Staffordshire What's On February 2018

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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands STAFFORDSHIRE WHAT’S ON

Staffordshire

STEPHEN BAILEY - CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT AT STAFFORD GATEHOUSE

ISSUE 386 FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

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

staffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PART OF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP

thelist

inside:

Your 16-page week by week listings guide

BUBBLEGUM FUN Hairspray at the Regent feature inside...

TWITTER: @WHATSONSTAFFS

FICKLE FRIENDS Indie-pop band stop off at The Sugarmill in Stoke

FACEBOOK: @STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

ALTON TOWERS

swashbuckling fun aplenty for the half-term holiday

STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK

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Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT

MOON RIVER AND MEJIMMY OSMOND FRI 2 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM

£30.50 V.I.P. ‘MEET AND GREET’ PACKAGE £75.50 ONLY THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE

PURPLE ZEPPELIN: THE ULTIMATE ROCK TRIBUTE SAT 3 FEBRUARY, 8PM £20.00

JOE BROWN THURS 15 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £25.50

FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS TUES 20 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £14.50

DEAR ZOO WED 21 & THURS 22 FEBRUARY, 11AM & 2PM £14.50, FAMILY £52.00

JIMEOIN - ‘RIDICULOUS’

16+

WED 21 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM TICKETS £17.50

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF THURS 22 FEBRUARY, 7.00PM

ADULTS £13.00 CONCS £10.50

View the full listings at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Box office 01785 619080

15+

Contents February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:48 Page 2

February 2018

Contents

Hairspray - bubblegum fun aplenty as hit musical returns to the Midlands feature on page 8

the list

The Brew

Stewart Lee

Princesses & Pirates

modern rockers bring a touch of psychedelia to the Slade Rooms

thought-provoking comedy at Theatre Severn

family-focused half-term fun at Alton Towers

Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide

page 15

page 20

page 47

page 53

inside: 4. First Word

11. Food

15. Music

@whatsonwolves Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine

What’sOn MEDIA GROUP

20. Comedy

24. Theatre

@whatsonstaffs Staffordshire What’s On Magazine

39. Film

42. Visual Arts

44. Events

@whatsonshrops Shropshire What’s On Magazine

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

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

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

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Entertainment news from around the region

Folk festival’s Room For All project looking to inspire future generations Hundreds of Midlands schoolchildren are learning new music and dance skills in an education project being delivered by one of the country’s leading folk festivals.

Professional dancers are presenting workshops at four Shropshire schools this spring, as part of Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s Room For All project. The initiative aims to promote cultural diversity and introduce a new audience to different music and dance traditions.

Commenting, project manager Joy Lamont said: “Students are being given a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about showing respect, kindness, compassion, understanding and tolerance of those with different faiths, beliefs and from different cultures. Promoting cultural diversity and understanding through the arts is very important, and Room For All is providing high-quality and multicultural arts activities to schools and young people that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them.”

Huge ‘Man Engine’ to pay Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip a visit to Ironbridge Gorge heading to Shropshire Talented Leeds threepiece Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip are performing in Shrewsbury next month.

Described as a mix of John Shuttleworth, John Cooper Clarke and Jake Thackray, the band blend rock’n’roll with dry West Yorkshire wit, and count among their influences Reeves & Mortimer, Half Man Half Biscuit and The Fall.

They perform at Morris Hall, Bellstone in Shrewsbury, on Saturday 17 March.

Shropshire walk launched by visitor attraction

The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain will visit Blists Hill Victorian Town at Ironbridge Gorge on 14 April.

The Man Engine crawls at 4m high and ‘transforms’ to stand at 11.2m high, powered

by Volvo’s L220 wheeled-loader.

The team behind the Man Engine, Golden Tree Productions, are creating a bespoke visual, theatrical and aural experience for the Blists Hill stop-off, highlighting the area’s status as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

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A brand new mass-participation challenge walk is being held in Shropshire next month (Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 March).

Starting and finishing at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Grow Cook Learn’s 80km route will take walkers through the very best of Shropshire’s undiscovered landscape and some of its hidden market towns.

Commenting on the event, the Discovery Centre’s manager, Grant Wilson, said: “We’re hugely proud to launch this event, which will enable us to continue with our charitable mission whilst helping to position the Discovery Centre as a base for walking in the Shropshire Hills.”

For more information and to put your name forward, contact the centre on 01588 676060.

Cake Boy to headline Newport festival of food Great British Bake Off favourite Liam Charles is to appear at the Newport Show’s Festival Of Food on 14 July.

The 20-year-old drama student, whose run on the hit Channel Four programme saw him being dubbed Cake Boy, will give two 45minute presentations in the show’s food theatre.

Commenting on the news, Show President Tony Asson said: “We’re delighted to have been able to secure the first visit to Shropshire from Liam, who is very much one of the rising stars of the food world following his appearance on the Great British Bake Off.”

A Telford Easter panto?

Oh yes there is!...

Christmas is coming early for Shropshirebased lovers of pantomime, courtesy of a special show written to celebrate Telford’s 50th anniversary.

Pantomania runs at the town’s Oakengates Theatre from Thursday 29 March to Thursday 5 April (excluding Easter Sunday, 1 April).

The show will feature lots of audience participation, ‘stunning’ costumes and sets, unique comedy routines and a script packed with humorous references to Telford.

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First Word

Ladies lead the way at the Wolverhampton Grand

John Lennon’s Monkey-Trail bike up for auction

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s next show to be produced in-house will be Amanda Whittington’s Ladies’ Day. The production - showing at the venue from Friday 13 to Saturday 28 July - follows on from last summer’s successful run of Brassed Off, which was also produced in-house.

Commenting on the news, the Grand’s Chief Executive & Artistic Director, Adrian Jackson, said: “Brassed Off re-established the Grand’s place in the producing world of theatre, brought high levels of positive publicity to the city of Wolverhampton and continued positive work and involvement with the local community. I’m overjoyed that we can continue to produce new theatre, and this production of Ladies’ Day for 2018 will be a thrilling project for all involved.”

The show is being produced in association with Wolverhampton Racecourse.

A motorcycle that once belonged to John Lennon is up for auction at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Sunday 4 March.

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

Volunteers wanted!

The National Trust is looking for volunteers to help out at historic properties in Shropshire.

The conservation charity wants people from all walks of life to help across a variety of roles.

These include a mansion guide at Attingham Park, helping in the garden at Benthall Hall or lending a hand in the Shropshire Hills as a weekend Duty Ranger.

The Trust is also looking for volunteers to help at its properties across the rest of the Midlands.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteer

Lottery grant aids Black Country history project A major new photography and oral history project about the Black Country has been awarded an £85,200 National Lottery grant.

Titled Living Memory, the project will work with communities and groups across the region to explore and celebrate their unique photographic collections. It will also record oral histories based around the life stories and memories represented in the collections.

You can follow the Living Memory project on Twitter @LiveMem_Project and Facebook.

Hit Take That musical heading to the Black Country next year Tim Firth’s hit musical featuring the songs of Take That will visit Wolverhampton Grand Theatre next year.

The Band tells the story of five 16-year-old boyband-loving friends who’re reunited as fortysomething women and decide to try and meet their long-time heroes.

Nirvana Music Behind Bars at Shrews prison Shrewsbury Prison is this month hosting a celebration of the music of Nirvana, to kickstart its 2018 season of Music Behind Bars events.

The Friday 16 February concert is being presented by tribute band In Vitro. For more information, visit shrewsburyprison.com/musicbe hindbars

Produced by, among others, Take That stars Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams, The Band stops off in Wolverhampton from 26 February to 2 March 2019. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 01902 42 92 12 or by visiting grandtheatre.co.uk

Forging Ahead with fundraising at the Black Country Living Museum The Black Country Living Museum has launched a campaign to raise the final £1.9million needed for its £21.7million Forging Ahead development project - and thanks to a Midlands-based charitable foundation, it’s off to an excellent start...

The Patrick Foundation of Kings Norton in Birmingham has pledged a gift of £500,000 towards the ambitious project - which will see the museum expand by a third - plus a donation of five vintage vehicles from the Patrick Collection. The foundation’s gift also includes an annual donation of £30,000 per year for the next 10 years.

Commenting on the news, Museum Director Andrew Lovett said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive such a generous donation from the Patrick Foundation towards our exciting project for the museum, its visitors and the wider community.

I personally can’t wait to see the vintage vehicles help bring our new 1940s-to-’60s town to life.” whatsonlive.co.uk 5

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First Word

Fame The Musical turns 30 and visits Shrewsbury A 2018/19 30th anniversary tour of Fame The Musical will finish with a six-day run at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

The award-winning show visits the venue from 28 January to 2 February 2019.

Commenting on the news, Theatre Severn Marketing Officer Beki Poole said: “We’re incredibly excited to be offering another classic musical for audiences across Shropshire to enjoy next January. This new tour will be celebrating 30 years since its premiere on Broadway, and we’re delighted to be one of the theatres selected to celebrate this momentous occasion.”

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

One of the biggest-selling male artists of the decade, Ezra will perform at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, on Sunday 17 June and then in Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffordshire, on Sunday 1 July.

For more information, visit forestry.gov.uk/music

Shrewsbury to host its first Steampunk Spectacular festival next month Shrewsbury’s inaugural Steampunk Spectacular takes place on Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 March.

Highlights of the event include a steampunk market at St Mary’s Church, live music, teapot racing, a costume parade, historic walking tours covering numerous Victorian aspects of Shrewsbury, a chance to experience Coleham Pumping Station in all its steam-filled splendour, and contributions from dancers, magicians and musicians.

Tamworth to host literature festival This year’s Tamworth LitFest is taking place next month.

Described by its organisers as ‘a gathering of the written word in all its forms, including books, comics, graphic novels, television and film’, the nine-day festival features poetry and story nights, events based around women’s fiction and crime & thriller writing, and an evening of comedy in the company of Dudley-born poet, humourist and singer Rob Barratt.

For further information, visit tamlitfest.wordpress.com 6 whatsonlive.co.uk

New year celebrations, Chinese style!

If you just can’t get enough of new year celebrations, check out the show visiting Oakengates Theatre in Telford on Sunday 11 February.

