What's on Staffordshire April

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STAFFORDSHIRE WHAT’S ON ISSUE 352 APRIL 2015

THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE STAFFORDSHIRE

’ What sOn www.whatsonlive.co.uk

ISSUE 352

APRIL 2015

ALEXAN BURKE DRA INTERVIEW INSIDE...

PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS @WHATSONSTAFFS WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK

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Contents APRIL Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:28 Page 1

April 2015 INSIDE:

Editor: Davina Evans davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708

Bouncers is back!

Editorial Assistants: Brian O’Faolain

Godber classic on tour... interview p10

brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701

Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707

Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714

Jamie Ryan jamie@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281720

Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703

Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704

Jonny Cole

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker

talks Black Country humour interview p8

adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714

Managing Director: Paul Oliver paul@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281711

Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan martin@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton

Alexandra Burke talks about having the best time of her life in The Bodyguard - interview page 6.

Accounts Administrator Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717

Contributors: Graham Bostock: Theatre James Cameron-Wilson: Film; Eva Easthope, Jessica Aston, Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, Jan Watts, Simon Carter Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE

Tel: 01743 281777 e-mail: info@whatsonlive.co.uk

TO GET THE VERY LATEST LISTING INFORMATION, VISIT: whatsonlive.co.uk INCLUDING BOOKING ONLINE The Midlands’ most comprehensive entertainment website

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What’sOn MAGAZINE GROUP

Wolverhampton & Black Country @whatsonwolves Staffordshire @whatsonstaffs

News p4 Music p13 Comedy p22 Theatre p25 Dance p40 Film/DVD p43 Visual Arts p51 Events p55 Eating Out p65

Shropshire @whatsonshrops

A Siege Of Callais English Touring Opera in Wolverhampton p20

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News April Region two.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 19:54 Page 1

News

A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Best Family Day Out in Ironbridge - it’s official!

Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has won a prestigious Hudson’s Heritage Award in the Best Family Day Out category.

The annual awards are an independently judged national scheme celebrating the UK’s very best historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites.

Commenting on the award, Paul Gossage (pictured), director of Marketing and PR for Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “Winning one of these awards demonstrates the high standards and commitment we offer our visitors to ensure their experience is the very best. It’s an acknowledgment and recognition that our museums are amongst the elite of heritage attractions in the UK.”

Duncan James to star in Priscilla...

Diary date for foodies Midlands-based foodies should put a date in their diary to attend the Great British Food Festival, which takes place at Staffordshire’s Shugborough Estate in July.

The popular event features over eighty local producers, cookery lessons, children’s activities, live music and top chef demos from Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano and Master Chef’s Luke Owen. For those wishing to show off their baking skills, the festival hosts a Cake Off competition, while anybody feeling brave enough can take part in various Men vs Food Challenges for both men and women throughout the weekend.

The Great British Food Festival takes place at Shugborough over the weekend of 11 & 12 July.

Former Blue singer Duncan James is returning to the Midlands stage, this time to star in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Duncan, whose stage credits include Legally Blonde and Chicago, will play Tick in the heartwarming adventure, which follows the friendship shared between three pals who hop aboard a battered old bus and head off in search of love and romance. The show originally opened in 2006 in Australia, running there for two years before hitting the West End stage. With its dazzling array of costumes and a glorious selection of dancefloor favourites - including It’s Raining Men, Say A Little Prayer, Go West, Hot Stuff and Always On My Mind - Priscilla Queen Of The Desert shows at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-onTrent, from Monday 21 to Saturday 26 September and New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Monday 20 to Sat 24 September.

Visitor numbers give cause to rejoice at museum trust...

Bosses at Birmingham Museum Trust are celebrating after newly released figures show that more than one million people have visited the Trust’s nine museum sites in the past twelve months. The news coincides with the launch of the new Spitfire Gallery at Tahitian, one of the Trust’s nine venues. The other eight sites are Aston Hall, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Blakeslee Hall, Sarehole Mill, Soho House, Weoley Castle, Birmingham Museum Collection Centre and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Tub on a hot Brum roof One of Birmingham’s iconic rooftops is set to get steamy next month, courtesy of the city’s first ever rooftop hot tub cinema. Super Spa Cinema will be situated atop Fort Dunlop and promises an evening like no other. Guests are invited to take to the roof of the one hundred-foot building to enjoy ‘an evening of experimental entertainment and cult cinema’. Taking place between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 May, the unique event features a host of themed activities, including a Tom Cruise cocktail flairing and hook-a-shark competitions. There’s even the chance to enjoy the thrills and spills of mastering the waves on Fort Dunlop’s surfboard simulator.

For further information, visit fortdunlop.com

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Corrie stars in fine voice at The REP...

Former Coronation Street favourites Vicky Entwistle and Chris Gascoyne are set to star in a brand new Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of Jim Cartwright’s Olivier Award-winning play, The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice.

Vicky, who played Janice Battersby in the long-running ITV soap, and Chris, who starred as Peter Barlow, will be joined in the show by Nancy Sullivan as Little Voice.

Nancy has previously starred at The REP in The Wizard Of Oz. The new show has been produced in collab-

oration with West Yorkshire Playhouse and shows at The REP from Friday 15 to Saturday 30 May. Tickets cost from £7 to £35 and can be purchased from the box office on 0121 236 4455, or online at Birmingham-rep.co.uk.

Names announced for Made Birmingham A festival reaffirming Birmingham’s reputation as a groundbreaking, innovative and diverse hub makes a welcome return this summer. Made Birmingham debuted in 2014 and returns to the Digbeth Triangle on Saturday 25 July. Festival Director Pete Jordan has promised that this year’s event will ‘step up a few gears and become something that the city will truly be proud of’. Held in association with Rainbow Venues, the midday-to-midnight event features a fusion of live music and DJ performances. Beatboxer Beardyman, legendary dub ambassador David Rodigan and London’s Trojan Sound System crew are just some of the well-known names who’re performing at the event. For tickets and further information, visit madebirmingham.com

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The carnival comes to town...

Telford and Wrekin Council has announced plans for Carnival Of Giants on Saturday 6 June. A procession of big folk and magical creatures will set off from the recently launched Southwater development and make its way to Telford Town Park. Aided by Liverpool Lantern Company, local schools and community groups will work together in the run up to the event to create giants and puppets. The carnival will also host the Telford Big Dance, a community event which aims to bring young people together from across the region to perform and dance as a large group. Commenting on the carnival, Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for leisure services and culture, said: “Our ambition was to involve the community in creating something spectacular to celebrate where they live. We hope this will become a regular part of our growing events calendar. I’d urge everyone to get creative and join the carnival.”

West End musical coming to the Midlands One of the biggest musical hits ever to grace the West End stage visits Birmingham next year as part of its first ever UK tour. Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. Band members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were both heavily involved in the show's development. Set on a Greek island, the feelgood story follows bride-to-be Sophie as she searches for her real father.

Since opening in 1999, Mamma Mia! has been seen by over fifty-four million people, with forty-nine productions having been mounted in fourteen different languages. To date, the show has grossed more that $2billion dollars.

Commenting on Mamma Mia!’s visit to the Midlands, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive Stuart Griffiths said: “The Hippodrome has a great reputation for staging the city’s big summer musical, and we’re thrilled to continue that tradition by presenting this hugely popular show.”

Mamma Mia! runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from 28 June to 3 September 2016.

IN BRIEF Photo of previous Liverpool Lantern Company parade

Eclectic line-up for Lichfield Two world premieres performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Ex Cathedra feature in the programme for this year’s Lichfield Festival.

The 2015 event takes place at various locations across Staffordshire (from 3 to 12 July) and sees Sonia Stevenson taking on the role of Artistic Director for the very first time. Well-known names appearing at the festival include comedian Markus Brigstocke, folk musician Eliza Carthy, author Michael Morpurgo and theatre company The Malachites. For full festival details, visit www.lichfieldfestival.org Markus Brigstocke

Love Me Tender on tour A brand new musical inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis Presley is coming to the region this summer. From the producers of Hairspray, Jersey Boys and West Side Story, Love Me Tender features twenty-five of Elvis’s best-loved hits and is described as ‘a hilarious feelgood show’. The production runs at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 29 June to Saturday 4 July, and at New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 August.

Mary Webb fundraiser hopes to help win back hill Bellowhead’s Benji Kirkpatrick this month goes solo when he takes to the stage in a fundraising event for the Pontesford Hill Appeal. Taking place at Pontesbury Village Hall on 10 April, Queen Of The Desert features an illustrated talk by Mary Webbexpert Gladys Mary Coles and dramatised readings by Pontesbury Players.

The event is the latest in a string of fundraising activities organised by locals to help buy back the area of outstanding beauty which the Forestry Commission sold off to a private investor in 2010. To date, various activities have helped raise £230,000 towards the £265,000 needed. Tickets, priced £10, can be purchased by calling 01952 419078 or visiting www.wegottickets.com/event/303942

Benji Kirkpatrick

Guillem bows out in Brum...

Dance supremo Sylvie Guillem has announced she’s to present her last ever UK performance on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage in September.

Guillem, who will receive a special award for her lifetime achievements at this month’s Olivier Awards (12 April), began her career as a ballerina before diversifying into the world of contemporary dance. Her extensive repertoire includes numerous iconic roles in ballets by Kenneth MacMillan, Maurice Béjart, Frederick Ashton, William Forsythe and Mats Ek. Contemporary offerings include the acclaimed 6000 Miles Away, which Sylvie performed at International Dance Festival Birmingham in 2014.

Sylvie’s final show is Life In Progress, which she’ll perform at the Hippodrome on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September.

The presentation features both existing and new works by chorePhoto credit: ographers who have influenced Lesley Leslie-Spinks her contemporary career.

Golden ticket offers chance to meet Irish pop sensations “We love playing outdoors during the summer, so I’m looking forward to a great night in Telford,” says Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating of the group’s 27 June gig at the QEII Fields In Trust Town Park Arena. Fans who purchase a ticket before midnight on 10 May are in with a chance of winning a ‘golden ticket’, which will allow them to meet Boyzone before the group take to the stage. Tickets costing £35 for adults and £30 for a child aged sixteen or under are available from www.theplacetelford.com. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5

Alexandra Burke interview.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:23 Page 1

interview

Alexandra Burke having the best time of her life in The Bodyguard...

Winning The X Factor in 2008 propelled London-born singer Alexandra Burke to overnight success, with her debut release, Hallelujah, becoming the top-selling single of that year. Currently receiving great critical acclaim for her portrayal of pop diva Rachel Marron in the touring production of hit musical The Bodyguard, Alexandra reveals to What’s On why she originally turned down the role made famous by Whitney Houston...

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Alexandra Burke interview.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:23 Page 2

How has life changed for you since winning The X Factor back in 2008?

It’s been incredible so far. My life’s changed completely - and all for the better. I’m much, much happier. I’m content and I’m doing what I love. It’s a lot of hard work - success doesn’t come on a silver platter - but the rewards are there when you put the work in.

Since The X Factor, you’ve notched up six top-ten hits, three of which were number ones. Did you ever imagine you’d be so successful?

No, not at all. I always used to say, ‘no expectations, just high hopes’. That’s the way I’ve always lived my life - never expecting anything, doing what I love and putting one hundred-and-ten percent into everything I do.

What comes out of it, whether it be ups or downs, I take as it comes. I take the good with the bad and always try to remain focused.

Is being a popstar/actress everything you imagined it would be?

Yes, and more. I’m at a point in my life where I’m very, very happy and content. Don’t get me wrong, there have been ups and downs not only personally but with my career too.

You learn from each and every thing that you do.

You’ve also been nominated for, and won, a considerable number of awards since the start of your career. How does it feel to be held in such high regard?

It’s lovely. I never read anything negative or anything positive - I just do what I do. For me, that works. After I won The X Factor, I’d find negative things online to read, and that would put me in a really bad place. So now I don’t read anything at all. I just be myself and do everything to the best of my ability. It’s lovely when I get great feedback, such as awards nominations, but then I take it with a pinch of salt and keep on moving. I don’t ever want to believe my own hype.

You’re currently starring as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard musical. Was musical theatre always on your radar?

It was always on my radar but not something that I thought I’d be doing at this point in my life. I remember discussing musical theatre with a management company I was with a few years ago, and thought I’d probably be doing it when I was in my thirties. But it’s come around now and I’m having the best time of my life. For me, you can never say never. I don’t disregard anything - especially now that I’m doing The Bodyguard, which I never expected to be doing. You never know what can come out of opportunities like this.

Because of it, I’m in a great place. It’s been a great journey so far.

You originally declined the offer to play Rachel. Why? I didn’t have the confidence to do it. I didn’t think I could take on such an iconic role and do it justice. I wasn’t in the right mental space to take on the job. Taking a year out of music and moving to New York certainly helped me.

Whilst I was there, I studied life coaching and that completely changed everything for me.

That was the turnaround point, where I realised I was worthy enough to have more in my life if I worked at it. If I really want something, through working hard, I can get it. When they offered it to me the second time, they just gave me the job. I told them that they needed to audition me, and that they couldn’t just give me the job based on my name. So they auditioned me - and two hours later, I got the job.

This is a role that you played in the West End. How does the touring production differ?

It’s a revamped version of the West End show. I think it’s an even better show. Not a lot has changed, but the changes we’ve made have had a great impact. I really feel in my element. I urge people who’ve already seen it in London to come and see it again because it’s different.

Whitney Houston played Rachel in the film version. Was she an inspiration to you?

Absolutely. She was an inspiration to me in terms of the vocal. I’ve listened to Whitney since I was a kid, and she’s someone I always looked up to. I deliberately didn’t watch the film when I got the part because I wanted my depiction of Rachel to be completely different. My interpretation of the character is so different. I’ve made her divaish and rude. By the end of Act One I’m hoping people fall in love with her and realise that she’s only human and wants to find love.

It’s been an interesting journey to create that character. It’s about keeping her sexy, and that’s one of the reasons why I dance so much in the show.

Do you have anything in common with Rachel?

The love she has for her team and her child. I don’t have children but I have nieces and nephews. I swear by my family, and that’s how Rachel comes across to me in parts of the show - more so in the second act. That’s something I can relate to. Her being a diva?

Nope. Her feistiness I can relate to, because when I want something to go well, I get feisty and put everything into it. In those respects we’re similar.

What’s your favourite part of The Bodyguard story?

The fact that she falls in love with someone who she never expected to. I’m a sucker for love stories, and it’s a beautiful moment when she realises that there’s more to life than her career. Love can be the answer too.

That’s definitely one of my favourite parts.

The show comes to Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester. Do you enjoy your time when touring in the Midlands?

Yeah! I enjoy my time, or try to, everywhere I go - simply because I don’t get the chance to visit these cities very often. I’m doing six shows a week. The only time I’ll get to myself is towards the end of the week, when I’ll chance going out and stuff. But yes, I’m really excited to be coming back to Birmingham. And Wolverhampton I can’t wait for!

Zoe Birkett will be stepping in for matinee performances and will take the lead in Stoke. What’s the chemistry like between the two of you? Do you mirror each other’s performances?

We’re really good friends, and it’s so lovely that we get along. Our portrayals are different but we put the same amount of energy into the show. I love her interpretation of Rachel.

Learning this part together has been a really nice, fun and enjoyable experience. We support one another, and long may that continue.

Will musical theatre continue to play a big part in your career?

Who knows? Music is my priority. I’m releasing a free EP called Renegade for my fans. It’s just a thank you for their time and patience whilst I’m doing other projects. It just depends on what the project is, really.

Is there a particular role that you’d love to play?

If something like Motown came to London, or Dreamgirls or The Color Purple, I’d absolutely jump at the chance to audition.

How about releasing new material? Have you got another album in the pipeline?

That’s the reason I’m taking the month of May off, away from the musical. I’m off to New York to record an album. Yes, there’ll be a new album out soon. I’m not quite sure whether it’ll be at the end of this year or the beginning of next. It all depends on when I can dedicate the time to promote it.

And how about a tour?

Absolutely. I’m talking with my agent about a tour next year. I’m doing two dates in September at the Jazz Café in London.

Those are just a taster of what the new album’s like.

You’ve achieved so much during the past seven years. What’s been the highlight?

It probably has to be having my own sell-out tour. And this Bodyguard tour, actually. It’s done a lot for my happiness, and it gives me the opportunity to show how much I love acting.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone considering auditioning for The X Factor?

Just be yourself. The camera can always pick up when someone isn’t who they say they are. You need to stick to who you are. Oh, and know what you want too.

Alexandra Burke stars in The Bodyguard at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues 21 April to Sat 2 May, and at Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 5 to Sat 22 August.

Zoe Birkett will play certain matinee performances and take the lead as Rachel when the musical plays Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 19 to Sat 30 May.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7

Jonny Cole interview.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:25 Page 1

interview

Jonny Cole on why Black Country people have the best humour in the world...

A Black Country lad through and through, comedian/singer/songwriter Jonny Cole uses everyday life in the region as the basis for his ‘catchy songs and cheeky melodies’. Initially grabbing the public’s attention with his viral hit, The Wednesbury Song, Jonny is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with, both locally and further afield. In addition to his programme of solo shows, he this month takes to the road as part of A Black Country Night Out. What’s On caught up with him to find out more…

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Jonny Cole interview.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:25 Page 2

How would you describe your brand of comedy?

It’s difficult for me to put it into an industrystandard soundbite. There are a lot of people who love Black Country humour and who’d love to go into a rough and ready Black Country pub just to listen to the banter, and that’s exactly what I do. I’ve absorbed Black Country humour the whole of my life. I take it out of that pub where people wouldn’t dare go in case they got their teeth knocked out, and I put it into a safe, controlled environment where they can enjoy it. I think it’s just a case of getting back to the basics of good banter. Black Country folk have got the best humour in the world. They can laugh at themselves before anyone else, which is why I can get away with it.

What’s the biggest misconception about Black Country people?

That they’re stupid. I think the accent lends itself to that. On the TV, if there’s ever anyone who needs to be depicted as being a bit slow, they get given a Black Country accent.

I think it’s a common misconception. It’s the only accent in the world that makes good news sound like bad news.

When did you first realise that you were funny?

I don’t really know that I am. The Black Country’s funny and I just tell people about it.

I’ve always been a bit of a prankster. At school I was just an idiot with a guitar, and I used to get told off for that. Nobody tells you that if you get really good at being an idiot with a guitar, people might start paying you for it one day.

So when did they start paying you?

I woke up one morning with a bit of a hangover and decided to write this song called The Wednesbury Song - just for myself, just for a laugh. I recorded it in about twenty minutes in my home studio and emailed it to my dad. We put it on YouTube for a laugh, and a couple of days later I saw that it had got a couple of thousand hits. My dad said to me, “Son, I’m not being funny but you want to write some more of this because nobody likes your other stuff”. So I wrote another one called How Can I Tell Her It’s Over When I’ve Still Got My XBox At Her House?, which went viral as well. I started slipping these songs into the cover sets I was doing around the pubs, and they were going down better than the covers! It all evolved from there, really.

There’s a lot going on in your life at the moment. Do you feel like you’re being carried along on a wave?

Yeah, It’s the best feeling in the world. I don’t like planning for anything because it means I’ve got to stick to plans, and that’s not in my personality. This is a positive thing, everyone’s enjoying it and I’m getting some great feedback. I’ve got a brilliant team around me and I don’t know where it’s going.

That’s fun and very exciting. It’s a blast and I’m the luckiest man alive as far as I’m concerned.

Your comedy is very focused on the Black Country. Does it travel well?

It’s not all focused on the Black Country, it’s just delivered from a Black Country perspective. I talk about travel, things that happen in pubs, relationships - all of which are universal. It just comes with a Black

Country accent. I played at the Blackpool Grand and I just had to slow everything down a bit. I do a song about a woman leaving me because she found out I was playing away and she took the TV remote to be spiteful. I follow that up with a version of No Woman, No Sky. That works all over the country.

Have you ever offended anyone with your songs?

Never ever, and I think that’s testament to the Black Country humour. Generally, the people who’re laughing the most are the ones who I’m taking the piss out of. They’re the ones who buy you a pint afterwards.

Your style has been compared to that of a young Jasper Carrott. Has he inspired you in your work?

I was a massive fan of Jasper when I was very young. I wouldn’t follow him around or go looking for his stuff, but everything that came my way by him I really enjoyed. I met him once. My sister had cystic fibrosis and was in the Birmingham Children’s Hospital quite a lot. One weekend Jasper took time out after shopping to come to the hospital to see the kids and cheer them up. So I’ve always had my eye on him because I’d met him. I really loved his early stuff but I never thought I could do that kind of stuff myself, nor even imagined I would want to. As I said, I fell into it by accident, but I definitely think he influenced me.

How do you keep your material fresh?

You hear the old boys in the pub having banter with each other, or you hear a woman shouting something really common at her kid in a shop. Anything like that. Another gag I came up with recently is, ‘You notice all the kids in Walsall have the same second name Get here! And then every now and again you hear a posh one with a double-barrelled name - Get here-now!’

It’s all there. You’ve only got to look. In a way it feels like cheating.

You’re involved in Women’s Aid. Tell us about that.

It’s all very exciting. Although I’m not going to make anything out of it personally, it’s the most exciting thing that’s happening for me this year. When you become known as a comic, you get lots of charities approach you to do stuff. You’d like to say yes to them all, but if you did you’d be so busy and so skint because you’d never have time to work for yourself! So I try and choose one charity every year. Last year I did Help For Heroes and this year I’ve chosen Women’s Aid. It all came about during a drunken evening with a good mate of mine. I said ‘how am I going to make lots of dough for this Women’s Aid?’, and he said, ‘It’s for battered women, ain’t it? Well you want to get battered by a woman then, don’t yer. Get a kickboxer to kick hell out of yer’. I said I couldn’t see Women’s Aid advocating violence between a man and a woman as a way of stopping violence between men and women. He said, ‘Well what about one of those women wrestlers? That’s like pantomime, innit. That would be a laugh’. So we looked on the internet and found this picture of the female champion wrestler. We sent her an email and within the hour she got back to us and said ‘Yeah, just pay my airfare and I’ll be there and do it for free’. I hadn’t even sobered up and it had been arranged.

