MD Theatre Company present an highly visual, energetic show featuring the voice of Sue Johnston OBE as Mission Control. Recommended for children aged five-plus, Sat 12 Mar, The REP, Birmingham

Film THE REVENANT (15) Inspired by true events and filmed in the frozen wilds of Alberta and British Columbia.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, an 1820s’ frontiersman who was left for dead after being mauled by a bear. Incensed by his abandonment, Glass dreams of revenge – but first must find the will to survive in unhospitable terrain. Thurs 10 & Sun 13 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury SONG OF THE SEA (U) In this enchanting animated family film, rich in Irish folklore, brother and sister Ben and Saoirse encounter selkies, faeries, and witches in their epic journey to save the spirit world. Sat 12 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 11 March, showing at selected cinemas.

DIVERGENT SERIES: THE ALLEGIANT (tbc)

AL’S YELLOW SLIPPER Community theatre exploring the diagnosis of dementia, Sat 12 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

ANOMALISA (15)

HAMLET Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare's searing tragedy. Cucumber actor Cyril Nri stars as Polonius. Sat 12 Mar - Sat 13 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon Read our interview with Cyril online at whatsonlive.co.uk

KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG)

OPUS 7 Enter the playful world of Circa Tsuica, a collective of unique French entertainers comprising ‘cracking musicians & daredevil acrobats’, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Events

WOMEN & THEATRE: THEATRES OF CONSCIENCE Interactive theatre exploring the subject of conscientious objectors in World War One, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Mar, mac, Birmingham

FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK (15) THE HERE AFTER (15) NEXT TO HER (15) THE ONES BELOW (15) TRADERS (tbc) THE WITCH (tbc) See Film section for previews

THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS One of the oldest and most prestigious open badminton tournaments in the world which brings together the world's top ten players from each discipline to compete for the coveted title, Tues 8 - Sun 13 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? End of term show presented by Out Of The Box youth theatre, Sun 13 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

CRUFTS 2016 The world’s biggest and best dog event, Crufts is a fun family day, full of unforgettable dog shows, the best in dog shopping and hundreds of canines for you to meet, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Mar, NEC, Birmingham THE EDIBLE GARDEN SHOW AND GOOD LIFE LIVE The Edible Garden show is for anyone interested in growing their own produce, cultivation their urban spaces, raising livestock, keeping bees or brewing their own, Fri 11 Sun 13 Mar, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire FAMILY WORKSHOPS Sat 12 Mar, Eastside Projects, Birmingham FRIEND'S BOOK FAIR All proceeds will go towards the Botanical Gardens, helping towards the upkeep and maintenance of the gardens, Sat 12 Mar, Birmingham Botanical Gardens MAJOR SERIES The Royal British Legion Major Series is not just a muddy challenge, but an experience like no other. Whatever your age or fitness level, immerse yourself in a different world as you take on the epic military obstacle zones along the 5km and 10km courses, all with the help of 40 of The Major’s finest troops, Sat 12 Mar, Ragley Hall, Alcester THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE Join Sooty, Sweep and Soo in a spectacular stage adventure on the amazing space station, complete with Sooty's Turbo Rocket, Sat 12 Sun 13 Mar, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham SPRING CRAFT FAIR 2016 Local craftspeople, a selection of one-off gifts and a great day out, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum MIDLANDS GARDEN RAIL SHOW - LARGE SCALE MODEL RAIL The event provides inspiration if you are planning your garden railway and has all the ideas you could possibly need, Sat 12 Sun 13 Mar, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa

SEASONAL MARKETS Be spoilt for choice with a variety of crafty and yummy goodies on offer, Sun 13 Mar, Croome Park, Worcestershire

CAITLIN MORAN "MORANTHOLOGY" In conversation, to coincide with the publication of Moranifesto, Wed 9 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

RAY MEARS - TALES OF ENDURANCE STORIES TO INSPIRE Through carefully selected stories, Ray explores what

NATURE TOTS - XYLOPHONES AND MORE Thurs 10 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry

ASTON EXPERIENCE TOURS A chance to see all the 17th century rooms and also letting you get hands-on with objects from the past to touch and smell, Sun 13 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham

Talks JAMES MARTIN - PLATES, MATES AND AUTOMOBILES Join the celebrated chef and TV personality for his very first UK tour, Thurs 10 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Some are open to accompanied older children. From crafts to pond dipping, talks to rambles, there's something for everyone, Thurs 10 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry

CROOME AFTER DARK Go on a night time walk with members of the team round the park at Croome, Wed 9 Mar, Croome Park, Worcestershire ART WORKSHOP: SCULPTURE BIRD WITH LISA BROUGHTON Designed for adults to learn new skills and have fun.

