Shropshire What's On November 2016

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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands

ISSUE 371 NOVEMBER 2016

Shropshire

’ What sOn FILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTS I FOOD

shropshirewhatson.co.uk

BILLY CONNOLLY - THE BIG YIN OUT ON TOUR

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inside:

Your 16-page week by week listings guide

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Contents November Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:07 Page 2

November 2016

Contents

Dirty Dancing - Eleanor Bergstein’s classic story returns to the Midlands... feature page 8

the list

Small Glories

Sunny Afternoon

Counting down...

We talk to the Winnipeg duo ahead of their Shrewsbury gig

West End musical pays homage to The Kinks

Festive shows and activities to enjoy this month

Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide

interview page 6

page 28

page 33

page 51

inside: 4. First Word

11. Food

14. Music

20. Comedy

24. Theatre

39. Film

43. Visual Arts

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Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine

Staffordshire What’s On Magazine

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47. Events

Managing Director: Davina Evans davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703 Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704 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 Abi Whitehouse abi@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys ryan@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281722 Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton rhian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox 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.

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First Word Jodie Prenger to star in Willy Russell classic The winner of a BBC television talent show is set to star in a 30th anniversary stage revival of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine when it visits Birmingham early next year.

Jodie Prenger shot to fame in I’d Do Anything, a TV series which searched for an unknown actress to star as Nancy in a West End revival of Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!

The touring production of Shirley Valentine will show at the New Alexandra Theatre from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 February.

Commenting on the revival, Willy Russell said; “It’s now 30 years since Shirley Valentine first walked onto the page, into my life and the lives of so many others.

“When producer Adam Spiegel introduced me to Jodie, I knew in an instant that here was a formidable actress; one who possessed the grit and the warmth, the drive and the vulnerability, the energy and the heart to make Shirley Valentine really live again. How could any playwright resist that, or deny the whole of the UK the chance to see Jodie bring Shirley to life?”

Tickets for the New Alexandra Theatre performances of the show are available via atgtickets.com/Birmingham or by ringing 0844 871 3011.

Something to SHOUT about in the Midlands

Shrewsbury prison to host more zombie chases A history & heritage tour company which took over Shrewsbury’s Dana Prison last year will continue to operate at the 200-yearold jail until the end of 2017, after reaching agreement with the venue’s owners for a 12month extension of its lease.

Jailhouse Tours has been using the Dana to host ‘the world’s most interactive prison tours’, providing its visitors with a wide range of experiences, including prison escape events, zombie chases, sleepover sessions, paintball events and prison experience days.

The decision to extend Jailhouse Tours’ lease means that the planned redevelopment of the prison, which will see it being turned into student accommodation, housing, a gym and a walled garden, will be postponed until at least 2018.

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Birmingham’s annual celebration of queer arts & culture makes a welcome return this month.

SHOUT Festival is taking place at venues across the city for an eighth year, showcasing ‘the best of queer performance, theatre, visual arts and film from around the UK and beyond’.

“The event launches with the outrageous Miss Behave’s Gameshow,” says SHOUT Steering Group Chair Neil Anderson, “a renegade gameshow for the austerity generation.

The festival then offers the best in live performance, theatre, music, comedy, cabaret, visual arts, talks, film, workshops and events at some of the city’s most prominent arts venues.

“We close on 20 November, Trans Day of Remembrance, with the return of our free and ever-popular community event, SHOUT Out, at mac Birmingham, which will include performances and activities throughout the day.

“The closing performance of the festival will be the award-winning Big Girl’s Blouse, a show that explores what being transgender was like in the 1970s.”

SHOUT Festival takes place at venues across the city from Thursday 10 to Sunday 20 November.

For more information, visit shoutfestival.co.uk

Staffordshire declared home to one of the best zoos in Europe Drayton Manor Park’s zoo is now officially recognised as one of the best in Europe, after becoming a full member of the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA).

Membership was achieved following two rigorous screening visits, where experts investigated all aspects of the zoo’s activities, focusing closely on animal welfare, conservation, research and education.

Commenting on the success, Drayton Manor’s zoo manager, Chris Mitchell, said: “We’re delighted with our EAZA membership, and I think it’s a great reflection of the work we do here, and how we go above and beyond to make sure all the animals’ needs are met.

“Sadly, animals in the wild are becoming extinct at an alarming rate, and zoos not only narrate this story but also help connect people with nature. Zoos carry out vital conservation work and are key to safeguarding animals and habitats for future generations.”

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Entertainment news from around the region

World-renowned toy store comes to the Midlands Famous toy shop Hamleys has opened its first store in the West Midlands.

The shop opened late last month at Resorts World Birmingham, to coincide with the latter’s first birthday.

Hamleys joins Resorts’ numerous other attractions, including 50 outlet stores, 18 bars and restaurants, an 11-screen cinema with IMAX, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art casino and a boutique hotel.

Mamma Mia! Hit ABBA musical coming to the Grand

A festive gift of a fair celebrates its 21st birthday The annual Festive Gift Fair at Birmingham’s NEC is this year celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Described by its organisers as ‘a colourful Aladdin’s cave’, the fair features thousands upon thousands of Christmas presents, providing visitors with the chance to sew up all their festive gift buying in a single day.

As well as all the presents, attractions at this year’s show include a giant inflatable snowglobe, a talking letterbox, three giant-sized stockings full of goodies to be won, a new line-up of live music and the everpopular Santa & The Dame.

The Festive Gift Fair takes place at the NEC from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 November.

For more information, visit festivegiftfair.co.uk

One of the biggest musical hits ever to grace the West End stage visits Wolverhampton next year as part of a UK tour.

Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. Band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were both heavily involved in the show's development.

Set on a Greek island, the feelgood story follows bride-to-be Sophie as she searches for her real father.

Free workshop at Shrewsbury arts venue Budding Shropshire musicians get the chance to learn from a professional next month, when roots singer-songwriter Luke Jackson shares his tips on how to get creative.

Luke will be offering the benefit of his knowledge and experience in a special workshop, taking place before his gig at Shrewsbury arts venue The Hive on Saturday 10 December.

A BBC Radio Two Folk Awards nominee, Luke has opened for the likes of Show Of Hands and Oysterband.

For more information about his pre-Christmas Shropshire stop-off, visit hiveonline.org.uk

Since opening in 1999, Mamma Mia! has been seen by more than 50 million people, with 50plus productions having been mounted in numerous languages. To date, the show has grossed more than $2billion dollars.

Mamma Mia! comes to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre early 2018 - we’ll keep you posted when we hear more...

The Grand will also be hosting a new touring version of award-winning musical Funny Girl.

The show visits the venue from Monday 24 to Sat 29 July.

Prestigious international award for acclaimed Wolverhampton medal artist An acclaimed Wolverhampton artist has received one of the highest honours in the world of medal art.

Eighty-year-old Ron Dutton, a former head of sculpture at Wolverhampton School of Art, was presented with the prestigious Grand Prix of the Federation Internationale de la Medaille d’Art in recognition of the medals he’s created in a career spanning 40-plus years.

Ron’s highlights have included winning the competition for the Royal Mint 1998 Rugby World Cup £2 coin, being commissioned by the BBC to create The Archers’ 50th anniversary coin and creating the commemorative medal for Wolverhampton's 1,000th birthday celebrations in 1985.

“This award is a huge honour for me,” says Ron. “I was gobsmacked when the International Art Medal Federation told me I was going to receive it.

“It was a collection of Japanese sword mountings held at Wolverhampton Art Gallery which more than 40 years ago inspired me to concentrate on medal art, and I’m still creating medals today from my studio at home.” whatsonlive.co.uk 5

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FEATURE

I’VE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE

A new production of Eleanor Bergstein’s classic story this month returns to the Midlands.

What’s On popped along to rehearsals to find out more...

Thirty years after Eleanor Bergstein's classic story of a whirlwind holiday romance first took cinemas by storm, its now almost equally iconic stage adaptation is back on the road with an all-new cast and creative team. Directed by Federico Bellone, this new Dirty Dancing UK tour has been specially designed to adapt readily to differently sized stages, allowing it to visit more venues than ever before.

This month, the smash-hit show stops off at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and the Wolverhampton Grand before moving on to Coventry's Belgrade Theatre early in the New Year. We spoke to the Dirty Dancing On Tour team to find out more about how the magic is made.

“I think for the first time, we've gone for a very realistic look,” explains Federico Bellone. “Basically, we've taken the famous picture of the resort where they shot the movie and tried to theatricalise that here. We'll be going out to venues that were not able to house previous versions of the show, but it should still be spectacular. We have three revolves on stage, so it's quite intricate. We've also tried to make the pace even faster - without rushing through it, of course.”

“There's a huge pressure to get the balance right,” adds choreographer Gillian Bruce, “because everybody knows this show, so you have to look at the main ingredients and try to keep those, while also making it a little bit different.

I was very careful with choosing the cast. The look had to be right, and the sexiness had to be right. I actually wanted to push that a little bit further than in the film, to make it even more ‘dirty’ - without becoming vulgar, obviously, and still making sure it was right for the era.”

These continual changes and reinventions both large and small - are part of what makes every Dirty Dancing live experience feel special, even more than a decade after the show made its stage debut. Carlie Milner, who plays the unlucky Penny Johnson, has also starred in previous incarnations of the show, but is con-

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stantly inspired by the team around her to work through new approaches to the part.

“Of course everyone will have a different take on things,” she says, “and the people around you give you more information, which you just kind of absorb into your performance. It's been lovely to recreate the show with a new vision - your ideas do change over time, and my own personal take on it has definitely changed. I've found things in the story that I hadn't really thought about before. I loved the old version but I'm really looking forward to touring this one too.”

Joining more experienced cast members like Milner are the newcomers such as Lewis Griffiths and Katie Hartland, who lead the show as the iconic young couple Johnny and Baby.

“Stepping into Patrick [Swayze]'s shoes, I do feel like I'm a bit in his shadow, as anyone would, because he made the part completely his own,” Griffiths confesses. “I'm not trying to imitate him at all, but as Gillian said, we've all got to take parts of what's already in the film and make it work for us without replicating too much. This is definitely going to be Lewis Griffiths' Johnny Castle as opposed to Patrick Swayze's Johnny Castle.”

Hartland agrees. “I think for me the biggest challenge has been taking such an iconic film and trying to make it your own as much as you can. Especially with the dancing, because I'm not half as experienced and amazing as some of the others, so it's been a real thrill getting to dance like that and to be pushed in that way.”

Among the things that have made Dirty Dancing such a huge success is the fact that it straddles different theatrical genres. It isn't quite a conventional stage musical. Not only are the songs performed by a separate band rather than sung by the main cast members, but the style of the dancing and staging is also very different.

“Dirty Dancing is definitely, absolutely a

play, but it's a play with a lot of music,” says director Bellone. “I think quite often when people go to see the show for the first time, they expect it to be a musical and are surprised when the cast don't sing. I first went to see it back in 2007, I think it was, and at the time I thought that they should sing more. But when I met Eleanor Bergstein, she explained to me the reasons why she was absolutely against that, and I had to accept that she was perfectly right.”

“It's quite a difficult show to choreograph because it's all couple work,” says choreographer Bruce. “I think sometimes it can get so busy that the audience doesn't really know where to look. I've tried to give more focus to the numbers and allow the audience to enjoy everything without being forced to just look at one thing at a time.”

“That's why a lot of people will say that the musical numbers are so tricky to get right,” adds Bellone. “They're not meant to look like the numbers in a typical musical, but at the same time, they still have to be beautiful.

You have to focus on specific effects. On film it's much easier because you can use closeups and focus in on details, but on stage, you have all these people there and the audience can look anywhere they want to.”

This distinctive format also puts additional pressure on the cast members, requiring everyone to be on top form from both dramatic and physical standpoints. Add to this the fact that, with Dirty Dancing being such a huge, worldwide phenomenon, the expectations of audiences across the country are enormous.

“It's quite rare to have something that's so heavy both in terms of the dance and the character aspects,” says Milner. “Physically this version is very demanding and there's a lot going on. You want to make sure you do it correctly, but there's only so much time, and that in itself is quite difficult for a performer.

From a character point of view, it's also quite difficult. Obviously for me, Penny goes

through a lot of trauma, and so I have to find ways to relate with all of the complex emotions she experiences.”

“I consider myself an actor rather than a dancer,” says Griffiths, “and while I don't think there's anything that I can't learn and get into, it’s been challenging being in a show involving so much dancing. Johnny's character is so completely in his comfort zone in the dance studio, leading and teaching in his Cuban heels, so I'm having to find ways of taking Lewis' insecurities and turning them into Johnny's strengths.”

“All the characters are going through their own stories,” says Milner, “but they're also all intertwined, so it's all about trying to keep that link and that continuity running through the show, while also bringing out your character's own personal journey. So yeah, it's hard!”

The rehearsal process may be long and challenging, demanding absolute dedication from the team, but as things begin to fall into place, every one of them agrees that the time and energy they've poured in has been well worth it.

“The casting for this show is unbelievable,” says Griffiths. “When I got the role of Johnny, it was amazing, but it felt a bit like being at the bottom of a very large mountain. I'm really thankful that, with the help of these two and all the crew and creatives, I'm already halfway up that mountain, and once we get to the top I think it's gonna be a hell of a show. I'm really honoured to be a part of that.”

Dirty Dancing shows at Stoke’s Regent Theatre from Mon 7 to Sat 12 November; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Mon 28 November to Sat 3 December; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Mon 30 January to Sat 4 February; and the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 29 May to Sat 3 June whatsonlive.co.uk 7

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Food A choctastic weekend of fun to be had at Shrewsbury festival Heaven is surely a place called Shrewsbury as far as chocoholics are concerned this month, with the popular Shropshire market town hosting its very own chocolate festival (Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November).

The weekend-long event, showcasing chocolate from around the country, features a demonstration stage where local chocolatiers, chefs and industry experts will be sharing their delicious recipes with audiences.

A perfect place to pick up a yuletide gift or two for friends and family members - or maybe even for yourself - the festival also offers visitors the chance to get into the Christmas spirit by sampling some chocolate mulled wine.

A dedicated children’s area running free workshops will hopefully distract youngsters from overindulging in the chocolate-chomping stakes.

Best leave that to the grown-ups, kids. Eating chocolate is adult work...

REVIEW: Pasta Di Piazza, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Little Italy meets contemporary art deco in the Potteries

Having recently undergone a refurbishment, the Newcastleunder-Lyme branch of Pasta Di Piazza prides itself on bringing traditional flavours of Italy to the heart of Staffordshire.

We were impressed from the moment we walked in. Pasta Di Piazza boasts a stunning interior - think Little Italy meets contemporary art deco - and despite the restaurant being particularly busy for a Thursday evening, it had a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

We perused the extensive menu over a cold Peroni and some bread and dipping oils - a necessity for us when visiting an Italian restaurant.

To start, we shared Melanzane Mozzerella - aubergine baked with béchamel sauce and mozarella cheese - and Prosciutto Caprese; buffalo

mozarella wrapped in parma ham and served with mixed salad and olives. Both arrived nicely presented and had been created using high-quality ingredients, a fact which left us excited about our forthcoming mains.

The main courses are split up into sections: pizza, pasta and risotto, beef dishes, chicken dishes and fish dishes, as well as a few salad options for those who’re watching the pounds.

After quite the deliberation, I opted for the Risotto Tutto Italia - a mixture of sautéed king prawns, peeled prawns, wild mushrooms, garlic, parmesan, tomato, cream and fresh, green herbs. The dish was absolutely delicious. The prawns were juicy and succulent, the sauce rich and creamy, and the addition of the other aforementioned ingredients had the effect of creating

a perfect flavour balance.

On the other side of the table was a mountain of calzone filled with cheese, chicken, salami, garlic sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and herbs, served with a side of tomato-based sauce. It proved to be another tasty dish, showcasing the true spirit of rustic Italian cuisine.

I’m sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that I can’t help but feel disappointed when I get served teeny-tiny portions while dining out. This certainly isn’t the case at Pasta Di Piazza another hugely important selling point for us.

Choosing from an array of traditional Italian desserts, which included Torta Tiramisu, Cassata Gelato and Fruits Macedonia, I opted for the Torta Amaretto, a dish that comprised layers of sponge and Chantilly cream with

amaretti biscuits and pistachio ice cream. The sponge was light and fluffy; the pistachio ice cream served as a perfect accompaniment to the delicious almond flavour.

My partner went for a toffee cheesecake - another successful dish, and one that made for an enjoyable end to an enjoyable evening.

As well as the evening menu, Pasta Di Piazza boasts lunch, children’s and festive menus, including a Christmas Day one for anybody who’d prefer to sidestep the traditional offering of turkey and sprouts.

Diners can also become a member of the Pasta Club to enjoy a selection of exclusive deals fixed-price lunches, birthday and party offers, kids-eat-free options and evening deals from Sunday through to Wednesday.

If you’re a lover of authentic Italian dishes, hearty portions and high-quality ingredients, then this place is for you. The service was fantastic, and that, alongside the tasty food, relaxed atmosphere and stylish surroundings, certainly made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Lauren Foster Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL

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Pasta Di Piazza 125 High Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1PS Tel: 01782 617610 whatsonlive.co.uk 9

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FEATURE

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Cara Luft What’s On caught up with the Juno Award-winning singersongwriter ahead of her Midlands gig this month...

It's been 12 years since Canadian folk star Cara Luft parted ways with The Wailin Jennys and embarked upon a major solo chapter in her career. Two acclaimed solo albums and a whole lot of touring later, however, and Luft has finally found herself back in a band with a new and somewhat unexpected collaborator. We spoke to her about how a chance encounter with fellow Manitoban JD Edwards inspired their joint venture, The Small Glories, which is coming to The Hive this month.

“There's a venue in Winnipeg called the West End Cultural Centre,” Cara explains, “and about three months before its 25th anniversary, the artistic director started asking Manitoba artists who’d played there over the years to come and play at an event. All of us were partnered with someone we'd never worked with before, with the goal of learning two songs by other Manitoba artists. JD and I hadn't even heard each other sing before, so it was kind of crazy, but we just immediately realised how well our voices worked together. I think there were about 35 artists involved in the project, but we kind of stole the show because we were such a natural fit.”

Of the two songs that they prepared for the anniversary gig, just one makes it onto the duo's debut album, Wondrous Traveler, released in February this year. The track is a delicate, dreamy, atmospheric take on 1000 Stars, written by Winnipeg's Greg MacPherson.

“Greg is more of a kind of indie-rock guy, and he does it in quite a wacky and interesting way - about halfway through, he completely changes the time signature, and it doesn't have any harmony or acoustic guitar on it. Our version is obviously quite different, but I think he was really tickled pink that we'd tackled it!

The second one was a Neil Young song called Don't Let It Bring You Down, which JD had previously sung with his rock band. When we first did it, it didn't gel as easily as 1000 Stars, partly because it was in both of our lower registers. We've since revisited it and swapped parts, so now I sing the melody and JD sings the harmony, and we've upped it a little bit. It sounds killer now, and we'd really like to record it for the next record.”

There's little doubt that the chance to spread her wings over the last few years has made Luft a much more confident mu-

sician. The contrast between the artistic freedom she's enjoyed of late and her previous experiences with the Jennys has taught her the importance of giving herself room to reflect, explore and make her own discoveries.

“I’ve missed collaborating, because I love playing with other people and harmony singing, and it's nice when everything doesn't fall on one person's shoulders, but I don't think it's healthy to just do one thing, and the Jennys were really all-encompassing. There wasn't much room for different kinds of musical expression or exploration. But with The Small Glories, even though this is our main focus, it's really important to both of us to have our fingers in other pies, even if they're only very little pies. I'm still doing some solo stuff and some teaching, and JD's got his rock band and also does some solo work, so neither of us is putting all our eggs in one basket.”

Edwards isn’t the only person Luft has shared the project with. Other collaborators include a whole host of diverse talents, ranging from Erin Propp and Scott Nygaard to British folk musician Bella Hardy. Luft was initially paired with

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FEATURE

‘‘

Continued...

I've been going over to the UK at least once a year since 2006, so I really feel like I've got a community there, and whenever I'm on tour I love to reconnect with all the amazing people that I've met over the years...

Hardy via an exchange programme, which resulted in the creation of two of the tracks on Wondrous Traveler: Fast Turning World and Time Wanders On. “Folk Music Canada and English Folk Dance & Song Society decided to partner up, and the directors of those organisations approached artists in their respective countries who they thought would be a good fit. The first part of the project happened in Alberta. Bella flew over and we spent a couple of weeks together, writing material and doing performances. We'd never met before, so it was a really interesting experience. Then the following year, I went over to the UK and spent two weeks with Bella doing the same thing.