Touring across the country to celebrate the biggest festive event on the Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year Extravaganza comprises a host of performing arts presentations. Displays of contortion, lion dancing, daring stunts, energetic kung fu displays and the ancient magic of Face Changing all feature in a production packed with action and colour. To find out more, visit theplacetelford.com

Working 9 To 5...

Hit Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5 is the latest show to be given the Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company treatment.

The production runs at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 February.

Amateur group still going strong Award-winning musical society TADLOP (Telford & District Light Operatic Players) will be bringing a taste of the 1960s to Shropshire when they present their version of hit musical Made In Dagenham at Oakengates Theatre (28 & 29 April).

Dancing diggers to star in Staffs The JCB Dancing Diggers often described as a downto-earth version of the Red Arrows - have been announced as the main arena attraction at this year’s Staffordshire County Show, taking place at the Staffordshire County Showground on 30 & 31 May. Commenting on the news, Richard Williams, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “The legendary Diggers limit their appearances to three or four shows per year, so we really are pleased that Staffordshire County Show is one of them in 2018.”

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by Heather Kincaid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hairspray shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Mon 26 February to Saturday 3 March, and at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 12 Sat 16 June. whatsonlive.co.uk 9

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tHe PeacH tree & HaVana rePuBLic

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 3 COURSE DINNER & SHOW

VIP SEATED PACKAGES

BOOK: 01743 355055 OR www.thepeachtree.co.uk

BOOK: 01743 355055 OR www.havanarepublic.co.uk

£34.95 per person

Discounts for Parties of 10+

including a glass of Prosecco

Discounts for Parties of 10+

Food February Wolves Shrops Staffs-Latest.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:12 Page 2

Food

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

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

Founded 14 years ago by Jureerat

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

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

to a good start!

The menu comprised a From The Grill section, small plates, large plates, sharing plates and a small gluten-free and vegan section.

To start, we chose the ham hock and roasted leek terrine and the golden battered squid.

A firm favourite, the beautifully cooked squid was served in light breadcrumbs with a creamy garlic aioli. The portion size, for us, was spot on. If you’re a big eater, then this is certainly a place to head for. The ham hock terrine, also of an impressive size, was served with red onion marmalade and toasted ciabatta. It was fantastic.

REVIEW St Nicholas Bar & Grill

Hearty portions of tasty grub in Shrewsbury town centre Located in the heart of Shrewsbury, within a converted old church, St Nicholas is home to a restaurant, a venue bar and five boutique hotel rooms.

Just a two-minute walk from Shrewsbury train station, the restaurant is convenient for people from outside the town as well as residents.

The ground floor restaurant serves a wide array of breakfast, lunchtime and evening meals.

The second floor bar is open on weekends to the public and is available for private hire, weddings, parties and events. The third floor is home to newly finished luxury hotel rooms, each of which incorporates many of the original architectural features of the building.

Opening the venue in 2017, the owners of St Nicholas Bar & Grill pride themselves on providing no-nonsense food, specialising in wholesome ingredients from a small number of hand-picked suppliers...

Having been shown to our table by the restaurant manager, we kickstarted our dining experience with two cold pints of Sharp’s lager. The night was off

St Nicholas’ beef is sourced from assured farms in the counties of Devon & Cornwall. It’s handpicked and matured on the bone for between seven and 12 days, so we thought it was only right we sampled some during our visit. The Grill’s mixed grill comprised 115g rump cap, lamb cassoulet, chorizo and pork sausages, lemon and thyme grilled chicken, fried eggs and hand-cut chips. The beef was cooked perfectly, seasoned nicely and tasted delicious. The sausages (all four of them!) were a tasty addition to the grill. The whole baby chicken was juicy and succulent, while the lamb cassoulet, served with minted dumplings, was rich and flavoursome. Priced at £15.95, the grill was exceptional value for money.

To accompany it, we chose another dish from the grill - Bacon, Bacon, Bacon. This comprised a perfectly cooked bacon chop, the nicest bacon jam I've ever tasted, some crunchy crackling, a pineapple salsa, fried eggs and hand-cut chips. The pineapple salsa was a necessity, breaking up the deliciously salty tastes from the other elements of the dish - a safe but winning flavour combination.

Following another Sharp’s, we ordered dessert. I opted for the chocolate & orange cheesecake.

Combining a silky-smooth texture with subtle chocolate and orange flavours, it was a great way to end the evening.

My partner went for the sticky toffee pudding, his all-time favourite dessert.

Overall, if you like big, hearty portions of nicely cooked grub, then St Nicholas is the place for you. The friendly service, stylish interior and tasty food certainly made for an enjoyable evening’s dining. Lauren Foster Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL

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St Nicholas Bar & Grill 24 Castle Street Shrewsbury SY1 2BQ Tel: 01743 588 110 whatsonlive.co.uk 11

Peach Tree Full Page February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:35 Page 1

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2018

Romantic Dinner

+ Live Music in Havana

2 courses £24.50 3 courses £28.50 Reservations from 5.30pm until10pm A non-refundable £10 deposit is required per person PLUS

Valentine’s Afternoon Teas

from 2pm-5pm £12.50 per person BOOKING ESSENTIAL! RESERVE

Pop in or call 01743 355055 OR BOOK ONLINE: TODAY! www.thepeachtree.co.uk

Food February Wolves Shrops Staffs-Latest.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:12 Page 4

Food

Wolverhampton festival set to celebrate all things cheese ‘The UK's best cheese traders’, Cheese Fest UK, have announced that they’ll be bringing their much-loved festival to Wolverhampton this year.

Featuring melted raclette, halloumi fries, cheese wheels, mozzarella sticks, mac’n’cheese and much more, the show also provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about which wines and beers go best with which cheese.

The date and venue for the event will be announced soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treat Yourself at Shropshire’s new dessert restaurant The latest addition to the eclectic restaurant scene in Shrewsbury’s Abbey Foregate comes in the form of new dessert shop Treat Yourself.

Sister eatery to The Peach Tree, Havana Republic and Momo’s, Treat Yourself serves a variety of waffles, sundaes, ice creams, milkshakes, cakes, tarts and much more, both to eat in and take away.

The new diner also provides 'lunch on the go' options, offering sandwiches, pies, pasties and baked potatoes with a host of 'meal deals' to take out.

Treat Yourself is open daily during the week, from 7.30am for coffees and snacks right through until 11pm... so why not treat yourself!

Pizza & Prosecco festival stops off in Wolverhampton The Pizza & Prosecco Festival visits Wolverhampton this month as part of an extensive UK tour.

Taking place at Starworks Warehouse on Saturday 17 February, the special Valentine’s edition includes speed dating, 20 different proseccos - including a variety of sparkling cocktails and plenty of delicious homecooked pizza from local traders including Doughboys, Ffwrnes and The Original Goodfillas. whatsonlive.co.uk 13

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Gigs

Fickle Friends The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 28 February

Having played over 350 live shows, been playlisted regularly on Radio One with a string of singles including Brooklyn, Glue and Hello Hello, Fickle Friends have established themselves as the essential new British indie-pop band of 2018.

Their soon to be released debut album, You Are Someone Else, is out on Polydor Records in March. This Stoke-on-Trent date is part of a massive 18-date headline tour in support of the highly anticipated release.

Wille And The Bandits Counting blues, rock, Latin and folk among the styles of music they play, the Cornwallbased Wille And The Bandits have toured their huge and eclectic sound with the likes of Deep Purple, Joe Bonamassa, The John Butler Trio and Status Quo. They’ve also

reached number two in the UK blues charts, performed at the London Olympics and played countless sets at major music festivals, including Glastonbury and BoomTown Fair.

“Describing our music is always hard,” says frontman Wille Edwards. “We get compared to all sorts of artists, so it’s maybe best if people make up their own minds.”

The Ennis Sisters

Inheaven

The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 25 February

Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 February

The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 15 February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 18 February

The Brew The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sat 17 February

Having toured with the likes of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and played alongside Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and Joe Satriani, it’s no wonder The Brews’ albums have charted right across Europe. Most recent offering Shake The Tree was released in 2016 and showcases their own brand of modern rock with psychedelic touches.

Comprising Maureen, Teresa and Karen, The Ennis Sisters are world-renowned songbirds.

Latest album Stages sees them returning to their roots, singing contemporary folk songs with a traditional Irish Newfoundland twist.

Fisherman’s Friends Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 20 February

Hailing from south east London and certainly ones to watch out for, Inheaven generate a sound which has been described as ‘an amp-pulverising noise that updates the post-punk template for a new generation’.

The band bring their shoegaze, punk and dream-pop sounds to the Midlands this month as part of an 11-date UK tour.

Comprising brothers John and Jeremy Brown, writer and moustachioed MC Jon Cleave, potter Billy Hawkins, smallholder John ‘Lefty’ Lethbridge, builder John McDonnell, fisherman Jason Nicholas and filmmaker Toby Lobb, Fisherman’s Friends were the first traditional folk act to land a top-10 album in the UK. For over 25 years they’ve met on the Platt in their native Port Isaac to raise money for charity, singing the traditional songs of the sea. whatsonlive.co.uk 15

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Classical

BBC Philharmonic Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 23 February

Residing at the Corporation's Manchester home of Media City in Salford Quays, the BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concertgoers with works from its impressive repertoire.

This latest concert sees Israelean conductor Ilan Volkov picking up the baton to present a programme that features Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony, Ravel’s Mother Goose and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. The concert is part of the 2018 Stoke-on-Trent Festival.

Eugene Onegin Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 8 February This coming-of-age story about the sexual awakening of central character Tatyana is here presented by highly rated company OperaUpClose. The talented ensemble bagged the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera and have since been garnering plaudits like they’re going out of fashion. Expect a youthful, high-energy and thoroughly exuberant chamber version of Tchaikovsky's much-acclaimed work, transposed on this occasion to the early 1960s.

Czech Philharmonic: Dvorak’s New World

Roderick Williams And The English Song

Palisander Recorder Ensemble

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 14 February

Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 14 February

The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 February

Shropshire Music Trust’s latest concert features an all-female ensemble whose star is most definitely in the ascendant.

Palisander use recorders ranging in size from six inches to six feet tall. They present a repertoire spanning 900 years that includes traditional music from the British Isles, sparkling baroque concertos, contemporary sounds and new compositions.

The Czech Philharmonic make their first visit to Symphony Hall since the death of their celebrated conductor Jiří Bělohlávek, a man whose numerous exhilarating performances at the venue have become the stuff of legend.