She’s from Berlin. She’s a six-foot-two, two

hundred pound German woman called the Alpha Female. Check her out online! She’s scary!

We’ve started filming a documentary for it.

It’s going to be half about me putting on an event and how difficult that can be - with a comedic twist, of course - and half about visiting Women’s Aid, seeing all the good work they do and explaining what else they could do if they had more funding.

How much are you hoping to raise?

I haven’t really worked it out, but anything over five grand I’d be happy with. Anything over that is a bonus.

Will people who come along to see the new tour of A Black Country Night Out see the same material you use in your oneman show?

You’ll see a cleaner slice of what’s in my oneman show. A Black Country Night Out is very much geared towards a family audience, and I’ve got to be careful not to upset anyone in that respect.

Peter Lee is the compere. He’s older than God’s dog. We wheel him out once a year. I think we might be doing a song together this time round, which I’m looking forward to.

Last year was my debut on the show and I was the warm-up. This year is kind of exciting because I’ll be the last on.

So as a Black Country chap, what are you most proud of about the region?

I’m proud of the Black Country people.

They’re happy to stick together. They look after their own and I think it should be celebrated. There’s Brummies and there’s Black Country folk. Brummies hate to be thought of as Black Country and vice versa. I think we know we’re safe together and we look out for each other. And we’re funny, we’re really funny. We should celebrate that.

Talking of celebrating, last year saw the first ever Black Country Festival taking place. How was that for you?

The best thing about the festival was that nobody outside of the Black Country gave a shit. Nobody funded it very much. It was just Black Country people getting out of the house and having loads of fun, thinking of what they could do for their own people. It wasn’t aimed at the masses, it was just for us. That’s the spirit of the Black Country that I’m proud of.

It’s back this year, ‘bigger and better’.

What’s going to be your involvement?

I’m not sure yet but I’ve just started doing an online radio show at Black Country Radio.

They have a lot to do with the festival, so I’m sure I’m going to be roped into doing all sorts of things.

One last question. What’s your guilty pleasure?

The Jeremy Kyle Show. It’s a great source for my material...

Jonny Cole stars in A Black Country Night Out which shows at various venues across the Midlands this month, including Roses Theatre, Kidderminster Wed 8 April; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shropshire Fri 10 April; Lichfield Garrick Thurs 16 April; The Robin, Bilston Tues 28 April.

For full tour dates, visit brianyeates.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9

Bouncers interview.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2015 17:25 Page 1

interview

John Godber on why Bouncers remains so popular...

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I grew up in a mining village, and my experience was that everybody lived for the weekend. You drank a lot of alcohol, possibly found a partner, possibly got successful.

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One of Britain’s most prolific playwrights, John Godber’s gritty and humorous dramas are a staple in the repertoire of professional and amateur theatre companies up and down the country. His first and best-known work, the award-winning Bouncers, is this month making a welcome return to the Midlands. What’s On caught up with John to find out why the play remains so popular with audiences - thirty-eight long years after he wrote it...

Why do you think Bouncers continues to be your most popular play?

Well, nothing’s changed. Although it was written more than thirty years ago, it feels like it could be about any Friday or Saturday night in any town or city up and down the country. A generation on, the bacchanalian nature of the night, the hunt and the way we celebrate it - on programmes like A Weekend In Ibiza and Geordie Shore - show that it’s still a current phenomenon. ‘When I initially wrote Bouncers, it was a cautionary tale - a look at how we behave. It’s not a class thing.

It’s not just about the behaviours of people with no money and low education. If you take a look at the film Posh, or how they behave at the Bullingdon Club in Oxford, you’ll see that it seems to be a universal epidemic. Being drunk isn’t just one nation’s problem.

So what personal experiences aided you in writing Bouncers?

I grew up in a mining village, and my experience was that everybody lived for the weekend. You drank a lot of alcohol, possibly found a partner, possibly got successful.

You’d either get successful, get a kebab or get a smack in the mouth. That trio of opportunities still seems to be out there. I had years and years of unsuccessful disco going. I usually came away with the kebab or the smack in the mouth. I never came away with the girl.

Your repertoire is vast. What sets a John Godber comedy apart from other observational offerings?

It’s not for me to say. I wrote a lot of plays when I was with Hull Truck simply to keep the theatre going. Most of them I wrote for next to nothing, or for less commission than the norm because I was passionate about keeping Hull Truck going. That’s why there was so much output. I was feeding an audience that wanted that style of work. The same way that a certain playwright from Stratford fed his audience’s hunger for his theatre. It’s always circumstances that create a body of work.

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Why is championing the underdog such a prominent feature in your work?

I come from a mining background. I failed my eleven-plus and knew that I wanted to be involved with the theatre. It wasn’t like my dad was a Knight of the Realm who could point me in the right direction. I taught in comprehensive education for a long time and came to live in Hull. It’s an area that hadn’t been touched and not really looked at in theatrical terms.

What’s the knack of striking the balance between good writing and commercial appeal?

You write the work that you want to see yourself. There’s some terrific writing out there, but it’s not all something that I would necessarily like to go and see. There are other things that I’ve seen which have been great but not for my palate. I write the work that I’d be happy watching in a theatre. I like to add gristle and muscle, so I have to have

the integrity of writing for my own taste. I guess that’s the difficulty.

You’re credited with bringing a different type of person into the theatre - a person whose first and foremost idea of a good night out maybe would’ve been to head down the pub...

I certainly did here, over the time I was running Hull Truck. The journey took me from working in a pretty tough comprehensive school to running a venue where the audience figures were appalling. I had to look at how to get people into the theatre who weren’t necessarily interested.

Alan Ayckbourn famously said he was very lucky because he wrote plays for people who went to the theatre. I was daft enough to write plays for people who didn’t go to the theatre.

Over time we’ve broken down quite a lot of barriers, especially where I live. It’s not rocket science. If in a city that’s keen on rugby, you write a play about rugby, there’s a likelihood that people will come and see it because it’s about rugby. However, if in that city you write a play about being lost inside yourself in the wilderness, maybe fewer people will connect.

We’re fast approaching a general election.

How have the politics of the last twentyfive years amended Britain, and how has your writing changed as result of that?

My writing has become much more angry, a kind of amphicentric vision of how we are.

Every day, you pick up the papers and there’s another politician been caught redhanded. You just lose any kind of sympathy or confidence. So you keep your head down and get on with your own work. I’m just about to start rehearsing a new play called Shafted, about what’s happened to the north since the miners’ strike. There have been a lot of plays about the miners’ strike per se but nothing about what happened next.

When the television cameras went away, it was almost like, ‘well you’ve had your moment’s coverage, now get on with your lives’. So this is a very vitriolic play about what’s happened to the north since the strike.

Have you got a novel in you?

No, not at all. I did try but was told it wasn’t a novel. I got the message so thought I’d better stick to plays. There’s a lot of exposition and a lot of writing, and I think I like the liveliness of my work being performed in front of people.

How did your background as a teacher benefit your playwriting?

Only in the sense that you’re forever performing to a captive audience, so you know when you’re getting feedback. I think a play is a conversation with a group of people, and the best teaching is a conversation with a group of people. I guess that’s what I took from teaching.

Which fellow playwright has inspired you most in your work?

I’m a huge Brecht fan, but I’m a fan of the theory rather than the work. I think the work can be quite dry. I’m also a big Berkoff fan and I love Neil Simon, but there’s not one particular person that I’ve modelled myself on.

Is there any new writer out there who you’d like to champion?

Only my daughter but that’s just for blood ties. She wants to write but at the moment she’s in denial. She has a fantastic ear for dialogue. She wrote a play two years ago and won an award. Just because mum and dad do it she doesn’t necessarily want to pursue it - but in fact it might be the most natural thing for her. She’s writing a novel at the moment, but it may well be that she discovers, somewhere along the line, that she’s actually a playwright. She’s resisting at the moment. She’s twenty-one and doesn’t want anything to do with what we’re doing....

Are the same opportunities there for young aspiring playwrights as they were for you?

I think if you want to write, then what’s stopping you? If you want to put on a play, then get on and do it.

Do you keep an eye on what’s out there?

I do. I know that there are young writers coming through. I know what they’re doing at the National. If you live in Hull you have to know what’s on the radar, but only that. I don’t have to assimilate it in any way. There’s a lot of multimedia stuff out and about. Some of it works and some of it doesn’t, but it’s not anything I need to worry about anymore.

Where are you at your most creative?

In a rehearsal room. I feel completely at home there.

John Godber. Photo credit Adrian Gatie

John Godber’s Bouncers shows at The Old Rep, Birmingham, on Wed 15 - Sat 18 April and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Mon 13 to Tues 14 April.

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Music Blue Rose Code Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Wed 22 April

“Blue Rose Code is more of a name for my music than for me,” reveals Edinburgh-born songwriter Ross Wilson in an interview with thankfolkforthat.com. “I have a collective of people who I’m lucky enough to have believe in me and want to play with me.”

Ross has made a welcome return to the music scene after a few years in the wilderness, during which period substance abuse robbed him of his natural impulse to pick up a guitar and play.

His appearance at Henry Tudor House is in support of his latest album, The Ballads Of Peckham Rye - Live At St Pancras.

Seasick Steve Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 29 April

4 Parts Guitar Lichfield Garrick, Staffs, Fri 10 April

Take four talented guitarists, four guitars and four chairs, bring them all together on a stage and programme an evening of solo, duo and quartet pieces. All things being equal, the result should be an evening of musicmaking to remember.

The quartet in question are Ray Burley, Clive Carroll, John Etheridge and Gordon Giltrap, four of the UK’s most influential guitarists. Expect an evening of style, spontaneity and technical brilliance.

Dreadzone The Robin, Bilston, Fri 10 April

Presenting an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, techno, folk and rock music, Dreadzone formed in 1993, during their early years employing backing vocalists who included Melanie Blatt, Denise van Outen and Alison Goldfrapp.

Their second album, 1995’s Second Light, was championed by the legendary John Peel, who cited it as one of his favourite albums of all time.

Twenty years on and the band’s magic remains resolutely intact, with recently released seventh studio album Escapades being well received by . both old and new fans alike.

This is Seasick Steve’s first full UK tour in four long years and comes in support of brand new album Sonic Soul Surfer, released only last month.

“The whole record is mostly me and my longtime drummer, Dan Magnusson, sitting there drinking and playing,” says Steve. “There ain’t a whole lot of producing going on! But I know what I’m doing and I know what I want.”

A memorable evening of authentic folk-blues music awaits...

Paul Simon & Sting Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 12 April

Long-time pals Paul Simon and Sting here offer fans a ‘two superstars for the price of one’ package, courtesy of their On Stage Together tour. Originated at the Robin Hood Foundation benefit in 2013, the show features thirty-plus songs, including Boy In The Bubble, Fields Of Gold, Driven To Tears, Mother & Child Reunion, Desert Rose, Every Breath You Take, The Boxer and Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes. Reviews of the show have, on the whole, been positive - but then what else would you expect when you bring together two songwriting giants and a back-catalogue of pure gold?

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APRIL LICHFIELD GUILDHALL

Fri 10th April 8.00pm

4 PARTS GUITAR Gordon Giltrap, Ray Burley, Clive Carroll and John Etheridge

Sun 19th April 8.00pm

MÁIRE NÍ CHATHASAIGH AND CHRIS NEWMAN Sat 25th April 8.00pm

THE JAR FAMILY

£13.00

MAY LICHFIELD GUILDHALL

Fri 1st & Sat 2nd May

SPRING BEER FESTIVAL

Sat 9th May 8.00pm £15.00 PAUL LAMB & THE KING SNAKES JUNE VARIOUS VENUES

25th - 28th June

LICHFIELD BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL Four days of great Blues and Jazz with..

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The Blues Band n Sleaze Bros n Jay Phelps Quartet n Tommaso Starace Quartet n John Etheridge Organ Trio n Steve Ajao n Climax Blues Band n Nick Dewhurst Band n Walsall Jazz Orchestra n Blast Off For a programme or further information contact: Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU

BOX OFFICE 01543 262223

www.lichfieldarts.org.uk registered charity no 1156217 14 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Music PREVIEWS Maz O’Connor Stafford Gatehouse, Mon 13 April

It was while reading English at Cambridge that rising star Maz O'Connor fell in love with the folk songwriters of the 1960s and ’70s Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Neil Young. “I just loved the storytelling in their music,” she says. “It’s been a real inspiration for me, along with the more modern influence of Kate Rusby, whose singing style completely enchanted me when I was younger.”

Support on the night comes from Polly Barrett, who released her debut album, Mr Bookshop, in 2012.

Marc Almond Town Hall, Birmingham, Fri 14 April

Jimmy Webb Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 12 April

Sinatra, Streisand, The Supremes, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Donna Summer, The Fifth Dimension and Art Garfunkel are among the numerous artists and megastars who’ve enjoyed hits with Jimmy Webb songs.

Nowadays boasting a multi-platinum playlist, Webb first came to prominence way back in 1965, since which time the hits have flowed like fine wine from his talented songwriting fingertips.

So if you appreciate songs such as The Highwayman, Up, Up And Away, Wichita Lineman, MacArthur Park, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Galveston, The Worst That Could Happen and All I Know, why not check out this evening of memorable music and sureto-be-amusing anecdotes.

You will, without question, be spending the night in the company of a twenty-four carat songwriting legend.

Although he’s nowadays well established as a solo artist and international DJ specialising in electro-clash, the elfin Marc Almond nonetheless remains best known for his Soft Cell collaborations with the far more anonymous-looking Dave Ball. Drug addiction, alcoholism and a major nervous breakdown brought the Soft Cell days to an end and, save for a brief reunion a decade ago, Almond’s pretty much been flying solo ever since.

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club

Soul:ution

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 13 April

Promoters Perception Music have been providing Shrewsbury with the best in drum and bass for almost four years now, bringing the likes of Fabio, Grooverider and Calibre to the town.

One of the two headline DJs appearing at this special Easter event - Marcus Intalex - is no stranger to The Buttermarket, having performed in its legendary Cellars a number of times. By contrast, second headliner dBridge is making his Shropshire debut.

A perfect start to the Easter celebrations for any drum and bass fan, the night features support from Perception residents Conspire and Jay Dubz.

The enigmatic ensemble have decided to call time on their stellar career, so are here visiting Birmingham to say a fond farewell. The Adios tour is being described as ‘a distillation of more than a thousand shows over sixteen years and involving more than forty musicians’. Musical director, band leader and trombonist Jesus ‘Aguaje’ Ramos once again helms the ensemble, and is joined for the occasion by, amongst others, veteran diva Omara Portuondo, trumpeter Guajiro Mirabal and laúd virtuoso Barbarito Torres.

An evening of Cuban musical tradition celebrated with flair and élan is most definitely on the cards...

The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Thurs 2 April

Young Kato The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 17 April; The Rainbow, Birmingham, Mon 13 April

Olly Murs Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 26 - Tues 28 April

Over the years, plenty of X Factor’s aspiring stars have found that scoring a success on the hit TV series is no guarantee of a future in the limelight. Not so Olly Murs, who’s impressively transformed from talent-show wannabe to celebrity musicmaker in his own right.

Olly’s appearing in Birmingham in support of new album Never Been Better and is joined for the gig by the BRIT Award-winning Ella Eyre.

Cheltenham sextet Young Kato had their devoted fanbase waxing lyrical with the recent release of the Sunshine EP, since which time they’ve been going from strength to strength.

Other career highlights include performing at a gig in an episode of hit reality TV series Made In Chelsea and tours supporting You Me At Six and Rixton. “Our sound is pretty much pop,” explain Young Kato. “We try to make music that’s fresh and upbeat, and we absolutely thrive off hooks and melodies.”

The band play the Midlands in support of new album Don’t Wait ’til Tomorrow.

Marcus Intalex

Portico Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Tues 28 April

Comprising three young musicians from South London, Portico pride themselves on creating a truly unique sound and are always looking to explore new sonic territories.

Blending jazz and folk styles for their first two albums, the boys have since turned to electronic, synthpop and ambient genres.

They appear in Birmingham in support of new album Living Fields, released this very month. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15

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Music GIG REVIEWS

Music LISTINGS

For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

For full listing information on gigs, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

The Script Genting Arena, Birmingham

Striding past screaming fans and followed by a spotlight. It was an entrance that even Rocky Balboa would’ve appreciated! Playing to an arena packed with mostly young women, charismatic Irish frontman Danny O’Donoghue was on fine form, launching into Paint The Town Green, Before The Worst and Breakeven. His voice was fizzing with energy - although sometimes drowned by poor acoustics. We Cry and If You Could See Me Now were solid, as was Nothing - a popular tour stunt where Danny sang to a fan’s ex-boyfriend, along with the fans!

But it was a moving rendition of monster hit The Man Who Can’t Be Moved that proved to be the showstopper - an example of The Script at the very top of their game. No Good In Goodbye and For The First Time featured towards the end of the show, with proceedings being rounded off with the spectacular Hall Of Fame.

One thing was for certain - The Script were Superheroes that night!

Malaka Chowdhury nnnn

WED 1 APR BARLUATH The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham DANNY VAUGHN & DAN REED The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton YOUNG GUNS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent THE CRAZY 88S & THE HIGH FLYING ACES The Jam House, B’ham FERRYMAN, CANCEL TOMORROW, STRANGER IN DEATH Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham THE WEDDING CRASHERS The Jam House, B’ham

THU 2 APR

Ryan Adams Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

It was 2007 when Ryan Adams last performed in Wolverhampton.

Since then he's married and split from actress-singer Mandy Moore, battled drug and drink problems, taken a hiatus from music and been treated for a career-threatening ear condition. With all of this behind him, it was a relaxed Ryan who was greeted by a lively Civic crowd.

The set launched with a snarling Gimme Something Good (the lead track from his self-titled new album) and Stay With Me - both Tom Petty-style rockers which showcased the more straight-ahead, hardrock style of the new record.

Backed by an incredibly tight four-piece featuring the talents of singer and guitarist Mike Viola - and with the stage decked with two giant fender amps, vintage arcade machines, a stuffed leopard and the now-customary stars-and-stripes CND flag draped over the organ Adams effortlessly slid between gentle folk and soulful rock. Magnolia Mountain's extended jam, with its glistening, shimmering guitar interplay, was a nod to The Grateful Dead. Songs from his two Grammy-nominated albums, Heartbreaker and Gold, were well represented in a nicely paced twenty-two-song set.

A solo winding wheel gave the audience a chance to find their voice.

Impressive support act Natalie Prasse returned to sing backing vocals on Oh My Sweet Carolina, while La Cienga Just Smiled was beautifully mesmerising. A rousing finale of Come Pick Me Up brought the two-hour set to a close.