We've become very dear friends, so I'm really grateful to Neil Pearson, who was in charge of bringing us together. He knew both of us really well and knew we would get along. I think we write really well together too, so I'm hoping we'll get the chance to do more in the future.”

The name The Small Glories, which also appears in the lyrics to Home, was first suggested by the band’s producer, Neil Osborne, who previously worked with Luft on her solo album, The Light Fantastic.

“We'd been bouncing names around and someone had suggested The Glories, but we thought that sounded a little too... in your face, perhaps? But while we were in the studio recording, our producer came in and said, 'I've got a name. I think it's an awesome name, and if you guys don't take it in the next five seconds, I'm gonna keep it for another project!' Well, we all thought it was great, and the next day we were working on Home. The lyrics still needed some tweaking, so JD suggested putting the band name in. It just seemed to fit exactly with what I was singing about.”

The album title, meanwhile, is taken from the final track, a haunting fusion of two

”

traditional Sacred Harp hymns - Wondrous Love and The Traveler - with hurdygurdy accompaniment from Andrew McCrorie-Shand. A choral tradition followed primarily in the southern US States, Sacred Harp describes a kind of ‘shape note’ singing, where musical notes are printed in different shapes to help readers identify them easily. Each of the four shapes corresponds to a sung syllable (fa, sol, la or mi). Songs are first sung through using just these syllables, allowing singers to focus their attentions on learning the harmonies before getting to grips with the lyrics.

ing behind bushes - all this really loveydovey, fun stuff - so we weren't sure how well the slower Billy Bragg version really suited them. Ours is really upbeat, and it always goes down really well live. We recorded it pretty much live off the floor with our drummer and bass player, and it actually had our producer dancing in the studio, which we figured was a good sign!”

“I can't even remember now how I came across it, but really weirdly I started dreaming about shape-note singing, so I decided to research it and I came across this beautiful documentary. The film came with two music discs. The first was all traditional Sacred Harp groups singing the songs, the second had artists doing their own interpretations of them, and it kind of blew my mind a bit. I already knew some of the songs, like Wondrous Love, from my parents, who are both folk singers, but I hadn't made the connection with this tradition before.”

“We’ve been approached by several labels, but weighing the options that were given to us, it made sense to stay independent for the time being. I've been doing crowdfunding since the ’90s, before it was even called that, and it's been a really beautiful way of connecting with my fanbase and my audience. That said, there are a lot of things a label can offer that may be too time-consuming or too costly to do on your own. Releasing this album has been quite draining financially and on a work level, and keeping on top of the business side of things does take away from creativity time, so we might look into signing to a label for future projects.”

Another pre-existing work to be radically reinterpreted is Woody Guthrie's Way Over Yonder In A Minor Key. A lost Guthrie song for which only the lyrics survive, it was set to music in 1998 by Billy Bragg and Wilco as a gentle piece with more than a touch of Bragg's trademark acoustic melancholy. The Small Glories' take transforms the song into a joyous, gospel-infused belter that's impossible not to dance along with.

“JD had learned it for a Woody Guthrie 100th birthday concert he was asked to play at, and decided to reinterpret it in a major key. When you look at the lyrics, it’s all about chasing girls up trees and kiss-

Having already covered its costs through a successful crowdfunding campaign, Wondrous Traveler is now available to order online at a price of your own choosing via The Small Glories website.

After warmly received appearances at The Hive in 2013 and at Shrewsbury Folk Festival in 2014, Cara is looking forward to heading back here.

“I've been going over to the UK at least once a year since 2006, so I really feel like I've got a community there, and whenever I'm on tour I love to reconnect with all the amazing people that I've met over the years.”

The Small Glories perform at The Hive, Shrewsbury, on Sunday 20 November.

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Gigs Simply Red Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 20 November

Reforming in 2015, with Mick Hucknall the only original member, British soul and pop band Simply Red have sold more than 50 million albums since their inception in the mid1980s. This month, they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album, Stars, the UK bestseller for two consecutive years in 1991 and ’92.

The first half of their Birmingham show features the entire album, the second a compilation of classic Simply Red songs.

“After the huge success of A New Flame,” Hucknall recalls, “I set myself the challenge of composing a whole album of original songs. I could never have imagined that Stars would have the impact that it did. It was a truly magical time. Now, looking on after 25 years, it seems only fitting to celebrate the album by performing it in its original running order.”

Dave Seaman The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 November

Whether it’s one of his Global Underground or Renaissance CDs, or the perfect pop of Kylie’s Confide In Me - which he wrote, produced and remixed - there are very few people with their heart in electronic music who haven’t been touched by Dave Seaman’s oeuvre in one form or another.

Leeds-born Seaman played his first professional gig in Stoke, way back in 1990. Almost 30 years on, he’s still a hugely prominent name on the house and techno music scene.

He returns to Shrewsbury (alongside fellow Selador label DJ Steve Parry) off the back of headlining sets at the Glastonbury and Burning Man festivals, as well as a series of dates at Space Ibiza’s closing season this summer.

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The Cinematic Orchestra O2 Institute, Birmingham, Wed 9 November

The Cinematic Orchestra are a British nujazz and electronic music group created in 1999 by Jason Swinscoe, whose background in fine art inspired him to ‘translate visual art into audible art’.

The collective includes core members Phil France on double bass, former DJ Food member Patrick Carpenter on turntables, Luke Flowers on drums, Tom Chant on saxophone, Stuart McCallum on guitar and Nick Damm on piano.

The Cinematic Orchestra's sound, in both live and studio contexts, is created by a live band improvising along with a turntablist and electronic elements, such as samples provided by Swinscoe.

Read our interview with Jason at whatsonlive.co.uk.

Anoushka Shankar Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 10 November

Daughter of Ravi Shankar and half sister to Norah Jones, Anoushka is an Indian sital player and composer. Now aged 35, she gave her first public sitar performance in 1995, at the age of 13, as part of her father’s 75th birthday celebration concert in New Delhi.

Following the success of her 2013 album, Traces Of You, she returns with an innovative, cutting-edge programme that addresses themes of movement, asylum and refugees topics that deeply inspired her creative process whilst composing the music for recently released concept album Land Of Gold.

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Gig previews from around the region

Bastille

PJ Harvey

Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 8 November

Starworks Warehouse, Wolverhampton, Fri 4 November

To say indie-pop four-piece Bastille have had a whirlwind few years would be an understatement. Their debut album, Bad Blood, released in 2013, was twice number one, certified double-platinum and named the biggest-selling digital album of the year. The band then went on to be named British Breakthrough Act at the 2014 BRIT Awards.

They stop off in Birmingham this month as part of their Wild World world tour.

Read the interview with band member Will Farquarson online at whatsonlive.co.uk

Very much going her own way, the songs and albums PJ Harvey produces are never anything less than startling. Harvey has a distinctly arty bent that sets her apart from girl-with-noisy-guitar pretenders to her throne, producing work that’s always refreshingly original and often disconcertingly challenging. Menstruation, matricide and the horrors of war are all subjects which have featured in her songs.

Following a critically acclaimed performance at Glastonbury this year, she visits the Midlands as part of a 17-date headline tour across the UK and Europe in support of her ninth album, The Hope Six Demolition Project.

Honeyblood

Martin Turner

The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 21 November

The Robin, Bilston, Wed 2 November

Wishbone Ash’s founding lead vocalist and key creative force Martin Turner here performs some of the band’s best-loved works with the assistance of his current line-up.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash were long admired for their unique blend of blues, jazz and English folk - but it was the way the guitars played melodic leads together that became their trademark, inspiring bands such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. Classic album releases including Argus, Pilgrimage, There’s The Rub, New England and Live Dates defined the band’s sound and have touched the hearts of several generations of music fans.

Calan Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 13 November

Calan have certainly found their musical niche, showcasing a unique instrumental blend of accordion, fiddle, guitar, Welsh pipes, Welsh harp and the percussive sound of the Welsh clogs. Taking a contemporary approach, they breathe new life into old traditions.

Expect a fast-paced and uplifting show from this fresh and vibrant five-piece.

Comprising Stina Marie Claire Tweeddale on vocals and guitar, and Cat Myers on vocals and drums, Honeyblood have spent the past two years travelling the globe and sharing stages with everyone from Belle And Sebastian and Foo Fighters to Courtney Barnett and Wolf Alice.

This month sees the release of their highly anticipated second album, Babes Never Die - a follow-up to their eponymous debut offering in 2014.

“Honeyblood is actually a mixture of water, honey, cornflour and red food dye,” says Tweeddale, by way of explaining the duo’s unusual name. “It comes from a lazy Halloween costume I once made for a gig. I swirled it round in my mouth on-stage, and then I spat it over the audience.”

This month’s Sugarmill gig marks the first time the pair have played the venue as a headline act.

Afro Celt Sound System Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 November

The groundbreaking Afro Celt Sound System fuse modern electronic dance music with traditional Irish and West African sounds.

With album sales topping one-and-a-half million and two Grammy nominations to their name, the band visit Shrewsbury as part of a UK tour to promote their new album, The Source.

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

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Classical Music An Audience With Lesley Garrett

City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 26 November

Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 November

Although many would claim that she’s been displaced as Britain’s best-loved soprano by Welsh wonder Katherine Jenkins, Lesley Garrett retains an army of appreciative fans and continues to produce superlative performances.

This latest Midlands appearance by the West End star follows the well-established ‘audience with’ format, combining song with plenty of reminiscences and not a little lighthearted chat.

The evening is hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen.

The CBSO this month pack their instruments, board the tour bus and head for the Potteries to present their Autumn Carnival concert.

The conductor for the evening is Christian Macelaru (pictured below), the recently appointed Music Director of the Cabrillo Festival - America’s longest-running event dedicated to new music for orchestra.

He oversees a programme of work that features the following: Dvorak’s Overture, Carnival; Bartok’s Piano Concerto No3; and Brahms’s Symphony No2.

Macelaru and the orchestra are joined by Macedonian classical pianist Simon Trpčeski.

Ludovico Einaudi

Florilegium

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 22 November

The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sun 27 November

“There is something in it that comes from classical,” says Ludovico Einaudi of his own music, “but I have influences from different music I’ve experienced in my life, from African music to folk and rock.”

Einaudi’s sound certainly defies easy classification. Commentators have tried on for size all manner of descriptions, from ‘beautifully haunting’ and ‘evocative’ to ‘minimalist’, ‘altclassical’, ‘ambient’ and ‘contemporary’.

None of these quite say enough, however, about the stylish soundscape created by a man who’s quietly become one of the most successful musicians in the world. Ludovico’s music is everywhere, although he remains best known for his contribution to the drama film and subsequent TV mini-series, This Is England, for which he received a BAFTA nomination.

He returns to Birmingham on the back of recently released album Elements, a work inspired by, as the Turin-born composer explains, “creation myths, the periodic table, Euclid’s geometry, Kandinsky’s writings, the matter of sound, and of colour, the stems of wild grass in a meadow, the shapes of the landscape.”

A long list of performances given in some of the world’s most prestigious venues and a prize-winning recording roster offer plenty of evidence of Florilegium’s status as one of the finest period instrument ensembles of modern times.

Established in 1991, they present a wide selection of music, from intimate chamber pieces to large-scale orchestral and choral works, and are much admired for their crisp and incisive style of playing.

This Shropshire Music concert sees them performing Johann Peter Salomon’s arrangements of Haydn’s Symphony No94, The Surprise, and Symphony No101, The Clock.

Mozart’s greatly admired Flute Quartets also feature on the programme.

European Baroque Ensemble: The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Tues 8 November

Surely an ideal classical music experience for a cold autumn night, this cosy candlelit event finds the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers presenting a programme of some of Mozart’s best known and most loved compositions. Featured pieces include Symphony No40, Lacrimosa (Requiem D minor) and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik, as well as excerpts from his operas, The Magic Flute, The Marriage Of Figaro and Cosi Fan Tutte.

The show has certainly been well received on its travels - although some reviewers have lamented the fact that the necessary stage lighting has somewhat compromised the ‘by candlelight’ element of the experience.

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Dance

Dance previews from around the region

Vamos Cuba!

Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 1 - Sat 5 November

Acclaimed Cuban choreographer Nilda Guerra makes a return with a follow-up show to her well-received Havana Rakatan.

Guerra’s aim is to celebrate her country’s youthful, modern spirit, and she does so by setting the action in Havana airport, a place where families are parted, lovers reunited, time flies when you’re having fun and, it would seem, there’s always plenty of reason to get dancing.

Critics of the show have complained that it panders to tourist stereotypes, but a live band led by Julito Padron, a cast of fully energised dancers and a mix of traditional and modern dance styles ensures there’s plenty to keep the audience engaged.

Aakash Odedra: Echoes & I Imagine Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 30 - Thurs 1 December

The Happiness Project DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 15 November

“We’re all interested in being happy,” says international dance artist Didy Veldman, who here launches her own company, Umanoove, “and The Happiness Project examines the idea of happiness as something we strive for, as something fleeting, something that can be very elusive or even absent. My aim is to find a common language between the movement, the drama and the music on stage, in my investigation of western society’s endless search for fulfilment.”

Ballet Black: Triple Bill Lichfield Garrick, Fri 18 November

The highly rated British Kathak dancer Aakash Odedra certainly caused a stir with his previous double bill, Murmur and Inked.

He returns with a show that further evidences his talent for blending the traditional with the contemporary.

Kathak icon Aditi Mangaldas has choreographed the first and more traditional piece, Echoes, an exuberant work of high-octane dance that ‘explores our relationships with our ancestors’.

I Imagine, meanwhile, is an experimental work which sees Odedra teaming up with award-winning poet Sabrina Mahfouz.

The piece cleverly combines choreography and spoken word in a contemplation of ‘the imagined future and the confines of skin’.

Ballet Black were hailed as real game changers when they presented this trilogy of abstract dance works at the Barbican earlier this year. Featuring international dancers of black and Asian descent, the company was widely praised for its success in filling a major London venue ‘with probably the most diverse audience in the history of British ballet’, as the Guardian described it.

The works the ensemble presented on stage were just as remarkable as the audience they attracted. The centrepiece is Christopher Hampson’s Storyville. Set to the haunting music of Kurt Weill, it tells the bittersweet fable of Nola, a farm girl who falls prey to unscrupulous characters and worldly desires in 1920s New Orleans.

The triple bill is completed with two more recently devised pieces - Christopher Marney’s To Begin, Begin and Cristaux, a duet by Arthur Pita.

Balletboyz: Rabbit and Fiction Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 16 November

BalletBoyz’ latest show has elicited all manner of superlatives from critics and audiences alike since debuting in the spring. The production, performed by an all-male company of 10, comprises two works by internationally acclaimed choreographers.

Swedish dance-maker Pontus Lidberg’s eccentric and stylish Rabbit comes complete with Alice In Wonderland overtones and contemplates loneliness and the desire for friendship.

Javier de Frutos’s mischief-making Fiction is based around the responses of his dancers to the news of his tragic death, the choreographer apparently having been impaled on a shard of his own scenery! The work includes de Frutos’s ‘obituary’, written for him by the critic Ismene Brown and gloriously narrated in camp voiceover.

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Comedy

Seann Walsh Brewhouse Arts Centre, Wed 2 November; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tue 29 November; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 13 December

Seann Walsh is such a popular comedian he could even give Barcelona Football Club a run for their money when it comes to the acquisition of silverware.

An award-winning star of television shows such as Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News Extra, the somewhat dishevelled Seann has been likened to the legendary Billy Connolly in terms of his gift for storytelling (although others have labelled him the new Dylan Moran, so take your pick). His jokes aren’t bad either, with two examples being as follows: “I don't understand swimming. You don't see fish going for a walk,” and “Are city-centre beat officers police who rap?”

Seann visits the Midlands this month with his wellreviewed touring show, One For The Road, a contemplation on whether the changes happening in his life are due to his getting older or becoming middle-class.

Six of the best...

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Regent Theatre, Stoke; Religion, Walsall; Couture, Stafford, Sat 19 November

Laugh Out Loud brings quality comedians to 14 venues across the country, including three here in the Midlands.

Two of the three are this month visited by the highly rated Markus Birdman (pictured), a comedian who firmly believes that comedy should always be presented live, to no more than 200 people, and in a dingy club (we’re not quite sure how he views the two Midlands venues he’s visiting this month)!

Marcus is joined on the bill in both Walsall and Stafford by Bobby Mair, Terry Burgess and Micky P Kerr.

Meanwhile, at Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre, Phil Nichol, Darius Davies and Pierre Hollins are the trio of funnymen charged with the task of bringing some autumn mirth to the Potteries.

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Jonathan Pie

Jerry Sadowitz

Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 8 November

Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 18 November; Wulfrun Hall, Fri 25 November

The media’s decision to pounce on Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of his first Labour leadership victory lit the torchpaper for actor Tom Walker to create the larger-than-life character that is Jonathan Pie. Recent YouTube sensation Pie is supposedly a British political correspondent - but one who likes to rant at the TV camera.

The media’s savaging of Corbyn pushed Walker over the edge. “I got really annoyed by it,” he admits, “by the ridiculousness of the British press.”

But the annoyance that the actor felt had the surprisingly positive effect of making his creative juices flow - and so Jonathan Pie was born.

Now Pie has headed out on a national tour, and is most definitely the man of the moment. Whether he’s more than just a onetrick pony, however, remains to be seen.

American-born Scottish comedian and magician Jerry Sadowitz comes with a health warning; he is most definitely not for the fainthearted.

A man who’s not averse to hurling his underwear at female members of the audience, Sadowitz is about as far away from political correctness as it’s possible to get; so much so, in fact, that he claims Bernard Manning was the good cop to his bad cop.

Although he’s a man who never seems more at home than when he's alienating and offending pretty much everyone, Sadowitz claims a lot of thought goes into what he says. “I don’t always do the right thing,” he told Time Out, “but however offensive it might sound, at least there’s a genuine thought behind it.”

He visits the Midlands this month with his Comedian, Magician, Psychopath! tour.

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Billy Connolly Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 November

A disarmingly gregarious man with a largerthan-life persona, Billy Connolly peddles his material with the assured touch of a comedian who knows he's got his audience in the palm of his hand.

Nowadays dealing with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, the legendary Scottish funnyman has recently had treatment for prostate cancer and can sometimes be tripped up by a less-than-reliable memory. But health issues and a frailer physical appearance aside, the Big Yin is in fine fettle. He seems to be enjoying his time on the road - not least because touring helps alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

“It's a miracle,” he exclaimed in an interview in the US earlier this year. “I think science should study it. I've gone on stage sick and come off better!”

MY Comedy Penthouse Conference & Events Centre, Birmingham, Sun 13 November

This popular live comedy night makes a welcome return to SHOUT, the annual festival of queer arts and culture which is this month taking place at venues across Birmingham and further afield.

The evening is hosted by MY Comedy’s resident MC, Maureen Younger.

The much-travelled Maureen began performing comedy sketches for a French cafe theatre group before branching out on her own.

Peddling an on-stage persona that's been described as 'a lazily saucy flirt', she makes the most of some rather lightweight material by virtue of her impeccable comic timing...

She’s here joined in the laughter-generating stakes by Jen Brister (pictured above), Jayde Adams and Birmingham funnylady Lindsey Santoro.

Ellie Taylor

Lucy Porter

The Core, Solihull, Fri 11 November

Theatre Severn, Wed 2 November

Ellie Taylor kickstarted her comedy career in her late 20s, performing in stand-up reality TV series Show Me The Funny.

Now in her early 30s, Ellie’s comedy has come a long way in a short time. “It was tricky back then,” she admits, “getting offers that I wasn’t ready for, but I really do feel like I’m there now.”

If her currently touring stream-of-conciousness show, Infidellieity, is anything to go by, her self-assessment is bang on the money.

Jokes built around the subjects of bikini waxes, smear tests, contraception and orgies all feature, as does stick-on facial hair and Ellie’s revelation that she’s only slept with half a dozen men. She manages to keep the attention of the fellas in the audience too; no mean feat when your material is as femalecentric as hers is.

Edinburgh favourite Lucy Porter has a mischievous style of comedy that marks her out as a real talent. She’s an absolute charmer, but don’t be fooled - her pleasant girl-next-door demeanour conceals a beautifully twisted mind!

Highlights of her career include achieving a record score on Celebrity Mastermind, in which her specialist subject was American funnyman Steve Martin.

Her big bag of gags includes, “My husband proposed to me over the phone. I said yes straight away, but I should’ve asked who was calling.”

Lucy is this month visiting the Midlands with Consequences, a touring show which comprises heartfelt personal revelations, incisive cultural observations and issues as wideranging as transgender rights and Australian sheepshearers.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21

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FEATURE

Kiss Me, Kate

Welsh National Opera challenge audience assumptions with a new staging of Cole Porter’s classic...