The orchestra are best known for playing the music of Antonín Dvorák, and on occasion in their early days were even conducted by the man himself. The composer’s New World piece, his ninth and final symphony, is most definitely in the safest of hands, with Tomáš Netopil directing and Alisa Weilerstein (pictured) on cello.

Outstanding British baritone Roderick Williams here joins forces with Stratfordupon-Avon’s Orchestra of the Swan to present a programme comprising compositions

by Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi and John Ireland.

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

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TIM VINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Touring, of course, has its ups and downs.

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

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

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Comedy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe I’m a jinx!”

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

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

20 whatsonlive.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sean Lock Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 February

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

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

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

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

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

When did you decide you were funny?

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

So that’s how that happened.

When and where was your first ever comedy gig?

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

Who was the funniest person you knew growing up?

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

Who’s been your biggest inspiration?

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

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

Every time when I want my brain to shut off!

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

You’re heading out on your first solo tour.

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

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

The tour is called Can’t Think Straight.

Why can’t you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s been your most memorable gig?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How important is celebrity and fame?

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

What’s your guilty pleasure?

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

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

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

What’s been your worst ever heckle?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Putting On A Brave Face

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

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by Jenny Ell

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the first stories Savage read, in the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 whatsonlive.co.uk

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

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

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

In other words, bag yourself a ticket now.

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

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

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

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

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

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

sent and correct in this blockbuster offering.

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

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

The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

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The REP, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sat 17 February

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 14 - Fri 16 February

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

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

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

Brief Encounter

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

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

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

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by Jenny Ell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

just liked the fame part,” he explains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Theatre

Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

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

Great Expectations

A Pandemonium Of Poe

Black Men Walking

Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 February

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 February

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 7 - Sat 10 February

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

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

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

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

Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe stars.

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Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 27 February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There are so many different representations.

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

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

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

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

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Theatre

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Mirror Mirror

Teletubbies: Big Hugs

Penguins

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

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

The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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by Heather Kincaid

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

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

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

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

Produced by Peter Wright and designed

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

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

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

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

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

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

round Sound by Paul Groothius.

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

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

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

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

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Dance

Dance previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joss Arnott Triple Bill MAC, Birmingham, Wed 7 February

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

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

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

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Double, double toil and trouble

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

Why Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

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

When did you first discover Macbeth?

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

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

Murder is done and descent is rapid.

Why now?

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

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

How have you approached the text?

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

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

Are you influenced by other artists?

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

How do you choose your dancers?

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

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

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

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

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

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Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

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

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

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

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

Released Tues 13 February

Film highlights released in February...

Journey’s End CERT 12a (108 mins)

Phantom Thread

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

CERT 15 (130 mins)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Released Fri 2 February

Released Fri 2 February whatsonlive.co.uk 39

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Film highlights released in February...

The Shape Of Water CERT 15 (123 mins)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Released Wed 14 February

Roman J Israel, Esq

Fifty Shades Freed

CERT 12a (122 mins)

CERT tbc

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Mercy CERT 12a (102 mins)

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

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

Released Fri 9 February

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

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

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

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

Released Fri 9 February

Released Fri 2 February

The 15:17 To Paris Winchester CERT tbc

CERT 15 (94 mins)

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

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

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

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

Released Fri 2 February

Released Fri 9 February

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Film

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

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

by Enrique Gato and David Alonso (Spain)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Released Fri 9 February

I, Tonya CERT 15 (119 mins)

Released Wed 14 February

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

Father Figures CERT 15 (113 mins)

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

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

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

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

Released Tues 20 February

Released Wed 14 February

Finding Your Feet CERT 12a (111 mins)

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

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

Released Fri 23 February whatsonlive.co.uk 41

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

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

Image credit: Olivia Peake

42 whatsonlive.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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Visual Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of the artist and Chatterjee & Lai, Mumbai

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

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

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

The potential of these hugely popular plas-

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

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

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

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

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Events

Events previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Events previews from around the region

Pirate and Princess Takeover

The National Wedding Show

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

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Hunt

The British Shooting Show

Tamworth Castle, Sun 18 - Sat 24 February

NEC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Sun 18 February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Events previews from around the region

Thomas & Friends

Augmented Reality Dinosaur World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’sOn

Readers’ Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLASSICAL (inc Opera): Best Production

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

CLASSICAL: Best Orchestra/Choir

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

ARTS: Best Midlands Arts/ Cultural Festival

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

ARTS: Best Exhibition

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

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

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

Best Midlands Live Band Best Independent Cinema

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

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

COMEDY: Best Midlands Comedy Night

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

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

Best Midlands Chef

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

Best Midlands Food Festival

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

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

Best Midlands Music Venue (Large: 1000+ capacity)

Best Midlands Retail Shopping Centre

Best Midlands Music Festival

Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award

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

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

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

and choose your WINNER! whatsonlive.co.uk 51

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What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION BIRMINGHAM

BLACK COUNTRY

WARWICKSHIRE

WORCESTERSHIRE

STAFFORDSHIRE

SHROPSHIRE

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

Best Arts/Theatre Venue

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

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

Lounge

l O2 Academy

Best Festival l Birmingham Comedy l Birmingham

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

Best Visitor Attraction l Birmingham Back to

Backs

l Birmingham Botanical

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

Best Outdoor Event l Birmingham Frankfurt

Christmas Market

l Birmingham Pride l Christmas at

Birmingham Botanical Gardens l Digbeth Dining Club l Summer in Southside

Best Indoor Event l BBC Good Food

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

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue

l The Barber Institute l Birmingham Museum

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

52 whatsonlive.co.uk

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

Centre

l Stourbridge Town Hall

Best Music Venue l Brierley Civic Hall l Newhampton Arts

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

Best Visitor Attraction

l Black Country Living

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

Best Event

l 1940s Evening - Black

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

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

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

Best Independent Restaurant l Bella Restaurant,

Wolverhampton

l Il Michaelangelo,

Brierley Hill

l Indigo Restaurant,

Wolverhampton

l Mad O'Rourkes Pie

Factory, Dudley

l The Bilash,

Wolverhampton

Best Independent Cafe l Cozy Coffee, Dudley l Gluttons For

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

l Belgrade Theatre,

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

Best Music Venue l Shakespeare Street,

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

Best Festival

l Godiva Festival l Leamington Food and

Drink Festival

l Stratford-upon-Avon

Music Festival

l Stratford River Festival l Warwick Folk Festival

Best Visitor Attraction

l Charlecote Park l Compton Verney l Coventry Transport

Museum

l Shakespeare’s

Birthplace Trust

l Warwick Castle

Best Event

l 1960s Vintage Day at

Compton Verney

l Art In The Park l British Showjumping

Championships

l Godiva Festival l War of the Roses Live

at Warwick Castle

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue l Compton Verney l Coventry Music

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

Best Independent Restaurant l Edward Moon,

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

l Artrix, Bromsgrove l Huntingdon Hall,

Worcester

l Malvern Theatres l Swan Theatre,

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

Best Music Venue l Huntingdon Hall,

Worcester

l Lichfield Garrick l New Vic Theatre,

Newcastle-under-Lyme

l Prince of Wales,

Cannock

l Regent Theatre,

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

Stoke-on-Trent

Kidderminster Bromsgrove

Best Festival

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

Worcester

l The Queen's Head,

Bromsgrove

l The Iron Road, Eve-

sham

Best Festival l Droitwich Spa

Food Festival

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

Jazz Festival l Asparafest, Evesham

Best Visitor Attraction

l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove l Hanbury Hall

and Gardens

l Lichfield Arts' Fuse

Festival

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

Best Visitor Attraction

l Alton Towers l Cannock Chase

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

Best Event

l Bonfire & Fireworks

at Trentham Estate

l Severn Valley Railway,

l Lichfield Proms at

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

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

Best Independent Restaurant l Ostlers at No.1,

Worcester

l The Old Rectifying

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

Best Independent Café

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

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

Shrewsbury

Best Music Venue l Albert's Shed,

Shrewsbury

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

l The Boar's Head,

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

Best Independent Café l 15 On The Corner,

l Henry Tudor House,

Shrewsbury

l The Buttermarket,

Shrewsbury

l The Hive, Shrewsbury l The Wightman,

Shrewsbury

Best Festival

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

Chocolate Festival

l Shrewsbury Folk

Festival

l Shrewsbury Food

Festival

Best Visitor Attraction

l Attingham Park l British Ironworks

Centre, Oswestry

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

Bridgnorth

Best Event

l 1940s Evening at

Blists Hill

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

Show

Best Gallery/ Exhibition Venue l Bear Steps Art

Gallery, Shrewsbury

l Coalbrookdale

Gallery, Ironbridge

Lichfield

l Shrewsbury Museum

Cafe, Lichfield

l Twenty Twenty

l Little Green Frog l Snug Coffee and Tea

Emporium, Rugeley

l The Apple Tree,

Barton Marina

l The Lounge of

Lichfield

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

Bistro, Tamworth

& Art Gallery

Gallery, Much Wenlock

l Van, The Market Hall,

Shrewsbury

Best Independent Café l The Bird’s Nest Cafe,

Shrewsbury

l Ginger & Co,

Shrewsbury

l The Winding House

Tea Rooms, B-north

l Liar, Liar, Oswestry l Crystals Cupcakes,

Telford

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

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

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

Why Penguins, Steve?

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

Who’s making the show?

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

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

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

Who’s the show for?

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

Why is the show important?

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

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

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

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

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

Catch it at The REP from 1 to 10 February.

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

thelist

The List Cover February Staffs_Shrops_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 15:14 Page 2

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

February ebruary 2018

Beyond The Petticoat at Black Country Living Museum - Sat 17 - Sun 25 February

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

What’s On

and more!