David Davies nnnnn

LARRY MILLER The Robin, Bilston CHARLI XCX The Institute, Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS The Jam House, Birmingham THE VIEW The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent JOSH HARTY & KELLY MACRAE DUO Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham SWIM DEEP The Oobleck, Birmingham MARCUS INTALEX & DBRIDGE The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury LOST DIALS O2 Academy, Birmingham ONDAHWUN, DIRTY SAINT & THE MIGHTY YOUNG The Roadhouse, B’ham

FRI 3 APR ELO AGAIN The Robin, Bilston DAVID LACEY Lichfield Garrick, Staffs OF MICE & MEN O2 Academy, Birmingham B'SPOKE The Jam House, Birmingham STEEL PULSE The Institute, Birmingham OCCOEUR, THE ELEGANT CHAOS & FREE SUN RISING Route 44, B’ham NICKI MINAJ The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham 90'S NIGHT PRESENTS: A VERY GOOD FRIDAY The Institute, Birmingham WE WILL ROCK YOW The River Rooms, Stourbridge KHAOS THEORY, SISTER SHOTGUN, CELESTRIAL WISH & EVERLUST Scruffy Murphys, B’ham THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS Hare & Hounds, B’ham JOURNEY 2 TOTO & ANDREW P DONE The Roadhouse, Birmingham ouse, Birmingham

SAT 4 APR

B'SPOKE The Jam House, Birmingham THE SMITHS LTD The Roadhouse, B’ham DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO AC / DC The Robin, Bilston THE SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW 30TH ANNIVER

WED 8 APR

SARY TOUR Symphony Hall, Birmingham RAINBOW VENUES CHAPTER XI Featuring; Loco Dice, Ben Klock, Seth Troxler, Steve Lawler, Bicep and more... The Rainbow, Birmingham IN HINDSIGHT O2 Academy, Birmingham PARTYNEXTDOOR The Institute, Birmingham BUDDY & THE ILLEGAL CRICKETS Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire TORANAGA, D.A.M, SOLITARY, SUICIDE WATCH, BLOODROCTRED & HOTCOPS The Asylum, Birmingham KICK UP THE 80'S The River Rooms, Stourbridge GURDAS MAAN Civic Hall, Wolverhampton ARRON ERSKINE O2 Academy, Birmingham THE BLUE COLLARS The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent THE STRIKE, LOBSTER, SHOOZE, THE UNDERCLASS & ABBI BAKER The Institute, Birmingham JUBILEE CLUB The Institute, Birmingham SYLVIA The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SAXONIZED Route 44, Birmingham

SUN 5 APR RAINOVER, TEMPERANCE, SEVENTH SIN, DIVIDED WE FALL & ROSE AVALON The Roadhouse, B’ham DEFINITELY MIGHT BE AND ADORED The Robin, Bilston JOEY NEGRO Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DJ ALPHA BIRTHDAY BASH The Institute, Birmingham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The River Rooms, Stourbridge BOX OF LIGHT O2 Academy, Birmingham BENNY JACKSON Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham JERU THE DAMAJA The Oobleck, Birmingham

MON 6 APR

BIPOLAR SUNSHINE The Institute, Birmingham SLEEPING WITH SIRENS O2 Academy, B’ham EDGAR BROUGHTON The Robin, Bilston SUPERFOOD The Rainbow Venues, B’ham GHOSTPOET Hare & Hounds, Birmingham GURT, BONG CAULDRON & PIST & CONJURER Scruffy Murphys, B’ham CLARENCE CLARITY Hare & Hounds, Birmingham PIERCE THE VEIL O2 Academy, Birmingham TRASH BOAT, NATHAN DETROIT & MAYCOMB The Flapper, Birmingham GOSPEL CENTRAL The Jam House, B’ham NEW MOTION The Oobleck, Birmingham

THU 9 APR IAN PARKER & HIS BAND The Robin, Bilston BRIBRY & DODIE CLARK O2 Academy, B’ham OBEY THE BRAVE The Oobleck, Birmingham TOSELAND The Asylum, Birmingham RETOX The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SUBURBAN LEGENDS & MC LARS The Rainbow, Birmingham OPHEON, THE FINAL CHAPTER, VEXXEN & THIS MEMORY The Flapper, Birmingham BURY TOMORROW The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent SHALAMAR The Jam House, Birmingham

FRI 10 APR MARILLION WEEKEND UK Civic Hall, Wolverhampton TALON - THE BEST OF EAGLES Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton 4 PARTS GUITAR Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE WOMBATS O2 Academy, Birmingham

The Wombats

ZOAX The Underground, Stoke-on-Trent TUFF LOVE The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham

TUE 7 APR JACK MCNEILL & CHARLIE HEYS Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS The Rainbow Venues, B’ham ZOAX Alfie Bird's, B’ham TOVEY BROTHERS The Jam House, B’ham

SUPERONIT - OASIS TRIBUTE Route 44, B’ham SOLID SOUL The Jam House, Birmingham DREADZONE The Robin, Bilston MARIUS NESET CBSO Centre, Birmingham AARON SNAPES Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE FOOD FIGHTERZ The River Rooms, Stourbridge JUKEBOX JURY & THE DELRAY ROCKETS The Roadhouse, B’ham SHEBREW, MORASS OF MOLASSES, VICTORIAN

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Music LISTINGS For full listing information on gigs, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk WHORE DOGS & RESURRECTION MEN Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham SAMOANS, ENQUIRY, MAYORS OF TORONTO & POCKET APOCALYPSE The Flapper, Birmingham MATTHEW EDWARDS & THE UNFORTUNATES Hare & Hounds, Birmingham QUILL Rose Theatre, Kidderminster CIRCUS JUNKIE REBELS The Sugarmill, Stokeon-Trent DISCHARGE The Underground, Stoke-on-Trent THE ASSIST The Rainbow, Birmingham SAMOANS, ENQUIRY, MAYORS OF TORONTO & POCKET APOCALYPSE The Flapper, Birmingham

SAT 11 APR MARILLION WEEKEND UK Civic Hall, Wolverhampton STOURPORT BRASS BAND Rose Theatre, Kidderminster SOLID SOUL The Jam House, Birmingham HEY BEATLES Crescent Theatre, Birmingham WINTER WILSON Birchmeadow, Broseley, Shropshire T.REXTASY The Robin, Bilston SIMPLE MINDS O2 Academy, Birmingham THE SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ULTIMATE ELTON & THE ROCKET BAND Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire DIZZY LIZZY The Roadhouse, Birmingham FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DENNIS ROLLINS' VELOCITY TRIO Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South

Shropshire SHOWADDYWADDY The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire DRENGE The Institute, Birmingham ANDREW MCCORMACK TRIO WITH JULIAN SIEGEL The Hive, Shrewsbury MEGHAN TRAINOR The Institute, Birmingham PERMAGEDDON The River Rooms, Stourbridge HOT CLUB DE SWING Hare & Hounds, B’ham NATHAN SYKES The Institute, Birmingham HOWL, BEARDMORE & SPIRIT KREEK Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham PURPLE VELVET & ADAM TURNER Hare & Hounds, Birmingham EKKAH The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham DAYLIGHT ROBBERY, LAWLESS & SHYNE Route 44, Birmingham

SUN 12 APR MARILLION WEEKEND UK Civic Hall, Wolverhampton MARIANA SADOVSKA mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham LA VILLA STRANGITO The Robin, Bilston PAUL SIMON & STING Genting Arena, B’ham JIMMY WEBB Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury BALTHAZAR The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham FINLEY QUAYE The Oobleck, Birmingham BEN WALKER & JOSIENNE CLARK Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury NIK TURNER'S SPACE RITUAL The River Rooms, Stourbridge ANGLAGARD The Robin, Bilston BARS AND MELODY O2 Academy, Birmingham WALK OF FAME Kitchen

Balthazar - The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

Garden Cafe, B’ham BURDEN OF THE NOOSE, BOYCOTT THE BAPTIST, SEALCLUBBER & A HORSE CALLED WAR Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

MON 13 APR ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Symphony Hall, Birmingham YOUNG KATO The Rainbow Venues, B’ham MAZ O'CONNOR Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MARK OLSON Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham NORTH SEASONS The Flapper, Birmingham

TUE 14 APR CIRCA WAVES The Institute, Birmingham SKELETONWITCH, GOATWHORE & MORTALS The Oobleck, Birmingham THE GLOWROGUES The Jam House, B’ham NIGHT AT THE MOVIES The Roadhouse, B’ham

WED 15 APR THE SEARCHERS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ANDY IRVINE The Red Lion Folk Club, B’ham LARKIN POE Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BRETT DENNEN The Glee Club, Birmingham PLANES The Rainbow, Birmingham

THU 16 APR BENJAMIN FOLKE THOMAS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham STEVE HOWE The Robin, Bilston DEMORALISER The Oobleck, Birmingham SIGMA The Institute, Birmingham THERAPY? The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham TOSELAND The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent ROO PANES The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham ADAM ANT The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS The Jam House, B’ham ENGRAVED DISILLUSION, WHITE NOISE THEORY, OFFSHORE & DISTANCE

Brett Dennen - Glee Club, Birmingham

TO FALL Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham BENIGHTED, CANCEROUS WOMB & ABHORRENT DECIMATION The Flapper, Birmingham

FRI 17 APR UB40 The Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham THE SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE HOLLIES Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE FORTUNES - PAST & PRESENT Lichfield Garrick, Staffs CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent FRED ZEPPELIN The Roadhouse, B’ham MARC ALMOND Birmingham Town Hall GROUPER The Jam House, Birmingham ANDY WHITE Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham YOUNG KATO The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent DIRT BOX DISCO The Asylum, Birmingham THE MERSEY BEATLES SHOW Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock MAINLY MADNESS The Robin, Bilston THE SHIRES The Institute, Birmingham GHOSTS IN DAYLIGHT Ort Cafe, Birmingham THE LEISURE SOCIETY The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS IS ELVIS The River Rooms, Stourbridge FIRE RED EMPRESS The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton STEREO KICKS O2 Academy, Birmingham BLOOM O2 Academy, Birmingham CALLAGHAN The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham OZZMOSIS Route 44, Birmingham

Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham DIRT The Asylum, Birmingham CHAMPIONS OF ROCK Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE COUNTERFEIT STONES The Robin, Bilston ELKIE BROOKS Lichfield Garrick NADINE SHAH The Rainbow, Birmingham YOUTH MAN The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham JAMES BAY The Institute, Birmingham DAVE SHERIFF Birchmeadow, Broseley, Shropshire BOOTLEG BLONDIE The Roadhouse, B’ham THE MERSEY BEATLES SHOW Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE SKINTS The Institute, Birmingham OZZMOSIS The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton PVRIS O2 Academy, Birmingham VIN GARBUTT Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton NATHAN CARTER The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire NADINE SHAH The Rainbow Venues, B’ham CHRIS TYE Ort Cafe, Birmingham THE DECADES BAND The River Rooms, Stourbridge HORDES, SLOW WORM, FVNERALS & COLOSSLOTH Scruffy Murphys, B’ham GURDAS MAAN Genting Arena, Birmingham

18 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

SUN 19 APR CURVED AIR The Robin, Bilston TEXAS Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Texas

MÁIRE NÍ CHATHASAIGH & CHRIS NEWMAN Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs RAY QUINN Stratford Artshouse GREG RUSSELL & CIARAN ALGAR The Hive, Shrewsbury GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC O2 Academy, Birmingham QUARTZ The River Rooms, Stourbridge STURMTIGER, NNGNN, CHRISTGRINDER & EXQUISITE ENDING Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham XOVA Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DANNI NICHOLLS Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham THE NATURAL EMOTIONS The Roadhouse, B’ham THE XCERTS The Rainbow, Birmingham Birmingham

MON 20 APR

SAT 18 APR GROUPER The Jam House, Birmingham UFO Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton BEYOND THE BARRICADE

LIANS, SUNSHINE FRISBEE LASERBEAM, SWAMPMEAT FAMILY BAND, THREADS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ESTABLISHMENT, THEIR SOULS ARE GOLD & TIDES APART SEASONS The Institute, Birmingham BOGUS BLOOZE Route 44, Birmingham

Gurdas Maan

THEM WOLVES, BLACK MEKON, THE CASTIL-

BEN HOWARD The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham KRIS DREVER & BOO HEWERDINE Hare & Hounds, Birmingham STORMZY The Institute, Birmingham NAI HARVEST The Oobleck, Birmingham CROOKED HOUSE Cres-

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cent Theatre, B’ham GIRL FRIEND The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham CALLAGHAN Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

TUE 21 APR THE LIFE & MUSIC OF JIM REEVES Solihull Arts Complex PRONG O2 Academy, Birmingham POLAR BEAR Hare & Hounds, Birmingham KYSHERA, BROKEN CHORDS & GOODING The Robin, Bilston THE SWELLERS The Rainbow Venues, B’ham THE BLATHERSKITES & CHARLIE AND THE FUNK FACTORY The Jam House, Birmingham VALOUR, IMPURITAS, MONASTRIES & MERCILESS TIDE Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

WED 22 APR BEN POOLE The Robin, Bilston WHILE SHE SLEEPS & CANCER BATS The Institute, Birmingham ENCHANTE The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham ECHOSMITH O2 Academy, Birmingham BLUE ROSE CODE Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury SKINNY LISTER The Rainbow Venues, B’ham SASHA MCVEIGH & SONIA LEIGH Hare & Hounds, Birmingham PATSY FULLER & THE REVELATORS The Jam House, Birmingham POLAR The Underground, Stoke-on-Trent

CONCERT Forest Arts Centre, Walsall THE SMYTHS O2 Academy, Birmingham DEREK RYAN Irish Centre, Birmingham SUE RICHARDSON Birchmeadow, Broseley, Shropshire TRU GROOVE The Jam House, Birmingham THE BUDDY PRESLEY SHOW The Roadhouse, Birmingham THE EARLY NOVEMBER The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton INTO THE SHADOWS Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire YAMATO DRUMMERS Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent RALEIGH RITCHIE The Institute, Birmingham THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, THE RED PAINTINGS, AMONG THE ECHOES & THE DEAD BETAS The Institute, Birmingham NUALA HONAN & BETH PORTER Ort Cafe, B’ham THE 80'S HERE & NOW The River Rooms, Stourbridge SWAMP DELTA O2 Academy, Birmingham HOWL The Flapper, Birmingham BUFFALO SUMMER The Oobleck, Birmingham WRETCHED SOUL, ERADIKATOR, INVASIVE & KILLER HURTS Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham ALAN BENZIE TRIO Symphony Hall, Birmingham MAHALIA The Rainbow, Birmingham BELLA HARDY mac - Midlands Art Centre, B’ham

THU 23 APR THAT'LL BE THE DAY Stafford Gatehouse Theatre NAJMA AKHTAR Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham QUILL Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury STATUS QUO Civic Hall, Wolverhampton FIVE The Institute, Birmingham DONA OXFORD The Jam House, Birmingham THE BLUES BAND New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme RENAISSANCE The Robin, Bilston AMPLIFIER The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton TOM WILLIAMS Ort Cafe, Birmingham MERCILESS TIDE O2 Academy, Birmingham WILL BUTLER The Institute, Birmingham STEALING SHEEP The Rainbow, Birmingham DON’T TOUCH THE WALLS Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

FRI 24 APR THAT'LL BE THE DAY Stafford Gatehouse Theatre GERRY MCAVOY'S BAND OF FRIENDS The Robin, Bilston THE STAFFORDSHIRE BAND - ST GEORGE'S DAY

Bella Hardy

DURAN Route 44, B’ham

SAT 25 APR TRU GROOVE The Jam House, Birmingham SERPENTYNE The Hive, Shrewsbury THE 80'S HERE & NOW The River Rooms, Stourbridge INTO THE SHADOWS Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth HOT WAXX The Institute, Birmingham NOAH STEWART Birmingham Town Hall LOVEBITE O2 Academy, Birmingham YO! & KEIRON BOOTH Hare & Hounds, B’ham ROCK 'N' ROLL PARADISE Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent DRUM GOT SOUL FEATURING OMAR The Drum, Birmingham YEALLOW, NATIVE WRECK, MYTH CITY, LIGHT THE SKIES, BESIDE ALL HOPE & HIVE O2 Academy,

Birmingham MANIFEST The Drum, Birmingham THE JAR FAMILY Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs SCOPYONS & RECKLESS HEART The Roadhouse, Birmingham NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE ROAD TO BLISSFIELDS 2015 The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent THE CRUXSHADOWS The Institute, Birmingham CRACKED ACTORS The Custard Factory, Birmingham THE BLUES BAND Festival Drayton Centre, North Shropshire ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire VON HERTZEN BROTHERS The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton KWABS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham QUERCUS Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton JOHN MCCULLAGH & THE ESCORTS Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton THE MIGHTY WRAITH, CHEMKILL, TOLEDO STEEL, NEVERSTAR, HIDDEN & GEE HARLIQUIN Scruffy Murphys, B’ham JUKEBOX AND BOBBYSOX Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC ROCK DISCO Route 44, Birmingham

Laura Marling - The Institute, Birmingham

TUE 28 APR OLLY MURS The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham

KARMA TO BURN The Oobleck, Birmingham HEIDI BROWNE Festival Drayton Centre, Shropshire PORTICO Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

WED 29 APR

Photo by Yu Tsai

CHRIS MURRAY Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THEORY OF A DEADMAN The Institute, B’ham THE KILKENNYS Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock

MAN OVERBOARD The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE SANDY DENNY SONGBOOK Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham SEASICK STEVE Civic Hall, Wolverhampton DAMAGE O2 Academy, Birmingham JULIE FELIX The Red Lion Folk Club, B’ham GIRLS WITH GUITARS The Robin, Bilston BLAIR DUNLOP & EMMA

STEVENS The Glee Club, Birmingham CC SMUGGLERS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham EMILIA MARTENSSON Hare & Hounds, B’ham

THU 30 APR HIGHER ON MAIDEN & SAXONISED The Robin, Bilston DEL CAMINO The Jam House, Birmingham CALABRESE The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton OUR LAST NIGHT The Oobleck, Birmingham DANGEROUS GIRLS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE LOST NOTES, SMALL CHANGES & KATE BARRY The Roadhouse, Birmingham

SUN 26 APR NICK HARPER Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury OLLY MURS The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham JACK JONES Birmingham Town Hall SIMON GOODALL PERFORMS THE CLIFF RICHARD SONGBOOK Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ZERVAS & PEPPER The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham SHAWN SMITH Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE INTERRUPTERS O2 Academy, Birmingham GREN BARTLEY Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham SYMMETRY O2 Academy, Birmingham WALSALL JAZZ ORCHESTRA Symphony Hall, Birmingham

MON 27 APR OLLY MURS The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham MIKE & THE MECHANICS Symphony Hall, B’ham LADY SINGS THE BLUES New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme MOON DUO Hare & Hounds, Birmingham PURITY RING The Institute, Birmingham PALMA VIOLETS The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent LAURA MARLING The Institute, Birmingham TELLISON The Rainbow, Birmingham

Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands Birmingham

Black Country

Staffordshire

02 ACADEMY 0121 622 8250 THE ACTRESS & BISHOP 0121 236 7426 ADRIAN BOULT HALL 0121 331 5901 THE ASYLUM 0121 233 1109 BARCLAYCARD ARENA 0121 780 4141 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0121 780 3333 CBSO CENTRE 0121 780 3333 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 GENTING ARENA 0121 780 4141 THE GLEE CLUB 0871 472 0400 HARE & HOUNDS 0121 444 2081 THE INSTITUTE 0121 643 0428 IRISH CENTRE 0121 622 2314 THE JAM HOUSE 0121 200 3030 THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE 0121 443 4725 THE RAINBOW 0121 772 8174 RED LION FOLK CLUB 0121472 4253 THE ROADHOUSE 0121 246 2273 ROUTE 44 0121 708 0108 SYMPHONY HALL 0121 780 3333 THE VICTORIA 0121 633 9439

CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 815577 FOREST ARTS CENTRE 0845 111 2898 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01902 572090 ROBIN 2, BILSTON 01902 401211 SLADE ROOMS WOLVERHAMPTON

FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK 01538 386112 LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 01543 262223 THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY STOKE-ON-TRENT 01159 454 593 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS 01827 709618 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY 0870 060 6649

0870 320 7000

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE

STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL 01384 812812 WULFRUN HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON

Warwickshire

01785 254653

0870 320 7000

THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 01926 311311

Shropshire

THE KASBAH, COVENTRY 024 7655 4473

BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 01952 882210 THE BUTTERMARKET, SHREWSBURY 01743 355055 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, MUCH WENLOCK 01952 728911 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE SHREWSBURY 01743 361666 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 01743 234970 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS 01584 878141 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD 01952 382382 WEM TOWN HALL 01939 232299

NAILCOTE HALL, BERKSWELL 02476 46 6174 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL 01789 207100 THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, COVENTRY 0247 655 9958

Worcestershire ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN THEATRE 01905 611427 MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER 01905 613336 THE RIVER ROOMS, STOURBRIDGE 01384 397177 For additional information and to find out What’s On at these venues.

Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Classical Music PREVIEWS

English Touring Opera Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 13 - Tues 14 April

English Touring Opera travels to more regions and plays more venues than any other English opera company, presenting as many as one hundred-and-ten performances every year. The company’s stated aim is to make opera accessible to everyone. It achieves this not only via its varied repertoire of professional productions but also through an ambitious outreach programme that comprises an average of one hundred-and-seventy workshops and performances each year, ranging from fullscale community operas to intimate performances in care facilities.

This month, the company returns to the Midlands to present a new production of Puccini’s La Boheme - a masterpiece featuring Ilona Domnich as Mimì and David Butt Philip as Rodolfo and a revival of Donizetti’s The Siege Of Callais - a tale of heroism in the face of defeat.

Alison Balsom

London Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Alison Balsom Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 21 April

Regarded as one of ‘the most distinctive and groundbreaking musicians on the international circuit today’, Hertfordshire-born trumpet soloist Alison Balsom this month joins the esteemed London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) for an evening of American-influenced music.

A Classic BRIT recipient and three-time winner at the Echo Klassik Awards, Alison studied trumpet at the Paris Conservatoire and is currently a fellow at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her career to date has seen her perform with some of the world’s greatest conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Sir Andrew Davis and Sir Roger Norrington.

Under the direction of conductor Marios Papadopoulos, Alison here accompanies the LPO in Bramwell Tovey’s Songs Of The Paradise Saloon for trumpet and orchestra. Praised for its evocation of the ‘atmosphere and characters found in a turn-of-the-century American dive bar’, the piece is adapted from Tovey’s opera, The Inventor, which is based on the real-life story of a nineteenth-century con artist.

The concert also features Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and Dvorak’s Symphony No.9 (From The New World).

Vienna Piano Trio Henderson Hall, Moor Park, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Sat 25 April

Comprising Stefan Mendi (piano), Matthias Gredler (cello) and Bogdan Bozovic (violin), the Vienna Piano Trio formed in 1988 and has since toured extensively across Europe, the Americas, Australia and the Far East. Usually associated with the repertoire of composers closely associated with Austria, the trio this month make a welcome return to south Shropshire to perform the following: Mozart’s Piano Trio in C major, K.548; Turina’s Piano Trio No.1, Op.35; and Schumann’s Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, Op.63.

image from ETO’s Donizetti’s The Siege Of Callais

Ensemble 360 Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School, Sun 19 April

Greg Skidmore

Ex Cathedra: Good Friday St Matthew Passion Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 3 April

A favourite at Easter, Bach’s moving retelling of Christ’s betrayal and death is one of classical music’s most profound experiences. Sung in German with English surtitles, St John Passion is here performed by the Ex Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra. Under the direction of conductor Jeffrey Skidmore and featuring Jeremy Budd (Evangelist), Greg Skidmore (Jesus) and James Geidt (Pilate), the much-celebrated early music ensemble present a new approach to the composer’s piercingly beautiful work.

20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

With a fast-growing reputation for its ability to engage with different audiences and age groups, Ensemble 360 comprises eleven musicians of international standing who share the belief that concerts should be informal, friendly, relaxed and, where possible, performed ‘in the round’.

This evening concert sees the ensemble present three of Mozart’s most well-known works: Flute Quartet in D, written for Dutch surgeon and amateur flautist Ferdinand de Jean; Piano Quartet in A, Op81, his mysterious Adagio for Cor Anglais; and the Adagio & Rondo in C - the last piece of chamber music written by the composer prior to his untimely death in 1791.

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Classical LISTINGS For full listing information on classical concerts, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST MATTHEW PASSION Ex Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra.

Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Jeremy Budd (Evangelist), Greg Skidmore (Jesus) & James Geidt (Pilate).