Ask many theatre-goers if they're into opera or musicals and chances are they'll come down fairly firmly on one side or the other. Received wisdom has it that opera is ‘high culture’, complex and intellectual, perhaps even inaccessible, while musicals are fun, populist and somehow less sophisticated. But a large-scale collaboration between Opera North and Welsh National Opera (WNO) on a touring production of Cole Porter's classic Kiss Me Kate could well challenge those assumptions, bringing together performers from both spheres. But just how separate really are the two? According to leading lady Jeni Bern, the divide is not as stark as you might think...

“People imagine that it's more sniffy than it is,” she says. “My ex-husband worked in the West End, so I have lots of friends on both sides of the camp, and while there may be a sort of joking, friendly rivalry between them, in the end, we do all really appreciate the different skills and demands of each. For me, the idea of doing eight shows a week is just crazy - you don't get that in opera. On the other hand, I know from the musical theatre people involved in this show that many of them find the idea of singing without a microphone absolutely terrifying. But I think that's what's lovely about this project both sides bring their different skill sets to the table and we're able to share everything. I know some people hate the idea of opera companies doing musicals - they 22 whatsonlive.co.uk

perceive it as somehow less worthy, but as an opera singer, I can assure you that this is definitely no less physically, mentally or emotionally demanding.”

Beyond the general appeal of dipping one's toes into something different, there are plenty of very good reasons why an opera company might take on a musical, particularly when it comes to Golden Era shows like this one.

“Although they look spectacular, a lot of West End shows don't have the luxury of the big orchestra that an operatic company can provide,” Bern explains. “David Charles Bell, our previous conductor, did some fantastic research, and we've gone right back to the original orchestration.

There's music here, like the Harlequin Ballet, that hasn't been heard since 1942.

Also, a lot of people forget that when these shows were first done, they wouldn't have been amplified like modern musicals. They were designed to be sung with a big, lush, orchestral sound, and I think they do benefit from going back to that.

“It's also worth bearing in mind that Cole Porter would have had a musical education that included listening to opera and classical music. He's an incredible musician, and would definitely have been aware of operatic singing style. At the end of Act One, I added in a little cadenza that isn't technically in the score, but the way it's written is almost like a parody of that, so I thought, why not? I'm a soprano, but

this is more a mezzo soprano role, so I cheekily decided to give myself a few high notes!”

Branching out into musicals can also be a great opportunity for opera companies to attract new audiences, perhaps encouraging them to come back and see a ‘proper’ opera next time.

“People know Kiss Me Kate is a feelgood family show that you can bring the kids or bring your granny along to,” says Bern.

“But there are plenty of operas that are just as fun and accessible as this. I think a lot of people are put off by this myth that opera is not for everyone, so doing a musical as an opera company can be a great vehicle for saying, 'We're not as scary as you think.' I'm from a very working-class background, so I get quite cross about the perpetuation of this idea that opera's elitist.”

So far from being detached from the colourful, more mainstream world of musical theatre, Bern has always loved the classics. Her pursuit of a professional singing career was at least partly inspired by the musicals she performed back in her school days. In fact, it was there that she first encountered the fiery Lili Vanessi in an amateur production of Kiss Me Kate.

“I was lucky enough to go to a school where we had a fantastic music teacher who was also a leading light in the local am-dram world, and every year we would do a musical at school, rather than a play.

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by Heather Kincaid

We did loads of fantastic ones - Godspell and Bye Bye Birdie and The Pyjama Game - and I think it was in my final year that we did Kiss Me Kate. It's great getting to revisit her now with some life experience.

I do have quite a personal take on it in some respects. I'm divorced, and my exhusband was in the business too, so I understand the trials and tribulations of trying to keep a relationship going with somebody who’s also in this very precarious, emotional rollercoaster of an industry. But just for the record, I don't hate men!”

This current production actually made its debut last year, receiving widespread critical acclaim during its first tour as an Opera North show before heading out for a second run under the WNO banner.

There are challenges, of course, in adapting to different singing and staging styles, but it’s not the first time either company has taken on a musical, with Opera North having put on Carousel last year and WNO ending its autumn 2015 season with Sweeney Todd.

Even when it comes to opera, WNO has a reputation for theatricality, with productions that emphasise both quality acting and bold, elaborate, often high-concept designs. Their Sweeney Todd abandoned the story's 19th century origins to present Mrs Lovett's pie shop as a kind of ’70sstyle greasy spoon. The same season also included Handel's Orlando, relocated to

World War Two Britain, and Bellini's I Puritani, where the Catholic/Protestant conflict of the Reformation was used to reflect on religious tensions in 1970s Northern Ireland. Kiss Me Kate might not mark quite so dramatic a departure from previous productions, but it's not without that same inventive spark.

“Generally, productions of Kiss Me Kate will do the dressing-room scene with Fred's and Lili's dressing rooms next to each other, and a wall and a door between them,” says Bern. “Jo (Davies, director) and Colin (Richmond, designer) wanted to avoid that cliché, and the idea behind the design is that they're on a very tight budget, so Fred doesn't really have a dressing room per se - just a sort of clothes rail.

“The show within a show is also managed beautifully. We have this set of what we call sliders - they're flats that are hung, and they pivot and tilt and reverse, so that, as an audience, you can sort of be in both places at the same time. On one side is what you see in The Taming Of The Shrew, and on the other is what you'd normally see backstage, so there are scribblings and people's notes and photographs on the wall. It means we don't have to do a revolve, and for the audience it should almost look like you're seeing the show from backstage. It's really exciting, but the downside is that the sliders are a bit temperamental - I think

they’ve had more rehearsals than we have!”

The witty, theatrical self-parodying of Kiss Me Kate is part of what’s made it such an enduring favourite, and in opting for a more realistic backstage aesthetic, Richmond emphasises the story's self-reflexive comedy. But from an insider perspective, just how true to life really are the backstage antics it portrays?

“Well, I don't think I've ever had a screaming row at a leading man backstage,” Bern laughs, “and I've certainly never thrown anything at anyone! But tensions can run high when you're working that closely with people. Moments like when everyone's looking for the missing ruff are fairly indicative of the chaos in the wings. Particularly when you're getting in to a new venue, things go missing and you sometimes only just make entries because you've got to sprint up a set of stairs that wasn't there last time. And also the unglamorous side of it all, with the rubbishy old dressing tables and clothes rails, is very true to life - it's nothing like in the Hollywood movies with the huge bouquets and flouncy dresses!”

Welsh National Opera’s Kiss Me, Kate shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Thurs 10 to Sat 12 November

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

The Commitments Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 14 - Sat 19 November; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 13 - Sat 18 March

Roddy Doyle’s smash-hit musical adaptation of his own bestselling novel follows on from the Bafta-bagging movie version that scored a huge international success way back in the early 1990s.

As with book and film, the stage show finds working-class music fan Jimmy Rabbitte inspiring an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends to become the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.

Along the way, the band treats the audience to more than 20 gold-star soul classics, including: Try A Little Tenderness; River Deep, Mountain High; Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Mustang Sally.

Andrew Linnie takes the lead role as Jimmie, while Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy stars as his Da.

Shakespeare, His Wife And The Dog Birmingham REP, Mon 21 - Wed 23 November

Shakespeare has retired but is making the lives of those around him, including his wife Anne, a complete and utter misery. During the course of a sleepless night in Stratford, the couple shine the spotlight on their marriage, as the bard struggles to find meaning in his past...

Bated Breath’s well-reviewed two-hander is a cleverly scripted celebration of the life and works of the world’s most famous playwright. It’s also a meditation on old age - one that manages to be both humorous and insightful. But then how could it possibly be otherwise, given that much of its material is sourced from Shakespeare’s canon of plays and poetry?

RSC actor Philip Whitchurch takes the role of Stratford’s most famous son.

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Dracula The Musical Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, until Sat 5 November

Following on from their 2015 production of Sweeney Todd, Night Project Theatre here present a musical version of Bram Stoker’s legendary gothic horror story.

The show premiered on Broadway in 2004, complete with a nude scene in which the blood-supping Count seduces the best friend of the woman he loves. The flash of flesh generated enormous publicity but failed to save the production from closing. The curtain came down for the last time after only 154 performances and a serious panning from the critics. A comprehensive rewrite followed, and the revitalised production then made its way to this side of the Atlantic, where it has risen Dracula-like from the dead and proved to be a major hit with European audiences.

Better make sure you pack some bulbs of garlic and a wooden stake, just to be on the safe side...

Beautiful Thing The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, Wed 16 - Sat 19 November

Jonathan Harvey’s award-winning urban love story focuses on teenager Jamie’s relationship with his classmate and neighbour, Ste. Premiered in 1993, the play’s been performed in countries across the world, with numerous

high-profile actors being drawn like proverbial moths to a flame to its winning blend of insightful writing, sharp humour and powerful drama. Jonny Lee Miller, Suranne Jones, Hugh Bonneville, Philip Glennister, Andrew Garfield and Rhys Ifans are among those to have appeared in the show across its 23-year history.

This latest version may lack star names, but it’s being helmed by the hugely experienced Tracey Street, a well-regarded freelance director on the Midlands theatre scene, so expect an evening of high-quality fare.

Barking Mad Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 17 November

When the Olivier Award-winning Guy Masterson married a gorgeous German model named Brigitta, he couldn’t possibly have realised the extent to which he was also entering into a binding, and indeed tempestuous, relationship with her dog, Nelson.

The eight years that followed tested everything, admits Guy, including his marriage, his career and even his sanity...

Masterson’s hour-long, one-man show garnered plenty of positive reviews at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival, where it was presented under the title of Love And Canine Integration.

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Tue 8 Nov

The Merchant of Venice André Tchaikowsky

Wed 9 Nov

Macbeth Verdi

perf Extra orma nce!

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Thu 17

Thu 10 - Sat 12 Nov Cole Porter’s

Kiss Me, Kate

ov 2 pm

Mon 14 Sat 19 Nov

Tue 1 Sat 5 Nov

Tue 8 Sat 12 Nov

From £12

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Tue 25 Nov Tue 13 Dec

Mon 19 Dec - Sun 29 Jan

Tue 7 Sat 11 Feb

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“Uproariously entertaining – every inch a whopping hit” Daily Telegraph

From £16

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men

Wed 15 Sat 25 Feb

Fri 3 & Sat 4 Mar

Mon 27 & Tue 28 Mar

From £16

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Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person.

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

The Full Monty Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 14 - Sat 19 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February

When the ladies in their lives go on a night out and the entertainment includes a male stripper, a group of newly redundant steelworkers hit on a great idea for a money-spinning venture...

Based on the much-loved British movie of the same name, The Full Monty arrives in Birmingham with a soundtrack featuring Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, and a cast including Louis Emerick, Andrew Dunn and one-time Eastender Gary Lucy.

“This may be a comedy but the stories running through it are really strong,” says Gary, “particularly that of my character, Gaz. He’s feeling worthless because he doesn’t have a job and might lose his son. His sole aim is to continue to see his boy, so he gets the guys together to make some money.

“What’s been great so far is that the audience have been quiet when they’ve needed to be, through the more serious aspects, but then have really got into the spirit of the piece and had a good night.”

When We Are Married New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November

keeper serve to complicate matters even further...

The highly rated Northern Broadsides are the company here bringing their comic expertise to bear.

Dare Devil Rides To Jarama Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 13 November

Mention JB Priestley and for most people the play that instantly springs to mind is An Inspector Calls. But seven years before the upper middle-class Birling family and the mysterious Inspector Goole first made their theatrical mark, Priestley penned this delightful northern comedy.

The action focuses on three couples, all old friends and all of whom had married on the same day. They gather together to celebrate what they believe to be their silver wedding anniversary - except that it isn’t their wedding anniversary at all. In fact - and as they find out to their horror - they’re not even legally wed.

The presence of a drunken newspaper photographer and a wickedly conniving house26 whatsonlive.co.uk

A celebration of the contribution and sacrifice of the volunteer International Brigades, Neil Gore’s new play is presented by Townsend Productions, a company whose previous work includes The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, We Will Be Free! and United We Stand.

At the centre of its action is speedway hero Clem ‘Dare Devil’ Beckett, a man whose immense courage leads him to join the International Brigades in their fight against Franco’s forces of Fascism in 1930s Spain.

While fighting for the freedom of the Spanish people, Clem forms an unlikely friendship with literary critic, writer and poet Christopher Caudwell.

Clem and Caudwell’s belief in a common cause not only unites them but leads them to the Battle of Jarama, where the ultimate sacrifice may well be a price they end up having to pay...

Home At Seven Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 1 - Sat 5 November

RC Sheriff wrote this clever little mystery play more than 20 years after penning his best-known work, Journey’s End. It scored an instant hit with theatre audiences of the early 1950s - so much so, in fact, that a mere two years after first being performed, it was adapted for the cinema, with Ralph Richardson taking the lead role...

There’s nothing unusual about David Preston’s return home from work at 7pm except that, on this particular occasion, 24 hours have elapsed without him even realising it, and it’s now a day later than he thought.

Along with his wife Janet, already upset by his bizarre disappearance the night before, David soon gets another shock, when evidence incriminates him in a murder committed during the time for which he cannot account.

Former Coronation Street villain Brian Capron stars alongside Jenny Funnell, best known from the Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer sitcom, As Time Goes By.

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Theatre Sunny Afternoon Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 29 November - Sat 3 December; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 18 - Sat 22 April 2017

This clever homage to Swinging ’60s superstars The Kinks has been wowing audiences and critics in equal measure since opening in the West End in 2014. Indeed, its quality and popularity were last year suitably rewarded when it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Adapted from Joe Penhall’s book, with an original story by Kinks guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ray Davies, the show features plenty of the band’s best-known tunes, including iconic tracks You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, All Day And All Of The Night and Lola.

Oliver Samuels: Guilt Trip

Honour

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 6 November

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November

Jamaican ‘king of comedy’ Oliver Samuels here makes a welcome return, having previously enjoyed huge touring successes with his shows Divorce Papers and Dolly House.

Samuels’ latest offering is a comedy drama which examines the life of a woman haunted by an event from her dim and distant past an event that continues to impact on the lives of all those associated with her.

“Guilt Trip offers a refreshing insight into the richness of Jamaican culture,” explains Oliver, “and also looks at some of the misconceptions that exist in dealing with mental illness. It’s full of laughter, and uses both drama and comedy to touch, stimulate and entertain its audience.”

Joanna Murray-Smith's 1995 play has certainly done the rounds over the last two decades, having been produced in close on 40 countries. Here in the UK, it scored a major hit at the National in 2003 when Eileen Atkins and the late Corin Redgrave played the leads. Its West End revival three years later provided a starring role for Dame Diana Rigg.

When distinguished literary journalist George is interviewed by the ambitious and considerably younger Claudia, sparks fly and his long and seemingly stable marriage to Honor bites the dust.

But as the central characters come into conflict, it becomes increasingly uncertain where the balance of power actually lies...

Into The Woods Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 November

Local company 4PLAY make their debut with this James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim musical. The show brings to life Cinderella, Jack And The Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and numerous other fairytales to present a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories people tell their children. One-time Opportunity Knocks winner Mark Rattray stars as the Baker.

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The Unknown Soldier Lichfield Garrick, Tues 8 November

The need to keep a promise and repay a debt keeps Jack on the World War One battlefields, even though the guns have fallen silent...

Described as a story of comradeship and betrayal, and of promises both broken and kept following the carnage of the Great War, The Unknown Soldier debuted at Edinburgh last year and was highly praised by the critics.

Its author, award-nominated playwright Ross Ericson, enjoyed a 2013 success with Casualties, a fraught drama about the Afghanistan War and its repercussions.

Demi Nandhra: Life Is No Laughing Matter mac, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Wed 9 November

“Sometimes I think I’ve felt everything I’m ever gonna feel,” reveals Birmingham-based Demi Nandhra. “And from here on out, I’m not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I’ve already felt.”

Demi uses a combination of installation and performance to explore the role of women in modern society, with feminism very much at the heart of her work. In Life Is No Laughing Matter, her first solo show, she contemplates the subjects of mental health, depression and anxiety.

Described as ‘part personal narrative, part social rant, part mess’, the production is an autobiographical live art/stand up/theatre performance that delves into her experience of living with depression - from trying to find a cure to eating 56 bananas and attempting ‘to think happy thoughts’.

Audience members are warned to expect ‘shit metaphors, unicorns, dependency on a loved one and Demi’s nana's holy water’...

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theatre for younger audiences...

George’s Marvellous Medicine

George’s Marvellous Medicine New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 22 November - Sat 3 December

Birmingham Stage Company return with one of their most popular Roald Dahl adaptations. George’s Marvellous Medicine tells the fantastical tale of a young boy who chances his arm as an infant Alexander Fleming and makes a medicine to cure his grandmother of her bad temper. But when she takes it, all sorts of weird and wonderful things occur, and it isn’t long before George realises that his adventures have only just begun.

Peppa Pig’s Surprise Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 November

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

“It seems hardly any time at all since we started on the first Peppa Pig live stage show,” observes writer and director Richard Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience seeing the children’s reactions, not only in the UK but throughout the world. It just confirms that Peppa really is a worldwide phenomenon.”

Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs 2 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 5 November

Award-winning children’s ensemble Les Petits Theatre know that the best way to keep people coming to their shows is to entertain the adults in the audience as well as the youngsters. And just like the company’s original Captain Flinn stage show, this lively sequel manages to do exactly that.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty for the kids to enjoy too, in an action-packed adventure that sees Flinn’s kidnapped friends being

Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs 2

forced to hunt for the Magic Cutlass by the tyrannical Mr T-Rex. Cue the ever-heroic captain, and a dangerous rescue mission that could well see his timbers being comprehensively shivered...

Granny’s Game The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Sat 12 November

“We offer a diverse programme of theatre activities,” says Kirsty Mead, who co-founded Lincolnshire children’s theatre company Rhubarb back in the year 2000. “We bring theatre directly to family centres, village halls, youth clubs, schools, art centres, heritage sites, museums and traditional theatres.”

Rhubarb’s latest touring show is based on the real-life experiences of pioneering investigative journalist Nellie Bly, whose welldeveloped sense of adventure saw her undertake a record-breaking, Phileas Fogg-style trip around the world in 1889.

And globetrotting adventure is very much on the agenda for the show’s two young heroes, Julia and John, when they discover a mysterious boardgame while visiting their granny...

The Nose That Nobody Picked Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sun 6 November

Mountains of mucus, toe-tapping tunes and two nostrils full of magic are the order of the day in this first-time-touring stage adaptation of David Parkin’s much-loved book.

While indulging in his hobby of making ornamental displays with gnomes and toys, 10-year-old Christopher stumbles upon a living nose, one which has been raised by slugs in his garden.

The nose needs a face, so Christopher sets out to find him one. But he’s reckoned without the less-than-helpful intervention of Doctor Skinner, an eccentric plastic surgeon who not only has connections to the nose’s past but also harbours sinister intentions...

Where’s My Igloo Gone?

Where’s My Igloo Gone? mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 - Sun 27 November

Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry nights, fishing adventures and the kind of cold that makes the skin tingle are all featured in this Bone Ensemble story about a little girl who sets off in search of help when her igloo starts to melt...

“We’re collaborating with experts in climate change and social psychology,” explain the Birmingham-based Bone Ensemble, “so that we can weave scientific knowledge into a compelling narrative with dynamic interactive activities, engaging audiences with climate change in a new and refreshing way.”

Cloud Cuckoo Land: Ding Dong mac, Birmingham, Sun 6 November

Cloud Cuckoo Land, the company behind this bright and bubbly production, describe themselves as a ragtag ensemble of multi-talented cuckoos.

“We like nothing better,” they reveal, “than whipping up immersive, interactive and interdisciplinary plays, parties and installations, to whisk you away from your everyday life to somewhere altogether stranger.”

The Birmingham company’s new offering for younger children is an interactive musical play based around the subject of ‘time’. It sees a cast of actor-musicians creating a unique 360° immersive listening experience by playing a wide variety of instruments all around the audience. And the youngsters get to join in with the music-making too, through clapping, singing, movement, calland-response and imaginative suggestions.

Kids can also meet the characters - Dot, Smidge, Mooch and Nora - all of whom will be battling hard to save their beloved clocktower.

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Christmas

Festive shows and attractions opening in November

’Tis the season to be jolly - well, nearly. Yes, Christmas is a-coming, and it’s time to start thinking about how best to celebrate and enjoy this festive time of year. If you’re struggling for ideas, fear not - we’ve got a few suggestions that should hopefully ensure you’re positively chomping at the yuletide bit come the 25th of December. From pantomimes to family shows, stylish ballets to Shakespeare storms, underground boat trips to illuminating lantern festivals, it promises to be an unforgettable season of magic and mirth in the Midlands.