Thurs 1 to Sun 4 February

Mon 5 to Sun 11 February

Mon 12 to Sun 18 February

Mon 19 to Wed 28 February

Nine Below Zero at Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

Bill Bailey at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

Pizza & Prosecco Festival at Starworks Warehouse, Wolves

Chinese New Year of the Dog in The Potteries

Sun 4 February

Wed 7 & Thurs 8 February

Sat 17 February

Sun 25 February

whatsonlive.co.uk 53

The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves Thurs 1 - Sun 4 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:55 Page 1

thelist

THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

Visual Arts New Art Gallery - Walsall NEW ARTIST ROOMS: VIJA CELMINS Selection of works by acclaimed Latvian-American artist Vija Celmins, Fri 2 Feb - Sun 6 May NEW WILDERNESS Showcase of paintings, drawings, photographs and filmworks by a group of artists whose work engages with the natural world and our innate need for solitude, peace and open space. Part of a season of exhibitions exploring the theme of wilderness, Fri 2 Feb - Sun 6 May NEW MIKE NELSON: LIONHEART Exhibition consisting of junk materials painstakingly collected from specific locations by the artist, and assembled to create a fictional drifter’s camp, complete with skins, traps, darts, trophies and beer cans, Fri 2 Feb - Sun 3 June

Newcastle Borough Museum & Art Gallery NEW THE ADAM & EVE PROJECT Exhibition by a group of 13 leading artists based in and around Derbyshire and Staffordshire, until Sun 25 Feb

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent VICTORIA Featuring a selection of costumes from ITV drama series Victoria, including the Coronation gown and robe and wedding dress. The exhibition is supplemented with items from the museum’s own collections, until Sun 8 Apr MINI MUSEUM Reflecting all the collections held by the museum, this family-friendly exhibition will be asking visitors what their favourite objects are and how they would like to see them displayed, until Sun 3 June

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery NEW LEGO - BRICK HISTORY Walk through history in bricks, as Lego enthusiast Warren Elsmore returns with his touring exhibition, Fri 9 Feb - Sun 15 Apr

The Willow Art Gallery, Oswestry NEW YEAR OPEN EXHIBITION 2018 Showcasing work by established, new and emerging artists, until Sat 24 Feb

Wolverhampton Art Gallery STILL LIFE AND THE SACRED Exhibition exploring ‘the secret beauty and hidden stories’ behind the spiritual and

54 whatsonlive.co.uk

sacred messages that the included works convey, until Sun 4 Feb APNA HERITAGE ARCHIVE EXHIBITION Over a period of two years, Black Country Visual Arts has brought together a collection of 2,000 photographs exploring Punjabi migration to Wolverhampton between the 1960s and 1980s, until Sun 4 Mar NEW DIASPORA PAVILION Showcasing the work of 19 artists whose practices respond to the concept of diaspora during the 57th Venice Biennale at Palazzo Pisani a Santa Marina in Venice, Sat 10 Feb - Sun 29 Apr

Other VISUAL ARTS ENJOYMENT OF COLOUR - A RETROSPECTIVE BY RITA BANKS Exhibition about the enjoyment of painting and the pleasure it gives, both to the artist and the viewer, until Fri 23 Feb, Museum of Cannock Chase, Staffs BURMA VETERANS: UNFORGETTABLE Photographic exhibition by Wendy Aldiss paying tribute to the British and Allied forces who fought in Burma during World War Two, until Sun 25 Feb, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas GLANCES: A SERIES OF WORKS BY COLIN SELF Series of works by Colin Self - a significant figure in British art history, until Tues 27 Feb, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal CLAUDE CAHUN: BENEATH THIS MASK This Hayward Touring exhibition features the work of French female photographer Claude Cahun (1894-1954), whose practice investigates gender and identity, until Sat 17 Mar, Keele University, Staffordshire BATTLEFIELD BLOOMS EXHIBITION Exhibition presented by VAN to coincide with the performance premiere of the musical, Poppyfields. The exhibition commemorates the end of the First World War, until Sat 31 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury FOSSIL FUELLED Exhibition featuring objects from many of the town’s industries, including cut steel jewellery, bicycles and the world famous Bilston Enamels, until Mon 31 Dec, Bilston Craft Gallery

Gigs NATHAN CARTER Thurs 1 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford JOHN SMITH Thurs 1 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent SLEEPTALKING Thurs 1 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham BITE THE BUFFALO Thurs 1 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LADY GAGA Thurs 1 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham GO WEST Thurs 1 Feb, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE DAMNED Thurs 1 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE AMAZONS Thurs 1 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE Thurs 1 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-onTrent POLICE DOG HOGAN Thurs 1 Feb, MAC, Birmingham MOTÖRHEADACHE Thurs 1 Feb, The Robin, Bilston HIGHLY SUSPECT Fri 2 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE STYLE COUNCILLORS, Fri 2 Feb, The Robin, Bilston LAKHOTA Fri 2 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. ROOKIE Fri 2 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

SHADOW CITY SOUNDSYSTEM & SALARY BOY Fri 2 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham MODERN DAY DELILAHS Fri 2 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE DEAD BOYS Fri 2 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE LEN PRICE 3 + THE DEEP SIX Fri 2 Feb, The Flapper, B’ham HI-ON MAIDEN Fri 2 Feb, Eleven, Sandyford, Stoke on Trent DARKSIDE - THE PINK FLOYD SHOW Fri 2 Feb, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent RODNEY BRANIGAN Fri 2 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall

DANIEL CAESAR Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ANDY BROWN Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham LUKE RAINSFORD Sat 3 Feb, The Asylum, Birmingham THE BHANGRA SHOWDOWN Sat 3 Feb, Genting Arena, B’ham PURPLE ZEPPELIN Sat 3 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE SENSATIONAL 60'S EXPERIENCE Sat 3 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE SYKKO DOLLZ & DEAD RENEGADES Sat 3 Feb, Route 44, B’ham

MOTORKILL Fri 2 Feb, Route 44, Birmingham

PAUL CARRACK Sat 3 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

DEFINITELY MIGHTBE & ADORED Fri 2 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

GAZ BROOKFIELD AND THE COMPANY OF THIEVES Sat 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

CABBAGE + THE RHYTHM METHOD + REAL LIFE ENTERTAINMENT Fri 2 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent

MUSED (MUSE TRIBUTE) Sat 3 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED - A TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER Sat 3 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

MACKA B AND THE ROOTS RAGGA BAND Sat 3 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

CHRIS QUINN IN CONCERT Sat 3 Feb, Eaton Constantine Village Hall, Nr Shrewsbury MALEEK BERRY Sat 3 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham ALLISTER WHITEHEAD, JON DASILVA, TOMISLAV & PHIL GIFFORD Sat 3 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE SPITFIRES Sat 3 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, W’hampton

NATHAN CARTER Sun 4 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SHAKE THE CHAINS Sun 4 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall MELVYN HANCOX Sun 4 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge CROWDED SCOUSE Sun 4 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

NEW MARK WARNER Winner of the Qube Open People’s Choice Prize 2017, Mark exhibits some of his most recent landscapes, Thurs 1 Feb Mon 5 Mar, Qube Gallery, Oswestry NEW NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Mixedmedia exhibition including painting, sculpture, digital and sound installations, assemblage, photography & prints by 28 selected artists, all of whom are recent graduates from the region’s six university art schools, Fri 23 Feb - Sat 31 Mar, AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

Go West - Prince of Wales Centre. Cannock

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Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 February

Classical Music RACHMANINOV'S SECOND Featuring Kazuki Yamada (conductor) & Dejan Lazić (piano). Programme includes works by Glinka, Beethoven & Rachmaninov, Thurs 1 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CELEBRITY RECITAL: PETER DONOHOE (PIANO) Programme comprises five Mozart Sonatas, Thurs 1 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CBSO PRE-CONCERT SHOWCASE FEAT. ROMAN KOSYAKOV, DEJAN LAZIć & XIAOFEN SONG (PIANOS) Programme includes works by Haydn, Rachmaninov, Glinka, Beethoven, Gershwin/Earl Wild & Fazil Say, Thurs 1 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham HALLE ORCHESTRA: SPANISH FIESTA Programme includes works by Bizet, Rodrigo, Piazzolla, Chabrier, De Falla & Ravel, Fri 2 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent JUNIOR ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC Sat 3 Feb, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire EX CATHEDRA: MOZART’S WOMEN Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor) & Carolyn Sampson, Elizabeth Cragg, Elizabeth Adams & Katie Trethewey (sopranos), Sun 4 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL MCCAFFERY & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANTHONY KING, LIAM JEAVONS, ADAM BEARDSMORE & BARRY DODDS Thurs 1 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Staffs STEVE HALL, NATHAN CATON, DEMITRIS DEECH & SULLY O'SULLIVAN Thurs 1 Feb, The George Hotel, Lichfield KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs 1 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall JIM DAVIDSON Thurs 1 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre KATHERINE RYAN Fri 2 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SCOTT CAPURRO Fri 2 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham SUZI RUFFELL, GEOFF NORCOTT, ANDY ROBINSON & PAUL MCCAFFERY Fri 2 Sat 3 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham STEVE BUGEJA Sat 3 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre JUNIOR SIMPSON, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, JARLETH REGAN & PETE OTWAY Sat 3 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham DESIREE BURCH, EDDIE BRYANT & SPUDDZ Sat 3 Feb, MAC, B’ham

ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 3 Feb, The Old Post Office, Burton-on-Trent SEVERN JESTERS #56 Sun 4 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JUNIOR JESTERS #10 Sun 4 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Theatre

Shropshire WHERE’S A MY IGLOO GONE? Participatory show featuring live music & song, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Country theatre favourites Fizzog present their version of The Wizard Of Oz, Fri 2 - Sat 10 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire

bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 1 Feb; Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb WONDER (PG) Drama/Family. Starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson. Wem town Hall, North Shropshire, Thurs 1 Feb JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (PG) Action/Adventure. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 2 Feb

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

THE CLAN (15) Biography/Crime. Starring Guillermo Francella, Peter Lanzani. Foreign language, subtitled.