VIP RECORD FAIR Browse through, and buy from, the biggest selection of vinyl records, CDs and music memorabilia ever assembled in the area, Sun 13 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry MIDLAND CLOCK AND WATCH FAIR Sun 13 Mar, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull

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Monday 14 - Sunday 20 March

Classical Music WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SPRING GALA CONCERT This year’s theme is ‘a night at the opera’, including excerpts from numerous famous operatic works, Mon 14 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Mariah Carey at Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on 20 March

Gigs JAMES MORRISON Mon 14 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

JASON DONOVAN: TEN GOOD REASONS & GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Sat 19 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE WONDER STUFF Sat 19 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham TONY MORTIMER Sat 19 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

DEFEATER Mon 14 Mar, O2 Academy B’ham FRANKIE BALLARD Mon 14 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

THE VIBRATORS Sat 19 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester

PUPPINI SISTERS Tue 15 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

PETER ANDRE Sat 19 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

PATSY CLINE & FRIENDS A tribute act to Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Jim Reeves, Fri 18 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex

TOMMY FLEMMING Tue 15 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex TOSELAND Tue 15 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham ROACHFORD Wed 16 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham STRIKING MATCHES Wed 16 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE SEARCHERS Wed 16 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex NATTY Wed 16 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham CARAVAN Thurs 17 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove CRAOBH RUA Thurs 17 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

MODERN MINDS AND FAITH Fri 18 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

EMMY THE GREAT Sat 19 Mar, O2 Institute, Bham

MARCUS MALONE Fri 18 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester

MAETLOAF & THE NEVER NEVERLAND EXPRESS Sat 19 Mar, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

THE KRYSTALETTES Fri 18 Mar, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire GWYNETH HERBERT Fri 18 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

THE THREE DEGREES Sat 19 Mar, The Robin, Bilston CARA DILLON Sun 20 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE Fri 18 Mar, The Belfry Sutton Coldfield THE MACHINE RAGES ON Fri 18 Mar, The Flapper, Birmingham HANKKS Fri 18 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham 'ROCK TIL YOU DROP' FEATURING GUNS OR ROSES + MOTLEY CRUE UK + SUBHUMAN RACE (SKID ROW) Fri 18 Mar, The Robin, Bilston

MARIAH CAREY Sun 20 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham JOEY CAPE Sun 20 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham

DIIV Thurs 17 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

80'S INVASION Fri 18 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

SCOTT BRADLEE & POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Fri 18 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

BURNING DOWN ALASKA Sun 20 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester

JOE BONAMASSA Sat 19 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE Sun 20 Mar, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

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Comedy Gigs RICHARD HERRING Tues 15 Mar The Glee Club, Birmingham GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP Wed 16 Mar Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry GARY DELANEY Thurs 17 Mar Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield BRIDGET CHRISTIE Thurs 17 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

COULL QUARTET: NORTHERN LIGHT Programme includes works by Haydn, Nielsen and Dvorak, Wed 16 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BBC BIG BAND 'SWING LEGENDS' Featuring Barry Forgie (conductor) & Jeff Hooper (vocalist). Programme includes the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey & Benny Goodman, Wed 16 Mar, Malvern Theatres.

FRANCESCO PIEMONTESI Wed 16 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall CBSO ELGAR’S SECOND Featuring Edward Gardner (conductor) & Lawrence Power (viola). Programme includes works by Walton and Elgar, Thurs 17 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham

STEREO MC'S Fri 18 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham

OH WONDER Tue 15 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham

GOTHIC VOICES - A BURGUNDIAN RITUAL Featuring Catherine King (mezzo soprano), Julian Podger (tenor), Steven Harrold (tenor) & Stephen Charlesworth (baritone).