Check out which festive shows and attractions are opening across the Midlands this month...

Treasure Island The REP, Birmingham, Fri 25 November - Sat 7 January

This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adaptation

by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, with the chief protagonist being a girl rather than a boy.

When pirates ransack her grandmother’s inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure of a lifetime - one which will see her not only setting sail in search of buried treasure but also spending time in the company of a one-legged pirate with murder in mind...

Cinderella

The Tempest

The Nutcracker

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 November - Sun 8 January 2017

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon, Tues 8 November - Sat 21 January 2017

Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 25 November - Tues 13 December

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

This year’s Theatre Severn version of the famous fairytale features all the usual panto elements of comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation and ‘stunning’ sets and costumes. And also very much as usual, it stars the ever-popular Brad Fitt, on this occasion appearing ‘as you’ve never seen him before’...

Shakespeare’s last and most complete play, The Tempest also represents the culmination of his art, bringing together many of the themes that informed his greatest dramas.

A wild storm forces a royal ship onto the rocks of an enchanted isle. The castaways, separated from one another, find themselves slipping under the control of the mysterious Prospero.

Matters are further complicated by the presence of supernatural spirit Ariel and the grotesque man-beast, Caliban...

Presented by the RSC as their Christmas family show, this brand new production is helmed by the company’s artistic director, Gregory Doran, and stars Simon Russell Beale as Prospero.

Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990 as a thank you to Birmingham for its support of the company following its move to the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Wright’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score.

In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina...

A magical, must-see show for little princesses. whatsonlive.co.uk 33

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November

The Wind In The Willows The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 21 November - Sat 31 December

A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates the way in which one life can command the full attention of three others! Loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and steady old Badger simply don’t have time for any of their own interests - they’re far too busy having to look after their reckless and irrepressible friend, Mr Toad...

Presented by Scott Ritchie Productions and Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

Dick Whittington Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Wed 23 November - Sat 7 January

The story of a young man who heads for London in search of fame and fortune is one of the most popular of all pantomimes, not least because of the topdrawer adventures with which the happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself involved.

With Sarah the Cook and Queen Rat both putting in an appearance, and heady romance also on the cards for our ever-affable hero, this is a show that promises to be packed to its festive rafters with action, comedy and fun.

Stick Man Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 24 November - Sat 31 December

“Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-creator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely popular children’s book on which this show is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I love their production of Stick Man, and so do

the audiences.” Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely do love the show, as a smashhit season in the West End ably demonstrated. Featuring a trio of talented performers, the production brings together puppetry, songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back to the family tree. Suitable for children aged three and older.

The Snow Queen New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 19 November - Sat 28 January

The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys, and when she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his sister, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future in the frostbitten wastelands...

The New Vic here give this Hans Christian Andersen work a brand new treatment, presenting a timeless tale that brings together ‘enchanting characters, original music and breathtaking on-stage magic’.

This particular take on sibling love set amidst the ice caps and snow-laden landscapes of the north has been directed with the intention of appealing to family members of all ages.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland The SnowDome, Tamworth, Fri 18 November - Sat 31 December

SnowDome’s all-new Santa Show is part of the venue’s Winter Wonderland event, and finds the big man in red making final preparations for another ‘Christmas extravaganza’.

Suitable for all age groups, Santa’s Winter Wonderland provides plenty of festive fun for visitors to Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A safe environment ensures youngsters

are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge.

The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe the snow-related action as they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and discover some of his furry friends. whatsonlive.co.uk 35

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 17 November Thurs 29 December

Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham, Sat 19 November - Sun 8 January

Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return to the city centre this month. As usual located in front of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the

popular visitor attraction can hold up to 300 people per session. Younger or inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by using special penguin skating aids, which can be booked online and in advance.

Santa Hunts

Magic Lantern Festival

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, various dates from Sun 20 November Sat 24 December

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Fri 25 November - Mon 2 January 2017

Saint Nicholas’s much-vaunted ability to make his way around the world at superfast speed on Christmas Eve should also stand him in good stead in the run-up to the festive season, when he’ll need to pop up in all manner of places to excite and delight children of all ages - even the grown-up ones!

One such stop-off for the big chap is the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, where he’ll be sipping a sherry and scoffing a mince pie in his secret workshop. The challenge for young visitors to the venue is to see if they can find him. Meeting a series of characters along the way, children can solve magical clues, sprinkle dust on reindeer shoes and even send letters up the chimney to the great man himself. If they manage to find him, they’ll be rewarded for their endeavours with a surprise gift...

What’s not to like?

Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern festivals, this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors accessing the venue through a giant lantern entrance before following a lantern-lit trail around the gardens.

Aside from enjoying the collection of beautifully constructed lanterns and the natural scenery, visitors to the festival can also catch up with Santa and his reindeers.

Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide lantern scene - featuring penguins, snowmen, Christmas trees and baubles - and a special fairy-themed area, complete with a floating fairy, beautiful butterflies and thousands of bright and tiny lights.

This is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations.

Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the Frankfurt Markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, art, and items from throughout the world. There’s plenty of food and drink available too, including German mulled wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German beer. Carol singers and an ornate carousel are other popular elements of this well-established attraction, which, for the first time, is staying open beyond Christmas (until 29 December).

Campers Christmas Coventry Transport Museum, Sun 27 November

This year’s Christmas Campers event takes the entirely relevant theme of ‘pantomime’, and, we’re reliably informed, features ‘everything from Puss In Boots to Dick Whittington’.

Camper vans of all shapes and sizes take part, and organisers promise an abundance of fairy lights and costumes to further enhance the festive cheer. There are prizes to be won too, and a Christmas DJ - decking his decks with boughs of holly, no doubt.

For those who fancy a leisurely browse, a Christmas craft fair should prove just the yuletide ticket.

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Film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them CERT tbc Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Samantha Morton, Ezra Miller, Ron Perlman, Jon Voight Directed by David Yates (UK/USA)

By the time this epic fantasy trundles onto DVD, the name Newt Scamander should be every bit as famous as Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

Eddie Redmayne plays the eccentric English wizard, invented by JK Rowling in her 2001 novel, and it’s Rowling who adapted the book in her screenwriting debut. Set in the same universe as Harry Potter, the events precede the first Potter film by 70 years and unfold in New York. It’s there that Newt arrives after a world tour researching - and rescuing - certain magical creatures, the subject of his eponymous textbook. But shortly after his arrival in 1926 some of his fantastic beasts are accidentally released from his care…

The film was intended to be the first in a trilogy, although Rowling announced last month that there would be two more editions (making it a quintet). In 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 18 November

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in November...

The Light Between Oceans

A Street Cat Named Bob

CERT 12a (113 mins)

CERT 12a (103 mins)

Starring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Caren Pistorius Directed by Derek Cianfrance (USA/Australia/UK/New Zealand)

Starring Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head, Caroline Goodall, Bob the Cat Directed by Roger Spottiswoode (UK)

Based on ML Stedman's 2012 novel of the same name, this post-WWI drama tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who adopt an infant girl they find stranded in a rowing boat - and of the later moral consequences.

Derek Cianfrance previously directed Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond The Pines, so this should be interesting.

Bob is a ginger stray who befriended James Bowen (Treadaway), a busker and recovering drug addict whose life was turned around by the friendship. So much so, that Bowen wrote a book about the alliance which sold a million copies in the UK alone and has been translated into 30 languages. The coup of this British adaptation is that the filmmakers persuaded the real Bob to play himself.

Released Tues 1 November

The Accountant CERT 15 (128 mins)

Starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J. K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor, John Lithgow Directed by Gavin O'Connor (USA)

Released Fri 4 November

Number crunchers are the new warriors in a global infrastructure governed by algorithms. Christian Wolff (Affleck) is more comfortable with digits than people but has to face the real world when his dealings in criminal numerical manipulation is cottoned onto by the Treasury’s Crime Enforcement Division.

People will die.

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Film Nocturnal Animals CERT 15 (117 mins)

Starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Michael Sheen, Andrea Riseborough Directed by Tom Ford (USA)

The owner of an art gallery (Amy Adams) receives a manuscript of her ex-husband’s new novel, something she reads as a veiled threat… Adapted from Austin Wright’s 1993 novel Tony And Susan, this marks the fashion designer Tom Ford’s second film as director, following the critically acclaimed A Single Man. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Released Fri 4 November

CRITIC’S CHOICE

A United Kingdom CERT 12a (111 mins)

Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Jack Lowden, Terry Pheto, Laura Carmichael Directed by Amma Asante (UK/USA/Czech Republic)

Amma Asante directed the intelligent, powerful and hugely affecting Belle (2013) and now turns her attention to another cause célèbre involving the clash of black and white skins. This is the true

Rupture CERT 15 (99 mins)

story of Sir Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), the king of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), who falls for a white office worker (Rosamund Pike) he meets in London during the unforgiving years of the late 1940s. The ensuing furore that greeted the couple’s romance ended up becoming a diplomatic crisis. Based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams and filmed in London and Botswana.

Released Fri 25 November

A Hundred Streets CERT 15 (93 mins)

Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Chiklis, Peter Stormare, Lesley Manville, Kerry Bishé Directed by Steven Shainberg (USA/Canada)

Starring Idris Elba, Gemma Arterton, Charlie Creed-Miles, Steven Mackintosh, Samantha Barks, Ken Stott Directed by Jim O'Hanlon (UK)

A single mother is abducted, drugged and taken to a secret facility where she struggles to discover what the heck is going on. Then the experiments begin…

The streets in question are spread out across the London capital, where three people’s lives take a remarkable turn. Expect some pretty strong language and sex.

Released Fri 4 November

Released Fri 11 November

Arrival CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma Directed by Denis Villeneuve (USA)

Great cast, terrific director (cf. Incendies, Prisoners, Sicario). And if the idea sounds overly familiar - mysterious spacecraft landing all over the planet - you can bet that this will be very, very different. Amy Adams plays Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the military to communicate with the visitors.

The sci-fi drama received rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival.

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Film releases in November

American Pastoral

Almost Christmas

CERT 15 (108 mins)

CERT tbc

Starring Ewan McGregor, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Connelly, Rupert Evans, Valorie Curry, David Strathairn Directed by Ewan McGregor (USA)

Starring Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Gabrielle Union Directed by David E. Talbert (USA)

Allied CERT tbc Starring Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Lizzy Caplan, Matthew Goode, Jared Harris, Anton Lesser Directed by Robert Zemeckis (UK/USA)

No, the festivities can’t be that close!?

As we’re scrambling to address our Christmas cards, along comes this starry ensemble in which the various members of a dysfunctional family get together to pretend to celebrate. Cf. last year’s Christmas With The Coopers.

Released Fri 25 November Inspired by the true incident of two assassins who fell in love during a mission to take out a German official, Allied is the latest film from the keyboard of Steven Knight. Knight’s previous credits include Dirty Pretty Things, Peaky Blinders, The Hundred-Foot Journey and the criminally underrated Burnt, so this comes with some pedigree.

Set in 1942 in North Africa and London.

Of all the people to adapt Philip Roth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of 1997, Ewan McGregor was not the obvious choice. Be that as it may, the Scottish actor makes his directorial debut here and plays the part of former college athlete and successful Jewish American businessman Seymour Levov.

Seymour leads a perfect life until his 16-yearold daughter (Dakota Fanning) decides to commit an act of political terrorism.

Released Fri 25 November

Paterson CERT tbc

Released Fri 11 November

The Innocents CERT 15 (115 mins)

Bad Santa 2 CERT tbc

Starring Lou de Laâge, Agata Kulesza, Agata Buzek, Vincent Macaigne, Joanna Kulig Directed by Anne Fontaine (Poland/France/Belgium)

Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Tony Cox, Christina Hendricks, Brett Kelly Directed by Mark Waters (USA)

Willie T Stokes is not the most charitable of characters and here uses the umbrella of Yuletide to rip off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. The first film, originally released in 2003, was a wickedly funny black comedy featuring a villain with an approximate rooting in reality. Here’s hoping the new film retains some of that calibre.

Starring Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani, Barry Shabaka Henley, Cliff Smith Directed by Jim Jarmusch (USA/Germany/France)

Coincidentally, Paterson (Adam Driver) lives in a city also called Paterson. It’s here that our protagonist leads his uneventful life driving a bus, walking his dog and popping into a bar for his one beer a day. However, his wife is just bursting with ambition and urges Paterson to take his gift for poetry seriously…

Released Fri 25 November

Released Fri 25 November Polish films are not, as a general rule, enormously hearty affairs. Anne Fontaine’s Franco-Polish drama, based on true events, is nonetheless an extraordinary and extraordinarily powerful film. Set in a Polish convent in the bleak midwinter of 1945, it tells the story of how a young French Red Cross worker (Lou de Laâge) is drawn into the grim, cloistered world of that institution.

The outcome is shocking and moving and the film itself superbly acted and exquisitely mounted.

Released Fri 11 November

The Edge Of Seventeen CERT tbc

Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (USA)

High school junior Nadine Byrd (Hailee Steinfeld) is not enjoying her youth, when her older brother starts dating her best friend. Eww! This coming-of-age comedydrama from first-time writer-director Craig got some pretty awesome reviews in the US. Released Wed 30 November

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Bellows and The Body

Despite his significant standing in the US, early-20th century painter George Bellows remains a relatively unknown artist here in the UK - a perhaps unsurprising fact given that there are only two of his paintings in British public collections. One of the two is Nude, Miss Bentham, a 1906 artwork acquired last year by Birmingham’s Barber Institute and now showing at the venue in a new exhibition. What’s On recently paid the gallery a visit to find out more…

Around the middle of the 20th century, visual art underwent a radical transformation as modernist movements like abstract expressionism swept Europe and America. Yet just a few years earlier, Western art had looked decidedly different, and many artists who have received little attention in recent years were hugely influential in their time.

One key movement in American art which today has been largely forgotten in Europe comprised a group of former students of the New York School of Art who sought to reflect the harsh realities of the urban life around them. Among the most prominent and prolific of this so-called ‘Ashcan School’ was George Bellows, once described by the Columbus Museum of Art as ‘the most acclaimed American artist of his generation’.

Nicola Kalinsky, Director of the Barber, “but it's not a name that many people here know.

The National Gallery has one Bellows painting, but otherwise, ours is the only one in a British public collection.”

Taking pride of place is an arresting, fulllength portrait acquired by the gallery in February 2015. Depicting the fleshy, muscular form of a female model, Nude, Miss Bentham (1906) is here displayed alongside Bellows’ comparable Nude Girl, Miss Leslie Hall (1909) for the first time in over a century, thanks to a loan from The Terra Foundation for American Art.

In a new exhibition titled Bellows And The Body, Birmingham University's Barber Institute sheds light on this often underappreciated painter.

“It's a striking image,” says Nicola, “quite unlike anything else we have in the collection. But at the same time, it speaks to some of the work we already have. This painting normally hangs near our Manet, and while they're from different traditions, you can see similarities in terms of how painterly and realistic they are.”

“In America, George Bellows is very popular as well as historically important,” says

The exhibition highlights Bellows' development over the years, from the student base-

ball player sketching idealised, athletic bodies for college yearbooks, to the socially conscious and decidedly realist artist who later emerged.

Other striking works include The Stag At Sharkey's (1917), a visceral lithograph print of two boxers which served as the cover for a 1915 edition of The Masses, a socialist magazine whose art editor was Bellows' friend and contemporary, John Sloan.

“In the 1900s, New York was the great modern city,” says Nicola. “With the first highrises going up and thousands of immigrants descending on it, it was an exciting place to be, but there were also social problems and poverty. The Ashcan artists felt it was important to paint the city as it really was, warts and all.”

Bellows and The Body: The Real, The Ideal and The Nude continues at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University Of Birmingham, until Sunday 22nd January

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Visual Arts Realisation mac, Birmingham, until Wed 30 November

With its international reputation as one of the UK's most diverse cities, Birmingham last month seized the opportunity to acknowledge the cultural contributions of its many communities by celebrating Black History Month (BHM).

As part of those celebrations, this Inspiring A New Generation-coordinated exhibition brings together examples of work by Birmingham-based painters and mixed media artists.

The artwork on show either celebrates important people from the Black community or, in keeping with the over-arching theme of the city’s BHM programme, connects into the subject of music and musicians.

A number of the displayed artworks are available for sale.

Eva Rothschild: Alternative To Power New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 15 January

Eva Rothschild’s sculptures often look ‘precarious’, as she herself describes them.

One of the leading sculptors of her generation, the Dublin-born artist likes to create and display a sense of physical tension within her work, an aim which often leads her to design pieces that seem to defy gravity.

One of the intentions of this approach is to challenge the viewer; Rothschild believes that the ideal way to look at art is to be permanently confused.

Alternative To Power marks the first time she’s exhibited in the Midlands. The show features a new body of work for the gallery that’s characterised by the use of co-dependent forms. Each piece is made up of multiple elements that rely on one another for support, the columns, frames, arches and benches forming a fragile union of physical components.

Alongside her gallery pieces, Rothschild is also displaying a large-scale dyed fabric banner, carrying the exhibition’s title, in the venue’s front-facing Window Box.

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East Meets West

Roy Lichtenstein

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Fri 6 January

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 26 February

The ways in which people nowadays spend their leisure time are many and varied, as the artwork displayed in this brand new exhibition ably illustrates.

Coordinated by Grain, an organisation dedicated to delivering ambitious, high-quality arts projects, East Meets West features the work of 16 local and emerging artists working with moving image or photography.

The artwork on show includes images that examine drinking culture, document community-led action to save local swimming baths, provide a sensitive portrait of a young Shetland Island resident’s use of his leisure time and shine a light on the obsession that can drive a collector.

Renowned for works based on comic strips and advertising imagery coloured with his signature Benday dots, Roy Lichtenstein was one of the most radical and influential artists of the 20th century and a leading figure in the Pop Art movement.

This exhibition of his art is drawn from Artist Rooms, a collection of international modern and contemporary art owned by National Galleries of Scotland and Tate on behalf of the public.

Commenting on the show, Wolverhampton councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, said: “This is the fourth time the art gallery has hosted an Artist Rooms exhibition, and we’re delighted the Lichtenstein works, newly added to the collection, are coming here this month. They were first displayed at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh in 2015, and this will be the first opportunity for visitors to see the works at an Artist Rooms associate venue.”

Brick Wonders Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 15 January

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

The potential of these hugely popular plastic construction pieces is here celebrated via an exhibition that uses the bricks to build models of some of the world's best-known buildings and landmarks.

Included in a collection of over 70 constructions are presentations of the Great Wall of China and Niagara Falls.

Roy Lichtenstein Reflections on Crash 1990. ARTIST ROOMS, Tate and National Galleries of Scotland.

Lent by The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Collection 2015

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Picasso On Paper Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, until Sun 11 December

He may be best known for his paintings, but during his lifetime Pablo Picasso created more than 2,000 prints, a statistic that bears testimony to the high regard in which the artist held the discipline of printmaking.

Comprising more than 70 works from Dusseldorf’s Museum Kunstpalast, Picasso On Paper features artwork from across four decades. Various media are in evidence, including etching, lithography, aquatint and linocut, with the pieces being grouped according to such themes as family, bullfighting and mythology.

The exhibition is complemented by eight ceramics created by the artist in association with the Madoura pottery near Antibes in Provence.

Heavenly Lights: The Untold Story Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 15 January

The artwork of a Shrewsbury woman who was one of the great female artists of the early 20th century is the subject of this new exhibition.

Margaret Agnes Rope - or Marga, as she was known - was born in 1882 and produced stained glass that can be found in churches and cathedrals on three continents.

Although her work is collected by museums in the US, she’s now largely forgotten here in the UK.

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Events

Crafts For Christmas NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 November

This popular event for crafting enthusiasts at all levels brings together four distinct shows under one roof - Crafts For Christmas, Cake International (4 to 6 November), Arts Material Live and Stitching, Sewing And Hobbycrafts.

Crafts For Christmas sees more than 150 exhibitors showcasing their exclusive range of bespoke and unusual gifts. ‘Inspiring’ workshops, live music, a gift-wrapping service and an impressive array of festive food also feature...

Visitors to the Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts element of the event are invited to ‘stock up and revel in creative craft inspiration’ by

Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 November

The biggest event of its kind, the Classic Motor Show has some impressive statistics behind it. Last year’s event, for example, featured a display of 1,800 cars and more than 600 trade stands manned by 250 of the UK’s best motoring clubs.