The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 Feb

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

MOUNTAIN (PG) Documentary. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 3 Feb

THE LADYKILLERS The Lichfield Players present an amateur staging of Graham Lineham’s classic black comedy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Lichfield Garrick TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Company present John Godber's classic classroom comedy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL The inspiring story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, until Sat 3 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome PSYCHIC SALLY: KISSES TO HEAVEN TOUR Thurs 1 Feb, Dudley Town Hall THAT'LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostalgia, laughs & comic sketches, Thurs 1 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent POPPYFIELDS: THE MUSICAL Dramatic love story centred on four characters who play out their lives against the backdrop of a world at war, Thurs 1 Sat 3 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury PENGUINS Unique and engaging show for children about friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 Feb, The REP, Birmingham

BRIEF ENCOUNTER Emma Rice's staging of Noel Coward's haunting love story, Fri 2 - Sat 17 Feb, The REP, Birmingham PLAYHOUSE CREATURES A vivacious comedy set backstage in a Restoration playhouse, Fri 2 - Sat 24 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-underLyme FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNIT Rob Gee’s award-winning one-man show explores how we perceive people with dementia, Sat 3 Feb, Meole Brace Parish Memorial Hall, Shrewsbury MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW Fusion of old-time music and percussion step-dance of the American country tradition, Sat 3 Feb, Chelmarsh Parish Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, South Shropshire THE M.M.O.R.P.G SHOW Return of the much-acclaimed show, combining improvised comedy with tabletop gaming, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

ON WINGS Two-hander fusing comedy with a love story. Written by and starring Jacob Lovick & Vita Fox, Fri 2 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham

Film

MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW Fusion of old-time music and percussion step-dance of the American country tradition, Fri 2 Feb, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, South Shropshire

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 1 Feb; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 Thurs 8 Feb

MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign language in a mischievous take on the ever-popular tale of Snow White, Fri 2 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Adrian Berry’s acclaimed one-man show, telling the tale of a young David Bowie obsessive, Fri 2 Feb, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South

DARKEST HOUR (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Oldman, Lily James. MAC, Birmingham, until Thurs 1 Feb; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, until Thurs 1 Feb; Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring James Franco, Dave Franco. Ludlow Assem-

HOSTILES (15) Drama/Western. Starring Christian Bale, Timothée Chalamet. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 3 Feb BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (PG) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd. The Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 4 Feb

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

Events CHURNET VALLEY WINTER STEAM GALA 2018 A fond farewell to what has been a popular visitor to the line over the autumn and winter - former GWR 42XX no. 4277 "Hercules", Sat 3 - Sun 4 Feb, Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire SNOWDROPS AT CHIRK CASTLE Chase away those winter blues with a beautiful walk around Chirk Castle's award-winning gardens and Pleasure Ground Wood, complete with a carpet of delicate snowdrops, Sat 3 Feb - Fri 9 Mar, Chirk Castle, Wrexham SUNDAY TALK: 'THE GREAT BIRMINGHAM SQUABBLE' Fascinating glimpse into the history of Tudor and Stuart Birmingham and Yardley, Sun 4 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMILIES Learn more about coding with your kids at these brand new workshops, Sun 4 Feb, Enginuity Museum. Ironbridge, Shropshire SPRING FAIR The UK’s definitive destination for the home & gift industry, Sun 4 - Thurs 8 Feb, NEC, B’ham

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thelist Gigs NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Mon 5 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall JESCA HOOP Mon 5 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Mon 5 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury SEAN WEBSTER BAND Mon 5 Feb, The Robin, Bilston LIVE DEAD ’69 Tues 6 Feb, The Robin, Bilston RED TAIL RING Tues 6 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham MICHALE GRAVES (EXMISFITS) Tues 6 Feb, The Asylum, B’ham WHILE SHE SLEEPS Tues 6 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ZARA MCFARLANE Wed 7 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham HOLLIE COOK Wed 7 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham FAIRPORT CONVENTION WINTER TOUR 2018 Wed 7 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme

BYE BYE BABY Fri 9 Feb, Lichfield Garrick TANTZ Fri 9 Feb, Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Staffs ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE Fri 9 Feb, The Robin, Bilston COLOSSUS YETI Fri 9 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham KENDRICK LAMAR Fri 9 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham FLOYD IN THE FLESH Fri 9 Feb, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burtonupon-Trent KANE'D + NASTY HIGH Fri 9 Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent MOTOWN'S GREATEST HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS Fri 9 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury KENT DUCHAINE Fri 9 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge SPRING KING + WEIRDS + CALVA LOUISE Fri 9 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent THEM HEAVY PEOPLE KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Fri 9 - Sat 10 Feb, Lichfield Garrick

ARQ: ALISON RAYNER QUINTET Sat 10 Feb, The Hive Shrewsbury KRYWALD & FARRER Sat 10 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham VUUR Sat 10 Feb, The Asylum, Birmingham BOXSTOCK - CIGAR BOX GUITAR FESTIVAL 2018 Sat 10 Feb, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton SON OF MAN WITH SUPPORT FROM LONG STRUNG CREATURES Sat 10 Feb, Eleven, Sandyford, Stoke-onTrent CHRIS WOOD Sat 10 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton JEZ LOWE Sat 10 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall THE COUNTERFEIT STONES Sat 10 Feb, The Robin, Bilston KEYWEST Sat 10 Feb, O2 Institute, B’ham TRANSATLANTIC SESSIONS Sat 10 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE BLINDERS Sat 10 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent

THE BOB DYLAN STORY Sat 10 Feb, Lichfield Garrick

SERPENTYNE Sun 11 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

DANNY GILES, BRETT HUTCHISON AND RED BUTLER Wed 7 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL Sat 10 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

SECRET SPHERE Sun 11 Feb, Eleven, Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Wed 7 Feb, Lichfield Garrick

POP DIVAS LIVE Sat 10 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

THE WORD ALIVE + CONTINENTS Wed 7 Feb, The Flapper, Birmingham

JERSEY BOYS TOUCH TOUR Sat 10 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent

GOLDEN VOID + DOMMENGANG Sun 11 Feb, The Flapper, B’ham ERASURE Sun 11 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham DEFINITIVE ELVIS EXPERIENCE Sun 11 Feb, The Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock

ANVIL Wed 7 Feb, Eleven, Stoke on Trent

MIDDAY MUSIC Featuring Richard Ward (trumpet), Joanne Sealey & Zlyin Llang (pianos). Programme includes works by Ketting, Gershwin, Thomas Pilsbury, Debussy & Rachmaninov, Mon 5 Feb, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire

JOSH PUGH & JO D'ARCY Sun 11 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Featuring Marin Alsop (conductor) & Nicola Benedetti (violin), Tues 6 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL Featuring Henry Fairs & Daniel Moult, Tues 6 Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, University of Birmingham CBSO: PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION Featuring Constantinos Carydis (conductor) & Javier Perianes (piano). Programme includes works

by Skalkotttas, Falla & Mussorgsky, Wed 7 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham CBSO OPERA GALA Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor), Natalya Romaniw (soprano), Madeleine Shaw (mezzo soprano), Noah Stewart (tenor) & Simon Thorpe (bass). Programme includes works by Saint-Saens, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini, Ponchielli, Bizet, Wagner, Gounod & Verdi, Fri 9 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SIGLO DE ORO Programme weaves together a musical history from the Reformation and Counter-reformation with works by Josquin, Tye, Sheppard, Byrd, Palestrina & Victoria, Fri 9 Feb, The Barber Institute, B’ham

LEND ME A TENOR Players Production 3 present an amateur staging of Ken Ludwig’s madcap comedy, Tues 6 Sat 10 Feb, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JERSEY BOYS The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Tues 6 Sat 17 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent MAMMA MIA! The sensational feelgood musical returns to the Midlands, Tues 6 - Sat 24 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CHOPPING CHILLIES A cobbler and a cook concoct a transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine, Wed 7 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

JIM DAVIDSON Tues 6 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury RICHARD HERRING Wed 7 Feb, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield

PATRICK MONAHAN Fri 9 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOE LYCETT, TOM PARRY, MIKE BUBBINS, RACHEL PARRIS & DANNY CLIVES Fri 9 Feb, MAC, Birmingham Jez Lowe - Lichfield Guildhall

Theatre KANADA Brand new play telling the story of two Jewish prisoners in the Second World War concentration camp of Auschwitz, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham

CABARET & COMEDY Tues 6 Feb, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall

STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 9 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

ELO AGAIN Thurs 8 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

VENUS VS MARS Sun 11 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Comedy

AHIR SHAH Thurs 8 Feb, The REP, Birmingham

THE MAVERICKS Thurs 8 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MILTON JONES Sun 11 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

PALISANDER RECORDER ENSEMBLE Fri 9 Feb, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

BILL BAILEY: LARKS IN TRANSIT Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stokeon-Trent

JHENÉ AIKO Thurs 8 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

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GARRETT MILLERICK, ANDRE VINCENT, STEVE HARRIS & JAKE LAMBERT Sat 10 Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham

CARL DONNELLY, ANDY ASKINS & DAN NIGHTINGALE Wed 7 Feb, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

NOBLE JACKS Thurs 8 Feb, Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Staffs

HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT Thurs 8 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

Classical Music

EUGENE ONEGIN OperaUpClose present a new English version of Tchaikovsky’s romantic and thoughtprovoking opera, Thurs 8 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury WILDE WITHOUT THE BOY/THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL A glimpse into the humbled, bruised, loving soul of Oscar Wilde, Thurs 8 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton AN EVENING WITH DEREK ACORAH Fri 9 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford SO MANY REASONS Show exploring the unique influence our mothers have on how we understand the world, Fri 9 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 February PANDEMONIUM OF POE Don’t Go Into The Cellar present an evening of eerie entertainment featuring some of Poe’s finest fear-filled fiction, Sat 10 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign language in a mischievous take on the ever-popular tale of Snow White, Sun 11 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

SOUTH PACIFIC (U) Musical/Romance.