Programme comprises Missa Caput, an anonymous early fifteenth century mass interspersed with songs and other rondeau, virelais and ballades

by Guillaume Dufay and Blondel de Nesle, Tues 15 Mar, St Mary's Church, Warwick

SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS Part of Birmingham International Concert Season, Sun 20 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall

JARLETH REGAN, MIKE WILMOT & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 17 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Thurs 17 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham MARK WATSON Fri 18 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

BENYOUNES STRING QUARTET Featuring Zara Benyounes (violin), Emily Holland (violin), Tetsuuma Nagata (viola) and Kim Vaughan (cello).

Programme includes works by Mozart, Ian Venables and Debussy, Fri 18 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove PIATTI STRING QUARTET Featuring Nathaniel Anderson Frank and Michael Trainor (violins), David Wigram (viola) & Jessie Ann Richardson (cello). Programme includes works by Haydn, Bartok & Beethoven, Fri 18 Mar, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE PLAYERS Featuring Gillian Keith (soprano) and Christopher Monks (director). Programme comprises J.S Bach's The Wedding Cantata and other great soprano cantatas, Sat 19 Mar, Malvern Theatres.

THE MIDLAND SINFONIA: BRITISH CHAMBER MASTERPIECES Programme includes works by Dvorak, Elgar, Laing & Borodin, Sat 19 Mar, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch.

EX CATHEDRA: BACH ST JOHN PASSION Sat 19 Mar, Birmingham Cathedral BRITTEN SINFONIA Featuring the Britten Sinfonia chorus & Eamonn Dougan (conductor). Programme includes works by Byrd, Shostakovich arr.

Barshai, Bach & James MacMillan, Sun 20 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ROBERTO RUISI (VIOLIN) AND JO SEELEY (PIANO) Sun 20 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

MARK THOMAS Fri 18 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry JARLETH REGAN, MIKE WILMOT, JORDAN BROOKES & ANGELA BARNES Fri 18 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham IVAN BRACKENBURY, DANNY WARD, TOM TOAL & ELLIOT STEEL Sat 19 Mar, Coventry Showcase JOE LYCETT Sun 20 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Theatre RAINBOW MAGIC LIVE - SAVING FAIRYLAND: IT'S NOT JUST ANOTHER FAIRYTALE! The popular children's books come to life in a brand new musical. Best friends Rachel and Kirsty help their fairy friends hunt for magical moonstones and tackle naughty goblins, Mon 14 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex THE IMPROV MUSICAL Music Theatre Warwick present a show based on the premise of - yep, you guessed it improvisation, Tues 15 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT Sherman Cymru

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Gary Delaney

The Dreamers

Jo Lycett: That’s The Way, A-Ha A-Ha

Liza Pullman Sings Hollywood

Saturday 12th March, 8:00pm

Friday 8th April, 8:00pm

Thursday 24th March, 7:30pm

Friday 15th April, 7:30pm

Shakespeare bronze: Judy Methuen

Season 2016

Bards Night Friday 22nd April

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Richard Baker Quintet Wednesday 23rd March, 8:00pm

Geoff Eagles

Wednesday 13th April, 8:00pm

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thelist presents Gary Owen’s powerful drama, which, inspired by the enduring Greek myth, sheds light on the high price people pay for society’s shortcomings, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar, The REP, Birmingham JACKIE THE MUSICAL Brand new 'fun and feisty' musical featuring original choreography by Arlene Phillips, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Monday 14 - Sunday 20 March

Dance THE SNOW MAIDEN Based on a traditional folk tale set in the snow-covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world, Sun 20 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre BRENDAN COLE - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Brand new show from the Strictly star bringing together ‘ballroom magic and Latin excitement', Sun 20 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS:

GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM The awardwinning Chichester Festival Theatre production of Michelle Magorian's uplifting tale, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham FAKE IT ’TIL YOU MAKE IT New work by Edinburgh Fringe winner Bryony Kimmings which explores the depths of clinical depression. A heartbreaking show about the wonders of the human brain, being in love and what it takes to be a real man, Thurs 17 Sat 19 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CARMEN Amateur production presented by Great Witley Operatic Society (GWOS), Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester ‘SAFE’ WHAT IS THE STATE OF YOUR EMPIRE? ZoieLogical Dance Theatre present an emotionally charged performance combined with punchy choreographic language which pits masculinity against fragility, Fri 18 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire

TRUMBO (15) Set in the golden age of Hollywood, this entertaining biopic looks at the troubled career of screen writer Dalton Trumbo, who was unjustly ostracised by film studios for refusing to testify in the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Stars Bryan Cranston & Diane Lane. Mon 14 - Thurs 17 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury ROOM (15) Bed, lamp, skylight, rug…

These are the things that five-yearold Jack’s physical world are comprised of. He may have been trapped in an 11-square-foot room since his birth, but he doesn’t see it that way, as the world outside the room doesn’t exist for him. Stars Brie Larson & Jacob Tremblay, Tues 15 Wed 23 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 18 Feb, showing at selected cinemas.

10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (tbc)

THAT'LL BE THE DAY A musical romp through the youthful days of Rock’n’Roll in the ’50s, on through the Swinging ’60s and into the tastefree days of the 1970s, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Mar, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

THE BOY (15)

TINNED GOODS Tea & Tenacity present a pacey drama which explores the strength of friendship under the strain of politics, picket lines and principles, Sat 19 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

THE PEARL BUTTON (tbc)

ONE NIGHT ONLY Feelgood family show featuring an array of musical theatre highlights, Sat 19 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Events

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR Roxana Silbert directs Gogol's satirical masterpiece, Sat 19 - Sat 26 Mar, The REP, Birmingham THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO With storytelling, music and lots of chances to make your own art, this hands-on family show introduces one of the 20th century’s most influential artists through the eyes of a young boy. Be sure to wear some play-clothes - it’s going to get messy! Sun 20 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

HIGH-RISE (tbc) KAPOOR AND SONS (tbc) MARGUERITE (15) NORM OF THE NORTH (U) RISEN (12a) ROCK THE KASBAH (tbc) See Film section for previews on p40

THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS FAIR The largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK, Wed 16 Mar, NEC, Birmingham ADULT EVENT: A BRIEF GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF BRITAIN Wed 16 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry NATURE TOTS - YOUNG ANIMALS Thurs 17 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry

Cake International; Hobbycrafts Show; Fashion & Embroidery; and Sewing For Pleasure Show - 4 shows for the price of 1 - at the nec, Birmingham 17-20 March

FASHION & EMBROIDERY SHOW Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham HOBBY CRAFTS SHOW Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham SEWING FOR PLEASURE SHOW Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham CAKE INTERNATIONAL Part of ICHF event, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham BOURNVILLE BOOKFEST Authors, poets, illustrators, storytellers, actors, journalists, cartoonists, historians, dancers and performers will be inspiring youngsters to read, write and get passionate about stories, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Mar, various Bournville & Birmingham City Centre locations SHAKESPEARE'S TAVERN Discover Tudor tavern food and ale brewing techniques with music and dancing too, participation essential, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon DECORATE YOUR OWN SHAKESPEARE EGGS Get into the Easter spirit and decorate your own Easter egg like a character from Shakespeare's plays, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Mary Arden's Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon VICTORIAN BAKING Learn how to bake the 'old fashioned' way, and taste recipes for yourself. Dress up as a Victorian and discover more about the characters who once lived there, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon WHAT NOT TO WEAR...TUDOR STYLE! Find out what your outfit said about you in Tudor times, and dress up a mannequin to rock the runway, or rummage through the dressing up box and turn yourself into a Tudor, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon MARZIPAN MASTERPIECES Have a go at designing one of the Tudors' favourite foods, marzipan. See some extravagant designs Tudors used and make your own marzipan fruits, tiles and figures, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Harvard House & The Museum of British Pewter, Stratford-upon-Avon CCA CLASSIC CAR SALE Sat 19 Mar, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa PROFESSOR MCGINTY TIME TRAVELS ADVENTURES Join time-traveller Professor McGinty as he takes you back to the Victorian times. This is no