Visitors to the 2016 edition of the show can expect plenty more of the same, as well as the chance to drop into the Restoration Theatre to find out how to restore a cherished classic. The always-popular autojumble makes a welcome return too, complete with a range of mouthwatering 'show only' offers.

Other attractions at this year’s event include a dedicated classic motorbike show, Silverstone auctions, the chance for visitors to take a ride in ‘the car of their dreams’, and an appearance by Wheeler Dealer star Mike Brewer.

checking out a wealth of supplies, innovations, new product launches, demonstrations and workshops...

For anybody whose passion is making art, a few hours spent at the Art Materials Live attraction should prove to be both stimulating and informative. There are numerous free workshops to enjoy, fascinating demonstrations by professional artists and the opportunity to stock up on fresh supplies and admire ‘stunning’ displays... The fourth show, opening a day later than the other three, is Cake International, the UK’s leading cake decorating, sugarcraft and cake-baking show.

The event features cutting-edge workshops and demonstrations, lots of information about the latest trends and supplies, and an opportunity to check out some of the best entries in the annual cake-decorating competition.

BBC Good Food Show

Mind Body Spirit Festival

NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 November

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sun 6 November

A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a packed programme of inspiration and entertainment to the NEC. Continuing to attract the crème de la crème of TV personalities, this year’s show sees, among others, Mary Berry, The Hairy Bikers, Raymond Blanc, Paul Hollywood, Michael Roux Jr, James Martin and Great British Bake Off 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain cooking up a treat or several in the Supertheatre.

Add into the mix oodles of tastings, hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their wares and a special show celebrating the cuisine of Northern Ireland, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a delicious day out.

The Mind Body Spirit Festival has been offering spiritual seekers a safe place in which to commune and share their ideas, beliefs and philosophies for almost 40 years.

When founded in 1977, it was the only exhibition in the world entirely devoted to the pursuit of healthier, more creative and fulfilling lifestyles.

A concept which might have seemed a little bit ‘out there’ back in the mid-1970s has certainly come of age in the early 21st century.

In an ever more stressful and seemingly dangerous world, it’s hardly surprising that the festival is going from strength to strength, as people seek a means of occasionally escaping the trials and tribulations of modern living.

Attractions at this month’s show include a workshop programme presenting new ideas on relationships, awakening, feng shui, inspired living, NLP, yoga, meditation, modern shamanism, science & angels. whatsonlive.co.uk 47

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more events from around the region

MCM Comic Con Birmingham

Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair

NEC, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sun 20 November

The MCM Comic Con is an absolute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to hosting celebrity appearances - and this year is certainly no different...

American actor Sam Jones shot to albeit brief stardom in 1980 when he took the title role in the big-screen version of Flash Gordon. The British-made movie, which boasted a camp, over-the-top style reminiscent of the 1960s Batman TV series, has since become a cult classic - a fact which not surprisingly means that Sam is nowadays in great demand at events such as this one.

He’s joined at this month’s get-together by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, two of the stars of Stanley Kubrick’s legendary sci-fi movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Spanish Riding School of Vienna: 450th Anniversary Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sun 20 November

Left Bank, Hereford, Fri 11 - Sun 13 November

jewellery and metalwork - all handmade by local craftspeople - are available for purchase, as are numerous edible delights. This year’s exhibitors include: Emily Richard, who makes jewellery in precious metals; Amanda Hillier, whose limited-edition linoprints, cards and gifts are inspired by Shropshire; and Sam Hemming, who creates unusual handmade glass and gemstone beadwork jewellery.

This well-attended annual show features contemporary craft designer-makers presenting a wide variety of work, including jewellery, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass, stone carving, basketry, fashion & accessories and metalwork.

Commenting on the event, organiser Leoni Linton says: “Visitors to the show are able to meet every single maker of the craft they see, bringing to life an object of beauty with an understanding of who made it, and how and why they made it. This makes every purchase both personal and special - especially a bespoke commission, which virtually all our exhibitors take.”

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is this month celebrating its 450th anniversary with a series of exclusive shows in Birmingham and London.

The shows are hosted by TV presenter and British Dressage Ambassador Nicki Chapman.

Commenting on her involvement, Nicki said: “Spanish Riding School of Vienna tours are rare and exceptional. I’ve witnessed first hand these graceful horses thrilling crowds with their astonishing combination of elegance and power. This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these worldrenowned horses performing in the UK, during the academy’s momentous 450th anniversary year.”

Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Sat 26 - Sun 27 November

Juggling jesters, giant puppets, swashbuckling sword fighters and a marvellous medley of medieval musicians all play their part in ensuring an engaging and entertaining experience for visitors to this ever-popular event - as do more than 100 stall holders selling food, drink and seasonal wares.

“I’m delighted by the range of new entertainment we’ve secured for this year’s show,” says Paul Saunders, artistic director of the fayre and a musician and performer in his own right. “Not only do we have great new music, theatre and live shows, but we’ve also got a fantastic new range of workshops for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from music and instrument making right through to dancing.”

Gorgeous Christmas Craft Fair Enginuity, Ironbridge, Sat 19 - Sun 20 November

Held in association with the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, this popular event provides a showcase for the region’s creative talent. Furniture, ceramics, glassware, textiles,

Tryzna

Warley National Model Railway Exhibition NEC, Birmingham, Sat 26 - Sun 27 November

The organisers of this long-running event - this month’s exhibition is the 49th edition of the show - have very sensibly got an eye to the future, ensuring there’s plenty for youngsters to enjoy across the two days.

Kids’ attractions include a number of layouts designed for children to operate and a Junior Modellers Workshop, in which budding engineers can put their skills to the test.

The show features more than 90 layouts in total, as well as numerous demonstrations, plenty of trade stands and, as a rather impressive centrepiece, four full-sized locomotives. whatsonlive.co.uk 49

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thelist

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Your week to week listings guide November 2016

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at SnowDome, Tamworth - Fri 18 Nov - Sat 31 Dec

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 November

Mon 7 to Sun 13 November

Mon 14 to Sun 20 November

Mon 21 to Wed 30 November

Festival of Light at Dudley Canal Trust

Shrewsbury Chocolate Festival at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury

Jon Boden at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Christmas at The National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton upon Trent Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 December

Sat 5 November

Sat 12 - Sun 13 November

Thurs 17 November

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thelist

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER

Visual Arts Bilston Craft Gallery WORK IN WARTIME An exploration of the key part played by local industries in military-related production in the First and Second World Wars.

Featuring archive images, Villiers engines, a motorcycle and bicycle used in combat, and a rare Sunbeam V12 aero-engine on special loan from the Black Country Living Museum, until Sun 13 Nov

Dudley Museum & Art Gallery A BRUSH WITH NATURE The Wildlife Art Society International present a national exhibition of animal illustrations. Includes some recent works from Dudley Zoo, until Sat 19 Nov

Museum of Cannock Chase EVERYBODY'S DARLING: THE FIRST WORLD WAR, NURSE Exhibition paying homage to the nursing organisations that served during the war, until Fri 16 Dec

New Art Gallery - Walsall CHLOE ASHLEY: THE BUILDING AS MATERIAL Artist Chloe Ashley has been selected to develop a new body of work from the Gallery’s First Floor Artists’ Studio, taking inspiration from the forms and materials that identify the building, until Sun 13 Nov RECENT ACQUISITIONS PART 2: LANDSCAPE AND THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT Showcasing works which complement the themes of Metropolis and Landscape by Willie Doherty, John Newling, David Rowan, Paul Seawright and Emma Stibbon, until Sun 12 Feb 2017

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent NEW THE HISTORY OF ETRURIA; FACTORIES AND FESTIVALS Using objects from across the museum’s collections, this display charts the history of Etruria from its inception by Josiah Wedgwood in the 18th century through to today’s business, retail and leisure developments, Sat 26 Nov - Fri 31 Mar

Qube Gallery, Oswestry OPEN ART COMPETITION Exhibition of shortlisted entries, on the theme of migration, until Mon 7 Nov

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery 'HEAVENLY LIGHTS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF STAINED GLASS ARTIST MARGARET AGNES ROPE' Celebrating the life and times of Shrewsbury stained-glass artist Margaret Agnes Rope, until Sun 15 Jan 2017

Weston Park

NEW MATTHEW WOOD Matthew focuses on the interiors of grand country

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houses, including Weston, depicting the richness of the rooms and, at times, seeing the landscape through the windows, Tues 1 - Tues 29 Nov

Wolverhampton Art Gallery WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS - AUTUMN EXHIBITION A chance for members to showcase new work, including responses to the theme of ‘Metamorphosis’, until Sun 13 Nov LARISSA SANSOUR - IN THE FUTURE THEY ATE FROM THE FINEST PORCELAIN Film by Larissa Sansour which focuses on a resistance group that makes underground deposits of elaborate porcelain - suggested to belong to an entirely fictional civilisation, Sat 5 Nov - Sun 8 Jan

Other VISUAL ARTS

Gigs

Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham

HAWKLORDS Tues 1 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

IRON FIST OF THE SUN, KHOST, TUNNELS OF AH & STECKDOSE Thurs 3 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Bimingham

THE PEATBOG FAERIES Tues 1 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire GLENN TILBROOK - THE BEST OF TIMES Tues 1 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury SYD ARTHUR Tues 1 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES Tues 1 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham TELEGRAM Tues 1 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham

DESIGN AND DESIRE: THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF 1851 Objects and images, including prints and paintings from the Elton Collection, tell the story of how the Great Exhibition became one of the most influential and renowned events of the 19th century, until Fri 24 Feb 2017, Coalbrookdale Gallery, Telford

BLUES PILLS Tues 1 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

SIR ALAN COBHAM’S FLYING CIRCUS: A LIFE OF A PIONEERING AVIATOR Highly visual display about pioneering aviator Sir Alan Cobham’s life and many notable achievements, showcasing some of the ‘treasures’ from the collection, until Sun 30 Apr 2017, RAF Cosford, Shifnal

JMSN Tues 1 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

NEW BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD Celebrating the long and remarkable creative lives of Pat Albeck and Peter Rice, Wed 9 Nov - Thurs 26 Jan, Keele University NEW THE FFIESTY FFELTERS ANNUAL EXHIBITION An exhibition of contemporary felting exploring the theme of ‘structure’ in both 2D and 3D work, Sun 13 - Sat 26 Nov, The Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury NEW PICTURES OF THE FUTURE INSTALLATION This interactive installation is a response to Peter Rice’s mural, A Bright Past For Stoke-onTrent, and includes day-to-day objects, voiceovers and musical demonstrations as an artistic co-creation from Stoke-on-Trent communities, Thurs 24 - Thurs 26 Jan, Keele University NEW CASTLE ARTISTS CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION Featuring paintings, linocuts, photographs, cards and textiles, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, The Public Hall, Bishops Castle

NEW THE BREWHOUSE CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION A mixed-media exhibition featuring a range of festive artworks and decorations made by local schools alongside a hand-picked selection of professional unique, handmade items sourced from local designer makers, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 7 Jan The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent

WILL JOSEPH COOK Tues 1 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham HONNE Tues 1 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

ANDY IRVINE Wed 2 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham BEAR'S DEN Wed 2 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham GABRIELLE Wed 2 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall REBECCA FERGUSON Wed 2 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TELEMAN Wed 2 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton MARTIN TURNER EX WISHBONE ASH Wed 2 Nov, The Robin, Bilston GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL OPEN MIC NIGHT Wed 2 Nov, The Night Owl, B’ham THE MOUSE OUTFIT Wed 2 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN Thursrs 3 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton CARRIE RODRIGUEZ Thurs 3 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham SHAWN KLUSH - ELVIS WORLD TOUR Thurs 3 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton JACK SAVORETTI Thurs 3 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham ROXY MAGIC Thurs 3 Nov, The Robin, Bilston 3 DOORS DOWN Thurs 3 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham MULTI STORY Thurs 3

FLAMINGODS Thurs 3 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SMOOVE & TURRELL Fri 4 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS IS ELVIS Fri 4 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford SOUTHERN TENNANT FOLK UNION Fri 4 Nov, Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire MERCHANDISE Fri 4 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

LUKE JACKSON TRIO Sat 5 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burtonupon-Trent BLINK 1&2 - TRIBUTE TO BLINK 182 Sat 5 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stokeon-Trent BEVERLEY CRAVEN Sat 5 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ELAINE PAIGE Sat 5 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham DANCE GAVIN DANCE Sat 5 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham PAUL HENSHAW Sat 5 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury AMON AMARTH Sat 5 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham SCORPION CHILD Sat 5 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

STRICTLY ABBA Fri 4 Nov, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire

LEGENDARY NIGHT IN Birmingham Sat 5 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham

BUGZY MALONE Fri 4 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

GOSPEL GOES CHARITY 2016 Sat 5 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Fri 4 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

SWEAT Sat 5 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

BRING ME THE HORIZON Fri 4 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham DAN PAGE Fri 4 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM Fri 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury WOMEN IN ROCK Fri 4 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham KT TUNSTALL Fri 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham PJ HARVEY Fri 4 Nov, Starworks Warehouse, Wolverhampton ADELE UNPLUGGED Fri 4 Nov, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury CORINNE BAILEY RAE Fri 4 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham ASHLEY ALLEN QUINTET Fri 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE READY EDDIES Fri 4 Nov, The Robin, Bilston SHAM 69 Sat 5 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton BON GIOVI Sat 5 Nov, The Robin, Bilston INTO THE SHADOWS Sat 5 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

HUSK Sat 5 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham ICE NINE KILLS Sat 5 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham SAXON Sun 6 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton CARRIE RODRIGUEZ Sun 6 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury NOLA INSPIRED Sun 6 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham BONFIRE RADICALS Sun 6 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham KSI Sun 6 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham DEVINES Sun 6 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham CHERYL MIKE & JAY FORMERLY OF BUCKS FIZZ Sun 6 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock LIVE & LET ROCK Sun 6 Nov, The Robin, Bilston THE MISSION Sun 6 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING Sun 6 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE SKULL + WITCH MOUNTAIN Sun 6 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

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Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November

Classical Music CRAIG OGDEN Programme includes works by Mauro Guiliani, Walton, Scarlatti, JS Bach, Albeniz & Gary Ryan, Wed 2 Nov, Keele University CBSO: BRAHMS' SECOND Featuring the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Cristian Macelaru (conductor) & Simon Trp eski (piano).

Programme includes works by Dvorak, Bartok & Brahms, Thurs 3 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

JAMES ACASTER Wed 2 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MRS BARBARA NICE, SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD, JULIET MEYERS & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 2 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham LUCY PORTER Wed 2 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DAVE SPIKEY Thurs 3 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre RUSSELL HOWARD Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme

KALICHSTEIN-LAREDO-ROBINSON TRIO Featuring Jaime Laredo (violin), Sharon Robinson (cello) & Joseph Kalichstein (piano). Programme includes works by Beethoven, Shostakovich & Brahms, Fri 4 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall BINCHOIS CONSORT In Praise of Saints: English Music and Midlands Alabasters in the Fifteenth Century, Fri 4 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham VOSKRESENIJE CHOIR OF ST PETERSBURG Programme includes Russian sacred music by Rachmaninov, Tshesnokov & Caccini’s Ava Maria, Fri 4 Nov, St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: SONGS FROM A CHANGING WORLD Programme includes works by Elgar, Walton, Tippett, Brahms & contemporary composer, Bob Chilcott, Sun 6 Nov, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham

THE EXORCIST Unleashed for the first time in a uniquely theatrical experience, until Sat 5 Nov, The REP, Birmingham WHAT SHADOWS Roxana Silbert-directed play starring Ian McDiarmid as Enoch Powell, until Sat 12 Nov, The REP, Birmingham

HENRY V The Crescent Theatre Company present Shakespeare’s epic history play, until Sat 5 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 3 Nov, The Victoria, Birmingham PETER WHITE, ADAM KAY, BEN BRIGGS & YIANNI AGISILAOU Thurs 3 Nov, The George Hotel, Lichfield CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, DALISO CHAPONDA, CHRIS KEHOE, THOMAS RACKHAM & LOU CONRAN Thurs 3 Nov, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs ROB DEERING, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 3 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham WV1 COMEDY Fri 4 Nov, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

EARTH, AIR, RAIN Featuring Richard Frewer (tenor) & David Price (piano).

Programme includes works by Schubert & Finzi, Sun 6 Nov, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 5 Nov, The Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent

LLOYD GRIFFITH, ADAM BLOOM, ANDREW RYAN & DAVE LONGLEY Fri 4 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ROB DEERING, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN, KEVIN CARTHY & ANDREW WATTS Fri 4 Sat 5 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham

LLOYD GRIFFITH, IAN COGNITO, ANDREW RYAN & DAVE LONGLEY Sat 5 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham GLENDA JAXSON, OLA, KEVIN J, JOHN SIMMIT Sun 6 Nov, mac, Birmingham

TAPE FACE Tues 1 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic restoration comedy, rich with seduction, intrigue and danger, set in the topsy-turvy world of the carnival.

Loveday Ingram directs, until Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon

DRACULA: THE MUSICAL Amateur production presented by Blue Orange Arts and Night Project Theatre, until Sat 5 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham

EX CATHEDRA: BACH MASS IN B MINOR Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Elizabeth Adams, Katie Trethaway & Amy Wood (sopranos); Harriet Houghman Slade & Martha McLorinan (altos); Jeremy Budd (tenor) & Thomas Flint & Greg Skidmore (bass), Sun 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

Comedy Gigs

Avon

JUNIOR JESTERS #6 Sun 6 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JAMES SHERWOOD, SILKY, EDDY BRIMSOM & DAN NIGHTINGALE Sun 6 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

THE MOUSETRAP Touring production of Agatha Christie's famous thriller the longest-running show in the history of British theatre, Mon 31 Oct Sat 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham HOME AT SEVEN Brian Capron and Jenny Funnell star in a staging of RC Sherriff's well-crafted thriller, Tues 1 Nov - Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PAM AYRES Pam has been entertaining the nation for over 40 years with her hair-trigger timing and eye for the detail of everyday life, Tues 1 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS Walrus Theatre’s award-winning debut show examines how we express ourselves, personally and politically, through the lens of one couple’s relationship, Tues 1 - Wed 2 Nov, mac, Birmingham

Featuring 30 world-class Chinese acrobats, aerial artists and jugglers, all of whom interact with the skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts - the legendary Shaolin Warriors, Wed 2 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury GOTHIC TALES European Arts Company & Redheart Theatre present an evening of Victorian mystery and suspense, Wed 2 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton THE TEMPEST: A STORYTELLING Shakespeare’s powerful tale, presented by award-winning storyteller Maria Whatton, Wed 2 Nov, Lichfield Garrick AN AUDIENCE WITH SIR RANULPH FIENNES An evening with ‘the world's greatest living explorer, Wed 2 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, George and their friends return with a brand new live stage show, Wed 2 Thurs 3 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent CATS A West Bromwich Youth Theatre production, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Nov, Lichfield Garrick THE ADDAMS FAMILY The show that puts family first and family last, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE SHAHNAMEH Join storyteller Xanthe Gresham Knight as she dives into the majestic mythology of Persia, with tales of supersized heroes, magical horses, selfish kings and a femme fatale queen, Thurs 3 Nov, Kinokulture, Oswestry, North Shropshire THE COLLECTOR Compelling tale of murder, evil and betrayal set in occupied Iraq, Thurs 3 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

PATIENCE Erdington Operatic Society present an amateur production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall HEADS WILL ROLL Told By An Idiot present a dark epic comedy about delusion, vanity, and the corruption of power, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, The REP, Birmingham THE CHINESE STATE CIRCUS: DYNASTY

ROB BECKETT Wed 2 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

Theatre VISITORS Haunting and beautiful exploration of the way in which our lives slip past us, until Sat 5 Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster

SEANN WALSH Wed 2 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-uponTrent BILLY CONNOLLY Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare, and is best described as a tragicomedy exploring the intoxication and strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-

The Addams Family Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Wed 2 - Sat 5 November

Brownhills Musical Theatre Company break out the gruesome makeup and theatrical cobwebs to present this brand new musical, based on the popular mid-1960s US television series of the same name. The ensemble are promising a show that’s not only ‘funny and clever’ but also boasts ‘great music’. So if you fancy a post-Halloween, lightheartedly spinetingling evening watching Uncle Fester howl at the moon, while Gomez and Morticia fight for supremacy and the ancestors create pandemonium, the gloomy old mansion at 0001 Cemetery Lane is the address to head for... whatsonlive.co.uk 53

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COULROPHOBIA Pickled Image present a show featuring slapstick, mime, puppetry and a lot of cardboard.