Starring Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor. Dementia friendly film showing. Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Mon 5 Feb

OUTSIDE THE BOX: A LIVE SHOW ABOUT DEATH Performer, celebrant and award-winning burial-ground owner Liz Rothschild presents a highly original show featuring mercurial tales and miraculous truths from life’s ‘finishing line’, Sat 10 Feb, Chapel Lawn Village Hall, Chapel Lawn, South Shropshire, SY7 0BW

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and a ‘charming’ original score in a retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale, Sun 11 Feb, Ellesmere College Arts Centre, North Shropshire, SY12 9AB

HOSTILES (15) Drama/Western. Starring Christian Bale, Timothée Chalamet. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 5 - Tues 6 & Thurs 8 Feb

Dance CINDERELLA New Adventures present Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairytale, hailed as one of the company’s most popular and beloved productions, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome

Kids Theatre TELETUBBIES LIVE The iconic, Teletubbies star in their first ever theatre show, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham DEAR ZOO Puppetry and audience participation are the order of the day in this new staging for children, based on the book of the same name, Thurs 8 - Fri 9 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

JOSS ARNOTT DANCE: TRIPLE BILL Featuring two brand new dance works A Movement In 3 and RUSH - alongside the company's internationally award-winning solo, V, which features live music for the very first time, Wed 7 Feb, MAC, Birmingham MACBETH The award-winning Mark Bruce Company present a striking dance theatre adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Thurs 8 Fri 9 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and an original score in a retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale, Fri 9 Feb, Alveley Parish Memorial Hall, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire, WV15 6JT THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and a ‘charming’ original score in a retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale, Sat 10 Feb, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5AY

POINT OF ECHOES bgroup and China Plate present a theatre/dance piece about love, death and the supernatural, Sat 10 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS:

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF New spin on a classic story about two misfits who just want to fit in... Sat 10 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

DUNKIRK (12A) Drama/History. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 6 Feb HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 6 Feb BREATHE (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy. Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 6 & Thurs 8 Feb LIFE, ANIMATED (PG) Documentary/Animation. Starring Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried.

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Wed 7 Feb MOUNTAIN (PG) Documentary. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (PG) Action/Adventure. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Feb FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie Bell, Annette Bening. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 9 - Wed 14 Feb

Shrewsbury, Sun 11 Feb COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 11 - Sat 24 Feb

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

Events CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Fri 9 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs FRIDAY TWILIGHT - VICTORIAN MURDER MYSTERY Who was Prince Claybourne of Stokie-Coburg and why was he killed?, Fri 9 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-onTrent SNOWDROPS AT SUNNYCROFT Special talk about the snowdrops of Shropshire, followed by a guided walk around the garden to check out the different varieties, Fri 9 Feb, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Shropshire

DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb

100 COCKPITS AND CABS Rare chance to get a closer look inside 100 cockpits and vehicles from the collection, Fri 9 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shifnal

THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama.

Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks.

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 Thurs 15 Feb

RAG RUG VALENTINES HEART Have a go at crafting a traditional handmade decoration with a romantic twist, Sat 10 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs

DARKEST HOUR (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Oldman, Lily James. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 9 Thurs 15 Feb

VICTORIAN VALENTINE WEEKEND See the townsfolk at Blists Hill Victorian Town preparing for the romantic day in their cottages, demonstrating crafts such as decoupage and cardmaking, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Feb, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Drama/Mystery. Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Starring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb

VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Judi Dench, Ali Fazal. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 5 Feb

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Hugh Jackman. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Sat 10 Feb

DENIAL (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson.

Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 5 Feb

TOM OF FINLAND (18) Biography/Drama. Starring Jakob Oftebro, Werner Daehn. Foreign language, subtitled. Old Market Hall,

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

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SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 9 FEB

BYE BYE BABY £24.50

Friday 9 February, 7.30pm

DEREK ACORAH

9-10 FEB

Friday 16 February, 7.30pm

THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - KATE BUSH TRIBUTE

THE STORY OF THE BEACH BOYS

£15.00 10 FEB

Saturday 17 February, 7.30pm

BACK TO BACHARACH THE BOB DYLAN STORY £22.50

Thursday 8 March, 7.30pm

GRIFF RHYS JONES

21 FEB

Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm

HORRIBLE HISTORIES- MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN

PURPLE ZEPPELIN

£14.00, £12.00 Child 22 FEB

Wednesday 14 March, 7.00pm

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET PRESENTS

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY MILKSHAKE! LIVE £17 .00, £15.00 U16’s 24 FEB

Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm

THE TINA TURNER EXPERIENCE SHOW

Thursday 22 March, 2pm & 7.30pm

CROONERS £25.00

SWINGING MY WAY TO LOVE

2 MAR

Friday 23 March, 7.30pm

CIRCUS OF HORRORS QUILL FEATURING BEV BEVAN £22.00

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR 58 whatsonlive.co.uk

TWC GP 01227

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thelist Gigs BRIDGES Mon 12 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham MAX & HARVEY Mon 12 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham NICK HAKIM Mon 12 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge THE STORY OF THE BEACH BOYS Fri 16 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford KING 810 Fri 16 Feb, The Asylum, B’ham THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERIENCE Fri 16 Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent

ALIEN ANT FARM Mon 12 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT TO THE MAN IN BLACK) Fri 16 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

INHEAVEN Tues 13 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, W’hampton

ELKIE BROOKS Fri 16 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

IRON & WINE Tues 13 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

LIVE AND PICKING Fri 16 Feb. Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

LUTHER Tues 13 Feb, The Robin, Bilston WILLY MASON Tues 13 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham REBECCA FERGUSON Tues 13 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall BOWLING FOR SOUP Tues 13 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE ROCKET MAN Thurs 15 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent DREAM STATE + CHAPTER & VERSE Thurs 15 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent MICA PARIS SINGS ELLA FITZGERALD LIVE! Thurs 15 Feb, The Jam House, B’ham COL3TRANE Thurs 15 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DERMOT KENNEDY Thurs 15 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

DEAD! Fri 16 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent THE PINK FLOYD SHOW Fri 16 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February Birmingham THE ATARIS Sat 17 Feb, The Asylum, B’ham BLUR 2 VS PULP'D Sat 17 Feb, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent THE COUNTERFEIT STONES Sat 17 Feb, Lichfield Garrick THE BREW Sat 17 Feb, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton BACK TO BACHARACH Sat 17 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY Sat 17 Feb, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE BAD FLOWERS Sat 17 Feb, The Asylum, Birmingham THE PINK FLOYD SHOW Sat 17 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire

THE BLINDERS Fri 16 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

CURVED AIR + BLANK MANUSKRIPT Sun 18 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

KISS GB Sat 17 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stokeon-Trent

THE ORIELLES Sun 18 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE YEAR PUNK EXPLODED 2 Sat 17 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

THE CHRIS BEVINGTON ORGANISATION Sun 18 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall

QUILL WITH BEV BEVAN Sat 17 Feb, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire

TRIP Sun 18 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge

HRH METAL: WEEKEND TICKET Sat 17 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham $UICIDEBOY$ Sat 17 Feb, O2 Institute,

WILLE AND THE BANDITS Sun 18 Feb, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury PAUL CARRACK Sun 18 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works

by D. Buxtehude, JS Bach, Elgar & Wagner, Mon 12 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent GAMELAN ENSEMBLE Dr Andy Channing directs a lunchtime concert featuring traditional music from Indonesia, Mon 12 Feb, The Dome, The Bramall, Universiry of B’ham CZECH PHILHARMONIC - DVORÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY Featuring the Czech Philharmonic, Tomáš Netopil (conductor) & Alisa Weilerstein (cello). Programme includes works

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

Programme includes works by Bax, Grieg & Elgar, Thurs 15 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL RECORDER & EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Feb, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: SYMPHONIC ROCK Fri 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

DON BROCO Thurs 15 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Featuring Daniele Rosina (director) & Lydia Haynes (voice), Sat 17 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham

THE SCRIPT Thurs 15 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY Thurs 15 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford Mica Paris Sings Ella - The Jam House, Birmingham

MUSICAL & AMICABLE SOCIETY: BACH & VIVALDI CONCERTOS Featuring Roźa Bene, Robin Bigwood, Steven Devine & Martin Perks (harpsichords), Sat 17 Feb, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE EARLY MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONCERT Sun 18 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Comedy TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY ASKINS & FREDDY QUINNE Thurs 15 Feb, The Bramall, Birmingham LOU CONRAN Thurs 15 Feb, MAC, Birmingham ADAM HESS & GLENN MOORE Fri 16 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham STEVE WILLIAMS, TOM LUCY, JOHN FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Fri 16 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham JOSIE LONG, JONNY & THE BAPTISTS AND GRACE PETRIE Fri 16 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton TOM LUCY, STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Sat 17 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, GARY DELANEY, SCOTT BENNETT, LINDSEY SANTORO & WAYNE BEESE Sat 17 Feb, Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Dudley LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 17 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sun 18 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

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

ORGAN PROM Sat 17 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

WILLE AND THE BANDITS Thurs 15 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

Hall, Birmingham

DAN LAURIN (RECORDER) & ANNA PARADISO (HARPSICHORD) Fri 16 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

CAROLIN WIDMANN VIOLIN CONCERT Programme includes works by Pascal Dusapin, Hans Abrahamsen, Salvatore Sciarrino & Michael Zev Gordon, Fri 16 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham

POP STARS 2018 Thurs 15 Feb, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall

CHANGING MAN VS. THE POLICE FORCE Fri 16

Classical Music

CBSO: CARMINA BURANA Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Freddy Kempf (piano), Fflur Wyn (soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor), Leigh Melrose (baritone), the CBSO Chorus & CBSO Children's Chorus. Programme includes works by Bax, Grieg & Orff, Sat 17 Feb, Symphony

ANDREW O'NEILL Sun 18 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

Theatre METAMORPHOSIS Splendid Productions present Franz Kafka's chilling story of dislocation, mutation and isolation, Mon 12 Feb, MAC, B’ham TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Company present John Godber's classic classroom comedy, Tues 13 - Thurs 15 Feb, Arena Theatre, W’hampton HAYFEVER Noel Coward’s celebrated

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COMING SOON...