ordinary history lesson - the wacky professor is guaranteed to make you split your sides laughing, Sat 19 Mar, Selly Manor, Birmingham MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Numerous celebrities make guest appearances at this well-established show, which brings together a broad scope of popular-culture categories including movies, gaming, comics, anime, television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham CADBURY CHARACTER WEEKEND Pose for photographs alongisde Freddo, Caramel Bunny and friends as they meet and greet visitors, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham ARTISAN & CRAFT FAIR Featuring an exciting range of jewellery, cards, trinkets, home wares, gifts, candles, knitted items and multi cultural specialities, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry CAPTURE BIRMINGHAM Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar, Birmingham City Centre FAMILY ACTIVITY MARQUEE The incredibly popular Family Activity Marquee returns for Shakespeare Week. Enjoy a range of Shakespeare and nature themed activities, Sat 19 - Sun 20, Mar, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW The UK’s largest event for people with a passion for photography, Sat 19 - Tues 22 Mar, NEC, Birmingham EASTER BARN Sat 19 Mar - Sun 3 Apr, Beckett's Farm, Wythall MAD EASTER EGG HUNT Take part in this treasure hunt and press buttons, turn handles and look in and around all the exhibits in the museum to find the hidden eggs, Sat 19 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, The MAD Museum, Stratfordupon-Avon AUTO-SCIENCE LIVE A free family friendly activities bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life, Sat 19 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Sat 19 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Hatton Adventure World, Warwick DOLL AND TEDDY FAIR Featuring up to 90 quality stands full of antique, new, artist and collectable dolls and teddies, plus restorers, supplies and accessories, Sun 20 Mar, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull

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Monday 21 - Sunday 27 March

Classical Music THOMAS TROTTER & MICHAEL BROADWAY ORGAN CONCERT Mon 21 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham EX CATHEDRA CHOIR Featuring Ex Cathedra Choir, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Andrew Tortise (Evangelist) & James Rutherford (Jesus). Fri 25 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

The Vamps at Genting Arena in Birmingham on 25 and 26 March

Gigs

CLINT MANSELL Wed 23 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ELLIE GOULDING Mon 21 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

AND FINALLY... PHIL COLLINS Thurs 24 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Stourbridge THE ROVING CROWS Sat 26 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove SHANE FILAN Sat 26 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

URBAN FOLK QUARTET Thurs 24 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Tue 22 Mar, Cheltenham Town Hall

THE DREAMERS Thurs 24 Mar, Stratford Artshouse

THE 1975 Tue 22 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

QUILL Thurs 24 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex KANO Thurs 24 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham MUSHROOMHEAD & AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE Thurs 24 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

MARTIN HARLEY & DANIEL KIMBRO Tue 22 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove TRACER PLUS FEDERAL CHARM Tue 22 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham HALF MOON Run Tue 22 Mar, O2 Institute, Bham PYRAMID CHOIR 2016 Tue 22 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

ALL-STAR AMERICAN LEGENDS LIVE Thurs 24 Mar, The Robin, Bilston

Comedy Gigs BARBARA NICE, ROB DEERING, ANGELA BARNES & RACHEL PARRIS Wed 23 Mar The Glee Club, Birmingham

BEFORE THE DAWN Sat 26 Mar, The Marr's Bar, Worcester SOX Sat 26 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham

B'SPOKE Fri 25 - Sat 26 Mar, The Jam House, Birmingham

REFUSED Sat 26 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham

ALESSIA CARA Fri 25 Mar, O2 Institute, Bham

RAY PEACOCK Thurs 24 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham JOHN GORDILLO, THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVIEW, & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 24 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham JOHN ROBINS Fri 25 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOHN GORDILLO, THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE, CLINT EDWARDS & COMIC TBC Fri 25 - Sat 26 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham DALISO CHAPONDA, MATT RUDGE, ALISTAIR BARRIE & STEVE BUGEJA Sat 26 Mar, Coventry Showcase

GIN ANNIE BAND Sat 26 Mar, The Robin, Bilston LAETITIA SADIER / NICHOLAS KRGOVICH Sat 26 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry

ROBINSON-STONE Fri 25 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove THUNDERDAZE Fri 25 Mar, The River Rooms,