Contains nudity and some strong language, Fri 4 Nov, mac, Birmingham

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November tion to the technology of artificial intelligence, Thurs 3 - Fri 4 Nov, DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome

MRS GUIDO FAULKES ENTERTAINS Riproaring comedy with songs, bombs, bullets and busty bawdiness aplenty, Fri 4 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

TEN Ace Dance & Music present a thought provoking full length dance production combining contemporary dance with an essence of Flamenco, Kathak, Martial Arts and Ballet, Fri 4 Nov, mac, Birmingham

THE SHAHNAMEH Join storyteller Xanthe Gresham Knight as she dives into the majestic mythology of Persia, with tales of supersized heroes, magical horses, selfish kings and a femme fatale queen, Fri 4 Nov, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury

SLEEPING BEAUTY The Russian State Ballet & Opera House presents its version of the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score, Fri 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

MADDY AND THE INVISIBLE BAND OF GROOVERS A story within a story, fusing storytelling, puppetry and songs to celebrate diversity, difference and friendship, Fri 4 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State Ballet & Opera House presents it version of the much-loved Christmas classic, Sat 5 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

POLARIS The chilling horror of a reality shattered and a splintered existence in turmoil... Fri 4 Nov, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham POLICE COPS Action-packed hour of adrenaline-fuelled physical theatre, cinematic style and uncompromising facial hair, Sat 5 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ALFIE WHITE SPACE EXPLORER A cosmic tale of adventure and discovery for children aged five-plus, Sat 5 Nov, Lichfield Garrick THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE An intimate and haunting science fiction classic, Sat 5 - Sat 12 Nov, Oldbury Rep THE NOSE THAT NOBODY PICKED Expect mountains of mucus, toe-tapping tunes and two nostrils full of magic in this show for young audiences, Sun 6 Nov, Arena Theatre, W’hampton OLIVER SAMUELS IN GUILT TRIP New comedy drama which reminds us that knowledge from your past can turn out to be cruel, but can also be a powerful and invigorating force, Sun 6 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

INFUSION EMPORIUM World fusion dance event featuring groundbreaking dance company UNMATA from Sacramento, California, Sat 5 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

ALOYS (12A) Drama/Fantasy. Starring Georg Friedrich, Tilde von Overbeck.

Foreign language, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 1 Nov

Film

LA VEUVE DE SAINT-PIERRE (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Juliette Binoche, Daniel Auteuil. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri 4 Nov

INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BADEN BADEN (15) Comedy/Drama.

Starring Salomé Richard & Claude Gensac. Foreign language, subtitled.

Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 1 Nov; mac, Birmingham, until Wed 2 Nov MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) Documentary. Starring Rob Alter, Tom Cruise, Paz de la Huerta. mac, Birmingham, until Thurs 3 Nov MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN (12a) Adventure/Fantasy.

Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield.

Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 3 Nov

CLOUD CUCKOO LAND: DING DONG An interactive musical play about ‘time’ for younger children, Sun 6 Nov, mac, Birmingham

THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK (12a) Documentary. Directed by Ron Howard. Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 3 Nov; Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 3 Nov

BEYOND THE BARRICADE Hit songs from legendary West End and Broadway musicals, Sun 6 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

REAR WINDOW (PG) Drama/Film-Noir.

Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly.

Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke, Tues 1 Nov

Dance VAMOS CUBA New show from acclaimed Cuban choreographer Nilda Guerra which fuses traditional and modern dance styles including salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha and reggaeton, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome PATTERN RECOGNITION Using moving lights which can track and intelligently respond to the dancers, Pattern Recognition opens up questions about learning and memory in rela-

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The Shahnameh - Kinokulture, Oswestry & The Wightman, Shrewsbury

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (15) Documentary. Starring Stacey Arwen Raab. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Wed 2 Nov MUSTANG (15) Drama. Starring Günes Sensoy, Doga Zeynep Doguslu.

Foreign language, subtitled. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Thurs 3 Nov HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (PG) Adventure/Comedy. Starring Sam Neill, Julian Dennison. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Thurs 3 Nov THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Glenn Close, Gemma Arterton. Light House Media Centre, W’hampton, until Thurs 3 Nov

THE ANGELS' SHARE (18) Comedy/Drama . Starring Paul Brannigan, Siobhan Reilly. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 3 Nov

CINEMA BAMBINO: FINDING DORY (U) Animation/Comedy. Starring Ellen DeGeneres (voice), Albert Brooks (voice). mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 Nov MAGIC MIKE (15) Comedy/Drama.

Starring Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer. The Mockingbird, Birmingham, Fri 4 Nov THE 9TH LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX (15) Mystery/Thriller. Starring Jamie Dornan, Aiden Longworth. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Fri 4 & Mon 7 Nov THE INFILTRATOR (15) Biography, Crime. Starring Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov SONITA (15) Documentary. Starring Sonita Alizadeh, Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami. Foreign language, subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 Wed 9 Nov SCREEN JUNIORS:THE WIZ (U) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey. mac, Birmingham, Sat 5 Nov ME BEFORE YOU (12A) Drama/Romance. Starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Fri 4 & Mon 7 Nov THE MATRIX TRILOGY (15) Action/Sci-Fi. Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne. The Mockingbird, Birmingham, Sat 5 Nov OH, MR. PORTER! (U) Comedy. Starring Will Hay. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 6 Nov

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Tues 1 Nov, showing at selected cinemas THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) Thurs 3 Nov, showing at selected cinemas DENNIS VIOLLET: A UNITED MAN (tbc) Fri 4 Nov, showing at selected cinemas THE ACCOUNTANT (15) NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15) RUPTURE (15) A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12a) THE DARKEST UNIVERSE (15)

Events TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Get creative by using the tube lining technique to produce your very own tile to take home.

Activities vary from day to day, Tues 1 Nov, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Regular stay and play groups to discover, play and create with your child. For children up to five years of age, Tues 1 Nov, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton FESTIVE POTTERS Make decorations, which you can then give as a present or keep for yourself!, Tues 1 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury PIRATE TRAIL Find the pictures of pirates cunningly concealed around Gladstone. Free gift and entry into a prize draw for everyone who takes part, Tues 1 - Wed 30 Nov, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent CRAFTPLAY LITTLE EXPLORERS Explore your senses in these new sessions for young children and babies, Wed 2 Nov, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton ARTFORUM A range of art activities for 14 to 25-year-olds, using different materials and methods, with the gallery as inspiration, Wed 2 Nov, Wolverhampton Art Gallery DISCOVER VOLUNTEERING SESSIONS

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Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November Discover more about volunteering opportunities at Attingham, Thurs 3 Nov, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

cover career opportunities across a broad range of industries, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

GINO D'ACAMPO SIGNING Gino D'Acampo signs copies of his latest book, Gino's Hidden Italy, Thurs 3 Nov, Waterstones - High St, Birmingham

HALLOWEEN SCREAM NIGHTS Uncover the haunting mystery of the Priory Fields, discover the gory secret of Mrs Piggot’s Pie Shop, feel the fear on the ‘Destruction’ trailer ride, and risk never sleeping with the lights off again when you visit the House of Insomnia, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Lower Drayton Farm, Stafford

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS The perfect place to start your Christmas preparations, with a host of gifts you wouldn’t usually find on the high street, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ART MATERIALS LIVE Hone your painting skills and pick up top tips from the experts via a variety of free workshops and demonstrations, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT SHOW Supplies, innovations, demonstrations and workshops, Thurs 3 Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BAVARIAN NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER Celebrate in true Oktoberfest style, Fri 4 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Burton upon Trent CAKE INTERNATIONAL The Sugarcraft, Cake Decorating & Baking Show makes a welcome return, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham THE NATIONAL GRADUATE RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION The UK’s leading graduate jobs fair offers the chance to dis-

DINOVEMBER DINO WALK Dress as your favourite dinosaur and join the garden dinowalk. Prizes on the day for the best-dressed dinosaur costume, Sat 5 Nov, Biddulph Grange Garden, Stoke-on-Trent DEER FEEDING Get closer to the fallow deer as the wardens feed them in the winter months, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

Bonfires & Firework Displays BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT TRENTHAM Fri 4 Nov, Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent

THE NATIONAL PET SHOW 2015 Featuring hundreds of different animals, animal action displays, informative talks and demonstrations, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

TUTBURY CASTLE VIKINGS AND FIREWORK SPECTACULAR Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Tutbury Castle, Burton upon Trent

THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham

WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE & FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sat 5 Nov, Himley Hall, Wolverhampton

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Journey underground to see the caverns illuminated, Sat 5 Nov, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines

THE GUNPOWDER TREASON WEEKEND A weekend dedicated to the Gunpowder Plot, including a 35minute family play delivered by reenactors Sir Robert Cecil's Men, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

GLASS FUSION Make glass Christmas tree decorations and unique gifts for friends and family, Sat 5 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

SHARK WEEK See sharks in all shapes and sizes and learn to identify different types, Sat 5 - Sun 13 Nov, National Sea Life Centre, B’ham

TEXTILES STORIES Use your own family history (or other old documents) to create a personal artwork, Sat 5 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

MODEL RAILEX 2016 Organised by the Burton Railway Society, Sun 6 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Burton upon Trent

MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING FESTIVAL Featuring 100 exhibitors, 27 workshops, live music, a wellbeing studio & spa, a ceremony space and a juice bar, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham CRAFTPLAY SATURDAYS Create, make and play, Sat 5 Nov, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton

FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 5 Nov, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire BONFIRE NIGHT Sat 5 Nov, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire WEST MID BONFIRE & FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA Sat 5 Nov, Greenhous West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury FIREWORKS 2016 Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sun 6 Nov, Weston Park, Shropshire

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AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM Mon 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall SILVERSUN PICKUP Mon 7 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham SKINDRED Mon 7 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton TIBET Mon 7 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 November

Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

THE COURTEENERS Thurs 10 Nov, Victoria Hall, Birmingham KEITH THOMPSON BAND Thurs 10 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge THE CADILLAC THREE Thurs 10 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham TRAAMS Thurs 10 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham

IDLES Mon 7 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

MICK FLANNERY Thurs 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN Mon 7 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

TONY CHRISTIE Thurs 10 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

DELAIN Tues 8 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE PAT MCMANUS BAND Tues 8 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

AN EVENING WITH GLEN MATLOCK (SEX PISTOLS) Thurs 10 Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

BOMBERS & THE DE RELLAS Fri 11 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham TOM ODELL Sat 12 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham RONI SIZE Sat 12 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC ROCK DISCO Sat 12 Nov, Route 44, Birmingham THE WAILERS Sat 12 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham 80'S MANIA Featuring 25 chart topping pop icons authentically recreated live on stage Sat 12 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre HANNAH & BRIAN Sat 12 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury

BONFIRE Thurs 10 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

PERMAGEDDON Sat 12 Nov, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

BEN CAPLAN Tues 8 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

UNDER THE FRIDGE, PEARL SCAM & KIRVANA Thurs 10 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

THE SOLID GOLD ROCK N ROLL SHOW Sat 12 Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent

DAVID ESSEX Tues 8 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ZOVIET*FRANCE Thurs 10 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham

STONE BROKEN Sat 12 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

BASTILLE Tues 8 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

ANOUSHKA SHANKAR Thurs 10 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham

LAIL ARAD Tues 8 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

UK FOO FIGHTERS Fri 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

THE JACK FLETCHER BAND Sat 12 Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

KEITH JAMES: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Wed 9 Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

THE FIDGETS Fri 11 Nov, Blue Piano Restaurant And Bar, Birmingham

UGLY KID JOE Tues 8 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

ELECTUS Wed 9 Nov, The Robin, Bilston THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA Wed 9 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham

FRED ZEPPELIN Tribute band to Led Zeppelin, Fri 11 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall POLLY AND THE BILLETS DOUX Fri 11 Nov, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire

THE GRAHAM BONNET BAND Wed 9 Nov, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

HORSE MEAT DISCO Fri 11 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

GLENN HUGHES & LIVING COLOUR Wed 9 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT TO THE MAN IN BLACK) Fri 11 Nov, William Aston Hall, Wrexham

BEING AS AN OCEAN Wed 9 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

THE CARNABYS Fri 11 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent

KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS Thurs 10 Nov, The Jam House, Birmingham RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Thurs 10 Nov, William Aston Hall, Wrexham SHOW OF HANDS WITH MIRANDA SYKES Thurs 10 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall THE WYTCHES Thurs 10

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A VISION OF ELVIS Fri 11 Nov, Lichfield Garrick BETH HART Fri 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham

Classical Music MILOS KARADAGLIC: BACH TO BEATLES Also featuring the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Programme includes works

by JS Bach, Francisco Tarrega, Manuel De Falla, Anon, Vivaldi, Granados, Joaquin Rodrigo, Luigi Boccherini, Carlos Gardel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astor Piazzolla & The Beatles, Mon 7 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MAGICAL MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT Performed by the European Baroque Ensemble & Singers. Programme includes excerpts from Mozart’s operas including The Magic Flute, The Marriage Of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, and many more... Tues 8 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: BACH TO THE FUTURE Featuring Diane Clark (flute); Victoria Brawn (oboe); Hugh Davies (trumpet); David Le Page (violin) & David Curtis (conductor).

Programme includes works by Bach arr Steve Marland, Bach, Douglas Cuomo & Stravinsky, Wed 9 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall TRIO ISIMSIZ Programme includes works by Mozart, Faure & Schumann, Wed 9 Nov, Keele University, Staffs

LACUNA COIL Sun 13 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham CHRIS WOOD Sun 13 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury NEW MODEL ARMY Sun 13 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham CLARE TEAL Sun 13 Nov, Lichfield Garrick SHEELANAGIG Sun 13 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall CALAN Sun 13 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury THE LOW ANTHEM Sun 13 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW AND THE LOW RIDERS Sun 13 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

Comedy Gigs CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 8 Nov, The Dark Horse, Birmingham TOM STADE Wed 9 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham RUSSELL KANE Thurs 10 Nov, The Place, Telford, Shropshire PATRICK MONAHAN, IMRAN YUSUF & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham JAKE LAMBERT, PAUL MCCAFFREY & PHIL JERROD Thurs 10 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham JOEL DOMMETT Fri 11 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

GLENN WOOL, DAN NIGHTINGALE, SCOTT BENNETT & PETE OTWAY Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham A SHAKESPEARE AND VERLAINE SONGBOOK Featuring Carolyn Sampson (soprano) & Jospeh Middleton (piano). Programme includes works by Schubert, Haydn, Purcell, Schumann, R Strauss, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Gurney, Bush, Debussy & Faure, Wed 9 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham KEVIN VOLANS SPOTLIGHT Programme comprises Volans' Piano Concerto No.4, Fri 11 Nov, CBSO Centre, Birmingham TRIO ANIMA The award-winning trio (flute, viola, harp) here perform music by Théodor Dubois, Raynaldo Hahn, Claude Debussy, Gabriel Fauré, Erik Satie, Maurice Ravel and Arnold Bax, Sat 12 Nov, Moor Park, Ludlow, South Shropshire BEASTDOME: ENVISION Featuring guest artist Freida Abtan, Sat 12 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham

THE REAL THING Fri 11 Nov, The Robin, Bilston THE PRIMEVALS, BLACK

LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SIMPLY

ANDY O'BRIEN Fri 11 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury

GROOVE TOWN: BIRMINGHAM'S VOICE OF THE TOWN CHOIR Sun 13 Nov, mac, Birmingham

PATRICK MONAHAN, IMRAN YUSUF, GEORGE ZACH & JOSH HOWIE Fri 11 Sat 12 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham

CBSO: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor), Anthony James Edwards (tenor), James Cleverton (baritone) & the City Of Birmingham Choir.

Programme includes works by Orff, Grieg, Elgar, Handel, Brahms, Bizet, Ravel, Wagner, Rossini, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Wood & Arne, Sat 12 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ARCHITECTS Fri 11 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham

BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC BRASS Sun 13 Nov, The Barber Institute, B’ham

NICK PAGE, SIMON KING, SILKY & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 11 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

THE 3RD UK BLUES CHALLENGE Sat 12 Nov, The Robin, Bilston GILAD ATZMON Sat 12 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury

GERSHWIN Featuring Gavin Sutherland (conductor), Viv McLean (piano), Gweneth-Ann Jeffers (soprano) & Njabulo Madlala (baritone).

Sun 13 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 12 Nov, The Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent FREDDIE FARRELL & ROB KEMP Sat 12 Nov, mac, Birmingham TONY BURGESS, COUNT EVIL, ANDREW MCBURNEY & CERYS NELMES Sat 12 Nov, New Invention Victory, Willenhall JIM DAVIDSON Sun 13 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham JEN BRISTER, JAYDE ADAMS, LINDSEY SANTORO & MAUREEN YOUNGER Sun 13 Nov, Penthouse Conference & Events Centre, Birmingham SEAN LOCK Sun 13 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

Theatre DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby and Johnny, told with ‘heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing’, Mon 7 Sat 12 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent THE MERCHANT OF VENICE WNO present a new production, sung in English with surtitles, Tues 8 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER A story of comradeship, betrayal, and promises

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both broken and kept following the carnage of World War One, Tues 8 Nov, Lichfield Garrick LIFE IS NO LAUGHING MATTER An autobiographical live art/stand up/theatre performance about mental illness, suicide and radical cure attempts, Tues 8 - Wed 9 Nov, mac, Birmingham WHEN WE ARE MARRIED JB Priestley’s heartily entertaining northern comedy, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme THE TEMPEST The Bard's magical exploration of revenge, forgiveness, love and magic, Tues 8 Nov - Sat 21 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon MINISTRY OF SCIENCE Anarchic stage show taking a look at the inventors and engineers who’ve shaped and inspired the modern world, Tues 8 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Regent’s Park Theatre present a new staging of Jane Austen’s romantic comedy, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Nov, The REP, Birmingham HONOUR A powerful examination of the meaning of love, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre DAUGHTERS OF FORTUNE: MIA A revealing look at learning disability and parenthood in today’s society, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK - THE ROD STEWART STORY Theatrical production celebrating the career of one of rock’s greatest icons, Wed 9 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham MACBETH Welsh National Opera (WNO) present a new production of Verdi’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Wed 9 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL A brand new musical comedy, created from scratch at each performance, Wed 9 Nov, Lichfield Garrick ALL MY SONS Shropshire Drama Company present Arthur Miller’s powerful story, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ANNA Interactive Forum Theatre piece that explores scenarios that may be experienced by learningdisabled people when they consider becoming or become a parent, Thurs 10 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton FRANKENSTEIN 1899 Don’t Go Into The Cellar update Mary Shelley’s gothic horror story, Thurs 10 Nov, Lichfield Garrick SLEEPING BEAUTY Traditional pantomime presented by Birmingham Youth Theatre, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham KISS ME KATE Welsh National Opera present a 1940s-set musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming Of The Shrew, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome

A CHRISTMAS STORY UK premier of the Tony-nominated musical, presented by Get Your Wigle On, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury NABUCCO Opera & Ballet International present an Ellen Kent production of Verdi's haunting and melodic chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Fri 11 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham JOE BLACK: MEET ME AT THE ELDORADO Joe Black presents an evening of fun, filth and frivolity that pays homage to the decadent Weimar Berlin nightlife, Fri 11 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham PADDY The story of a young Irish emigrant who leaves Mayo in the 1960s in search of fame and fortune, Fri 11 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire ME AND MY GIRL Seasons Theatre Company present an amateur production of The Lambeth Walk musical, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov, Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock WHY THE WHALES CAME Former Children’s Laureate and award-winning War Horse author Michael Morpurgo demonstrates why he’s considered a master storyteller with yet another of his beautifully crafted tales for children, Sat 12 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall GRANNY’S GAME Globetrotting adventure for younger audiences, Sat 12 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire MIRRORS AND MAKEUP Musical examining some of the key social issues that can often compromise the development of young people, Sat 12 Nov, South & City College, Digbeth, Birmingham THE MAGIC FLUTE Featuring Mozart’s beautiful music and celebrating the birth of teen culture, this timeless coming-of-age story explores the other-worldliness which glamorous Hollywood brought to post-war Britain, Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham Botanical Gardens DEEP IN THE HEART OF ME New play featuring the music of the Sinatraled Rat Pack and exploring midlife anxiety and empty-nest syndrome, Sat 12 Nov, The Wellington Hotel, Bristol Street, Birmingham THERE’S NO OTHER EXCEPT ME Performance installation which invites audience members to respond to the potential of unanticipated dialogues through telephonic interactions, Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham Open Media (BOM), Birmingham WHY THE WHALES CAME Award-winning performer and storyteller Danyah Miller brings to life Michael Morpurgo's enchanting tale.