Programme includes JS Bach - St Matthew Passion 180', Fri 3 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham G4 THE REUNION TOUR Sun 5 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall RIGOLETTO Opera and Ballet International present Verdi's tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge & sacrifice.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Wed 8 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera and Ballet International present Puccini's heart-breaking and dramatic story. Korean soprano Elena Dee and Japanese soprano Miki Mori star, Thurs 9 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent CBSO BAROQUE ENSEMBLE Programme includes works by Purcell, Locke & Matteis, Fri 10 Apr, CBSO Centre, Birmingham MICHAEL BALL: IF EVERYONE WAS LISTENING TOUR Sun 12 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CARDUCCI: II JOURNEY TO ENLIGHTENMENT Programme includes works

by Haydn, Schostakovich & Beethoven, Sun 12 Apr, Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School MICHAEL PETROV & ASHLEY FRIPP Mon 13 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall THOMAS TROTTER: BELLS AND WHISTLES Programme includes works

by J S Bach, Byrd,

Coates, Vierne, Ketelbey & Bonnal, Mon 13 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall LA BOHEME English Touring Opera present a new production of Puccini's romantic opera. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Mon 13 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE SIEGE OF CALAIS English Touring Opera present Donizetti's opera in three acts which tells the story of the citizens of Calais who offer up their lives to save their city from the besieging English army. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Tues 14 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre HMS PINAFORE Trinity Operatic Society present an amateur staging of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera, Wed 15 Fri 17 Apr, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton CBSO MENDELSSOHN'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Programme includes Mendelssohn’s The Fair Melusina Overture, Serenade and Allegro Giojoso, Piano Concerto No 1 & Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Thurs 16 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO MENDELSSOHN'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Programme includes Mendelssohn’s The Fair Melusina Overture, Serenade and Allegro Giojoso, Piano Concerto No 1 & Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sat 18 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CANOLDIR 49TH ANNUAL CONCERT Sat 18 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall ENSEMBLE 360 Programme includes works

Carducci Quartet - Shrewsbury School

by Mozart & Dvorak, Sun 19 Apr, Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School BORODIN QUARTET Programme includes works

by Shostakovich & Beethoven, Tues 21 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall APRIL SINGS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER From the moving contemplation of Barber's Adagio for Strings to the final high spirits of Copland's Appalachian Spring, this concert encompasses some of the greatest American music of the 20th century. Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan. Programme includes works by; Barber, Adams, Barber, Gershwin & Copland, Wed 22 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall CBSO ELGAR'S CELLO CONCERTO Programme includes works by Elgar, Bridge & Tippett, Thurs 23 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CZECH PHILHARMONIC PERFORM MAHLER Programme includes works

by Bruch & Mahler, Fri 24 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO CENTRE Featuring Zoë Beyers & Elizabeth Golding (violins), Amy Fawcett & Myriam

Guillaume (violas) & Kate Setterfield & Corinne Frost (cellos), Fri 24 Apr, CBSO Centre, Birmingham BCMG: THE MIRACLE OF THE ROSE Programme includes works by Stravinsky, Perle & Henze, Sat 25 Apr, CBSO Centre, Birmingham VIENNA PIANO TRIO Programme includes works

by Mozart, Turina and Schumann, Sat 25 Apr, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Shropshire BIRMINGHAM ST GEORGE’S DAY ANNUAL

CONCERT Featuring Bewdley Concert Band, Birmingham Icknield, Cradley, Solihull, Newport, Hadley & District & Gentlemen Songster Choirs, Sat 25 Apr, Symphony Hall, B’ham NOAH STEWART Concert featuring some of opera’s most celebrated arias, Sat 25 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall CBSO FAMILY CONCERT: BITE-SIZE CLASSICS II Sun 26 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT FEATURING TOM WINPENNY Mon 27 Apr,

Birmingham Town Hall BLAKE Wed 29 Apr, Lichfield Garrick, Staffs CBSO: SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE Featuring Nikolai Znaider (conductor) & Jian Wang (cello). Programme includes works by Dvorak & Berlioz, Wed 29 Thurs 30 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham PIRATES OF PENZANCE Tinkers Farm Opera present a modern interpretation of Gilbert & Sullivan's operatic masterpiece, Wed 29 April Sat 2 May, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

Blake Lichfield Garrick

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21

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Comedy Comedy Box Office

Matt Forde Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 2 April; The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 10 April

Nottingham-born Forde is this month returning to the Midlands with a show that brings together topical stand-up and political debate (Forde is a one-time political advisor to the Labour Party). “I’ve been lucky enough to be joined in the show by some of the most colourful characters in politics,” he says, “including Nigel Farage, Alistair Campbell and Michael Fabricant.” Away from the spotlight of live stand-up, Matt writes gags for shows like Russell Howard’s Good News, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Stand-Up For The Week. He also hosts talkSPORT radio show Extra Time.

Shappi Khorsandi The Place, Telford, Fri 10 April

Iranian-born comedian Shappi found herself living in the UK after her father, the poet and satirist Hadi Khorsandi, wrote a poem that was perceived as being critical of Iran’s revolutionary regime. Shappi’s a regular contributor both to radio and television programmes, with credits including Loose Ends, You And Yours, Midweek, Just A Minute, The Now Show, The News Quiz and Have I Got News For You. She’s also the author of the best-selling A Beginner’s Guide To Acting English.

Lee Nelson Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 4 April; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Sun 5 April

Lee Nelson is the hugely popular creation of former medical doctor Simon Brodkin. After years of wearing cheap bling and drinking Stella like it's going out of fashion, Nelson is now moving up in the world, with Brodkin deciding to ‘suit and boot’ the character for this latest tour. Nelson is joined in the show by various other Brodkin alter-egos, including pitch-invading Premier League footballer Jason Bent, bigoted pastor Daniel Doolay and unhinged club rep Chris Young from Kicking Off In Kavos.

Speaking about the experience of touring a show, South London geezer Lee said: “There’s no bigger buzz in the world than turning up in a new city, making two thousand people laugh and then sleeping with about five of them afterwards. The only downside’s Chlamydia.”

Andy Parsons Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Mon 23 April; Theatre Hafren, Powys, Tues 24 April

With complimentary reviews (sort of) including such observations as ‘what he lacks in hair, he more than makes up for in originality’, Andy Parsons is a sharp and topical comedian who's well known from TV shows such as BBC's Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo. Jokes include: “Combined bus and cycle lanes - what a crap idea that is! It’d be like having a path in the jungle for walkers and lions.”

22 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Milton Jones Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 16 April; Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 17 April

With a style of humour that’s mainly based around puns and oneliners, Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. Not only a comedian but also a writer and actor, his stand-up bears testimony to his cutting-edge wit, not to mention his taste for the surreal and the nonsensical.

ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0121 780 3333 THE BEAR PIT, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01789 403416 CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD 01432 340555 THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM 0121 333 2444 DRUMMONDS BAR, WORCESTER 01905 28190 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, MUCH WENLOCK, SOUTH SHROPSHIRE 01952 728911 EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE, WORCESTERSHIRE 01386 446944 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK, STAFFS 01538 386112 THE GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 0871 4720400 HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM 0844 844 0044 HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER, 01905 611427 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS, SOUTH SHROPSHIRE 01584 878141 MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 OAKENGATES THEATRE, TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE 01952 382382 PALACE THEATRE, REDDITCH 01527 65203 PLAYERS BAR, BIRMINGHAM 0121 643 6871 THE ROSES THEATRE TEWKESBURY 01684 295074 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01926 334418 SHOWCASE, COVENTRY 0871 220 1000 THE SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962 STRATFORD ARTSHOUSE 01789 207100 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 02476 524524 WULFRUN HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000

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Comedy LISTINGS For full listing information on comedy gigs including times and dates visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk JETHRO Wed 1 Apr, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Staffs MATT FORDE Thurs 2 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre IVAN BRACKENBURY, IAN D. MONTFORT, JOSH PUGH, LUCY THOMPSON & ANDY KIND Thurs 2 Apr, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs 2 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall HAL CRUTTENDEN, JOHN RYAN, NIGEL NEEDHAM & PETE OTWAY Thurs 2 Apr, The George Hotel, Lichfield IVO GRAHAM, IAN COPPINGER, ANDY ROBINSON & COMEDY CAROUSEL Thurs 2 - Sat 4 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham SLIM, DANA MICHELLE ALEXANDER & REM CONWAY Fri 3 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham ALL ACTS TBC Fri 3 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham IVO GRAHAM, IAN COPPINGER, MATT RICHARDSON & ROMESH RANGANATHAN Fri 3 - Sat 4 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham LEE NELSON Sat 4 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre JOHN LYNN, JOHN FOTHERGILL, MICHAEL FABBRI & WAYNE DEAKIN Sat 4 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham DAVE HADINGHAM, CHRIS TURNER, STEVE GRIBBIN & BRYAN LACEY Sat 4 Apr, Players Bar, Birmingham

LEE NELSON Sun 5 Apr, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, ALICE FRICK, MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 8 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham ANDREW LAWRENCE Thurs 9 Apr, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ADAM BLOOM & ANDY ROBINSON WITH COMEDY CAROUSEL & COMIC TBC Thurs 9 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham ADAM KAY, JAMES, DOWDESWELL & DAVID MORGAN Thurs 9 Apr, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham GARY DELANEY Thurs 9 Apr, Crewe Lyceum PATRICK MONAHAN Thurs 9 - Fri 10 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham RAY PEACOCK Fri 10 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MATT FORDE Fri 10 Apr, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton SHAPPI KHORSANDI Fri 10 Apr, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire DAVE JOHNS, MARK NELSON, KEVIN GILDA & JIM SMALLMAN Fri 10 Sat 11 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham ADAM BLOOM, MAFF BROWN & ERIC LALOR Fri 10 - Sat 11 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, DAVID TRENT, DANA ALEXANDER & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Sat 11 Apr,

Jo Caulfield - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Players Bar, Birmingham LOUDEEMY SOUP COMEDY NIGHT Mon 13 Apr, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham JULIET MEYERS & AARON TWITCHEN Mon 13 Apr, Old Joint Stock Pub, Birmingham DAN NIGHTINGALE, BRENNAN REECE, GARETH BERLINER, HARRIET DYER & COMIC TBC Tues 14 Apr, Rose Villa Tavern, Birmingham MILTON JONES Thurs 16 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent DYLAN MORAN Thurs 16 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DAN NIGHTINGALE, LIAM WILLIAMS WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMEDY CAROUSEL Thurs 16 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham MILTON JONES Fri 17 Apr, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton BOBBY MAIR, ANGELA BARNES, MARK CRAM & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 17 Apr, Lichfield Garrick COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Fri 17 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham DIANE SPENCER, JUNIOR SIMPSON, ANDY ASKINS & RAYMOND AND MR TIMPKINS REVUE Fri 17 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham DAN NIGHTINGALE, LIAM WILLIAMS, LLOYD LANGFORD & SEAN PERCIVAL Fri 17 - Sat 18 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham PETE TECKMAN, HANNAH SILVESTER, JOSH PUGH & JIMMY FRINTON Sat 18 Apr, The Hollybush, Cradley Heath, Dudley DIANE SPENCER, JUNIOR SIMPSON, ANDY ASKINS & GEORGE EGG Sat 18 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham MICKEY D Sat 18 Apr, mac, Birmingham ANDY WHITE Sat 18 Apr, mac, Birmingham LOL COMEDY CLUB WITH MC DAMION LARKIN Sat 18 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JOHN LYNN, BRENNAN REECE, ZOE LYONS & ED GAMBLE Sat 18 Apr, Players Bar, Birmingham LEE NELSON Sun 19 Apr, Crewe Lyceum KEVIN BRIDGES - WORK IN PROGRESS Sun 19 Apr, The Courtyard, Hereford TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 20 Apr, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham TIM VINE Wed 22 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DARA O'BRIAIN Wed 22 Thurs 23 Apr, De Montfort Hall, Leicester ANDY PARSONS Thurs 23 Apr, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton SUSAN CALMAN Thurs 23 Apr, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Shrops GAVIN WEBSTER, JONNY

Ray Peacock - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

AWSUM WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMEDY CAROUSEL Thurs 23 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham GAVIN WEBSTER, JONNY AWSUM, JOE LYCETT & KATIE MULGREW Fri 24 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham STEWART FRANCIS Fri 24 Apr, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton ANDY PARSONS Fri 24 Apr, Theatr Hafren, Powys COMEDY IN THE MET LINE UP TBC Fri 24 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre BRYAN LACEY, OTIZ

CANNELLONI, CHRIS WALKER & RORY O'HANLON Fri 24 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham COLE PARKER, ANTHONY KING, SMURF DOCKER, TOMAS AHLBECK & ARCHIE MADDOCKS Fri 24 Apr, National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent GAVIN WEBSTER, JONNY AWSUM, JOE LYCETT & DAVID WHITNEY Sat 25 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham BRYAN LACEY, OTIZ CANNELLONI & CHRIS WALKER Sat 25 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy

Club, Birmingham MATT REED, BARRY DODDS, CHRIS WASHINGTON & ANDREW BIRD Sat 25 Apr, Players Bar, Birmingham DYLAN MORAN Thurs 30 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CHRISTIAN O'CONNELL Thurs 30 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham JO CAULFIELD Thurs 30 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury MARLON DAVIS, ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 30 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham

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Theatre

The Bodyguard

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 21 April - Sat 2 May; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 19 - Sat 30 May

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke (Wolverhampton) and Pop Idol contestant Zoe Birkett (Stoke) take turns in playing principal character Rachel Marron in this touring production of the blockbuster West End musical.

When ex-Secret Service agent Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel from an unknown stalker, sparks soon fly between the pair. Each expects to hold the whip-hand in the relationship; neither expects to fall in love...

Based on the hit 1990s movie starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the show features classic numbers including One Moment In Time, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the legendary I Will Always Love You. The show received mixed reviews from critics when it opened in 2012 but has proved to be a real hit with its audiences so much so, in fact, that productions are now planned for Broadway, Australia, Germany and the Far East to further extend its considerable fanbase. Read the interview with Alexandra Burke on page 6.

Rebecca The Rep, Birmingham, Mon 27 April - Sat 2 May

The always splendid Kneehigh Theatre here make a welcome return to Birmingham to present a brand new production of Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall-set masterpiece.

The new Mrs Maxim de Winter feels threatened by the memories of her husband’s first wife, the glamorous and nowdeceased Rebecca. But when her jealousy prompts her to uncover the secrets of the house in which she is now the mistress, she soon comes to realise that all is not quite what it seems... Read our interview with Daphne du Maurier’s son, Kit, online at whatsonlive.co.uk

Blood Brothers Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 20 - Sat 25 April Filled with all of Willy Russell’s usual astute observations about the British class system, Blood Brothers is best described as a play with music. The story of twins separated at birth who spend their lives in contrasting social circumstances but are inextricably drawn together, it has none of the trite sentimentality that typifies a lot of Russell’s work and is, in fact, incredibly moving and funny. If you haven't seen it before, check it out. If you have, you'll no doubt be going to see it again anyway!

This particular production stars Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone. Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow narrates.

Photo credit: Steve Tanner

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25

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Wed 15 April, 7.30pm Little Cauliflower Theatre

Sat 18 April, 3pm & 7.30pm

Sat 2 May, 7.30pm

European Art Company

The Picture of Dorian Gray Set in a decadent world of Victorian London, a beautiful, narcissistic, young man called Dorian Blood and bats.infatuated Garlic andbygore.

Gray becomes the exquisite Lunatics andBasil flies.Hallward Sexy ladyhas vampires. portrait that painted of him.

Coffins, crypts and the Count He makes a Faustian pact thathimself. he will remain They're all here in this brand-new forever young while the picture grows old. adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic pot-boiler...

Cell After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Ted goes on the trip of a lifetime...and so does his pet fish.

As the disease starts to cause his mobility to degenerate, Ted rushes to experience a world outside his comfort zone; from the markets of Lille to the romance of Venice.

Humorous, heart-warming and uplifting, CELL features charming puppetry, physical theatre and an original musical score to tell the story of one man’s final adventure.

Tickets: £10/£8 concs

26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Freshold Theatre

Collidoscope When an unexpected tragedy has everyone talking about funerals and finger food, Anna seeks escape by becoming her idol, the 1930s Hollywood bombshell Madeleine Carroll.y.

Tickets: £10/£8 concs/£5 mats

Tickets: £10/£8 concs

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Theatre PREVIEWS The Ghost Train Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 7 - Sat 11 April

To generations of fans, Arnold Ridley is best remembered as Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army. But decades before he joined Captain Mainwaring and the Home Guard, Ridley penned this classic comedy thriller about a group of travellers stranded in the waiting room of an isolated railway station on a dark and stormy night. Their plight isn’t helped by the station master’s spinetingling warning that death will claim anyone who sets eyes on the ghostly train that haunts the line.

Hi-de-Hi!’s Jeffrey Holland top-bills alongside his real-life wife, Judy Buxton.

The Producers New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 20 - Sat 25 April

Cell Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 15 April; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 17 April

Smoking Apples and Little Cauliflower are the companies behind this thoughtful exploration of one man’s experience of living with motor neurone disease.

When Ted is diagnosed with MND, he determines to embark on the trip of a lifetime and takes his pet fish along with him.

Smoking Apples and Little Cauliflower both specialise in visual storytelling and here present Ted’s story via the use of a puppet.

“Different members of the team looked at different aspects of MND,” explains Matthew Lloyd, co-artistic director at Smoking Apples.

“I went to Putney and spoke to Helen Patterson, a speech and language therapist who works with people living with the condition.

That experience, plus speaking to and skyping people living with MND, was a revelation.

It meant we were able to give the puppet a range of movements which were as true as possible to the symptoms of the disease.

Jason Manford and Phil Jupitus are among the big-name stars heading up the cast in this latest touring version of Mel Brooks’ hit Broadway musical.

When down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock and his hapless accountant Leo Bloom stage a theatrical show called Springtime For Hitler, they’re assuming it will be a great big flop, leaving the two of them to share out all the money they’ve raised to mount the production. Sadly for Max and Leo, things don’t turn out quite as they’d expected...

“I’m basically Judy Garland - that’s who Leo Bloom is,” explains Jason Manford about his character. “He’s brand new to showbusiness and is having his eyes opened very quickly to a lot of things he’s never experienced before. My favourite line of his is, “Stop the world, I want to get on”. It’s a really big moment for him, and you could just imagine a young Judy Garland saying it off camera, with a little glint in her eye...”

Louie Spence, David Bedella and Cory English also star.

The Ladykillers

Feed The Beast

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 10 April - Sat 2 May

The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 16 April - Sat 2 May

This classic black comedy may be best known as a 1950s Ealing film, but its stage adaptation has nonetheless garnered plenty of praise too, enjoying a sell-out season in the London West End. For those unfamiliar with the legendary Alec Guinness film, it tells the story of a sweet old lady, alone in her house, who finds herself pitted against a gang of criminal misfits intent on pulling off a brilliantly conceived heist... This new adaptation is brought to the stage by the New Vic and Hull Truck Theatre.

Award-winning Sherlock and Doctor Who writer Stephen Thompson is the man behind this brand new political comedy. It focuses on the character of Michael, who, as the newly elected Prime Minister, is determined to avoid all media charm offensives in favour of concentrating on the real business of making the world a better place. Trouble is, his family’s private life looks set to be the next big story. And when Michael is advised by a press secretary to “feed the beast before it turns on you”, he finds himself wondering whether his lofty principles are set to take a serious tumble...

The Picture Of Dorian Gray Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 18 April

Back Down Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Wed 1 April; Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 17 April

The author of this brand new coming-of-age play is Steven Camden, otherwise known as award-winning performance poet Polarbear.

It tells the story of three pals who decide to enjoy one final adventure together before one of them heads off to university. The adventure in question involves conquering Snowdon, an endeavour that sees them having to confront not only the challenges posed by the mountain but also the real reason they needed to make the trip... A Birmingham Repertory Theatre production presented in association with Roundhouse.

The highly rated European Arts Company celebrate the one hundred-and-twenty-fifth anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s one and only novel with this brand new adaptation.

In the decadent world of Victorian London, the beautiful Dorian Gray is painted in oil by the artist Basil Hallward, who then introduces the young man to Lord Henry Wotton.

Impressed by the aristocrat’s hedonism, Dorian enters into a Faustian pact which allows him to remain young while his painting grows old. But as he engages in a life of amoral experiences, every one of his soulcorrupting sins is recorded in his ageing portrait...

This new stage version has been adapted by John O'Connor and Oscar Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27

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Fri 8th May

AN EVENING WITH GERVASE PHINN Time: 7.30pm

Thurs 14th May

DEREK RYAN Time: 7.30pm

Sat 16th May

TREE FU TOM Time: 1.00pm and 3.30pm

Fri 22nd May

80’S MANIA Time: 7.30pm

Wed 27th May

THE DEMON BARBERS XL Time: 7.30pm

Thurs 28th May

DOMINIC KIRWAN AND MARY DUFF Time: 7.30pm

Fri 29th May

SEX IN SUBURBIA Time: 7.30pm

Sat 30th May

CHOIR WITH BRASS CHARITY CONCERT Time: 7.30pm

Wed 3rd June

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Time: 7.30pm

TWC GP 00944

28 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre PREVIEWS Satin ’n’ Steel Lichfield Garrick, Tues 21 - Sat 25 April

“I'm delighted Satin ’n’ Steel is embarking on its first British tour,” says its author, Nottingham playwright Amanda Whittington. “It’s ten years since the first production, but the themes of the play are still relevant, perhaps more so in times of austerity. I've made a few changes to bring the story right up to date, and it’s been great to revisit the characters and think about where they are now. I'm looking forward to seeing how audiences around the country react to them.”

When a karaoke competition brings together seasoned pro Vince Steel and talented beginner Teena White, the all-singing, alldancing Satin ’n’ Steel are born. But with success on the horizon and love blossoming between the talented duo, a guilty secret threatens their designs on superstardom...

Hit songs include Daydream Believer, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Time After Time, I Will Survive and Johnny B Goode.