ACDC UK Sun 27 Mar, The River Rooms, Stourbridge MORPHEUS RISING + BLACK ROSE Sun 27 Mar, The Robin, Bilston DAVIE JOHN Sun 27 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GROOVY GREEKS From savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece, Tue 22 - Sat 26 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham HORRIBLE HISTORIES: INCREDIBLE INVADERS Brand new show from the Horrible Histories team. This time round it's the ruthless ways of the Romans which come under scrutiny, Tue 22 - Sat 26 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham GET CARTER A dark and stylish new adaptation of the classic Newcastlenoir thriller, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry MADE IN THE MIDLANDS From chocolate and jewellery to Cluedo and much more, Young REP groups from all over the region examine the outstanding objects, industry and ideas that originated here in the Midlands, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Mar, The REP, Birmingham PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, George and their friends return with a brand new live stage show, Wed 23 Thurs 24 Mar, Malvern Theatre.

TRAINSPOTTING A co-production from King's Head Theatre, In Your Face Theatre Company & mac Birmingham, featuring full frontal nudity, strong language and scenes of a violent & sexual nature, Wed 23 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, mac, Birmingham

HRH AOR FESTIVAL TOUR Featuring The Quireboys, Faster Pussycat, Bonafide, The Texas Flood, Thirteen Stars and Skam, Sat 26 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

LEFT FOR RED Sat 26 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham

SARTAAJ LIVE Fri 25 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR Sat 26 Mar, The Drum, Birmingham

BRIDGET CHRISTIE Tues 22 Mar, mac, Birmingham

THE VAMPS Fri 25 - Sat 26 Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham

THE THREE DEGREES Wed 23 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

MAGGIE BELL AND DAVE KELLY Wed 23 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

TOSCA - ELLEN KENT Ellen Kent Opera presents Puccini's tale of love and treachery. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Fri 25 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Lorraine Hansberry’s ground-breaking drama, which offers a gripping portrayal of working-class life on the cusp of the civil rights era, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

THE CANTERBURY TALES Six of the best-loved tales, told in a variety of styles. Taking visual inspiration from medieval mystery plays, the threeman cast use drama, verse, physical theatre and song to bring Chaucer's characters to life. Telling colourful tales of strange situations, it's not an academic take on literature but a fast, furious, funny and occasionally filthy one!, Thurs 24 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex MIDDAY VARIETY Featuring swing standards from Matt Ford and comedy input from Leo Shavers, Thurs 24 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present Puccini's tale of love and treachery.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Fri 25 Mar, Malvern Theatres

Theatre ANGER MANAGEMENT New work devised by the Young Rep and directed by Tom Saunders, Mon 21 Tue 22 Mar, The REP, Birmingham JOLI VYANN: IMBALANCE Exciting acrobatic skills with athletic yet graceful dance, presented in an energetic and thought-provoking performance that explores our obsessive dependence on technology, Tues 22 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL The show that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent and is now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st anniversary, Sat 26 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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Monday 21 - Sunday 27 March

Dance

Events

SLEEPING BEAUTY Russian State Ballet presents its version of the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic. Set to Tchaikovsky's sublime score, Mon 21 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

LEMUR WEEK Mon 21 - Tue 29 Mar, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

SWAN LAKE Presented by the Russian State Ballet & Opera House, Tue 22 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

1940S CINEMA CLUB: DUMBO Visit during the Easter holidays to see Disney's Dumbo, a family favorite, screened in the Squash Court Gallery, Mon 21 Mar - Sun 3 Apr, Upton House & Gardens, Warwickshire

PINOCCHIO Presented by Ballet Theatre UK, Fri 25 Mar, Albany Theatre, Coventry

DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR SEASON LAUNCH Tues 22 Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE 33 (12a) Inspired by true events and filmed in the frozen wilds of Alberta and British Columbia.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, an 1820s’ frontiersman who was left for dead after being mauled by a bear. Incensed by his abandonment, Glass dreams of revenge – but first must find the will to survive in unhospitable terrain. Mon 21 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury ICE AND THE SKY (U) Luc Jacquet, director of March Of The Penguins, profiles Claude Loris, who has been studying Antarctic icescapes since the 1950s and was a key figure in establishing the scientific basis of global warming. Wed 23 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury GOOSEBUMPS (PG) R.L. Stine is dubbed ‘the Stephen King of children’s literature’ and here is played

by Jack Black in a comic-horror fantasy adapted from his own series.