Created by Wizard, the team behind the much-acclaimed production of I Believe In Unicorns, Sun 13 Nov, mac, Birmingham THE SLEEPOVER An interactive modern fairytale re-imagining the story of The Princess And The Pea for children aged between five and 10,

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Sun 13 Nov, Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, Shrewsbury

DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA New play by Neil Gore fusing contemporaneous songs, live music and poetry to commemorate and celebrate the contribution made by the International Brigades in defending democracy against Franco’s fascist army in 1930s Spain, Sun 13 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 November Aranguren. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Tues 8 - Wed 9 Nov THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (PG) Drama/Horror. Starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 9 Nov I AM CUBA (PG) Drama/Music/War. Starring Sergio Corrieri, Salvador Wood. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wed 9 Nov NT LIVE: THE DEEP BLUE SEA (12A) Drama. Starring Helen McCrory, Peter Sullivan. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 Nov PANIC + Q&A (15) Drama/Thriller.

Starring David Gyasi, Pippa Nixon, Jason Wong. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 Nov THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK (12a) Documentary. Directed by Ron Howard. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 10 Nov

Dance PLAN B FOR UTOPIA Dundee-based company Joan Cleville Dance present an honest, playful and thought provoking piece combining dance, theatre & storytelling, Fri 11 Nov, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury SWAN LAKE The Russian State Ballet & Opera House presents its version of the compelling romantic story, set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising score, Fri 11 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (15) Thriller.

Starring Ewan McGregor, Naomie Harris. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 7 Nov

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (12a) Adventure/Western. Starring Chris Pratt, Denzel Washington. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Nov; Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, South Shropshire, Fri 11 Nov

Starring Lon Chaney Jnr., Claude Rains. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 13 Nov

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN (12a) Adventure/Fantasy.

Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov

Released from Thurs 10 Nov, showing at selected cinemas

ANTHROPOID (15) History/Thriller.

Starring Jamie Dornan, Cillian Murphy. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri 11 Thurs 17 Nov

Events

ETHEL & ERNEST (15) Animation/Drama. Starring Jim Broadbent, Pam Ferris, Luke Treadaway. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11Wed 16 Nov AMERICAN HONEY (15) Drama. Starring Sasha Lane, Shai La Beouf, McCaul Lombardi, Arielle Holmes. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11- Thurs 17 Nov SINS OF THE FLESH + Q&A (15) Drama.

Starring Nahed El Sebai, Ahmed Abdala Mahomud, Zaki Faten.

Foreign language, subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Sat 12 Nov

MARY POPPINS (U) Family/Fantasy.

Starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Tues 8 Nov

OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR (15) Comedy/War. Starring Ralph Richardson, John Gielgud. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Sat 12 Nov

RAMS (15) Drama. Starring Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Theodór Júlíusson.

Foreign language, subtitled. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 8 Nov

THE COLOR PURPLE (18) Drama.

Starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey. mac, Birmingham, Sun 13 Nov

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ARRIVAL (12a)

THE INNOCENTS (15)

ELSTREE 1976 (12) Documentary.

Starring Laurie Goode. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 12 Nov

EL SUR (PG) Drama/Romance.

Starring Omero Antonutti, Sonsoles

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE:

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) Mystery/Thriller. Starring Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (PG) Comedy.

Starring Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez.

The Mockingbird, Birmingham, Tues 8 Nov

THE FENCER (PG) Drama/History.

Starring Lembit Ulfsak, Märt Avandi.

Foreign language, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 8 Nov

Tile Decorating Workshops - Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge

SEMBENE! + Q&A (12A) Documentary.

Starring Mbissine Thérèse Diop, Ousmane Sembene. mac, Birmingham, Sun 13 Nov THE WOLF MAN (PG) Drama/Horror.

A HUNDRED STREETS (15) AMERICAN PASTORAL (15)

TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Get creative by using the tube lining technique to produce your very own tile to take home.

Activities vary from day to day, Tues 8 Nov, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire WWE LIVE Popular WWE superstars and divas. all under one roof, Wed 9 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham FESTIVE GIFT FAIR Combine your Christmas shopping with an entertaining, inspiring and fun day out, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Nov, NEC, B’ham SHOUT FESTIVAL Birmingham’s LGBTQ Arts Festival returns for its 8th edition, Thurs 10 Nov - Sun 20 Nov, Various locations across Birmingham - including mac, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Electric Cinema.

BOM, Birmingham, The Penthouse, and Birmingham REP. For full details of performances and events, visit shoutfestival.co.uk BAVARIAN NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER Celebrate in true Oktoberfest style, Fri 11 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Featuring over 2,000 classic cars, 300 motorcycles, 600 trade stands and the biggest indoor

autojumble, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Nov, NEC, Birmingham DIWALI UTSAV Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, celebrating the joyous commencement of the New Year, Sat 12 Nov, Arena Theatre, W’hampton A CHRISTMAS IN NARNIA Meet characters including Lucy, Peter and Mr Tumnus. Watch the adventure unfold with sword fights, acrobatics and more, Sat 12 Nov, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-onTrent NIGHT IN THE TRENCHES Experience a soldier’s life in the WWI trench system, Sat 12 Nov, The Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Lichfield HOOK A POPPY FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY - CRAFT WORKSHOP Make a poppy with the craft experts and learn about rag rugging techniques, Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs SILVER BANGLE WORKSHOP Join local designer-maker Grace Page to design and make your own silver bangle in a day, Sat 12 Nov, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham ARTS AND CRAFT MARKET Bringing together artists, designer-makers and food producers who live or work in Shropshire, Sat 12 Nov, The Square, Shrewsbury CASTLE BY CANDLELIGHT Walk through the period rooms and meet the castle characters, who’ll explore the use of light through the ages, Sat 12 Nov, Tamworth Castle SHREWSBURY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury SCALE MODELWORLD Featuring a diverse range of exhibitors, competitions and kit swap, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Telford International Centre, Shropshire SEVENTEENTH CENTURY GAMES WEEKEND Including nine men's morris, card and dice games, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton

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MOLLY HATCHET Mon 14 Nov, The Robin, Bilston NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHT SWEATS Mon 14 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham IS BLISS Mon 14 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November

OF MAKE BELIEVE TOUR Thurs 17 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL & TRINA BROUSSARD Thurs 17 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham WALLIS BIRD Thurs 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham MOTORHEADACHE Thurs 17 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

ANATHEMA Mon 14 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

CHANGO SPASIUK Thurs 17 Nov, mac, B’ham

LUCKY CHOPS Mon 14 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

RED BUTLER Thurs 17 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham

JULIA FORDHAM Tues 15 Nov, mac, B’ham

KING KING Fri 18 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

JUDITH OWEN Tues 15 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

THE CARPENTERS STORY Fri 18 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

JACK GARRATT Tues 15 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

THE SMITHS LTD Fri 18 Nov, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

IAN MCNABB Tues 15 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

JESS GLYNNE Fri 18 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham

FRANK CARTER AND THE RATTLESNAKES Tues 15 Nov, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton

JAKE MORLEY Fri 18 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

DANNY GILES BAND, SALVATION JAYNE & THE RAINBREAKERS Tues 15 Nov, The Robin, Bilston SOFT MACHINE Wed 16 Nov, The Robin, Bilston FOSTER & ALLEN Wed 16 Nov, Lichfield Garrick

SLAVES Sat 19 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham STEVE HARLEY Sat 19 Nov, William Aston Hall, Wrexham GIN ANNIE BAND Sat 19 Nov, The Robin, Bilston DAN PAGE Sat 19 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury LAURA MVULA Sat 19 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham PETE WYLIE & THE MIGHTY WAH! Sat 19 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA Sat 19 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CABBAGE Sat 19 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stokeon-Trent

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD Fri 18 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

LOST AT HOME Sat 19 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

CARAVAN PALACE Fri 18 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

LEADER Sat 19 Nov, The Asylum, B’ham

THE DAMNED - 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Wed 16 Nov, William Aston Hall, Wrexham

DAVID BUSBY Fri 18 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury

ELIZABETH FIELDS Wed 16 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

KALEO Fri 18 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE DIME NOTES Fri 18 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

STILLMARILLION Sun 20 Nov, The Robin, Bilston THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Sun 20 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THAT'LL BE THE DAY THE CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun 20 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

THE COURTEENERS Thurs 17 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

ALLIGATR Fri 18 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham

THE SOLID GOLD ROCK N ROLL SHOW Sun 20 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

THE MANALISHI Fri 18 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent

SARAH GILLESPIE QUARTET Sun 20 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall

JAM JAH SOUND Fri 18 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

JIMMY EAT WORLD Sun 20 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

THE SKATALITES Thurs 17 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE WABASH JAZZMEN Sat 19 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire

JOHN OTWAY BAND Sun 20 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

JON BODEN Thurs 17 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

SUPREME QUEEN Sat 19 Nov, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

BUCKS FIZZ - THE LAND

THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS

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VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY CONDUCTS RACHMANINOV'S SYMPHONY NO 1 Featuring Philharmonia Orchestra & Alice Sara Ott. Programme includes works by Borodin, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov, Tues 15 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham KOSMOS ENSEMBLE Fusion of Gypsy, Scottish, Jewish & Greek music referencing classical composers including Brahms, Dvorak & Sarasate, Wed 16 Nov, Keele University

MUSIC SECRETA Featuring Deborah Roberts & Katherine Hawnt (sopranos), Alison Kinder (viola) & Claire Williams (harpsichord), Fri 18 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham ORGAN PROMS WITH JONATHAN SCOTT Concert Organist (Manchester), Sat 19 Nov, Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stokeon-Trent LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY: HAIL! BRIGHT CECILIA Programme includes works

by Purcell, Britten, Gounod & Howells, Sat 19 Nov, St Laurences Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire WIND BAND AND SAX CHOIR Featuring the University Music Society and Matthew Stephens-Row, Harry Hextall & Zoe Goodwin (conductors), Sat 19 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN CONCERT Sun 20 Nov, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury CEMPR AND EARLY MODERN VOCAL ENSEMBLE Featuring Music Secreta, Sun 20 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham

Comedy Gigs JENNY ECLAIR Mon 14 Nov, Lichfield Garrick ROMESH RANGANATHAN Thurs 17 Nov The Place, Telford, Shropshire NATHAN CATON Thurs 17 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE 12 ENSEMBLE Programme includes 3 British works from the ensembles forthcoming album along with Schubert's Overture in C minor, and Elgar's Elegy for Strings, Wed 16 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham MIRGA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S FIRST Featuring Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla (conductor) & the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Programme includes works by Serksnyte, Haydn & Mahler, Wed 16 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE SMALL GLORIES Sun 20 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury

STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN HASTING & COMIC TBC Thurs 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham LAURA MONMOTH & COMICS TBC Thurs 17 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham SUZI RUFFELL Fri 18 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham JERRY SADOWITZ Fri 18 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN HASTINGS, ELLIOT STEEL & ANDREW MCBURNEY Fri 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAMIAN CLARK, KIRI PRITCHARDMCLEAN, MARK NELSON & JEFF INNOCENT Fri 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham

BEVERLY CRAVEN Sun 20 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

ALABAMA 3 Thurs 17 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmimgham

THREE TRAPPED TIGERS Thurs 17 Nov, The Flapper, Birmingham

HORÃCIO FERREIRA IN RECITAL Also featuring David Bekker (piano).

Programme includes works by Béla Kovács, Schumannm, Françaix, Weber, Kimmo Hakola & Brahms, Mon 14 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

SIMPLY RED Sun 20 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham

THE GLAMOPHONES Fri 18 Nov, The Blue Monkey Club, Great Barr, Birmingham

THE HOLLIES Thurs 17 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works

by Bach, A Guilmant, G Edmundson, C.Saint-Saens (arr. Lemare) & L Boellmann, Mon 14 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

THE WABASH JAZZMEN Sat 19 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire

SKERRYVORE Fri 18 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

CHILDREN OF THE GRAVY - BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE Fri 18 Nov, The Roadhouse, B’ham

Classical Music

IAN SIEGAL BAND Sat 19 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall

THE VAPORS & THE CIRCLES Sat 19 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

VIN GARBUTT Wed 16 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA Wed 16 Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

Sat 19 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

PHIL NICHOL, DARIUS DAVIES & PIERRE HOLLINS Sat 19 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Birmingham

BRAHMS CLARINET QUINTET Featuring Oliver Janes (clarinet), Charlotte Skinner & Caroline Simon (violin), Catherine Bower (viola) & Eduardo Vassallo (cello). Programme includes works by Howells & Brahms, Thurs 17 Nov, CBSO Centre, Birmingham CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: QUEEN ROCK AND SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR Featuring the City Of Birmingham Choir, Richard Sidwell (conductor), Ricardo Afonso, Peter Eldridge, Jenna Lee James & Rachael Wooding (vocalists), Fri 18 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 19 Nov, The Old Post Office, Burton-uponTrent WHITE YARDIE Sat 19 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham PATRICK MONAHAN, JARRED CHRISTMAS, BEC HILL & TIERNAN DOUIEB Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Birmingham MARKUS BIRDMAN, TONY BURGESS, MICKY P KERR & BOBBY MAIR Sat 19 Nov, Religion, Walsall MARKUS BIRDMAN, TONY BURGESS, MICKY P KERR & BOBBY MAIR Sat 19 Nov, Couture, Stafford

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Thursday 10th November

14+

RUSSELL KANE

COMING SOON...

2 November, 7.30pm Seann Walsh: T OU D for One the Road SOL

Time: 8.00pm

Tickets: £14

3 November, 8pm

Friday 11th November

Nimble Fish:

Lost in Blue

PADDY

Pay What You Think It’s Worth!

Time: 7.30pm

8 November, 1pm & 7pm

Highly Sprung:

Sunday 12th November

5+

GRANNY’S GAME Time: 2.00pm

Fall Out

Tickets: £9 (18+) £6 (14+) £25 family of 4

23 November, 8pm Jon Richardson: T D OinUProgress SOLWork Tickets: £14

Tuesday 22nd November

STARS OF IRISH COUNTRY SHOW

3rd December, 10am-1pm Festive Family Funday

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £7.50, £10 for 2 children

13th December, 1:30pm & 6:30pm LP Creatives: Santa and the Pirates

Wednesday 23rd November

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES

(that don’t want Christmas!)

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £10, £30 family of 4

19th December, 7.30pm An Evening with Tom Fitzpatrick

Friday 25th November

Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £40 family of 4

FLEETWOOD BAC Time: 7.30pm

Wednesday 30th November

LEO HOULDING - REFLECTIONS: THE MIRROR WALL

20th - 23rd December 7:30pm & 3pm Friday Mat. The Magic of the Musicals at Christmas Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £40 family of 4

21st December, 7:30pm The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan

Time: 7.30pm

Wednesday 18th January 2017

OMID DJALILI

16+

Time: 8.00pm

Friday 20th January 2017

AN EVENING WITH BARRY FRY & RON ATKINSON

Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £40 family of 4

22nd December, 7.30pm An Evening with Julie Atherton

Tickets: £12, £10 concessions, £40 family of 4

Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk

Time: 7.30pm

Brewhouse Arts Centre,

Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA TWC GP 01050

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FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Presented by Hotbuckle. The story of young farmer Gabriel Oak and his love for the elusive Bathsheba Everdene, Mon 14 - Tues 15 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE FULL MONTY Gary Lucy, Anthony Lewis, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Chris Fountain and Kai Owen star in the much-acclaimed musical based on the smash-hit film of the same name, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome THE COMMITMENTS Feelgood celebration of soul, direct from the West End, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent OUR HOUSE Featuring Madness songs Our House, Baggy Trousers, My Girl, Embarrassment, Driving In My Car, The Wings Of A Dove, Night Boat To Cairo and all-time classic It Must Be Love, Tues 15 Nov - Sat 19 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Amateur production presented by Stoke Youth Musical Theatre Company, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Nov, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent BEAUTIFUL THING Jonathan Harvey’s critically acclaimed urban love story, Wed 16 - Sat 19 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham LOOKING FOR JOHN Powerful, heartfelt and comic story about one man’s obsession with his forgotten hero, Olympic skater John Curry, Wed 16 Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Birmingham PSYCHIC SALLY - CALL ME PSYCHIC Thurs 17 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BARKING MAD Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson's tale of transcontinental wedlock and his traumatic relationship with his wife’s dog, Thurs 17 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton AN AFTERNOON WITH SIR ROGER MOORE Celebrating 71 years in showbusiness, former James Bond star Sir Roger talks about his extraordinary life and career, Thurs 17 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November MUSICAL MEGAMIX Musical favourites from Walsall Youth Theatre, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall CAUGHT IN THE NET St Luke’s Dramatic Society present an amateur staging of Ray Cooney’s farce, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Nov, Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock PA/NG Featuring music, live art, performance and digital art by local emerging artists, Fri 18 Nov, mac, Birmingham A BOY NAMED SUE Shout Festival performance exploring the need for a sense of community in an oppressively hetero-normative world, Wed 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Birmingham POLARI Curated and hosted by author Paul Burston and featuring the best in established and emerging LGBT literary talent, Sat 19 Nov, mac, Birmingham RELATIVELY SPEAKING The Crescent Theatre Company presents Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy, Sat 19 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE SNOW QUEEN Theresa Heskins’ adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, Sat 19 Nov Sat 28 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme KATE O’DONNELL & CONTACT: BIG GIRLS BLOUSE Kate makes a song and dance about her life, using humour, music and costume to tell her story, Sun 20 Nov, mac, Birmingham

Dance NEON DANCE - EMPATHY A work for 5 dancers with an original score by Mads Brauer, Casper Clausen, Gyda Valtysdottir and Shahzad Ismailyue, Tues 15 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton THE HAPPINESS PROJECT A choreographic investigation of western society’s endless search for fulfillment, Tues 15 Nov, DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome

Ballet Black: Triple Bill - Lichfield Garrick

BALLETBOYZ: LIFE The all-male company of ten present two works by internationally acclaimed choreographers including Rabbit by Pontus Lidberg & Fiction by Javier de Frutos, Wed 16 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury BALLET BLACK: TRIPLE BILL FEATURING STORYVILLE A company for international dancers of black and Asian descent, collaborates with three bold and inventive choreographers to present an irresistible trilogy of narrative and abstract dance, Fri 18 Nov, Lichfield Garrick MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND THE WORLD Concord College showcase its cultural diversity as its students take to the stage performing in traditional costume and on authentic folk instruments, Sat 19 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury IF I COULD REACH HOME Classical and contemporary bharatanatyam and kathak, featuring 3 wonderful performers of these Indian dance forms, including BBC Young Dancer Category Finalist Vidya Pate, Sun 20 Nov, mac, Birmingham

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SHOUT FESTIVAL: DEPARTURE (15) Drama. Starring Juliet Stevenson, Alex Lawther. mac, Birmingham, Mon 14 Nov THE LOST WEEKEND (PG) Drama/FilmNoir. Starring Ray Milland, Jane Wyman. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Mon 14 Nov FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) Biography/Comedy. Starring Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 15 Nov

Polari - mac, Birmingham

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LO AND BEHOLD: REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD (12a) Documentary.

Directed by Werner Herzog. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 15 Nov

SHOUT FESTIVAL: GIRLS LOST (15) Drama. Starring Tuva Jagell, Emrik Öhlander. Foreign language, subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Tues 15 Nov HOW FOOTBALL CHANGED A NATION + Q&A Documentary. Starring Adrian Chiles. mac, Birmingham, Tues 15 Nov CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (PG) Drama/Horror. Starring Richard Carlson, Julie Adams. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 15 Nov SHOUT FESTIVAL: THE GIRL KING (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Malin Buska, Sarah Gadon. mac, Birmingham, Wed 16 Nov THE GOONIES (PG) Adventure/Comedy.

Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin. The Mockingbird, Birmingham, Wed 16 Nov DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES (PG) Drama.

Starring Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick.

Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, South Shropshire, Wed 16 Nov SHOUT FESTIVAL: THE NEW BLACK (15) Documentary. Directed by Yoruba Richen. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 17 Nov SWISS ARMY MAN (15) Adventure/Comedy. Starring Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 17 Nov MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) Documentary. Starring Rob Alter, Tom Cruise. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Fri 18 Nov THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Glenn Close, Gemma Arterton. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 18 Nov SECOND MOTHER Comedy/Drama.