1st Feb, 7pm Catch Up Film Club: Baby Driver (15) Tickets: £6

2nd & 3rd Feb, 8pm Aynsley Lister Tickets: £10 adv, £12 otd

9th Feb, 7pm Floyd in the Flesh Tickets: £12 adv, £14 otd

10th Feb, 1pm Louise White: The Dead Sea Sat Mt of 4 Tickets: Tickets:£12, £6, £10 £20 Family

14th Feb, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday: Christine Genders – LOVE

Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

20th - 24th Feb, 7.30pm

2.30 Thu & Sat Mat

Burton Amateur Stage Entertainers:

Cinderella

Tickets: £12, £11 conc, £40 family

1st Mar, 7.30pm California Dreamers Tickets: £20, £18 conc

2nd Mar, 8pm Simon Evans: Genius Tickets: £14

7th Mar, 8pm

Flickbook Theatre:

Casket Case Tickets: £5

Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT

www.brewhouse.co.uk

Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

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thelist

comedy, Tues 13 Feb - Sat 17 Mar, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Feb, Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, Kidderminster, DY14 0TP

THE LITTLE LOVE CABARET Ultimate heartthrobs, full-on odd obsessions and wildly mixed-up emotions combine in a ‘heartwarming, fun-filled and, at times, completely absurd cabaret’, Wed 14 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

Dance

FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH SHAKESPEARE - JULIUS CAESAR Accessible version of Shakespeare’s tale of friendship and betrayal, ideal as an introduction to the playwright’s work, Wed 14 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-underLyme THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Blackeyed Theatre presents its version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, Wed 14 Fri 16 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury SISTER ACT Amateur staging presented by Get Your Wigle On, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE LAST FIVE YEARS An emotionally powered and intimate musical about the five-year relationship of two New Yorkers, Cathy and Jamie, who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SHREK THE MUSICAL Join Shrek and Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a firebreathing, love-sick dragon, Wed 14 Sun 25 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA & BLOOD BROTHERS Split Mask Theatre present two very different plays, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Feb, Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which centres on family relationships and lies... Thurs 15 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The REP, Birmingham FIRST STEPS, A CHILD'S SLEEPING BEAUTY Hour-long interactive show for children aged three-plus, performed

by Birmingham Royal Ballet, Fri 16 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre brings its trademark style and energy to what they're describing as their 'wildest show yet’. There's even a chance to meet the characters afterwards, Sat 17 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Children’s show featuring audience participation, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Sat 17 Feb, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Children’s show featuring audience participation, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Sat 17

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February

BRB: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Birmingham Royal Ballet version of the Tchaikovsky classic, Tues 13 - Sat 24 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company present a dance-digital solo production exploring light vs dark and real vs fairytale versions of female existence, Thurs 15 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham #JESUIS A company of Turkish dancers explore the media’s presentation of their country, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (PG) Adventure/Biography. Starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness. Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 12 Feb ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) Documentary. Starring Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 12 & Wed 14 Feb

Airfix Make And Take - RAF Cosford, Shropshire

Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 Thurs 22 Feb THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama.

Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth.

Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Feb COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 17 & Mon 19 Feb STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 18 - Sun 25 Feb

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

SNOWDROP SEASON Enjoy a walk through the Dingle and spot the earliest signs of spring, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Feb, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire AIRFIX MAKE AND TAKE Suitable for seasoned model makers or those new to Airfix, Sat 17 - Fri 23 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shifnal FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GEORGIANS TRAIL Follow the family trail around the gardens and learn about the traditions of the era, the language of the fan and how flowers were used as symbols of affection, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT BLISTS HILL Try your hand at Intaglio printing, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire ENCHANTING FAIRY TRAIL Discover beautiful, enchanted, miniature houses created from Bodenham’s own wood, Sat 17 Feb - Sun 25 Mar, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT ENGINUITY Immerse yourself in an Augmented Reality world, where dinosaurs 'roam' around Enginuity, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire

JAILHOUSE ROCK (U) Drama/Musical.

Starring Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 13 Feb

Events

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Josh O'Connor, Alec Secareanu. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 13 Feb

TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Over 500 stalls packed with all kinds of collectable toys, trains and models for sale, Sun 11 Feb, NEC, Birmingham

STRONGER (15) Biography/Drama.

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany. Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Feb

CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Wed 14 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs

BEYOND THE PETTICOAT Marking the 100th anniversary of women getting their first voting rights, with hands-on activities and powerful characters bringing women’s history to life, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION Showcasing a huge range of national franchise opportunities for anyone looking to run their own business, Fri 16 - Sat 17 Feb, NEC, Birmingham

A VERY VICTORIAN LADY A rare opportunity to see original Victorian clothes and accessories ‘in action’, Sun 18 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW The UK’s flagship shooting event, featuring leading manufacturers, distributors, retailers and shooting organisations, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018 Free performances, market stalls, fairground rides and Asian street food, Sun 18 Feb, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham

THE SALESMAN (12) Drama/Thriller.

Starring Taraneh Alidoosti, Shahab Hosseini. Foreign language, subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 16 - Mon 19 Feb PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel Day-Lewis. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Feb; Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 Thurs 22 Feb JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Starring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Old

PIZZA & PROSECCO FESTIVAL Pizza traders serve up slices all day long Sat 17 Feb, Starworks Warehouse, Wolverhampton THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Telford’s annual off-road and road-racing show, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Feb, Telford International Centre, Shropshire

CHSI STITCHES Europe’s largest and most influential dedicated trade show for the art, craft, needlecraft and hobby sector, Sun 18 - Tues 20 Feb, NEC, Birmingham TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT Can you help find a rather mischievous dragon who’s gotten a bit lost?, Sun 18 - Sat 24 Feb, Tamworth Castle, Staffs

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thelist Gigs THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE Mon 19 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent IRIT Mon 19 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham HELL IS FOR HEROES Mon 19 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham FRANZ FERDINAND Tues 20 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham JUDIE TZUKE Tues 20 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS Tues 20 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ANVIL Tues 20 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT WITH NAKED SIX Wed 21 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham SEAL Wed 21 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DUKE SPECIAL Wed 21 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAPPY Wed 21 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham

Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham

The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Thurs 22 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

LOUIS SCHWIZGEBEL Sat 24 Feb, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Shropshire

DESERT MOUNTAIN TRIBES Fri 23 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

CHAPLIN-WICKWAR Sat 24 Feb, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley

ICONS OF THE 80S Fri 23 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SYNTHETIC RECIPE Fri 23 Feb, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton

DETROIT MAGIC Fri 23 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

IMAGINE DRAGONS Sat 24 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

THE GODFATHERS Fri 23 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

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

THE BLOCKHEADS Fri 23 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

FALSE LIGHTS Sat 24 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Fri 23 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DETROIT MAGIC Fri 23 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS AS THE ROY ORBISON STORY Thurs 22 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

THE PINK FLOYD SHOW Fri 23 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire

WILEY Thurs 22 Feb, O2 Institute, B’ham

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

SAM DAISY BAND Thurs 22 Feb, The Robin, Bilston JESSARAE Thurs 22

U2UK Sat 24 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs THE COUNTERFEIT STONES Sat 24 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

DAVE SHARP Fri 23 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge

IAN PARKER & HIS BAND Thurs 22 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

GREEN DATE Sat 24 Feb, Eleven, Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent

THE SKA45'S Fri 23 Feb, The River Rooms, Stourbridge

AUSTINN Wed 21 Feb, O2 Academy, B’ham

THE LYNNES Thurs 22 Feb, The Hive, Shrewsbury

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February

THE BLUES BAND Sat 24 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THAT MANCHESTER NIGHT Sat 24 Feb, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton SOUL & MOTOWN PARTY NIGHT WITH SARAH COLLINS Sat 24 Feb,

OUT OF TIME Sat 24 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton REACH OUT TO MOTOWN Sat 24 Feb, The Robin, Bilston THE PINK FLOYD SHOW Sat 24 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire JAMIE LENMAN Sun 25 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR Sun 25 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent

UNIVERSITY OF CAMERATA Featuring David Rice, Peter Gortner & Augustina Kapoti, Tues 20 Feb, The Dome, The Bramall, Birmingham HUW WATKINS AND CLARE HAMMOND An evening of British contemporary piano music as part of the University's CrossCurrents new music festival. Programme includes works by acclaimed composers Alexander Goehr, Robin Holloway and Michael Berkeley, Wed 21 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring Leo McFall (conductor) & Paul Lewis (piano). Programme includes works

by Brahms & Prokofiev, Thurs 22 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

LLOYD GRIFFITH Fri 23 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham GLENN WOOL, DAN NIGHTINGALE, ALISTAIR BARRIE & ELEANOR TIERNAN Fri 23 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 24 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Theatre FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Adrian Berry’s acclaimed one-man show, telling the tale of a young David Bowie obsessive, Tues 20 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

LIGETI QUARTET Featuring Mandhira De Saram & Patrick Dawkins (violins), Richard Jones (viola) & Val Welbanks (cello). Programme includes works by John Zorn & Schnittke, Fri 23 Feb, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CATHEDRAL GROUPS CHOIRS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE Sat 24 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: MAHLER’S SIXTH Featuring Jac van Steen (conductor), Sun 25 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy

THE ENNIS SISTERS & DAVE GUNNING Sun 25 Feb, The Hive, Shrewsbury FROM THE BLUE HILLS Sun 25 Feb, Ludlow Assembly, Rooms, South Shropshire

TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 Feb, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham

THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR 2018 Sun 25 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

JIMEOIN Wed 21 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

DAN REED & DANNY VAUGHN, SNAKE OIL & HARMONY TOUR, Sun 25 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

TEZ IIYAS, JOE BOR & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 23 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

BBC PHILHARMONIC: RUSSIAN ROMANTICS Programme includes works by Ravel, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov, Fri 23 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent

PAUL CHOWDHRY Mon 19 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS Sun 25 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Fisherman’s Friends - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Classical Music

MILTON JONES Mon 19 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

PHIL WANG Wed 21 Feb, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

STEWART LEE Wed 21 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury PHIL WANG Thurs 22 Feb, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton DAN NIGHTINGALE, GLENN WOOL & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 22 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham PAUL CHOWDHRY Fri 23 Feb, Dudley Town Hall BARBARA NICE: RAFFLE! Fri 23 Feb, The REP, Birmingham

9 TO 5 Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company present an amateur staging of the Dolly Parton musical, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Feb, Bridgnorth Leisure Centre, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire HIGH JINX Fast-paced show fusing magic, escapology and circus tricks, Wed 21 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall MENTAL Moving and personal story about one son's relationship with his mother and her mental health, Wed 21 - Fri 23 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND Amateur production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, set in America’s Deep South, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Feb, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa PeakeJones and Aden Gillett star in a major revival of Terence Rattigan's compelling tale of honesty and honour, Wed 21 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The REP, Birmingham HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy, told through the eyes of those who came after him, Thurs 22 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham LUKE JERMAY Spend an evening with the ‘original’ Mentalist and quintessential magician, Fri 23 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre POPSTARS The Viv Kelly Youth The-

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thelist atre Group present a tongue-in-cheek homage to the films, fashion and music of the 1990s, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Amateur youth staging of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton CROONERS Big band swing and crooner classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole, Sat 24 Feb, Lichfield Garrick