Dirty Dancing Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 30 April - Sat 23 May

Seen by millions across the globe, Eleanor Bergstein's worldwide smash-hit musical tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together for what will prove to be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Hit numbers include Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life. If you've not seen the show before, it's well worth checking out - its celebrity fans include Sir Ian McKellen, Judy Dench, Emma Forbes, Naomi Campbell, Alan Shearer, Graham Norton and Joanna Lumley, to name but a few. So if you enjoy the show, you'll certainly be in exalted company!

Rattle Of A Simple Man Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 April

This revival of Charles Dyer’s Rattle Of A Simple Man should make for an interesting experience, given that numerous past productions of the 1960s comedy have been criticised for failing to update the story effectively enough.

Dyer’s writing certainly has an old-fashioned feel to it, but there’s nonetheless plenty to enjoy in this story of a northern football supporter whose weekend in the capital ends up including an encounter with a prostitute.

Presented by Opus Theatre.

And This Is My Friend Mr Laurel Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 9 April

“I loved the way Olly thought he was smarter than Stan when in fact he was far more stupid,” says Jeffrey Holland. “It always made me laugh.”

Hi-de-Hi favourite Jeffrey is here starring as the legendary Stan Laurel in a one-man show which he’s co-written with award-winning playwright Gail Louw. A loving homage to one of the twentieth century’s greatest comedy duos, the production has received plenty of positive reviews since making its debut last year. Set in Olly’s bedroom, it finds Stan

visiting his sick friend and recalling their glory days together on the silver screen.

“Stan and Olly became my friends metaphorically speaking, of course,” continues the Walsall-born Jeff, recalling his childhood days. “I always looked forward to Laurel and Hardy films. If there wasn’t one, I was bereft!”

Dirty Dusting The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Fri 24 April; Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 30 April

When overzealous office manager Dave decides to put his cleaners, Gladys, Elsie and Olive, out to pasture, the three women wonder how they’re ever going to make ends meet. Until, that is, they have the brilliant idea of setting up The Telephone Belles - ‘a dirty sex chatline that really cleans up’!

Benidorm favourite Crissy Rock stars.

Dalloway Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 17 April

Rebecca Vaughan here stars in a compelling work of theatre that offers a feminine response to the aftermath of the First World War. Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and memories focuses on high-society woman Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares a party in Westminster. The year is 1923, and as Clarissa goes about her business on a hot blue day in June, a man named Septimus Smith is diagnosed with shell-shock. As the day proceeds, the memories and dreams of Clarissa and Septimus magically intertwine with those of fifteen other disparate souls, conjuring the hopes and regrets of middle and upper-class London some five years after the end of the war.

Disney On Ice Presents Magical Ice Festival Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 1 - Sun 5 April

Get your skates on and reserve your seats as Mickey and Minnie Mouse host the on-ice stories of princesses Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle. As an extra-special treat, Magical Ice Festival also boasts an appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit movie, Frozen!.

“In our more than thirty years of producing Disney On Ice shows, we’ve been waiting for a film like Frozen!,” says Feld Entertainment producer Nicole Feld. “The most exciting part of bringing characters like Anna and Elsa to the ice for the first time is knowing that they have a powerful and inspiring message that resonates with audiences, as the sisters discover the true meaning of love.” www.whatsonlive.co.uk 29

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk From

WED 1 APR BACK DOWN Highly anticipated first play by Birmingham-born Steven Camden, more commonly known as award-winning performance poet Polarbear, until Wed 1 Apr, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton A PASSION FOR BIRMINGHAM An immersive, promenade production which reimagines one of the world's most important stories, the life and death of Jesus Christ, until Fri 3 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE ADDAMS FAMILY: THE MUSICAL Worcester On Stage provide a rare chance to see a new musical, fresh from Broadway, until Sat 4 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham BOUNCERS John Godber’s award-winning comedy, until Sat 4 Apr, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme THE JEW OF MALTA Justin Audibert makes his RSC debut to direct Christopher Marlowe's subversive play, until Tue 8 Sept, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon DERREN BROWN The award-winning master of psychological illusion returns to the Midlands with a brand new show, until Sat 11 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BEAUTIFUL THING Featuring Charlie Brooks, Thomas Law, Sam Jackson & Gerard McCarthy, until Sat 11 Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome SHREK THE MUSICAL Visiting the Midlands direct from the West End, until

Sun 26 April Birmingham Hippodrome DEATH OF A SALESMAN Sir Antony Sher, Alex Hassell & Harriet Walter star in Arthur Miller's great American tragedy, until Sat 2 May, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon PENELOPE RETOLD An irreverent collision of classic myth and contemporary rage, written & performed by Caroline Horton, Wed 1 & Thurs 2 Apr, The REP, Birmingham HUGLESS DOUGLAS Blunderbus Theatre fuse music, puppetry & high-energy storytelling in a new show for children, Thurs 2 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DISNEY ON ICE: MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL In a new twist on fairytale fun, comical segments from everyone’s favourite Disney characters set the scene for the showstopping on-ice stories of princesses Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF COMEDY: ABRIDGED The Reduced Shakespeare Company embark on a ninetyminute rollercoaster ride, deconstructing the entire history of comedy, Sat 4 Apr, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring Jonny Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Sat 4 Apr, Walmley Club, Sutton Coldfield THE CHUCKLES OF OZ Children's TV stars Paul and Barry take audi-

ences on a journey into the Emerald City in a show packed with audience participation and laugh-out-loud comedy, Sat 4 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Week Commencing

MON 6 APR JUSTIN AND FRIENDS: MR TUMBLE'S CIRCUS Tue 7 Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE CHUCKLES OF OZ Children's TV stars Paul and Barry take audiences on a journey into the Emerald City in a show packed with audience participation and laugh-out-loud comedy, Tues 7 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent GREASE A Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre production, Tue 7 - Sat 11 Apr, Lichfield Garrick PUSS IN BOOTS Lyngo Theatre use puppetry to bring to life this 'classic furry tale', Tue 7 - Wed 8 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham KEY FOR TWO Stoke-onTrent Repertory Players present John Champman & Dave Freeman’s farce concerning a woman canny enough to be kept by two men, Tues 7 - Fri 10 Apr, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE GHOST TRAIN Jeffrey Holland & Judy Buxton star in Arnold Ridley's classic comedy thriller about a group of travellers stranded at an isolated railway station, Tue 7 - Sat 11 April Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RIGOLETTO Opera and Ballet International present Verdi's tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge & sacrifice. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Wed 8 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring; Jonny Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Wed 8 Apr,

Reduced Shakespeare Company - Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shropshire

Shrek The Musical - Birmingham Hippodrome

The Roses Theatre, Kidderminster MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera and Ballet International present Puccini's heartbreaking and dramatic story. Korean soprano Elena Dee and Japanese soprano Miki Mori star, Thurs 9 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent NO REGRETS: THE LIFE STORY AND SONGS OF EDITH PIAF A salute to the iconic French singer, this ‘bio-show’ is a fascinating journey through the life of a legend who’s still idolised fifty years after her death, Thurs 9 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Tall Stories present a theatrical experience for children packed with storytelling, live music and plenty of laughs. For kids aged four-plus, Thurs 9 - Fri 10 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre DOGFIGHT MYK Productions present a staging of Pasek and Paul’s musical adaptation of the 1991 film of the same name, which follows six young Marines on one final wild night of debauchery before their deployment to Vietnam, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Apr, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Redhead Reach present a new staging of this bestselling comingof-age tale, Thurs 9 Sat 11 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham ANNIE Get Your Wigle On present an amateur staging of the muchloved musical, Thurs 9 Sat 11 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury AND THIS IS MY FRIEND MR LAUREL Jeffrey Holland's one-man play, which portrays his idol Stan Laurel. Set In Oliver Hardy's bedroom, the play provides an indepth, humorous and touching account of the comedian's life, Thurs 9 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC A screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical, complete with lyric subtitles to help the audience singalong... Fri 10 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring Jonny Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Fri 10 Apr, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire MILKSHAKE PARTY LIVE Brand new musical spectacular for children featuring new songs alongside old favourites, funky dance routines and plenty of laughter, Fri 10 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE ASTOUNDING WORKS OF SIMON TROUT The Owen Lewis’ Portable Theatre Company present a double-bill of original one-act plays, including Better The Devil You Know...? & No Man’s Land, Fri 10 Apr, Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch THE LADYKILLERS A New Vic & Hull Truck Theatre production of Graham Lineham’s staging of the classic Ealing comedy, Fri 10 Apr Sat 2 May, New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme CHRIS & PUI Brand new show packed with songs, games and a few surprises! Sat 11 Apr, Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock BETA TESTING Described as an ‘hilarious mix between a juggling show and a TED talk’, featuring mind-boggling projections, bizarre Heath Robinson-style contraptions and a smattering of mild fishbased violence, Sat 11 Apr, Kinokulture Cinema, Oswestry, North Shropshire DOROTHY’S WAR Drama based on the extraordinary true story of a woman’s amazing journey into the heart of a man’s war, told through songs of the period,

Sat 11 Apr, Welshampton Parish Hall, Ellesmere, North Shropshire BOUNCERS AND SHAKERS The Crescent Theatre present two one-act plays devoted to the men and women who work clubs up and down the country, Sat 11 - Sat 18 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham LOVE'S SACRIFICE Matthew Dunster makes his RSC debut, directing John Ford's rarely performed revenge tragedy, Sat 11 Apr - Wed 24 Jun, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

Week Commencing

MON 13 APR LA BOHEME English Touring Opera present a new production of Puccini's romantic opera. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Mon 13 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE BASIL BRUSH SHOW Britain's most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey). Together they take audiences on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new stage show, Mon 13 Apr, Lichfield Garrick BOUNCERS John Godber’s classic comedy, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury KEY FOR TWO Stoke-onTrent Repertory Players present John Champman & Dave Freeman’s farce concerning a woman canny enough to be kept by two men, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Apr, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent PINOCCHIO Brand new production bringing the timeless tale to life.

Lichfield’s favourite dame, Ian Adams, stars as Renata the Ring-mistress, Tues 14 Apr, Lichfield Garrick OUR HOUSE The Arts Centre Telford present

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BASIL BRUSH GATEHOUSE THEATRE

Fri 3 April

APRIL Wed 15 April, 7.30pm Vamos Theatre

Nursing Lives

11am & 2.30pm £14 /£12 concs / family £42

Tickets: £10.00

Thurs 23 April, 8.00pm

Jive Aces

Tickets: £15.00

Britain's most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr. Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey). Together they will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written 'live' stage show packed with fun and excitement. Fun for all the family and you'll also be able to meet Basil and Mr. Stephen after the show.

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE GATEHOUSE THEATRE

Fri 24 April, 8.00pm Bucket Club:

Thurs 9 & Fri 10 April 4+

Lorraine & Alan Tickets: £10.00

Sat 25 April, 8.00pm Madhouse presents

Keith James Tickets: £10.00

Thurs 1.30pm & 4.30pm Fri 10.30am and 1.30pm £10 / family £35 A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the tiny snail save him? Follow the tiny snail’s amazing journey, as seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl, who’d love to be going round the world with her seafaring father...Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for everyone aged 4 and up.

RAY PEACOCK THE MET STUDIO

MAY

Fri 10 April 12 - 16 May, 7.30pm Mellow Drmatics presents

Bad Girls

Tickets: £12.00 Fri 22 May, 7.30pm

Mess

Tickets: £12.00 Thurs 28 May, 8.00pm

Susan Calman Lady Like Tickets: £14.00

EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

Ray Peacock has been a very naughty boy recently and it's time to find out why. Join the quadruple Chortle Award nominated comedian as he takes you through a myriad of mischief and misdemeanours.

'Incessantly hilarious' The Guardian

8.00pm, £12.00

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN GATEHOUSE THEATRE

Fri 10 April Featuring more chart toppers than ever before, starring the music of the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more, the show marks the official 8.00pm, £22.50 arrival of Motown style, sophisitcation and musical brilliance to these shores.

BOOK NOW, and reach out for the magic of Motown.

RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN THE MET STUDIO

Tue 15 & Wed 16 April Percy, a 42-year-old Manchurian soccer fan is never vulgar in front of a lady; respect one's elders, and is always loyal to the family. Whilst visiting London to see a football match, Percy accepts a £50 bet from his mate to spend the night 7.30pm, £10/£8 concs with a prostitute. With the help of a little Dutch courage he meets Cyrenne and goes back to her flat. Despite Percy's protestations that he has been with hundreds of women, he is now feeling shy and awkward and wishes to talk first. Will she lure him into bed? Will he win his bet?

CELL THE MET STUDIO

Fri 17 April

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

Box office: 01283 508100. www.brewhouse.co.uk

11+

After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Ted goes on the trip of a lifetime...and so does his pet 7.30pm, £12.50/£10 concs fish. As the disease starts to cause his mobility to degenerate, Ted rushes to experience a world outside his comfort zone; from the markets of Lille to the romance of Venice. Humorous, heart-warming and uplifting, CELL features charming puppetry, physical theatre and an original musical score to tell the story of one man's final adventure.

BOOKONLINE Box Office 01785 619080 www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk an amateur staging of the 2003 Olivier Awardwinning musical, Tues 14 - Fri 17 Apr, The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Shropshire THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK Stafford & District Operatic Society present an amateur production based on the 1987 movie of the same name, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE SIEGE OF CALAIS English Touring Opera present Donizetti's opera in three acts, telling the story of the citizens of Calais who offer up their lives to save their city from the besieging English army.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Tue 14 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre GODSPELL Presented by Telford And District Light Operatic Players (TADLOP), Tues 14 Sun 19 Apr, The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Shropshire THE ASTOUNDING WORKS OF SIMON TROUT The Owen Lewis’ Portable Theatre Company present a double-bill of original one-act plays, including Better The Devil You Know...? & No Man’s Land, Wed 15 Apr, Kinokulture, Oswestry, Shropshire BOUNCERS John Godber's classic comedy, Wed 15 Apr - Sat 18 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN Opus Theatre present Charles Dyer's sex comedy, in which sex is explicitly on the menu but never achieved...,

Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre CELL Little Cauliflower Theatre fuse puppetry, physical theatre and an original musical score to tell of one man's final adventure, Wed 15 Apr, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL Evening of song, dance, magic & laughter featuring stars of BBC’s The Good Old Days, Wed 15 Apr, New Vic Theatre, Newcastleunder-Lyme OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE A brand new stage show based on the popular CBeebies TV show, Wed 15 Thurs 16 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre HMS PINAFORE Trinity Operatic Society present an amateur staging of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera, Wed 15 Fri 17 Apr, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton FEED THE BEAST World premiere of Steve Thompson's fiercely funny look at the rocky relations between our press and politicians in a world of spin-doctors and Leveson Inquiries, Thurs 16 Apr - Sat 2 May, The REP, Birmingham ANATOMY OF THE PIANO Part piano recital, part fantasy lecture, pianist Will Pickvance brings his sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show of virtuosity, dissection and charmingly surreal humour to the Midlands, Thurs 16 Apr,

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham TWELVE Kali Theatre take a look at the subject of ‘honour-based violence’. This performance comprises twelve moving, touching and sometimes humorous monologues which tell stories of friendship, first love, defiance, death and survival, Thurs 16 - Fri 17 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham DIFFERENT IS DANGEROUS Two's Company & The Drum present a devised piece of theatre which offers a unique insight into the idiosyncratic life of the Asian community living in Leeds, Thurs 16 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring Jonny Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Thurs 16 Apr, Lichfield Garrick CELL Little Cauliflower Theatre fuse puppetry, physical theatre and an original musical score to tell of one man's final adventure, Fri 17 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre BACK DOWN Highly anticipated first play by Birmingham-born Steven Camden, more commonly known as award-winning performance poet Polarbear, Fri 17 Apr, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire CHARLES DARWIN: THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES Tangram Theatre Company present a musical comedy about the life and works of the biologist, Charles Darwin, Fri 17 Sat 18 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DALLOWAY Dyad Productions present an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and memories, which offers

Back Down - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton; Wem Town Hall, Shropshire

Dalloway - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

a compelling feminist response to the aftermath of the First World War, Fri 17 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury TOP GIRLS Caryl Churchill’s muscular and moving study of success in Thatcher’s England, the compromises we made and what happened to those left behind, Fri 17 - Sat 25 Apr, Hall Green Little Theatre, Acocks Green, Birmingham

BY THE RIVERBANK First Stages present a multisensory adventure inspired by Kenneth Grahame's much-loved classic, The Wind In The Willows. Suitable for children aged three to six, Sat 18 Apr, The REP, Birmingham THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY European Arts Company present their adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic play, Sat 18 Apr, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

Week Commencing

MON 20 APR THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO With storytelling, music and lots of chances to make your own art, this hands-on family show introduces one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists through the eyes of a young boy.

Be sure to wear some play-clothes because it’s going to get messy!, Sun 19 - Mon 20 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell's musical, set in his native Liverpool, Maureen Nolan & Marti Pellow star, Mon 20 Sat 25 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury TWO The Nonentities present an amateur production of Jim Cartwright’s witty exploration of northern life, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Apr, Roses Theatre, Kidderminster

THE PRODUCERS Mel Brooks' smash-hit musical comedy based on the Academy Awardwinning movie, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SATIN ‘N’ STEEL Tom Roberts (Emmerdale, Doctors) & Kilke John (Crazy For You) star in Amanda Whittington’s bitter-sweet comedy which mixes real emotional drama with classic tunes, Tues 21 Apr Sat 25 Apr, Lichfield Garrick THE KING AND I Lichfield Operatic Society present an amateur staging of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Apr, Lichfield Garrick THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke stars in the lead role as Rachel Marron, Tue 21 Apr Sat 2 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Theatre Alibi present a staging of Michael Morpurgo's spellbinding story about a Unicorn Lady who arrives in town with a sackful of magical tales, Tue 21 Wed 22 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham HAIRSPRAY Staffordshire’s Stage Productions present an amateur staging of the hit Broadway musical, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stokeon-Trent NICHOLAS NICKLEBY Birmingham Ormiston Academy present a contemporary staging of Dickens’ comic masterpiece, Wed 22 - Fri 24 Apr, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE ASTOUNDING WORKS OF SIMON TROUT The Owen Lewis’ Portable Theatre Company present a double-bill of original one-act plays, including Better The Devil You Know...? & No Man’s Land, Thurs 23 Apr, Silvester Horne

Institute, Church Stretton, Shropshire THE 39 STEPS Amateur production of the award-winning comedy, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Apr, The Belfrey Theatre, Wellington, Shropshire THE TURN OF THE SCREW Blue Orange Arts fuse shadow puppetry and projection to tell Henry James' gothic classic, Thurs 23 Apr - Sat 2 May, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham THAT'LL BE THE DAY Rock'n'roll spectacular combining music from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s with wacky comedy routines, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MY FATHER AND OTHER SUPER HEROES A oneman show that innovatively fuses storytelling, physical theatre and contemporary spoken word in a powerful onehour performance, Thurs 23 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham PALACH Newman University Second Year Drama presents Alan Burns' neglected experimental work, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham YAMATO DRUMMERS The ancient art of taiko drumming is brought bang up to date in an exhilarating display of expertise and athleticism which has thrilled audiences worldwide..., Fri 24 Apr, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent DIRTY DUSTING Heartwarming comedy starring Crissy Rock, Dolores Porretta, Leah Bell & Jason Jones, Fri 24 Apr, The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Shropshire THE ASTOUNDING WORKS OF SIMON TROUT The Owen Lewis’ Portable Theatre Company present a double-bill of original one-act plays, including Better The Devil You Know...? & No Man’s Land, Fri 24 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk IN CONVERSATION WITH STEVE THOMPSON An insight into the working process of the awardwinning writer of Feed The Beast, Sherlock and Doctor Who, Sat 25 Apr, The REP, Birmingham GLASS MOUNTAIN Broken Glass Theatre Company present an original fairytale combining storytelling with puppetry and a live musical soundtrack, Sat 25 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SHACKLETON'S CAT English Touring Opera present a new one-act opera for seven-toeleven-year-olds and their families, in celebration of the centenary of the voyage of The Endurance to the Antarctic. The opera includes moments of participation, science and participatory songs, Sat 25 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry MET OPERA: MASCAGNI CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & LEONCAVALLO I PAGLIACCI Opera’s most enduring tragic doublebill returns in an evocative new production from Sir David McVicar, who sets the action across two time periods but in the same Sicilian village, Sat 25 Apr, Malvern Theatre WELL REALLY, CAPTAIN MAINWARING! Dad’s Army vicar Frank Williams invites you to join him for an afternoon of television nos-

talgia, Sun 26 Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

Week Commencing

MON 27 APR ROMEO AND JULIET Encore live screening of a 'dazzling' modernday take on one of Shakespeare's bestloved plays, Sun 26 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry REBECCA Kneehigh Theatre present Emma Rice's adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's timeless tale, Mon 27 Apr - Sat 2 May, The REP, Birmingham THE KING’S SPEECH Jason Donovan & Raymond Coulthard star in a new staging of the story of one man's struggle to overcome his personal affliction and, in his country's darkest hour, deliver a speech to inspire his people, Mon 27 Apr Sat 2 May, Malvern Theatre OUR HOUSE Solihull On Stage present an amateur production of the Madness musical, Tues 28 Apr - Sat 2 May, Solihull Arts Complex THE SECRET ADVERSARY The Watermill Theatre in association with Eleanor Lloyd Productions present Agatha Christie's gripping thriller, which follows the adventures of Tommy & Tuppence Beresford in 1920s London, Tues 28 Apr - Sat