When Stine’s imaginary demons are unleashed on the town of Madison in Delaware, his daughter Hannah teams up with a new teenager on the block to try and save the day. Fri 25 Sat 26 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury DAD’S ARMY (PG) Don’t panic! This may be another big-screen translation of a beloved British treasure, but the cast is truly impressive. No doubt younger viewers couldn’t tell John Le Mesurier from John Laurie, so this lot should do very nicely as the inept conscripts of the Home Guard. Stars Bill Nighy & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Fri 25 - Wed 30 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

CROOME'S EASTER EGG HUNT TRAIL Follow the clues to help unravel the mystery of the lost eggs, Thurs 24 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Croome Park, Worcestershire ROLLER BOOGIE Enjoy an evening roller skating and cheesy disco, Fri 25 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry FESTIVAL OF POWER An action packed Easter weekend of family Drag Racing entertainment including Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Cars and National Drag Racing. Plus all things powerful off track including Monster Trucks, Stunt Displays and more, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Mar, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire INSOMNIA57 Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, NEC, Birmingham

CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 2016 Family Easter Egg Hunt around the grounds, with a chocolate egg prize and take home activities, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Baddesley Clinton, Solihull; Berrington Hall, Leominster; Birmingham Back to Backs; Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Craven Arms; Charlecote Park, Warwickshire; Croft Castle, Leominster; Packwood House, Solihull; Sunnycroft, Shropshire; Upton House & Gardens, Warwickshire; Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton; Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton lent Easter bonnet competitions, and find handmade Easter eggs at the World's Biggest Cadbury Shop, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham

EASTER ACTIVITIES Make something crafty to take home with you or have your face painted, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Croome Park, Worcestershire EASTER AT EASTNOR Legendary Easter Treasure Hunt around the castle and grounds. Chocolate for everyone who takes part and a chance to win an enormous Easter Egg, Fri 25 Mon 28 Mar, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Fri 25 Mon 28 Mar, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, Witley Court, Worcestershire, and Beeston Castle, Cheshire EGG DANCING Watch on as the blindfolded townsfolk dance across the street without stepping on eggscarefully placed along their route, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Blists Hill, Ironbridge

vegetable plots, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 30 Oct, Croome Park, Worcestershire TWISTED BARREL BREWERY TOURS 2016 Meet the team behind Twisted Barrel Ale on this exclusive tour, learn how the brewing process works and sample the fantastic ales and food, Sat 26 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry GHOST TOURS OF ASTON HALL An immersive evening ghost tour of one of Britain’s most haunted buildings, Sat 26 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham THUNDERSPORT GB MOTORCYCLE RACES Sat 26 - Mon 28 Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby EASTER EGG HUNT Take part in the Easter Hunt – follow the Egg Trail throughout the Gardens, to win a prize at the end, Sun 27 Mar, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on over to the canalside village where a cracking programme of Easter fun is ready and waiting, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 25 March, showing at selected cinemas.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (tbc) IONA (15) MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (tbc) SPEED SISTERS (tbc) THE CLUB (tbc) WELCOME TO ME (tbc) ZOOTROPOLIS (tbc) See Film section for previews on p38

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA An egg-citing egg hunt challenge and egg-scel-

EASTER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy live shows from the resident magicians, ventriloquists and more, with giggles and games for the whole family, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 17 Apr, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham

AROC ALFA ROMEO SPECIAL DISPLAY Sun 27 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum

WALLED GARDEN Britain's largest walled garden opens its doors again.

With new paths and planting schemes there are restored greenhouses, vibrant border planting, blooming rose garden and working

MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY EVENT The Medieval period will be brought to life with the hall's re-enactment group, Sun 27 - Mon 28 Mar, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster

MOTORFEST Sun 27 - Mon 28 Mar, Weston Park, Shropshire

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thelist

Mon 28 March - Sun 3 April

Theatre HEARTBEAT ITV's popular Sunday evening police drama makes its stage debut. Set in rural Yorkshire in the 1960s, Heartbeat on stage features a brand new script, video footage and a 'clever set', Mon 28 Sat 2 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham PONGO’S PARTY Entertainment for young audiences, featuring the voices of Justin Fletcher & Nicole Davis from CBeebies as Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow, Tues 29 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove

Janet Jackson in Birmingham on 30 March

Gigs DISTRICT 97 + DAVE KERZNER BAND featuring special guest Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd) + more! Mon 28 Mar, The Robin, Bilston

ROOM 94 Wed 30 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham ALEXANDER O'NEAL Wed 30 Mar, The Jam House, Birmingham

MADDY PRIOR IN CONCERT WITH GILES LEWIN AND HANNAH JAMES Thurs 31 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester THE PERFECT MURDER Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace star together on stage for the very first time in an acclaimed staging of Peter James’ best-selling thriller, Tues 29 Mar - Sat 2 April, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

ADELE Tue 29 - Wed 30 Mar, Genting Arena, B’ham - SOLD OUT! NAI HARVEST Wed 30 Mar, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham NOTHING BUT THIEVES Thurs 31 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham JANET JACKSON Wed 30 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham SUNSET SONS Wed 30 Mar, O2 Institute, Bham

DEL CAMINO Thurs 31 Mar, The Jam House, Birmingham THE MANFREDS Thurs 31 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex

ALTERED SKY Thurs 31 Mar, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham OTWAY/BARRETT: THE FINAL STRAW Featuring John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett, Thurs 31 Mar, The Robin, Bilston STELLA ROBERTS Thurs 31 Mar, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham

Classical Music Comedy Gigs COLLABRO Tues 29 - Wed 30 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MARK WATSON Thurs 31 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove NATHAN CATON, SOFIE HAGEN & CRAIG MURRAY Thurs 31 Mar, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham PHIL NICHOL & COMIC TBC Thurs 31 Mar, Station Pub, Birmingham JIMMY CARR Thurs 31 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN FEATURING PETER DONONHOE David Curtis conducts a programme of works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, Wed 30 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire CBSO MAHLER'S TENTH Featuring Nicholas Collon (conductor) & the CBSO Youth Chorus. Programme includes works by Webern, Brahms and Mahler, Thurs 31 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

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AMERICAN IDIOT Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre presents an amateur production of the two-time Tony Award-winning musical, Tues 29 Mar - Sat 2 April, Lichfield Garrick AUSTEN'S WOMEN Adapted and performed by Rebecca Vaughn, Austen’s Women brings together no fewer than thirteen of Jane Austen’s most celebrated female characters, Wed 30 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester STONES IN HIS POCKETS Two actors play a vast array of eccentric and lovable characters in Marie Jones’ award-winning comedy, Thurs 31 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true events and spanning three decades, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordinary journey of the strong-headed Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of World War Two, leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and beloved homeland in search of a better life in New York, Thurs 31 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ALL OUR YESTERDAYS A musical journey through the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, Thurs 31 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Dance PINOCCHIO Join Ballet Theatre UK as they tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine whose only wish is to become a real boy, Wed 30 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch

Talks MARK BEAUMONT: AFRICA SOLO A candid and heart-warming account of the world-famous cyclist’s ambition to push his limits and set unbreakable World Records, Wed 30 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS (PG) Jem and the Holograms rock their way to the big screen in this live-action adaptation of the popular 1980’s cartoon from the producers of Pitch Perfect. As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. Stars Aubrey Peeples & Stefanie Scott. Tues 29 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP (PG) Believe it or not, this is the fourth cinematic outing for the mischievous ground squirrels (created by a hit single in 1958). Here, they suspect that their human intimate Dave (Lee) is going to dump them in favour of his new girlfriend, so they set off on a road chip [sic] to Miami to stop him. Expect irritatingly high voices. Weds 30 - Thurs 31 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury YOUTH (15) Michael Caine turns in a superb performance in Paolo Sorrentino’s follow up to his Oscar winning The Great Beauty. Set in a luxury Alpine spa, a retired composer reminisces with his lifelong film director friend about past loves, the frivolity of youth and the wisdom of age.

Thurs 31 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

Events EASTER HALF TERM FUN Award-winning clown and children’s entertainer Bibbledy Bob, with music, fun and games on the lawn, Mon 28 Mar - Fri 1 Apr, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE GADGET SHOW LIVE Thurs 31 Mar - Sun 3 Apr, NEC, Birmingham

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Great Theatre at the Grand!

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AND FINALLY...

PHIL COLLINS

An Evening With

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CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

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