Kids Theatre MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-dancing celebration of the world’s favourite fairytales, Wed 21 Feb, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford HORRIBLE HISTORIES - MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN History with the nasty bits left in, Wed 21 Feb, Lichfield Garrick DEAR ZOO Puppetry and audience participation are the order of the day in this new staging for children, based on the book of the same name, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Little Angel Theatre put a new spin on the muchloved fairytale, Wed 21 - Sun 25 Feb, MAC, Birmingham

THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN OF THE LOST WAVES - HIDDEN GEMS Vaudeville-esque show using song, storytelling and a multitude of 'intergalactic time detective expressions', Sat 24 - Sun 25 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

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MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-dancing celebration of the world’s favourite fairytales, Thurs 22 Feb. Lichfield Garrick LEAPING FROG Natural history adventure for children following the journey of a jaunty wood frog who unsuspectingly leaps from Little Pond into Big Pond, Thurs 22 Feb, The Old Rep

Theatre, Birmingham CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DINOSAURS: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Actionpacked theatrical experience for younger audiences, complete with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs, Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent PETER PAN M3 Studios presents its version of JM Barrie’s classic tale, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Feb, Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE Children’s show featuring some of Britain’s funniest clowns, slapstick comedy, magic, illusions, puppets, prizes and surprises, Fri 23 Feb, Cornbow Hall, Halesowen THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre brings its trademark style and energy to what they're describing as their 'wildest show yet’. There's even a chance to meet the characters afterwards, Fri 23 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham LITTLE MOCHI MAN Join Little Mochi Man as he embarks on an adventure across the snowy mountains of Hokkaido, Sat 24 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome MORGAN & WEST'S - MORE MAGIC FOR

KIDS Morgan & West mix brain-busting illusion with old-fashioned tomfoolery, Sun 25 Feb, MAC, B’ham

Dance MAY CONTAIN FOOD - MAY CONTAIN YOU Award-winning dance theatre company Protein presents an immersive show exploring our relationship with food, Fri 23 Feb, Clungunford Parish Hall, Near Craven Arms, South Shropshire

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Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12a) Documentary. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Mon 19 Feb DUNKIRK (12A) Drama/History. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan. Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 19 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Idris Elba, Kate Winslet. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 19 Feb BLACK BIRD FILM FESTIVAL A short film festival that will screen a selection of short films. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 19 Feb FERDINAND (PG) Animation/Adventure.

With the voices of Kate McKinnon, David Tennant. Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Mon 19 - Wed 21 Feb; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Feb; Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Tues 20 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Judi Dench, Ali Fazal. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 20 Feb

Shropshire, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama.

Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth.

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 23 Wed 28 Feb FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna Lumley, Celia Imrie. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) Biography/Crime. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Sat 24 - Wed 28 Feb

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Tues 20 Feb, showing at selected cinemas I, TONYA (15) Released from Fri 23 Feb, showing at selected cinemas DARK RIVER (tbc) FINDING YOUR FEET (12a)

Events PALACE OF CURIOSITIES Meet the Marcus Island Mermaid, Mon 19 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent CRAFTY'S CREEPY CASTLE Join the singalong adventure to find Crafty’s hidden treasure, Mon 19 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Including arts and crafts, Mon 19 Feb, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

THEIR FINEST (12) Comedy/Drama.

Starring Sam Claflin, Gemma Arterton. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 20 Feb THE MIDWIFE (12) Drama. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Frot.

The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 Feb THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) Adventure/Drama. Starring Neel Sethi, Bill Murray. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Thurs 22 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Hugh Jackman. Wem Town hall, North Shropshire, Fri 23 & Tues 27 Feb LOVELESS (PG) Drama. Starring Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin. Foreign language, subtitled. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South

CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT JACKFIELD Have a go at tubelining a ceramic tile with your own design, Mon 19 - Fri 23 Feb, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire DIY DRIVE-IN CINEMA Flatpack Ensemble present a family-friendly event aimed at toddlers and their carers.

Help build cars using scrap and craft materials before settling down and watching an array of animations from Flatpack's Colour Box Touring Shots Programme, Tues 20 Feb, MAC, Birmingham CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materials to create and decorate your own 17th century London buildings. Add some flames and some final touches, then add them to the large collage of the London skyline that’s displayed on the windows of the visitor centre, Tues 20 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham CRAFT ACTIVITY - CUP AND BALL TOY Make your own version of the game to take home and play, Tues 20 Thurs 22 Feb, The Potteries Museum

Celebrate Chinese New Year Of The Dog at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke

& Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

engates Theatre, Telford

LITTLE SKIPPERS - WONDERFUL WATER School holiday activities and boat trip, Tues 20 - Fri 23 Feb, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust

ANIMAL MANIA Mobile zoo featuring lizards, snakes, chinchillas, hedgehogs, giant bunnies, tortoises, creepy crawlies and more!, Fri 23 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MOTORHOME SHOW 2018 The biggest indoor display of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, caravan holiday homes & lodges, trailer tents & tents in the UK, Tues 20 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, B’ham FROM PUDDING LANE TO PIE CORNER Lighthearted family-friendly short drama. Samuel Pepys visits Blakesley Hall and recounts his experience of London ablaze, Wed 21 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your special day at the UK’s biggest & best wedding event. With hundreds of wedding specialists, from bridal boutiques and florists to jewellers and photographers, this is the ultimate wedding shopping experience, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, Birmingham

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE RAF IN AIRFIX Free talk focusing on recent and yet-to-be-announced Airfix tooling, Wed 21 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shifnal CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materials to create and decorate your own 17th century London buildings. Add some flames and some final touches, then add them to the large collage of the London skyline that’s displayed on the windows of the visitor centre, Thurs 22 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham FAMILY FUN DAY Family-friendly guided tour of the Smith & Pepper jewellery factory, followed by a craft activity in the Education Space, Thurs 22 Feb, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham 999 EMERGENCY DAY Does your little one love playing pretend police? Are they a fan of Fireman Sam? Emergency vehicles will be on display outside the museum, with hands-on activities taking place all day, Thurs 22 Feb, Soho House, Birmingham ALL-STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING 2018 Larger-than-life characters from all corners of the world do battle inside the ring, Fri 23 Feb, The Place, Oak-

THE DESTINATION WEDDING & HONEYMOON SHOW The essential event to plan your perfect wedding and honeymoon abroad, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, Birmingham CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Sat 24 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs SNOWDROP SEASON Enjoy a walk through the Dingle and spot the earliest signs of spring, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Feb, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE DOG Featuring Chinese craft workshops, Cantonese opera, firecrackers, acrobatics and much more, Sun 25 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

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thelist

Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 February

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

Theatre Fickle Friends - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent

Gigs PLAYBOI CARTI Mon 26 Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham MIKE DAWES Mon 26 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE FRONT BOTTOMS Mon 26 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham FIZZY BLOOD Tues 27 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham LITTLE CAESER Tues 27 Feb, The Robin, Bilston JUSTIN WIGGAN Tues

27 Feb, MAC, B’ham MORRISSEY Tues 27 Feb, Genting Arena, Birmingham

28 Feb, The Jam House, Birmingham K2 Wed 28 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham

MARTIN HARLEY & DANIEL KIMBRO Tues 27 Feb, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury

ALLAN REED & THE DAUGHTERS OF EXPEDIENCY Wed 28 Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent

NORTH SEA GAS Tues 27 Feb, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

JD MCPHERSON Wed 28 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

FICKLE FRIENDS Wed 28 Feb, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent

HAK BAKER Wed 28 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

THE ENNIS SISTERS & DAVE GUNNING Wed 28 Feb, MAC, B’ham

PETE KENT Wed 28 Feb, The Robin, Bilston

HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars a Motormouth Maybelle in the smashhit musical comedy, Mon 26 Feb Sat 3 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre DANGEROUS OBSESSION The Nonentities present an amateur staging of NJ Crisp’s psychological thriller, Mon 26 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster THESE BRIDGES New Vic Youth Theatre Production exploring a fearful future and showing that, if we stick together, we may just survive it all, Tues 27 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme

this popular musical packed full of one-liners about hot flushes and memory loss, Tues 27 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE SITCOM Show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, golf and gay cats... Wed 28 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham PSYCHIC SALLY: KISSES TO HEAVEN TOUR Wed 28 Feb, Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock CRIMES UNDER THE SUN New Old Friends present a comedy thriller set in a secluded island hotel just off the English coast, Wed 28 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton AN ACT OF KINDNESS Award-winning play exploring gender pressure and its impact on our identity Wed 28 Feb - Thurs 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: LOGAN LUCKY (12a) Comedy/Crime.

Starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver. Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 26 Feb

HOT CHOCOLATE Wed

MENOPAUSE: THE MUSICAL Cheryl Fergison, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley and Hilary O’Neil star in

THE PARTY (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz.

Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 27 Feb

David Baddiel My Family: Not The Sitcom New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 28 February; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 28 March; Dudley Town Hall, Thurs 19 April

Tamás Pálfalvi - Birmingham Town Hall

Classical Music TAMÁS PÁLFALVI IN RECITAL Also featuring Marcell Szabò (piano).

Programme includes works by Eino Tamberg, Dmitri Shostakovich, George

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Enescu, Péter Eötvös & Pablo de Sarasate, Mon 26 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall HARMONIA BAND Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor). Programme comprises Mozart’s Serenade No.10 in B-flat, K361, Mon 26 Feb, The Dome, The Bramall,

University of B’ham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY’S FIRST PIANO CONCERTO Featuring Joana Mallwitz (conductor) & Gabriela Montero (piano). Programme includes works by Kodály, Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn, Wed 28 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Although comedian, novelist and television presenter David Baddiel first came to prominence courtesy of his comedy double-act with Rob Newman in The Mary Whitehouse Experience, it’s probably his partnership with Frank Skinner for which he’s best known. In the Britpop era of the mid-1990s, Baddiel and Skinner could do no wrong, achieving cult status with their hit television series Fantasy Football League and even enjoying a UK singles chart success with Three Lions, the England football team's official anthem for Euro ’96. He’s making a welcome return to the live circuit with this latest offering, which sees him taking a trip down memory lane to recount tales from his childhood days.

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