2 May, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Theatre Alibi present a staging of Michael Morpurgo's spellbinding story about a Unicorn Lady who arrives in town with a sackful of magical tales, Tues 28 Apr - Sat 2 May, Malvern Theatre A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring Jonny Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Tues 28 Apr, The Robin, Bilston POETRY SLAM Hosted by former Birmingham Poet Laureate SPOZ, Tues 28 Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch ARCH 468: CUDDLES Debut play from Capital Award-winning young playwright Joseph Wilde, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham PIRATES OF PENZANCE Tinkers Farm Opera present a modern interpretation of Gilbert & Sullivan's operatic masterpiece, Wed 29 Apr Sat 2 May, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham GREEN LEAVES FALL Strictly Arts Theatre Company present a debut play which explores two of the most pressing social issues of our time inequality and unemployment, Wed 29 Apr Sat 2 May, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry CURIOUS Half Moon presents a Tam Tam Theatre production, a play with a few words, an imaginative world where kitchen meets garden and where dirt is good, Wed 29 Apr, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featuring Jonny

Disney On Ice Presents: Magical Ice Festival - Genting Arena, Birmingham

Cole, Dandy, Peter Lee, and introducing Kaylee Cropper and The Ronaldos, Thurs 30 Apr, Aston Wood, Sutton Coldfield THE PICTURE OF DOREEN GRAY Brand new production from the awardwinning LipService Theatre, Thurs 30 Apr, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury LITTLE WOMEN Birmingham Ormiston Academy present a staging of

DIRTY DANCING Eleanor Bergstein's smash-hit West End musical tells the classic love story of Baby and Johnny. This touring production features brand new choreography performed alongside a host of memorable tunes including the awardwinning (I've Had) The Time Of My Life, Thurs 30 Apr - Sat 23 May, Birmingham Hippodrome

Theatre Box Office Birmingham ALEXANDRA THEATRE 0844 871 3011 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 0844 338 5000 BIRMINGHAM REP 0121 236 4455 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE 0121 212 2643 CRESCENT THEATRE 0121 643 5858 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0121 706 7139 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE 0121 707 1874 MAC 0121 446 3232 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE 0121 200 0946 OLD REP 0121 359 9444 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962 SUTTON ARTS THEATRE, SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 355 5355

Black Country

Arch 468: Cuddles - mac, Birmingham

Louise May Alcott’s classic tale, Thurs 30 Apr - Sat 2 May, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham NEVILLE’S ISLAND Tim Firth’s comedy, which follows the misadventures of four out-of-condition, out-of-their-depth businessmen on an out-of-control teambuilding exercise, Thurs 30 Apr - Sat 9 May, Sutton Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

ARENA THEATRE WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 321321 BLOXWICH THEATRE 01922 653183 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 812812 FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL 01922 654555 GRAND THEATRE, 01902 429212

NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01902 572090 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY 0121 552 2761

Shropshire THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 01952 222277 THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK 01952 728911 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 01743 234970 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS 01584 878141 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD 01952 382382 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281

Staffordshire LICHFIELD GARRICK 01543 412121 NEW VIC, NEWCASTLEUNDER-LYME 01782 717962 PRINCE OF WALES CENTRE, CANNOCK 01543 578762 REGENT THEATRE, STOKE 0870 060 6649 RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE 01889 584036 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE 01785 619080 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE 01782 209784

Warwickshire ALBANY THEATRE, COVENTRY 024 7601 6222

BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 024 7637 6707 BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY 024 7655 3055 BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK 01926 776438 THE DREAM FACTORY 01926 419555 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 0844 800 1110 ROYAL SPA CENTRE LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY 02476 524524

Worcestershire ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 THE HIVE 01905 822866 HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER 01905 611427 MALVERN THEATRE 01684 892277 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH 01905 770154 PALACE THEATRE REDDITCH 01527 65203 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427

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Theatre REVIEWS CONT...

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month.

For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

One Man, Two Guvnors One Man, Two Guvnors secured its writer, Richard Bean, the 2011 Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play and the 2012 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best New Comedy. Expectations, therefore, were understandably high.

The play centres on the not-too-bright and easily confused Francis Henshall. Francis, who’s recently entered the employ of one Roscoe Crabbe, finds himself in Brighton, assisting Roscoe recover a large debt. The debtor is Charlie ‘The Duck’ Clench, who’s reneged on an arrangement in which his daughter was to marry Roscoe. From here on in, life gets ever more complicated for Francis - and getting himself an additional guvnor only adds to his dilemma.

What unfolds is a fast-paced farce in which a befuddled Francis takes centre-stage, with those around him seemingly oblivious to his predicament. Hilarious dialogue and great physical comedy are in plentiful supply here. There are scenes that involve the audience, but I thought these were unnecessary and drawn out - they certainly distracted from the play itself. But Gavin Spokes, who plays Francis, steals the show with a fantastic and very energetic performance.

One Man, Two Guvnors is a riot from start to finish.

Catch it if you can! Ted Finlay n n n n Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Top Hat Set in the 1930s, Top Hat is a musical that recreates the glamour and decadence of the age. The production, based on the 1935 film of the same name starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, is a non-stop thrill-ride from start to finish.

From New York to London and finally Venice, the musical follows tap star Jerry Travers as he moves from Broadway to the West End to star in a new show produced by Horace Hardwick. He meets and pursues gal-about-town Dale Tremont and follows her to Venice, where the classic tale of mistaken identity takes plenty of twists and turns.

With stunning scenery that evokes the glitz of Hollywood’s heyday, rich satin and silk costumes that glide sensuously across the performers’ sinewy bodies, and an even grander soundtrack, Top Hat is a dazzling spectacle. The original score by musical maestro Irving Berlin has spawned numerous hits - Puttin’ On The Ritz, Cheek To Cheek and Let’s Face The Music And Dance - making it a musical that can be enjoyed by all.

Dale is played by Charlotte Gooch, who’s sensational both in looks and movement, gliding around the stage and performing effortless high kicks - as well as delivering wise-cracking put-downs with aplomb. Alan Burkitt plays the endearing Jerry, his charm and charisma winning the affection of the audience.

Added to this mix are Horace Hardwick and his hardball-playing wife, Madge, who have a jaded view on marriage. “A man is incomplete until he’s married,” proclaims Horace, “after that he’s finished.”

Another shining star is John Conroy as Bates, the classic butler archetype who goes one step further, donning costumes - including that of a gondolier and a waiter - in his efforts to serve Mr Hardwick.

Providing even more comedy is Sebastien Torkia’s Alberto Beddini, whose exaggerated flamboyance steers the show into the realms of farce.

A glitzy affair with plenty of style and pizazz, Top Hat is a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed. Alev Dervish n n n n n Birmingham Hippodrome

Milked Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Cirque Berserk The REP, Birmingham

This was definitely one berserk circus, and I was clapping like a happy seal at each death-defying stunt! The clubby vibe and pulsating music provided a contemporary twist to the more-traditional acts - and the audience went wild.

With a supernaturally talented troupe of international performers, it felt like a transatlantic mystique had landed in Brum for one night only. The Cuban Tropicana Troupe were truly thrilling, catapulting off a springboard and somersaulting through the air with perfect grace. The Timbuktu Tumblers were my favourite, drawing gasps as they limboed under fire, dived through hoops and back-flipped around the confined stage. Other acts included awesome acrobatics, knife throwing and a more-excitingthan-it-sounds handstand. Tweedy the clown contributed too - but it was the Globe Of Terror, with four motorbike riders zooming in dizzy directions, that really had the crowd cheering!

Daring and dramatic, this was dynamite entertainment in a league of its own.

Malaka Chowdhury n n n n

It’s tough being twenty in the countryside; especially if you’re straight out of university with a useless degree, or a local lad struggling to identify an ambition.

Author Simon Longman presents us with two pals with precious little purpose, suffering from the uselessness of youth. They were clearly unprepared by their school for life beyond (a predicament which may have rung more true a generation ago) and are already nostalgic for their lost childhoods.

Paul (Adam Redmore) is making hundreds of pointless phone calls in search of jobs beyond his experience and Snowy (Oliver Mott) does know what to do with himself other than succumb to parental pressures.

Longman gives them some very witty, machine gun dialogue – much of which I ‘remembered’ from my own youth…though I was surprised by the residual levels of childishness in their conversation. I would have pitched the naivety of their dialogue to be more like that of young teenagers.

But their sense of frustration is very palpable…until a chance encounter with a downed cow gives them a ‘project’. The poor beast is clearly ill and - rather than use adult sensibility and call for assistance – they try to help it themselves; hopelessly. What is initially an empowering experience only deepens their sense of failure.

It’s a very clever, amusing and original device. I enjoyed the banter; and the business of finding a plastic glove big enough to do a particularly mucky job is reliably funny… as toilet humour generally is.

The trouble is the central scenario is totally unlikely. Cows cost money. No farmer checking his herd twice a day would leave one lying around to fade away. Good comedy is based on reality…and the cow’s ultimate fate is laughable for all the wrong reasons.

I came away with a sense that the play was piggy backing on real rural issues rather than dealing with them head-on to an audience that already gets the picture.

Increasingly in Pentabus productions, we don’t actually see anything happen; and this show also feels a bit like a pilot for a radio drama.

Ultimately it’s an amusing but incomplete evening in the theatre.

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Theatre WEST END Mark Rylance back in the West End Hot on the heels of his performance as Thomas Cromwell in the BBC2 adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, Mark Rylance has announced he’s to return to the stage to star in Claire van Kampen’s new play, Farinelli And The King. The production - which transfers to the West End in the autumn from the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe - sees Rylance starring as King Philippe of Spain.

Set in eighteenth century Spain, the play tells the story of Carlo Broschi - stage name, Farinelli - who at the time was the world’s most famous castrato and one of the greatest celebrities of the age.

Farinelli And The King will show at the Duke of York’s Theatre for a limited season from September.

Rylance’s recent theatre credits include Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron in Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem (Royal Court, West End and Broadway).

Ex-Dr Who star Peter Davison joins Gypsy All Creatures Great And Small favourite and one-time Dr Who actor Peter Davison has joined the cast of the Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Gypsy.

Davison will star as Herbie, opposite Imelda Staunton as Rose, in an eagerly anticipated staging of the classic musical.

Boasting music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book

by Arthur Laurents, this new production is the first West End staging of Gypsy in forty years.

Based on the true-life memoirs of legendary burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, the show tells the story of Momma Rose and her two daughters, Baby June and Louise, as they trek across America in their family vaudeville act. But times are changing, audiences are expecting more, and the two girls have their own ambitions in mind. The rise of burlesque is upon them, and nothing will ever be the same again for Momma Rose...

Gypsy shows at the Savoy Theatre and is currently booking until 18 July.

Women On The Verge... for longer Producers of hit musical Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown have announced that the production has extended its booking period at the Playhouse Theatre until 22 August.

Directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlet Sher and starring Tamsin Greig and Haydn Gwynne in the lead roles, Women On The Verge... is based on Pedro Almodovar’s film of the same name.

Set in Spain in the 1980s, the story follows the messy love lives of several women, including Pepa (Greig), an actress and singer who struggles to deal with being dumped by her boyfriend.

At the time of going to print, both Greig and Gwynne have been nominated for Olivier Awards, Greig for Best Actress In A Musical and Gwynne for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical.

Casting announced for The Spalding Suite A new show inspired by UK basketball culture is to make its debut at London’s Southbank Centre this month before heading out on a nationwide tour.

Written by spoken-word artist Inua Ellams and directed by the awardwinning Benji Reid, The Spalding Suite is described as ‘a physical theatre show combining original poetry with contemporary movement to explore the elegance and beauty of basketball’.

Featuring UK Beatboxing Champion and World Finalist MC Zani, Marcquelle Ward (E4’s Banana) and Emmanuel Akwafo (Forever, Cuckoo), The Spalding Suite shows at the Southbank Centre from 29 April to 2 May. On tour, it shows at Birmingham’s DanceXchange from 14 to 16 May. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39

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Dance

Rosie Kay Dance - 5 Soldiers: The Body Is The Frontline The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 April The award-winning Rosie Kay Dance Company this month returns to the region to present a highly acclaimed work exploring how the human body remains essential to war in the twenty-first century.

Created in 2010, 5 Soldiers: The Body Is The Frontline is a moving and thought-provoking work of dance theatre featuring one female and four male dancers. Looking at the physical training that’s undertaken in preparation for war, the show blends moments of great humour and brutal honesty, all delivered in Kay’s inimitable dance style.

The production has seen the company working in partnership with theatres, military bases and the Army Welfare Service. The tour model comprises two months of community outreach work in each location, followed by a weekend of events, community performances, professional presentations and post-show talks with Kay, the cast and a local commanding officer.

“We aim to make an impact with this tour,” says Rosie, “and make people see conflict and the repercussions of war in a new way.”

Pasha Kovalev Solihull Arts Complex, Tues 7 April; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 2 May; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Tues 5 - Wed 6 May; Malvern Theatre, Fri 8 May; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 12 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 6 June; Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 18 June.

Maati (Earth) mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 30 April

According to The Independent, ‘If you only see Kathak once, make sure it’s Nahid Siddiqui dancing it.’

Described as Pakistan’s ‘face of Kathak dance’, Siddiqui fuses traditional and contemporary techniques to extend the Kathak repertoire and develop its universal appeal.

In this new work, based on the writings of seventeenth-century Eastern philosopher and poet Hazrat Bulleh Shah, Siddiqui presents a ‘haunting baafi’ which unveils the phenomena of earth and questions the fundamental truths of human existence.

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A firm favourite on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Siberian-born Pasha Kovalev’s forte is ballroom and latin dance. Having toured with the Strictly team in 2012 and then with professional dance partner Katya Virshilas in 2013, Pasha is currently on the road with his brand new show, Life Through Dance.

Promising non-stop action, the production features ‘breathtaking choreography, sensational music and amazing costumes’.

Pasha is joined by fellow dancers Anya Garnis, Ryan Hammond, Marcella Solimeo, James Wilson and Leila Stewart.

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Dance LISTINGS For full listing information on dance, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET Thirty-fifth anniversary gala featuring excerpts from the world’s most beloved Tchaikovsky ballets, Wed 1 Apr, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Dancing extravaganza presented by an all-star cast, including West End performers, Thurs 2 Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch PASHA KOVALEV: LIFE THROUGH DANCE Join

the Strictly star as he transports audiences into the world of Ballroom & Latin dance in a new production featuring 'fabulous choreography, sensational music & amazing costumes', Tue 7 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex ESSENCE OF IRELAND Exploration of Irish myths through narration, Irish music and Irish dancing, Sat 11 Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch ESSENCE OF IRELAND

Stopgap: Artificial Things - mac, Birmingham

Exploration of Irish myths through narration, Irish music and Irish dancing, Sun 12 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SUITE FROM SNOW WHITE (SCHNEEWITTCHEN) A BALLET IN FOUR ACTS World premiere of music for ballet set to the original Brothers Grimm version of Snow White, Tues 14 Apr, The Old Rep, Birmingham IVAN THE TERRIBLE (LIVE) Live screening from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Recently revived, Ivan The Terrible is an essential part of the company’s repertoire, a twentiethcentury classic and a wonderful theatrical experience, Sun 19 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa TANGOMOTION Journey into the heart of Tango Argentino with worldfamous dancers Giraldo Escobar, Christina Bensan, Richard Manuel and Pauline Reibel, Thurs 23 Apr, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury STOPGAP: ARTIFICIAL THINGS In this cinematic and evocative production, Stopgap Dance Company create a compact world of riddles that questions our notions about unity and

co-existence, Thurs 23 Apr, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham SNOW WHITE Midland Theatre Ballet's interpretation of the muchloved Grimm fairytale, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham 5 SOLDIERS - THE BODY IS THE FRONTLINE Rosie Kay Dance Company present a powerful dance theatre production that explores the physicality of modern warfare, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Apr, The REP, Birmingham NEVER GOING HOME AGAIN Rutherford Dance Company here celebrate diversity and investigate differences defined by sexual orientation, Mon 27 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove MAATI (EARTH) PRESENTED BY NAHID SIDDIQUI Acclaimed Kathak dancers and choreographer Nahid Siddiqui present a new work developed on the writings of seventeenthcentury Eastern philosopher & poet Hazrat Bulleh Shah, whose poetry highlights his spiritual journey through Sufism, Thurs 30 Apr, mac, Birmingham

Tangomotion - The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury

Dance Box Office ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 CRESCENT THEATRE 0121 643 5858 MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 230 9082 PALACE THEATRE 01527 65203 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01926 334418 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962

motionhouse

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE 01785 254653 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 THE OLD REP, BIRMINGHAM 0121 359 9445 THE REP, BIRMINGHAM 0121 236 4455 THE ROSES THEATRE, TEWKESBURY 01684 2955074 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY 02476 524524

For full venue information visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

M

@ motionhousedt

motionhouse

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Film

TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

FROM

FRI 2 APRI 4 L

The Avengers: Age Of Ultron CERT tbc Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hiddleston Directed by Joss Whedon (USA)

The film of the year? Considering that Avengers Assemble (2012) is now the planet’s third highest-grossing movie of all time, one might think so. Thankfully, Joss Whedon is once again at the helm and has reunited the original Sensational Six - Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye - to fight a new threat to mankind. The villain better be good to sustain this tentpole and he comes in the form of James Spader as the eponymous Ultron. Ultron is another sentient robot (cf. Ex Machina, Big Hero 6, Chappie), and although programmed with some of the personality traits of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), his aim is to save our planet by extinguishing humanity. He has a point… The film was primarily shot in Surrey (at Shepperton Studios), as well as on location in South Africa, Italy, South Korea, Bangladesh, New York and Norwich. A truly global phenomenon, then.

TOP 5 FILM BOX OFFICE

From

FRI 3 APR

Second Best Exotic 1 The Marigold Hotel (PG) 2 Run All Night (15) 3 Focus (15) 4 Suite Francaise (15) 5 Fifty Shades Of Grey (18)

Fast & Furious 7CERT tbc Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Lucas Black, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou Directed by James Wan (USA)

As Fast & Furious 6 (2013) grossed over $788million at the global box-office, the producers could afford to pay for this astonishing cast of heavyweights. Indeed, the budget finally came in at a wallet-buckling $250million. Jason Statham is the new hardman to beat and you can smell the testosterone from here. He plays the brother of Owen Shaw (played by Luke Evans in the last film) and is out for revenge for Owen’s death. Sadly, Paul Walker - who plays Brian O’Conner - died during production (in a car, no less) and filming was put on hold for four months while the writers figured out a way to explain his departure from the story (no spoilers here). Filming took place in Abu Dhabi, Toronto, Colorado, Tokyo, Atlanta and California.

Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

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Film NEW RELEASES Released from Fri 3 April

Kidnapping Freddy Heineken CERT 15 (93 mins)

Starring Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess, Sam Worthington, Ryan Kwanten, Jemima West Directed by Daniel Alfredson (UK/Belgium/Netherlands)

Freddy Heineken was not small beer. In fact, his abduction resulted in the largest ransom ever paid out for a single person. Sir Tony plays the brewing bigwig of the title, his kidnapping chronicled by the investigative journalist Peter R de Vries, on whose two books the film is based. If you can’t remember, it all happened in 1983.

From

FRI 3 APR

While We're Young CERT 15 (97 mins)

Starring Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Grodin, Adam Horovitz Directed by Noah Baumbach (USA)

Having written and directed The Squid And The Whale, Margot At The Wedding and Frances Ha, Noah Baumbach has carved himself a nice little niche in critically acclaimed indie cinema.

Here, he’s cast Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a (gasp) middle-aged couple who have embraced the technology available to them. However, their lives are turned around when they meet a twentysomething pair who are really into vinyl, typewriters and all that old stuff. Predictably, the film has received rave reviews in the States.

Jauja CERT 15 (110 mins)

The Water Diviner CERT 15 (91 mins)

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Viilbjørk Malling Agger, Ghita Nørby Directed by Lisaandro Alonso (Denmark/Argentina/France/Mexico/USA)

Starring Russell Crowe, Olga Kurylenko, Yılmaz Erdoğan, Cem Yılmaz, Jai Courtney Directed by Russell Crowe (Australia/USA/Turkey)

You don’t often come across existential Danish films shot in Argentina, but this is one such.

Viggo Mortensen (whose father is Danish) plays Gunnar Dinesen, an engineer working for the Danish army who is posted to a remote outpost of Patagonia. Then his fifteen-year-old daughter (Agger) elopes with a soldier and so Dinesen embarks on an epic journey through the desert to find her. Winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at last year's Cannes festival.

Having worked with Ridley Scott, Ron Howard, Michael Mann and Peter Weir, Russell Crowe now takes up the directorial reins himself for this historical drama.

He plays the father of three boys who went missing during the Battle of Gallipoli and travels to Turkey to find them.

Good Kill CERT 15 (100 mins) Starring Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoë Kravitz, Jake Abel, Bruce Greenwood Directed by Andrew Niccol (USA)

The writer-director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, S1m0ne, In Time) likes to explore ideas of technology and morality. Here, he casts Ethan Hawke (Gattaca, Boyhood) as a drone pilot who begins to question the ethics of his job. We can’t wait.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 CERT 15 (102 mins)

Starring Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke, Adam Scott, Chevy Chase Directed by Steve Pink (USA)

Released from Fri 10 April

Lost River CERT 15 (93 mins) Starring Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan, Iain De Caestecker, Matt Smith, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn Directed by Ryan Gosling (USA)

Who would have thunk it? Ryan Gosling directing Doctor Who? Matt Smith plays a well-honed thug called Bully (at one point he shouts “look at my muscles!”), but the story really belongs to Christina Hendricks' Billy, a single mother drawn into a “macabre and dark fantasy underworld.” The film was panned at Cannes. Oh, and expect some pretty strong violence.

44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

The original film, released in 2010, was a onejoke comedy about three guys transported back to 1986 via a magic hot tub. The sequel which received withering reviews in the US sees Corddry, Robinson and Duke now transported into the future. So they have to alter the future in order to save the past. John Cusack, the original star (and producer), is nowhere to be seen.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 CERT PG (94 mins)

Starring Kevin James, Molly Shannon, Neal McDonough, Daniella Alonso, Raini Rodriguez Directed by Andy Fickman (USA)

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) was pretty well panned by the critics - yet it still managed to gross $183million worldwide. Anyway, this time security guard Blart (Kevin James, who also coscripts) takes his daughter on vacation in Las Vegas.