Starring Regina Casé, Helena Albergaria. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wed 18 Nov NAPOLEON (U) Biography/Drama.

Starring Albert Dieudonné, Vladimir Roudenko. Stoke Film Theatre, Sat 19 Nov BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (15) Comedy/Romance. Starring Renée Zellweger, Gemma Jones. Ludlow

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Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Sat 19 Nov SMASHED (15) Drama. Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wed 18 Nov DOCTOR STRANGE (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton. mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Nov QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo. mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Nov CARMEN JONES (U) Drama/Musical.

Starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte. mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 Sun 20 Nov PSYCHO (15) Horror/Thriller. Starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh.

Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, South Shropshire, Sat 19 Nov SHOUT FESTIVAL: DAWN and ARIEL (12a) Drama. Two short films. mac, Birmingham, Sun 20 Nov

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Thurs 17 Nov, showing at selected cinemas FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (tbc) GIMME DANGER (tbc) INDIGNATION (15) AMERICAN PASTORAL (15) THE INNOCENTS (15)

Events BAKE AND MAKE - CHRISTMAS BREAD, BISCUITS AND CRAFT Learn a 17th century skill and make your own

Christmas treats and presents, Mon 14 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton

techniques needed to create your own wreath, Sat 19 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs

CONSERVATION CENTRE OPEN WEEK Providing exclusive behind-thescenes access to aircraft conservation work, and a chance to view the progress being made on many of the museum's current restoration projects, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Nov, RAF Cosford

CRAFTPLAY SATURDAY FAMILY STAY AND PLAY Create, explore and play along with your child, using unusual materials. For children up to seven years of age, Sat 19 Nov, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton

TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Get creative by using the tube lining technique to produce your very own tile to take home.

Activities vary from day to day, Tues 15 Nov, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire FRIENDS OF SHREWSBURY MUSEUM TALK Art historian Martin Crampin gives a talk entitled David Evans Of Shrewsbury And The Revival Of Gothic Stained Glass, Thurs 17 Nov, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET The famous festive market returns for another year, Thurs 17 Nov - Thurs 29 Dec, Birmingham City Centre BAVARIAN NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER Celebrate in true Oktoberfest style, Fri 18 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent COMING TO TERMS WITH THE AIRATOMIC AGE Colonel Edward Kaplan of the US Army War College explores the first 20 years of postSecond World War US strategic air power - the 'air-atomic age’, Fri 18 Nov, RAF Cosford SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA 450TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Fri 18 Sun 20 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND See page 35 for details, Fri 18 Nov - Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING Learn the history of the craft and the

DEER FEEDING Get closer to the fallow deer as the wardens feed them in the winter months, Sat 19 Nov Sun 20 Nov, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS WED 2 - SAT 5 NOV, 7.30PM

A West Bromwich Youtheatre production

CATS

£17.50, £16 concs

FRI 4 NOV, 7.45PM

MRS GUIDO FAWKES ENTERTAINS

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY... Hedgehog-themed activities, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton THE NATIONAL POULTRY SHOW Sat 19 Nov - Sun 20 Nov, Telford International Centre, Shropshire CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Kick-start your Christmas shopping in style, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire

£15.50, £11.50

5+

CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time to take part in seasonal activities, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Santa stars in his very own show, with a gift for every child, Sat 19 Sun 20 Nov, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Held in association with the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, this popular event provides a high-profile showcase for the region’s creative talent, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire

£10.00, £7.50 Child

Motorcycle Live - NEC, Birmingham

CHRISTMAS PUDDING STIR Stir the pudding and make a wish, Sun 20 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton

ALFIE WHITE SPACE EXPLORER It's 1967 and the space race is on...

Together with his best friend Meg, Alfie sets out on a daring mission to find his dad. But where on earth – or in space – is he?

Spontaneous musical comedy at its finest!

Created from scratch at each performance.

Audience suggestions are transformed on the spot .

£16.50

WED 16 NOV, 7.30PM

FOSTER & ALLEN IN CONCERT

Celebrating 40 years together in the music business they will be performing their hits including ‘Bunch of Thyme’, ‘Maggie’, ‘After All These Years’, 'Old Flames' as well as some of their recent recordings.

£21.50

THU 17 NOV, 7.30PM

BUCKS FIZZ - THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE TOUR With over 20 singles released over the next few years including 3 number ones, “My Camera Never Lies”, “Land Of Make Believe” and of course, “Making Your Mind Up”.

£23.50

FRI 18 NOV, 7.30PM

STIR UP SUNDAY The traditional day for everyone in the family to take a turn at stirring the Christmas pudding while making a wish, Sun 20 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley A FAIRYTALE AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy afternoon tea in the company of the fairytale princesses, including Snow White and Cinderella, Sun 20 Nov, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

SAT 5 NOV, 1.00PM & 3.30PM

SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL

ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Get your skates on in beautiful city surroundings, Sat 19 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Birmingham SANTA HUNTS Enjoy a fun-filled search for Santa alongside the museum’s costumed guides, Sun 20 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

A bawdy night IN with the WAGS of the Gunpowder Plotters.

A rip roaring comedy, with songs, bombs, bullets and busty bawdiness a-plenty.

WED 9 NOV, 7.30PM

MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Numerous celebrities make guest appearances at this well-established show, including Flash Gordon star Sam Jones, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, NEC, Birmingham MOTORCYCLE LIVE Representing the best products, bikes and services available from leading companies across the globe, Sat 19 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

50 strong cast telling TS Elliot’s fantastical and dramatical story of a group of cats who meet for the Jellicle Ball. An all singing, all dancing musical spectacular .

BALLET BLACK: TRIPLE BILL FEATURING STORYVILLE

7+ £18.00

A company for international dancers of black and Asian descent collaborate with three bold and inventive choreographers.

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR whatsonlive.co.uk 63

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HONEYBLOOD Mon 21 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent CAM PENNER & JON WOOD Mon 21 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham AIRBOURNE Mon 21 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham CHARLIE HUNTER Mon 21 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham MADELEINE PEYROUX Mon 21 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

Monday 21 - Wednesday 30 November

NIMMO Thurs 24 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

Classical Music

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY Thurs 24 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

LUDOVICO EINAUDI Tues 22 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FRETWORK - SIR FRANCIS DRAKE’S JOURNEY: THE WORLD ENCOMPASSED Wed 23 Nov, Keele University, Staffs

BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST The UK’s newest traditional Irish music festival, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Nov, Various venues in Digbeth, Birmingham

TOTALLY TCHAIKOVSKY: CBSO BENEVOLENT FUND CONCERT Featuring Edward Garner (conductor). Programme includes Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake: Suite, 31’; & Eugene Onegin (Excerpts), 60’, Thurs 24 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

PURSON Thurs 24 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent

PAUL LEWIS IN RECITAL Programme includes works by Schubert, Brahms & Liszt, Fri 25 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall

DAVID ESSEX Thurs 24 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Tremt

TOY Tues 22 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

THE SOLID GOLD ROCK N ROLL SHOW Thurs 24 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Sat 26 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

SLICK RICK Mon 28 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

SHE MAKES WAR Tues 22 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

MELANIE MARTINEZ Thurs 24 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

PIERCE THE VEIL Sat 26 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

PASSENGER Tues 29 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

ROADSTARS: SIMO AARON KEYLOCK FEDERAL CHARM Tues 22 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

CHASE & STATUS Thurs 24 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

SUICIDE SILENCE Sat 26 Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham

LAZULI Tues 29 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER Thurs 24 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham

EVIL SCARECROW Sat 26 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

THE NAKED BEATLES Fri 25 Nov, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

THE JIGANTICS Sat 26 Nov, Ludlow Brewery, South Shropshire

DIZZY LIZZY Fri 25 Nov, The Roadhouse, B’ham

A FISTFUL OF SPOOKIES Sat 26 Nov, Welshampton Village Hall, North Shropshire

THE STYLISTICS Tues 22 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock ELVIS PRESLEY LIVE ON SCREEN WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Tues 22 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham

3 DIVAS TRIBUTE Fri 25 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

THE SISTERS OF MERCY Tues 22 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham

FALLEN Fri 25 Nov, Route 44, Birmingham

STARS OF IRISH COUNTRY SHOW Tues 22 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire

FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 25 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire

THE ROVING CROWS Wed 23 Nov, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham

DEACON BLUE Fri 25 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Wed 23 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire

TOM MISCH Fri 25 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham

THE STYLISTICS Wed 23 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE FRONT BOTTOMS Wed 23 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL OPEN MIC NIGHT Wed 23 Nov, The Night Owl, B’ham UNCHAINED: THE BEST OF JOE COCKER LIVE Wed 23 Nov, The Robin, Bilston PETER ASHER & ALBERT LEE Wed 23 Nov, The Jam House, B’ham TERRORVISION Wed 23 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton FRETWORK Wed 23 Nov, Keele University EDEN'S CURSE Thurs 24 Nov, The Asylum, Birmingham

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ANDY O'BRIEN Fri 25 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury MIKA SINGH Fri 25 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham AUTONOMADS BUS STATION LOONIES Fri 25 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton EMO DISCO Fri 25 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham LITTLE BARRIE Fri 25 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham MARTIN STEPHENSON AND THE DAINTEES Fri 25 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham NASHVILLE NIGHTS Fri 25 Nov, The Asylum, Birmingham QUILL Sat 26 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE COUNTERFEIT STONES

The Damned 40th Anniversary Tour - Wulfrun Hall

HANNAH & BRIAN Sat 26 Nov, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury THE BRIAN HUMPHERSON TRIO Sat 26 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ANNE-MARIE Sat 26 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham HOSPITALITY Sat 26 Nov, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham BRIAN FALLON & THE CROWES Sat 26 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton TEENAGE FANCLUB Sat 26 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE FLAKY TARTS Sat 26 Nov, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley, Shropshire CHINA CRISIS Sun 27 Nov, The Robin, Bilston DAVID ESSEX Sun 27 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton ALTER BRIDGE Sun 27 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham

THE MARTIN HARLEY BAND Tues 29 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury THE DAMNED - 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Tues 29 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton WHITE LIES Tues 29 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham KEVIN PEARCE Tues 29 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham AGNES OBEL Tues 29 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall NOTHING BUT THIEVES Wed 30 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham KEITH JAMES: THE MUSIC OF YUSUF - CAT STEVENS Wed 30 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire TURIN BRAKES Wed 30 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton PHOENIX RISING Wed 30 Nov, The Robin, Bilston PETE TONG PRESENTS IBIZA CLASSICS Wed 30 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL OPEN MIC NIGHT Wed 30 Nov, The Night Owl, Birmingham INGLORIOUS & LAST IN LINE Wed 30 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

STEVE HARLEY Mon 28 Nov, The Robin, Bilston

PETE WILLIAMS & ANDY WELLINGS Wed 30 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

GENGAHR Mon 28 Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent

THE LEMON TWIGS Wed 30 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

AMY HARMAN & ERDEM MISIRLIOGLU Programme includes works by Schumann', Mozart, Medelssohn & Dutilleux, Fri 25 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham DOMONKOS CSABAY IN RECITAL Programme includes works by Liszt, Clara Schumann & Chopin, Fri 25 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor). Programme includes works by Mendelssohn & Elgar, Sat 26 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham University TELFORD ORCHESTRA Programme includes works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky & Schumann, Sat 26 Nov, St Michael’s Church, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire CBSO: BEETHOVEN & ADAMS Featuring Edward Gardener (conductor), James Ehnes (violin) & the CBSO Chorus, Sat 26 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham WOMBOURNE & DISTRICT CHORAL SOCIETY Programme comprises Mendelssohn’s St Paul Oratorio, Sat 26 Nov, Church Of St John’s In The Square, Wolverhampton BRASS BAND & CHAMBER CHOIRS Featuring Stuart Birnie (brass band director) & Bradley Gill & Callum Thompson (chamber choir conductors). Programme includes works by Durante, John Rutter & Eric Whitacre, Sun 27 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham University JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRA: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES Sun 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FLORILEGIUM Featuring Ashley Salomon (director/flute), Bojan Cicic (violin), Katie Heller (viola) & Jennifer Morsches (cello).

Programme includes works by Haydn & Mozart, Sun 27 Nov, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER: FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE...

Programme includes works by Bach, A Guilmant, G Edmundson, C.Saint-Saens (arr. Lemare) & L Boellmann, Mon 28 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE Mon 28 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MILITARY WIVES: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Tues 29 Nov, LIchfield Cathedral BENJAMIN GROSVENOR: BRAHMS Featuring Alpesh Chauhan (conductor), Benjamin Grosvenor (piano). Programme includes works by Dvorak, Brahms & Sibelius, Wed 30 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ALEXANDER ULLMAN IN CONCERT

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Programme includes works by JS Bach, Schumann, Stravinsky & Liszt, Wed 30 Nov, Keele University, Staffs

Comedy Gigs TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 21 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 22 Nov, The Dark Horse, Birmingham FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 23 Nov, The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham JON RICHARDSON Wed 23 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burtonupon-Trent ROB DEERING, ANDY WHITE JAMES COOK & DAVE BRYON Wed 23 Nov, Tower Brewery, Burton-uponTrent THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, ANDREW STANLEY & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Fri 25 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton JERRY SADOWITZ Fri 25 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton JOSEPH JACOBS & MATT PRICE Fri 25 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre JON RICHARDSON Fri 25 Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire CRAIG HILL, JULIAN DEANE, SALLY-ANN HAYWARD & COMIC TBC Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, ANDREW STANLEY, JOHN ROBINS & DAVE FULTON Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROMESH RANGANATHAN Sat 26 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Sat 26 Nov, mac, Birmingham

Monday 21 - Wednesday 30 November

Theatre AIDA Presented by Ellen Kent and Amphitheatre Productions, Mon 21 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SHAKESPEARE, HIS WIFE AND THE DOG ‘Heartfelt’ comedy which lays bare the secrets, lies, resentments and passions of Will & Anne’s marriage, Mon 21 - Wed 23 Nov, The REP, Birmingham THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Scott Ritchie Productions joins forces with Birmingham Ormiston Academy to present Kenneth Grahame's classic children's story, Mon 21 Nov - Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK ‘Energetic, exotic and eclectic’ entertainment, Tues 22 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre STARS OF IRISH COUNTRY SHOW Tues 22 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE Birmingham Stage Company presents Roald Dahl's much-loved story, Tues 22 Nov Sat 3 Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SCORCHED Physical theatre, projection, sound design and music come together in this challenging piece, inspired by the writer’s grandfather, Wed 23 Nov, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire

PSYCHIC SALLY - CALL ME PSYCHIC The show celebrates Sally's eighth year on the road!, Fri 25 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY The Nonentities present their take on a longstanding school tradition, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE Features hit songs including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Non-stop comedy and inspired mayhem, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 10 Dec, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme ACT COLLECTION Presented by Arena Collaborative Theatremakers, Tues 29 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton SUNNY AFTERNOON Olivier Award-winning musical based on the story of 1960s band The Kinks, rose to stardom, Tues 29 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BROKEN BISCUITS Paines Plough & Live Theatre present a heartwarming coming-of-age story, Tues 29 Nov Sat 3 Dec, The REP, Birmingham CINDERELLA Family pantomime written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution. Brad Fitt stars in the role of Buttons, Wed 30 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Joannah Tincey's imaginative production sees two actors bring Jane Austen's classic novel to life, Wed 23 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

Dance

WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? The Bone Ensemble take audiences ‘on a magical journey through an Arctic world of soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs and starry nights’, Wed 23 Sun 27 Nov, mac, B’ham

THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Midland Theatre Ballet and The Lisayne Ballet School, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS New all-male variety show featuring ‘explosive’ choreography as seen on Britain’s Got Talent & Towie, Thurs 24 Nov, The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Brimming with festive energy, this ballet is the perfect Christmas treat for the entire family, Fri 25 Nov - Tues 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome

THINK OF ENGLAND Anonymous Is A Woman Theatre Co present a new play about courage, bravery and swing dancing, Thurs 24 Nov, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs

Talks / Spoken Word OWEN JONES: THE POLITICS OF HOPE How can we build societies that run in the interests of working people, not run as a racket for the mean and the greedy at the top? Popular Guardian columnist and author of Chavs and The Establishment shines some light on a positive way forward, Mon 28 Nov, The REP, Birmingham LEO HOULDING - REFLECTIONS: THE MIRROR WALL The world renowned climber discusses the contrast between adventure TV and adventure film while reflecting on the conflict between a life of extreme adventure & the responsibilites and homely joys of fatherhood, Wed 30 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Comedy/Drama. Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 21 Nov COURTED (12a) Comedy/Crime.

Starring Fabrice Luchini, Sidse Babett Knudsen. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 22 Nov VICTORIA (15) Crime/Thriller. Starring Laia Costa, Frederick Lau. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 22 Nov HOMELANDS Documentary/Music.

Starring MC Saskilla, Terri Walke. mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 Nov MOMMY (15) Drama. Starring Anne Dorval, Antoine-Olivier Pilon. Foreign language, subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wed 23 Nov THE TURIN HORSE (15) + Q&A Drama.

Starring Janos Derzsi, Erika Bok.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! OJSMTC pay tribute to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance... Thurs 24 Sat 26 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

MICKEY SHARMA, SUNIL PATEL, OMAR HAMDI, BILAL ZAFAR, PATRICK MONAHAN & NOREEN KHAN Sun 27 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham SEANN WALSH Tues 29 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW LIVE Wed 30 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, B’ham

THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders Lustgarten’s visceral new play confronts the dangerous necessity of compassion, in a world where it’s in short supply. Directed by RSC Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman, Thurs 24 Nov - Fri 10 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon VAMPIRES ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Classic rock spectacular, a sequel to the phenomenally successful Vampires Rock Musical Concert, Fri 25 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

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Foreign language, subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Nov

THE HARDER THEY COME (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri 25 Nov SOME LIKE IT HOT (15) Comedy/Romance. Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, Tues 29 Nov MAGGIE’S PLAN (15) Comedy/Drama.

Starring Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke.

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 29 Nov HOW NOT TO WORK & CLAIM BENEFITS (PG) Comedy/Drama. Starring Tom Carter, Jacqueline Redgewell.

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Wed 30 Nov LIDICE: A LIGHT ACROSS THE SEA Documentary. Stoke Film Theatre, Wed 30 Nov

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 25 Nov, showing at selected cinemas ALLIED (tbc) ALMOST CHRISTMAS (tbc) BAD SANTA 2 (tbc) CREEPY (tbc) MUM'S LIST (tbc) PATERSON (tbc) A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) I AM BOLT (tbc) THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (tbc)

Events TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Get creative by using the tube lining technique to produce your very own tile to take home.

Activities vary from day to day, Tues 22 Nov, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire WINTER WONDERLAND SEASONAL STYLE EVENT Personal stylist Beth Goodrham shares her top picks for the festive season, Wed 23 Nov, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Featured celebrities include The Hairy Bikers (pictured), Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc, Nadiya Hussain, Paul Hollywood & Mary Berry, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham

around the spectacular illuminated formal gardens, terraces and courtyard, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Nov, Powis Castle and Garden, Nr Welshpool SANTA’S GROTTO AND CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 26 Nov, Selly Manor, Birmingham THE RACING PIGEON SHOW Including pigeon auctions and trade stands, Sat 26 Nov, Telford International Centre, Shropshire CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING With the guidance of craft specialists, learn the history of the craft and the techniques needed to create your own wreath, Sat 26 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs BAVARIAN NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER Celebrate in true Oktoberfest style, Sat 26 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Burton upon Trent CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time and take part in some seasonal activities, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley SANTA HUNTS Enjoy a fun-filled search for Santa alongside the museum’s costumed guides, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE 2016 Showcasing high-quality artists, designer-makers and craftspeople, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Ruskin Glass Centre, Stourbridge LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Santa stars in his very own show, with a gift for every child, Sat 26 Sun 27 Nov, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Showcasing local handmade crafts from Shropshire, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Featuring in excess of 90 layouts, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, Birmingham SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa in his underground grotto, deep in the Dudley caverns, Sat 26 Nov - Fri 23 Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines THE SHROPSHIRE SANTA EXPERIENCE Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry SANTA SAFARI Festive day out for all the family, combining a four-mile self-drive safari with a visit to see Santa, Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM Sat 26 Nov - Sat 24 Dec, National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-upon-Trent

ILLUMINATED GARDENS Brighten up your dark winter nights with a stroll

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TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Get creative by using the tube lining technique to produce your very own tile to take home.

Activities vary from day to day, Tues 29 Nov, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire

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