However, what was meant to be a time of relaxation turns out to be something of a busman’s holiday…

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Woman In Gold CERT 12a (109 mins) Starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes, Tatiana Maslany, Charles Dance, Jonathan Pryce Directed by Simon Curtis (UK/USA)

Don’t be fooled: Dame Helen Mirren is still only sixty-nine. However, here she plays Maria Altmann, a Jewish octogenarian who, with the help of an American lawyer (Reynolds), takes on the Austrian government in order to reclaim Gustav Klimt's Portrait Of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, stolen from her family by the Nazis. Based on a true story.

From

Released from Fri 17 April

Child 44 CERT 15 (137 mins) Starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, Jason Clarke, Vincent Cassel Directed by Daniel Espinosa (USA/UK)

Filmed in the Czech Republic, this hard-hitting thriller takes as its subject a spate of child murders. Tom Hardy plays Leo Demidov, a disgraced intelligence agent in the Stalin-era Soviet Union who takes it upon himself to investigate the killings. Based on the 2008 novel by Tom Rob Smith.

FRI 10 APR

A Little Chaos

CERT 12a tbc

Starring Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane, Willem Dafoe Directed by Chad Stahelski (USA)

There just aren’t enough films about landscape gardeners. This one pits Kate Winslet’s Sabine against the designs of André Le Nôtre (Schoenaerts, recently seen in Suite Française), both of whom are competing to win the prize of constructing a new a fountain at the Palace of Versailles. Alan Rickman plays King Louis XIV and also directs, following his debut behind the camera with The Winter Guest (1997).

John Wick (Keanu) is a hitman who’s thrown in the towel. However, when Russian gangsters shoot his beagle puppy - a gift from his late wife - he unpacks his shooter. The actionthriller - co-directed by an uncredited David Leitch - takes much of its inspiration from anime and martial arts films as well as from the oeuvre of John Woo.

The Salvation CERT 15 (92 mins)

The Last 5 Years CERT 12a (94 mins) Starring Anna Kendrick, Jeremy Jordan, Natalie Knepp, Alan Simpson Directed by Richard LaGravenese (USA)

Adapted from the Off-Broadway musical, this is an intriguing concept for a film, with or without songs. Essentially a deconstruction of a romantic relationship, the story unfolds through the songs of an aspiring actress (Kendrick), whose version of events are played backwards, while her beau (Jordan) sings the songs that lead up to the culmination of their liaison.

John Wick CERT 15 (101 mins)

Starring Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, Helen McCrory, Jennifer Ehle Directed by Alan Rickman (UK)

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Eric Cantona, Mikael Persbrandt, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jonathan Pryce Directed by Kristian Levring (Denmark/UK/South Africa)

Any new film starring Mads Mikkelsen is good news, but it’s a surprise to see him in a Western. And not just any Western: this is a Danish cowboy drama shot in South Africa. Mikkelsen plays a settler whose family is murdered and so he takes the law into his own hands… Expect strong violence.

Glassland CERT 15 (93 mins) Starring Jack Reynor, Toni Colette, Will Poulter, Michael Smiley Directed by Gerard Barrett (Ireland)

From the director of Pilgrim Hill (2013), Glassland is the story of a Dublin taxi driver (Reynor) caught up in the world of human trafficking. In addition, he is resolved to wean his mother (Collette) off the bottle.

Released from Fri 24 April

The Good Lie CERT 12a (110 mins) Starring Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll, Sarah Baker, Maria Howell Directed by Philippe Falardeau (USA)

Based on true events, this is the story of a brassy American woman (Witherspoon) who assists in the relocation of four young Sudanese refugees. Corey Stoll, the male lead, previously played Ernest Hemingway in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris

Stonehearst Asylum CERT 15 (101 mins)

Starring Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, Brendan Gleeson, Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, David Thewlis Directed by Brad Anderson (USA)

Based on Edgar Allan Poe's short story, The System Of Doctor Tarr And Professor Fether (1845), this violent thriller is set in the mental institution of the title. Here, Edward Newgate (Sturgess), a recent medical school graduate, arrives to take up residency. He is then immediately drawn to the very beautiful Eliza Graves (Beckinsale), a woman diagnosed with ‘female hysteria’… www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45

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image courtesy of Shrewsbury Folk Festival

All hail the festival season...

They’re big news in the UK and come in many guises, with some of the very best taking place right here in the Midlands. Yes, we’re talking festivals - and the festival season is very nearly upon us...

Theatre, dance, comedy and film all play their part in ensuring the Midlands offers a diverse and vibrant festival scene. And when it comes to music - regardless of your preference, be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival to suit your taste.

Meanwhile, an abundance of food festivals across the region play their part in helping to satisfy the nation’s insatiable appetite for all things culinary.

But the Midlands festival scene doesn’t cater only for adults, with more and more organisers programming their events to ensure they offer plenty of family-friendly fun for youngsters to enjoy.

Something for all...

Well established as one of the UK’s top ten summer festivals, Shrewsbury Folk (West Midland Showground, 28 to 31 August) attracts some of the biggest names in the business. This year’s event sees the Richard Thompson Electric Trio making a welcome return as the Sunday night headliners. A family-friendly event, Shrewsbury Folk features Pandemonium! and Refolkus - two ‘festivals within a festival’ for children and teenagers to enjoy...

When it comes to beautiful surroundings, the Lunar Festival at Umberslade Park (Tanworth-in-Arden, near Solihull, 5 to 7 June) takes some beating. Set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake, Lunar offers an eclectic programme of peripheral activities alongside an impressive line-up of performers, with Dr Feelgood founder Wilko Johnson headlining the weekend.

An event on a smaller scale, though no less impressive, is the Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival (Lichfield Cathedral, Guildhall and George Hotel, 25 to 28 June). Contributors include the Tommaso Starace Quartet, John Etheridge, Steve Ajao and the Climax Blues Band.

If it’s noise you’re after, Slam Dunk (Wolves Civic, Wulfrun Hall and Civic Bar, 25 May) might be right up your street. Described as the UK’s ‘loudest’ punk rock festival, the event this year features You Me At Six, Taking Back Sunday and Lower Than Atlantis.

One of the biggest pop events in the country, V Festival (Weston Park, Staffordshire, 22 to 23 August) regulary attracts the creme de la creme of popular music. Grammy Award-winner Sam Smith, Paloma Faith and the man with The Voice, Tom Jones, all feature amongst the line-up.

Pick of the month...

Pick of the month... Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Montpellier Gardens, 29 April to 4 May Boasting a typically bold programme, Cheltenham Jazz Festival features a range of exclusive one-off performances, unique collaborations, special commissions and debut UK appearances from a heady mix of established stars and emerging talent.

Taking place across six days, this year’s festival is hosted in a tented village and presents a balance of classic and contemporary jazz, blues, soul and pop from an impressive line-up of pioneering acts.

Performers appearing at the festival include million-selling singersongwriter Rumer, Dutch superstar Caro Emerald, experimental producer and composer Squarepusher, ‘queen of soul’ Martha Reeves, world-renowned DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, Californian blues-rocker Beth Hart and consummate jazz singer and broadcaster Clare Teal.

The festival also features a jazz arena, a food, drink and market

area, and the Take Five Tent - hosting talks, workshops and family activities.

Although the main action takes place in the tented village, a number of festival shows are taking place at various venues around the town.

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Festivals Listings For full listing information on festivals, including dates and line-up, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Thea Gilmore & her band, Connie Lush, Andy Fairweather Low & FM, Thurs 2 Mon 6 Apr, various venues around Nantwich MARILLION WEEKEND UK Line-up includes; The Steve Rothery Band, Ginger Tom & Synaesthesia, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Apr, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Caro Emerald, Laura Mvula, Wilko Johnson & Gregory Porter, Wed 29 Apr - Mon 4 May, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Whalebone, The Endings and more to be announced, Sat 2 - Mon 4 May, various venues throughout Clun, Shropshire SWINGAMAJIG Line-up includes; Chinese Man, Electric Swing Circus, The Correspondents & Ed Solo, Sun 3 May, The Custard Factory, Birmingham

FUDGESTOCK Line-up includes; AKA Skaface, Bethan and The Morgans, Hot Rocks & special guest tba, Sun 3 May, The Robin, Bilston FULL ON Line-up includes; Ferry Corston, Ben Gold, Menno De Jong & Angry Man, Sat 9 May, Boxxed Warehouse, Birmingham STOURBRIDGE BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Tom Walker Trio, Big Wolf Band, The Mentulls & Rebecca Downes Band, Sat 16 May, Old Halesonians RFC, Stourbridge BEARDED THEORY Lineup includes; New Model Army, James, Afro Celt Sound System & Cara Dillon, Thurs 21 - Sun 24 May, Catton Hall, Derbyshire BREAKING BANDS FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Voodoo Vegas, Monument, Breed 77 & The Heretic Order, Fri 22 Sun 24 May, Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove OUTBREAK FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Sven Vath, Armand Van

Helden, Jamie Jones & Shadow Child, Fri 22 Sun 24 May, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby THE COLOUR FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Sat 23 May, The Rainbow Arena, Birmingham SLAM DUNK Line-up includes; You Me At Six, Taking Back Sunday, Architects & Don Broco, Mon 25 May, various venues and locations around the city centre, Wolverhampton WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Line-up includes; UB40, The Proclaimers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Ghostpoet, Fri 29 Sun 31 May, Cheltenham Racecourse LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Tinariwen, Wilko Johnson, Public Service Broadcasting & Sun Ra Arkestra, Fri 5 Sun 7 Jun, Umberslade Farm Park, Warwickshire VALEFEST Line-up to be announced, Sat 6 Jun, The Vale, Birmingham LEAMINGTON PEACE FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jun, Leamington HOLI ONE FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be announced, Sat 13 Jun, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN Line-up in-

cludes; Paul Carrack, Big Country, Show Of Hands & From The Jam, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Jun, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire LINTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Wilko Johnson, Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders, The Hoax & Ryan McGarvey, Fri 19 Sun 21 Jun, The Alma Inn, Herefordshire 100 ABOVE (LAINFEST) Line-up includes; Amber Run, Bipolar Sunshine, Laurel & Bwani Junction, Fri 19 Mon 22 Jun, Gopsall Hall Farm, Warwickshire KINETON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Hot Tubes, The Folly Brothers, Neighbourhood Cotch & The Harvesters, Sat 20 Jun, Kineton Sports and Social Club, Warwickshire LICHFIELD BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes; The Blues Band, Jay Phelps Quartet, Tommaso Starace Quartet & Steve Ajao & Climax Blues Band, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 Jun, various venues around Lichfield UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Alan Barnes, Old Hat Jazz Band, Chris Pearce Quartet & Gypsy Fire, Fri 26 - Sun 28 Jun, The Riverside, Upton-uponSevern

Tom Jones - V Festival, Weston Park, Staffordshire

CAMPER JAM Line-up to be announced, Fri 3 Sun 5 Jul, Weston Park, Staffordshire GODIVA FESTIVAL Lineup to be announced, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Jul, War Memorial Park, Coventry BLUES AT THE FOLD Lineup includes; Jack Blackman, The King Biscuit Boys, Swampcandy & Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde Band, Sat 4 Jul, The Fold, Worcester L FEST Line-up to be announced, Fri 17 - Mon 20 Jul, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Billy Bragg, Lil’ Jimmy Reed Band, The Demon Barbers XL & Nancy Kerr, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Jul,

various venues around Warwick NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL Line-up includes; The Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Beardyman & London Elektricity, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jul, Bromyard, Hereford MADE BIRMINGHAM Lineup includes; Beardyman, Claude VonStroke, David Rodigan & Julio Bashmore, Sat 25 Jul, The Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes; Richard Thompson, La Bottine Souriante, Kate Rusby & Sharon Shannon, Fri 28 - Mon 31 Aug, West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury

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Visual Arts Face To Face Dudley Museum & Art Gallery, until Sat 27 June

“This exhibition spans two hundred years of art,” says Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment and culture, “and walking through the doors is a real feast for the eyes. There are largescale portraits which announce themselves to the viewer and modest pieces which manage to quietly capture the personality of the sitter.”

Comprising fifty-one portraits, most of which are painted in oils, Face To Face features images of ‘the great and the good of Dudley’, some of whom will be recognisable to visitors, others who’re now familiar only to local historians.

Famous pieces in the exhibition include a portrait by renowned eighteenth century artist JJ Zoffany, a lithograph of a dancer by Henri Matisse, and a David Hockney etching showing the artist sitting naked at a table with a fully-clothed Picasso.

Love Is Enough: Andy Warhol and William Morris Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 25 April - Sun 6 Sept

Citing both Andy Warhol and William Morris as significant influences on his work - which explores socio-political aspects of contemporary culture - artist Jeremy Deller has here curated an exhibition designed to compare and contrast the interests and ideas of the two men. Love Is Enough brings together significant and iconic works by both artists, including some rarely seen pieces. It also features archival material owned or made by Warhol and Morris that sheds light on their influences and working practices.

Staffordshire Hoard

The Current Situation

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 10 May

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wed 1 April - Sat 27 June

Terry Herbert struck paydirt in 2009 when his metal detector alerted him to potential buried ‘treasure’ in a Hammerwich field. The treasure turned out to be three thousand, five hundred gold and silver objects from Anglo-Saxon times...

The Staffordshire Hoard is now being celebrated in Shropshire via this special show - and it really is an exhibition well worth checking out. Alongside a collection of replica pieces, Treasure also features numerous display panels explaining how the discovery was made - and a variety of interactive features to enjoy. There are even some Anglo Saxon clothes available for youngsters to dress up in.

“All the works on show in this exhibition talk about the current situation in which we live today,” explains Yara El-Sherbini, “the politics, the power relations and multi-culturalism.”

Eager to create accessible artwork, Yara has focused on ensuring her installations are playful in nature and can be enjoyed by all. Everyday objects such as toilet locks and books are utilised by the artist to provoke important socio-political debate. This latest exhibition brings together a selection of five artworks which are connected by the common theme of exploring the here and now.

“My work is concerned with knowledge production and knowledge as commodity,” explains Yara. “By re-activating and playfully destabilising our relationship to knowledge, I aim to facilitate debate and dialogue around politically contentious and socially driven ideas, questioning various social and political systems of power.” www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51

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VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS Further exhibitions

For full listing information on Visual Art exhibitions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Tove Jansson: Tales From The Nordic Archipelago

MAT JENNER: DREAMS TIME FREE until Fri 3 Apr, Grand Union, Birmingham

Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 4 April - end of June

YOU ARE HERE A series of newly commissioned audio & video portraits

by Chris Paul Daniels of residents and workers from Digbeth and Bordesley Village, until Fri 3 Apr, A3 Project Space, Digbeth, Birmingham

Original unseen photographs and material relating to the life and work of Moomins creator Tove Jansson are here presented in ongoing celebration of the hundredth anniversary of her birth (in 1914). The included images were taken over a sixty-year period, capturing a flavour of the existence which she enjoyed on her private island in the archipelago of Finland. The rare family photographs reveal the story of an extraordinary life.

Forgotten Spaces, Community Places Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until late April

A thought-provoking exhibition including work from community groups, primary schools, students and local architects, Forgotten Spaces looks at ways in which Wolverhampton’s abandoned and derelict buildings could be regenerated for the benefit of the community.

“The aim of the project,” explains student Mariah Hussain, who submitted a concept for a steel artwork that resembles a tree, “was to encourage people to look up as they’re walking; to make them appreciate the landscape, as well as to get people to slow down. This creates a visual display and invites tourists to visit.”

Gothic Exhibition Library of Birmingham, Tues 7 April - Sat 2 May

With a new version of Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic romance Rebecca this month being staged at the adjacent Repertory Theatre, the Library of Birmingham is hosting an exhibition exploring differing approaches to the Gothic - from literature and film to architecture, art and Goth culture.

The interdisciplinary show is being presented

by Birmingham City University artists.

A special Gothic Day on 2 May offers an opportunity to investigate the subject in greater depth.

ELIZABETH ROWE Disparate images carefully selected from women’s magazines, National Geographic volumes and old books feature at the heart of Elizabeth Rowe’s work, until Sun 5 Apr, New Art Gallery, Walsall

WILL SHANNON: THE CLOSET CRAFTSMAN In this new exhibition for Birmingham, Shannon produces Market Factory. Resonating with Birmingham’s heritage as a place for trade and making things, the new workspace manufactures limited-edition chairs for sale, until Sun 19 Apr, mac, Birmingham

SARANJIT BIRDI - COGN, I Using drawing, dance and digital media, this multimedia work investigates cognition and habit, until Mon 6 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham

SIKANDER PERVEZ Debut solo exhibition which sees the artist create a brand new sculptural installation, until Sun 19 Apr, New Art Gallery, Walsall

BIRMINGHAM SHOW Large-scale group exhibition, until Sat 11 Apr, Eastside Projects, Birmingham

AK DOLVEN Anne Katrine Dolven exhibits her paintings, films, videos, photographs and sound installations alongside the extraordinary landscapes of fellow Norwegian artist and nineteenth-century painter Peder Balke, until Sun 19 April, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

JERWOOD ENCOUNTERS 3-PHASE SHOW 1 First of two exhibitions by emerging artists - in this case, Kelly Best and Georgie Grace, until Sat 11 Apr, Eastside Projects, Birmingham SIGN, SYMBOL & SCRIPT David Walton’s large abstract paintings, based on the symbolic marks on ancient stones, until Sat 11 Apr, Wolverhampton Art Gallery PAINTING WITH WORDS An open exhibition celebrating the influence and inspiration of literature and language on the visual arts, until Sat 11 Apr, Willow Gallery, Oswestry, North Shropshire INTERLACE BY RUTH SINGER & BETHANY WALKER New collaboration between textile artists Ruth Singer and Bethany Walker whichfeatures a combination of delicate, manipulated textiles set into concrete, until Sat 18 Apr, Bilston Craft Gallery FACING THE SUN Exhibition of new oil paintings by Edward Bell, until Sat 18 Apr, Silk Top Hat Gallery, Ludlow, South Shropshire DEBORAH WALKER Exhibition of watercolours, until Sat 18 Apr, Silk Top Hat Gallery, Ludlow, South Shropshire

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COLLECTOR’S PRINTS EXHIBITION Featuring contemporary works by Picasso, Dame Elisabeth Frink & Patrick Procktor, until Sat 18 Apr, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire

NÁSTIO MOSQUITO: DAILY LOVEMAKING Exhibition fusing music, photography, film and performance poetry to reflect on the nature of the globalised world, and how lovemaking can act as an antidote to corruption and hypocrisy, until Sun 19 Apr, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham STEPHEN LAW SOLO EXHIBITION Featuring works in oils, acrylics & watercolours, until Mon 20 Apr, The Gallery, Festival Drayton, North Shropshire ANDREW MATHESON Showcase of stoneware & porcelain pieces, until Sat 25 Apr, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Showcase of work by thirty of the region’s best emerging artists, until Sat 25 Apr, Wolverhampton Art Gallery ECHOES OF WAR Focusing on the major contribution that Stokeon-Trent made to the war effort through its infirmary and the role of the Millicent Sutherland Ambulance, until Sun 26 April, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

Pop In Space... - Wolverhampton Art Gallery

EXHIBITION BY SHREWSBURY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST Featuring a number of items on loan from the Trust’s extensive collection at Abbey Foregate Station, until Sun 26 Apr, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES An exhibition showcasing collected welcomes from Birmingham & beyond, until Sun 26 Apr, mac, Birmingham SECRET EGYPT EXHIBITION Showcase of over one hundred-and-fifty objects which contest modern misconceptions about Ancient Egypt, until Sun 26 Apr, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery REVOLUTIONISING FASHION Display of elegant eighteenth & early-nineteenth century British miniatures by the likes of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart & John Smart, until Sun 26 April, The Barber Institute, Birmingham DARREN BANKS: THE RAVEN A body of work inspired by the legacy of Churton Fairman better known by his alias, Mark Raven, until Sun 26 April, New Art Gallery, Walsall BIRMINGHAM WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY EXHIBITION Selling exhibition of members’ work, until Wed 29 Apr, The Granary Gallery, Weston Park, Staffordshire THE POETIC IMPOSSIBILITY TO MANAGE THE INFINITE Exhibition which documents our quest to penetrate the astrophysical reality of the universe in order to better understand time, space & matter, until Sat 2 May, Wolverhampton Art Gallery BILSTON’S HAPPY HOUSING: OTTO NEURATH’S VISION FOR POST-WAR MODERN LIVING Exhibition which presents Neurath’s ideas, examples of his famous isotypes, and memories of people who’ve lived on Bilston’s Stowlawn Estate, until Sat 2 May, Bilston Craft Gallery

MADE AT MAC: TEXTILES Featuring work from mac’s From Paper To Fabric course, until Sun 3 May, mac, Birmingham DISRUPTED Curated by Noemi Lakmaier, this exhibition invites visitors to encounter the ‘other’ - that which is different and unfamiliar, until Sun 3 May, mac, Birmingham FOUND Bringing together seven contemporary artists who work with found images, until Sun 3 May, New Art Gallery, Walsall ROBERT GROVES: GOLDEN YEARS Constellation of small golden paintings (c.1965) which reflect the artist’s strong interest in Middle Eastern & South Asian culture, until Mon 4 May, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham JOHN RATTIGAN - PEOPLE PRIZE WINNER 2014 Exhibition showcasing examples of circular artwork together with paintings that explore formats such as unusually tall, thin or elongated canvases, until Mon 4 May, Newcastle Borough Museum & Art Gallery, Staffs ON THE RIGHT TRACKS Exhibition exploring Wolverhampton’s involvement in the growth of the railways, until Sun 10 May, Bantock House Museum, Wolverhampton RPS INTERNATIONAL PRINT 157 Featuring one hundred images selected by a panel of professionals, until Sun 10 May, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford STONES & BONES EXHIBITION Discover more about the early history of the Midlands and how that history was uncovered, recorded and told by prominent local geologists and scientists, until Sun 17 May, Library of Birmingham NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Showcase of work by thirty of the region’s best emerging artists, until Sun 17 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham & Birmingham Museum &

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Art Gallery GODS AND HEROES Seeking to uncover the methods and motives behind the representation of the superhuman and supernatural in art.

Subjects drawn from both ancient mythology and the Judo-Christian tradition feature, until Mon 25 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham ART FROM ELSEWHERE: INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART FROM UK GALLERIES Touring exhibition which considers themes of global change, postcolonial experiences and failed utopias, until Sun 31 May, Waterhall Gallery, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery AHEAD OF THE CURVE: NEW CHINA FROM CHINA Unique exhibition showcasing contemporary ceramics & glass from emerging and established Chinese artists, until Sun 31 May, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-onTrent OPEN ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION Open to all artists, makers & photographers who live, work or study in Staffordshire, until Sun 31 May, Newcastle Borough Museum, Staffordshire

FAITH & ACTION: QUAKERS & THE FIRST WORLD WAR Exhibition which uses original photographs, film interviews & artefacts to tell the compelling stories of Quaker men and women during the 1914-1918 conflict and its aftermath, until Sun 7 June, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery THE JEWELLERY QUARTER DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR Exhibition of artefacts, images and oral histories relating to the recruitment of soldiers from the Jewellery Quarter, until Sat 27 June, The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham POP IN SPACE: WE CHOOSE TO GO TO THE MOON Exploring artists’ responses to the Space Race during the Cold War, until Sat 18 July, Wolverhampton Art Gallery SOLDIERS’ STORIES: BIRMINGHAM AND THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT 1914 - 1918 Exhibition which commemorates the centenary of the First World War and recounts the experiences of Birmingham men who served in the regiment between 1914 and 1918, using personal objects, medals & memorabilia, until Sun

26 July, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery LOVE IS ENOUGH: ANDY WARHOL AND WILLIAM MORRIS Exhibition bringing together significant and iconic works by both artists, including some rarely seen pieces, until Sun 6 Sept, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery INHERITING ROME Exhibition which uses money to explore and question our deep-seated familiarity with the Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun 24 Jan 2016, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CHINESE LIVES IN BIRMINGHAM EXHIBITION Exhibition which looks at the development of the Chinese community in Birmingham, Thurs 2 - Sat 25 Apr, Library of Birmingham STAFFORDSHIRE ENJOY ART EXHIBITION Showcase of work from some of Staffordshire’s finest talent, Fri 3 Apr Mon 4 May, Lord Lichfield’s private cinema, Shugborough, Staffordshire THE SALTLEY STORIES Presenting the results of a community history project which records the memories and experiences of people from all backgrounds and of all ages, and the

collation of images of Saltley & Alum Rock over the past five to six decades. Wed 8 Apr Thurs 7 May, The Drum, Birmingham INDEFINABLE CITIES Group exhibition presenting works by six UK & Japanese artists, curated by Amanda Francis (UK) & Koh Yoshida (Japan), Fri 10 Apr - Sat 23 May, AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent CANDIDATES EXHIBITION

Annual exhibition featuring works by artists seeking election to become associates or members of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, Mon 13 - Sat 25 Apr, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham AIDEEN DORAN IM BAU Aideen interrogates the idea of the city as a space for artistic, economic & ideological production, Sat 18 Apr - Sun 14 June, Grand Union, Birmingham

NIGEL YOUNG Landscape photography, Mon 20 Apr - Mon 11 May, The Gallery, Festival Drayton, North Shropshire ASCENTIS PROGRAMME LIFE SKILLS E1 Exhibition of the work completed by Entry One students at the City of Wolverhampton College, Sat 25 Apr Sat 23 May, Bilston Craft Gallery

Museums & Art Galleries Birmingham

Black Country

Warwickshire

ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield 0121 323 3776 BARBER INSTITUTE 0121 414 7333 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 0121 303 2834 CASTLE GALLERIES 0121 248 8484

BANTOCK HOUSE WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 552195 BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY 01902 552507 BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM, DUDLEY 01384 812745 DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 01384 815575 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 716055 THE NEW ART GALLERY WALSALL 01922 654400 RED HOUSE GLASS CONE 01384 812750 WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY 01902 552055

COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY 01926 645500 HERBERT ART GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 LANCHESTER GALLERY, COVENTRY 02476 887831 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK 02476 524524 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS 01926 742700 RUGBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 01788 533201

GRAND UNION 0121 643 9079 IKON GALLERY 0121 248 0708 NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 0121 643 9099 RBSA GALLERY 0121 2364353 STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH stryxarts@gmail.com THREE WHITE WALLS GALLERY 0121 200 3328

Worcestershire WORCESTER CITY ART GALLERY 01905 25371

Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for venue website details

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Events

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 April Birmingham’s silversmiths, craftsmen and artisans are very much at the heart of this month’s Antiques For Everyone (AFE) Spring Fair.

Celebrating the comeback of ‘real tea’-making, AFE features an exhibition titled The Story Of The Caddy Spoon c1775 - 2015. Around five hundred caddy spoons, ranging from the very plain to the incredibly ornate - and mostly in silver - will be on display at the show, with over half of those showcased having originated in Birmingham.

For those interested in art and literature who’re looking for something new to add to their collections, AFE Spring Fair is commemorating the one hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of Rudyard Kipling by making available two hundred copies of a new edition of the author’s

Jungle Book, beautifully illustrated by wildlife artist Lute Vink.

Celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in 2015, Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The show features displays of antique and decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery and works of art, arms and armour, maps, dolls, bears and an array of vintage and decorative collectables.

With more than two hundred-and-fifty dealers showcasing their wares - and with items ranging in price from as little as £10 right up to £100,000 for the more serious collectors - this ever-popular event offers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts.

Weston Park Transport Show Weston-under-Lizard, Sun 5 - Mon 6 April

Now in its twenty-eighth year, the Weston Park Transport Show requires little by way of introduction. Boasting a host of family-friendly activities, this year’s event features a display of over one thousand, three hundred vehicles, live entertainment in the main arena, a funfair, an autojumble and trade area, inflatables and a children’s play zone. The show again plays host to the American Auto Club Spring National Event displaying over fifty Club Cars. Alongside the event itself, all of Weston Park’s usual attractions will also be available, including the miniature steam railway, adventure playground, the lakes, follies and woodland walks.

St. George’s Day Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 25 April There’s the chance to sample a taste of Mediaeval Britain at Tamworth Castle this month, as the venue celebrates Saint George’s Day. Attractions include weapons and armour demonstrations throughout the day and the Knight’s Tournament & Joust, with each warrior battling to emerge victorious.

Within the castle, mediaeval households prepare laundry and armour, while Lady Freville offers a selection of games and activities for all the family to enjoy.

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Events PREVIEWS Gadget Show Live NEC, Birmingham, Tues 7 - Sun 12 April

Providing a platform on which to showcase the very best in cutting-edge technology, the Gadget Show Live sees more than two hundred top tech companies exhibiting their latest futuristic products - from TVs, toys and tablets to cameras, cars and consoles.

Features for 2015 include the British Inventors Project, which profiles and celebrates the UK’s innovators by showcasing new products before they hit the market.

There’s also the Innovation Theatre - where inventors talk about and demonstrate their prototypes - and the Gadget Imaging Zone, in which visitors can learn about the very latest in photography technology.

Drayton Manor Theme Park Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Open daily

Bird Gliders RAF Cosford Museum, Mon 30 Mar - Thurs 2 April & Tue 7 - Fri 10 April

As you’d expect at RAF Cosford, the business of flying is central to the venue’s Easter entertainment package. Bird Gliders offers visitors the chance to take part in a glidermaking activity workshop, after which the gliders’ flying ability can be tested out by trying to land them in a specially designated target zone.

Other Easter attractions at Cosford include Fun’n’Flight - an interactive gallery explaining how aircraft stay in the air - a 4D experience and the Black Hawk simulator.

Drayton Manor Theme Park’s newly expanded Thomas Land attraction is opening to the public on 8 April. A celebration of the adventures of Thomas The Tank Engine and friends, Thomas Land is the only one of its kind in Europe. The massive £2.5million expansion increases its size by a whopping forty percent and includes three brand new rides - Flynn’s Fire Rescue, Captain’s Sea Adventure and Toby’s Tram Express - as well as a ‘stunning’ new two-storey Sodor Airport terminal.

Drayton Manor Theme Park’s 2015 season started in late March and runs until Sunday 1 November. asm to enjoy even more fun, then drop into the ‘goods shed’ and make a unique shadow lamp, lighting it up using a not-soVictorian battery-operated tea light!

Easter Eggstravaganza Dudley Canal Tunnel, Sat 28 March - Sun 12 April

For the very first time, Dudley Canal Trust is housing an underground ‘eggsibition’ this Easter.

Presented by the Trust in partnership with local primary schools from across Sandwell and Dudley, the underground feature shows off hundreds of hand-painted eggs. Visitors to the Trust’s Easter attraction also have the chance to win a chocolatey prize.

Easter At The Follies Hawkstone Park, Shropshire, Fri 3 - Mon 6 April

Blists Hill Victorian Town Blists Hill Victorian Town, Nr Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 28 March - Sun 12 April

Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town this month for a whole host of Easter-themed activities.

Kicking off the fun is egg dancing at the Print Shop. Watch the residents, blindfolded, dance across the streets, attempting to avoid the eggs placed along their route. Everyone can have a go - and there’s even a prize for completing the course!

The self-led ‘bunny hunt’, meanwhile, is a great way to explore the town. Follow the trail correctly and find all the bunnies to collect a prize.

And if you’ve still got the energy and enthusi-

Hawkstone Park is this month once again playing host to its ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt. Families are invited to explore the picturesque grounds in search of all-important clues that will lead them to a reward of Easter chocolate. The hunt takes visitors all the way around the park and offers a great opportunity to enjoy some of Shropshire’s most beautiful countryside. As well as the hunt, the weekend also includes numerous family activities and a sure-to-be-absorbing treasure hunt.

Harlem Globetrotters Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 21 April

Having played exhibition basketball games combining athleticism and comedy for the best part of a century, the Harlem Globetrotters this month return to the Midlands with a brand new family show that takes fan intervention to a whole new level. Via pre-show online voting at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, followers can decide which new game-changing rules they want to see introduced when the team stops off in Birmingham. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57

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Weston under Redcastle, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 5UY 01948 841 700 www.principal-hayley.com/hawkstonepark

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Events PREVIEWS CSI The Science Of The Great War The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 25 April

The scientific legacy of World War One is explored in this fascinating presentation, which brings together hands-on experience, interactive exhibits and expert talks. The event offers visitors the chance to learn about trench archaeology and the chemical development of poison gas, as well as to have a go at making their own periscopes and visit a frontline medical station. Some of the most significant developments in science and technology to have taken place over the last century are also examined...

CSI The Science Of The Great War is the result of a unique collaboration between the Potteries Museum, Staffordshire and Keele Universities and Stoke-on-Trent Archaeology Service.

Egg-citing Easter Activities Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 28 March - Sun 12 April

Discover the Easter delights of the Black Country Living Museum, where a programme of fun events awaits. There’s the opportunity to win a prize in the Easter quiz, enjoy a classic Easter Egg hunt and egg-rolling competition, and to get crafty with egg-painting activities.

There’s also the chance to discover what playtime was like in the Victorian era by finding out about traditional street games like hopscotch, skipping, cup-and-ball and whip-and-tops.

Visitors can also test their skills in the hoop-and-stick challenge, to find out how long they can keep the hoop rolling. A journey ‘into the thick’, meanwhile, offers the chance to experience life in an 1850s coal mine.

Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk from

WED 1 APR OLAF AND THE SNOW QUEEN STORY TIME See if you can spot Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Elsa along the way! This event will involve a walk of one mile along woodland paths and slopes.

Booking essential, Wed 1 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Nr Alverley, Shropshire SPORTY WEDNESDAY: CLIMBING WALL Climb to the top of the climbing wall and see Attingham from a whole new angle. The wall is in the Shoulder of Mutton play field, Wed 1 Apr, Attingham Park, Attingham, Shropshire NATURE ACTIVITY DAYS A variety of naturethemed activities, including pond dipping and bird watching, Wed 1 Apr, Chirk Castle, Chirk, Shropshire EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS Easter crafts to try - see what you can make, Wed 1 Apr, Dudmaston Estate, Nr Bridgnorth,

Shropshire FAMILY CRAFTS - EASTER MAGIC Wed 1 Apr, Red House Glass Cone, Wordsley, Stourbridge FROZEN EASTER WORKSHOP Central Youth Theatre invites you to become your favourite character in Frozen-themed drama, singing & dance workshops, Tue 31 Mar Wed 1st Apr, Newhampton Arts, Centre, Wolverhampton EASTER ACTIVITIES Colour and make your own bird glider. Then see how well your glider flies by trying to land it on the roundel target zone, Mon 30 Mar Thurs 2 April, RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire PEPPA PIG DAYS Chance to meet Peppa and George pig, as well as enjoy activities including toy pig racing, pin the tail on the pig, craft corner and muddy puddle challenge, Wed 1 Thurs 2 Apr, Ash End House Children's Farm, Tamworth, Staffordshire AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy a great British treat served in the stately

surroundings of the Victorian Orangery.

Price includes admission to the house, park and gardens and a guided tour of the historic rooms. Pre-booking is required, Wed 1 Thu 2 Apr, Weston Park, Weston-underLizard, Shropshire CERAMIC CRAFTS Make your own tea-light holder by sculpting a cottage, castle or lighthouse from clay. Once fired, you can put a small candle inside your sculpture and transform it into a beautiful tea light holder, Mon 30 Mar - Fri 3 April, Coalport China Museum, Nr Ironbridge, Shropshire EASTER AROUND THE WORLD Try out some Easter customs from other countries, including kite flying & egg racing, Mon 30 Mar Fri 3 Apr, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Shropshire EASTER-THEMED TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Find out about the tile decorating technique known as ‘tube lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’, and produce a tile with your very own Easter-themed design on, Mon 30 Mar - Sat 4 Apr, Jackfield Tile Museum, Nr Ironbridge, Shropshire EASTER EGGVENTURES

Ceramic Crafts - Coalport China Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire

Join the egg hunt and make easter chicks, sun visors and bunny boxes, Mon 30 Mar Sun 5 Apr, Selly Manor, Bournville, Birmingham SPOT THE SLANG TRAIL The First World War brought together service personnel from different countries and backgrounds. Slang words were used to help people to describe some of their experiences. The word definitions can be found amongst the exhibits during a visit, Sat 28 Mar - Fri 10 April, RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire EASTER BONNETS, BUNNIES & BASKETS Children’s activities on weekdays during the holiday. Kids can make

Easter bonnets, bunnies and baskets complete with chocolate eggs and fluffy chicks.Temple Wood will be home to an Easter Bunny trail where children can follow the clues and find the bunnies hiding out in the woodland, Mon 30 Mar - Fri 10 Apr, Weston Park, Westonunder-Lizard, Shropshire EASTER EGG HUNT Easter-themed treasure hunt around the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Sat 28 Mar - Sat 11 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham DINOSAUR EGG HUNT TRAIL Test your dinosaur knowledge

and fool the Egg Hunt Trail. Starting in the Stones and Bones Exhibition, through the library and ending in Sat 28 Mar - Sat 11 Apr, Library Of Birmingham, Birmingham GROSS GAZUNDAS & PUTRID PRIVIES Explore the interesting world of gross gazundas and putrid privies by following the trail while taking a tour of the Back To Backs, Wed 1 - Sun 12 Apr, Birmingham Back to Backs LIGHT WORKSHOPS Celebrate the 2015 Year of Light and Lightbased technologies, Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire EGG DANCING Enjoy the unusual spectacle of

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Events LISTINGS

The Staffordshire Hoard - Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk egg dancing. Once blindfolded, the townsfolk will dance across the street without stepping on eggs that are carefully placed along their route. After the demonstration, everyone can have a go, Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire THE GREAT EASTER BUNNY HUNT Hunt for the Easter Bunnies that are hiding in the Blists Hill woods and follow the treasure hunt along Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire EASTER-THEMED SHADOW LAMP MAKING Make your own Easterthemed shadow lamp to take home, Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire EASTER TRAIL Hunt for the Easter rabbits hidden amongst the trees, Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Activities include Easter egg hunt, Easter bonnet parade, egg painting, quizzes, egg rolling and more, Sat 28 Mar Sun 12 Apr, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Join the Easter fun at Dudley Canal & Limestone Mines and visit the underground ‘eggsibition', Sat 28 Mar - Sun 12 Apr, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines, Dudley TITANIC - THE MIDLANDS' CONNECTIONS Titanic expert Andrew Lound reveals the engineering and people links between the Midlands and the tragic ocean liner which sank in 1912, Mon 13 Apr, Walsall Local History Centre, Walsall SPONGEBOB SPONGEHUNT Help Spongebob find his friends, who’re hidden throughout the Sealife Centre, Fri 27 Mar - Sun 19 Apr, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Family entertainment on offer every day, Mon 30 Mar - Sun 19 Apr, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham TREASURES OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD An interactive touring exhibition which tells the fascinating story of how the Staffordshire

Hoard was found and saved for the nation, until - Sun 10 May, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SCIENCE OF SOUND Until Fri 5 June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham LAMB FEEDING Lots of lambs to bottle-feed, Sat 28 Mar - Thurs 23 July, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry, Shropshire PILOTS OF THE CARIBBEAN VOLUNTEERS OF AFRICAN HERITAGE IN THE RAF A new exhibition curated in partnership with Black Cultural Archives which tells the inspirational story of these volunteers, commemorating and celebrating their vital contribution to the defence of Britain during two World Wars and the subsequent peace, until Sat 31 Oct, RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITY: EASTER BUNNIES Artist Lisa Broughton helps families decorate their own mixed-media 3D Easter Bunny, Thurs 2 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITY: SHIP A'HOY Celebrating the discoveries made

by Tudor explorers, make your own sail boat and check it floats before taking it home, Thu 2 Apr, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham FUSED GLASS BUNNIES Thurs 2 Apr, Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford EGG ROLLING Shropshire Wildlife Trust - egg rolling, fun for children of all ages, Thurs 2 Apr, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire BCA UNIVERSITY NATIONALS DANCE AND CHEER The British Cheerleading Association 2015 National Championships, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Apr, Telford International Centre, Telford, Shropshire GEOCACHE EASTER EGG HUNT Working in teams, use the handheld GPS unit to navigate around the park looking for treasure chests holding special eggs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential!å, Fri 3 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire SPRINGTIME STORIES Enjoy a walk around the grounds and hear some Springtime poet-

ry and stories, Fri 3 Sat 4 Apr, Attingham Park, Atcham, Shropshire CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAIL Hunt high and low for eggs on these special Cadbury trail, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Shropshire; Attingham Park, Atcham, Shropshire; Chirk Castle, Chirk, Shropshire; Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills; Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffs; Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent; Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton EASTER SPECIAL Explore the great British countryside on a steam train. Activities include face painting and egg hunting, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Foxfield Railway, Staffordshire EASTER AT THE ESTATE Crack the eggy code for a special treat. Take part in traditional Easter activities in the Servants' Quarter, follow the spring trails around the estate, meet the newborn animals and help out with the bottle feeding at the farm, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Staffordshire RSPB WEEKEND Make bug homes and learn all about pollinators and why bees love Spring, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent EASTER FUN AT THE MONKEY FOREST Collect all the clues from around the forest to win a prize. Make sure the cheeky monkeys don't point you in the wrong direction, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Trentham Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent WILDERNESS SURVIVAL SKILLS Learn how to survive without modern amenities, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent

EASTER ON THE FARM Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm Museum, Craven Arms, South Shropshire EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA An action-packed programme of chocolatey fun for all the family, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Cadbury World, Birmingham EASTER FUN Visit the fairytale friends and collect gifts along the way.

Plus, make and take along your Easter bonnet for a chance to win a prize, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, Wonderland, Telford Town Park, Shropshire NATIONAL TERRIER SHOW Annual National Terrier show which has been held in Stafford since 1975, Sat 4 Apr, Stafford Bingley Hall EASTER CASTLE EGG HUNT Ruby the Tamworth Castle Dragon has misplaced her eggs. Join the hunt to find them, Sat 4 Mon 6 Apr, Tamworth Castle, Staffs NEWCOMEN IN STEAM The only full-sized working replica of the world's first steam engine can be seen in action. Due to the unpredictable nature of the Newcomen, please check running details with the museum prior to travelling, Sat 4 Mon 6 Apr, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley TRANSPORT SHOW In addition to the hundreds of classic cars and vehicles on display, this annual event promises a wide variety of arena entertainment, children's activities, a funfair and trade stands, Sun 5 - Mon 6 Apr, Weston Park, Staffs UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR Revealing what goes on behind the scenes of a stately home, this unique tour takes in some of the

site's twenty-eight bedrooms and offers a chance to learn about the Weston Park Foundation, the charitable trust that owns and maintains the venue, Sun 5 Apr, Weston Park, Staffordshire EASTER TRAIL & CRAFTS Easter trail and children's crafts, Sun 5 Apr, Ford Green Hall, Stokeon-Trent NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT CANINE SHOW Sun 5 Apr, Stafford Bingley Hall FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY Try something new and fun, like card-making, candle-making and ragrugging, Sun 5 Apr, Maws Craft Centre, Ironbridge, Shropshire CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAIL Hunt high and low for eggs on this special Cadbury trail, Sun 5 - Mon 6 Apr, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire EASTER FAMILY WEEKEND Family fun including Easter egg trails, Punch and Judy show, sheep racing and much more, Sun 5 - Mon 6 Apr, National Brewery Centre, Burton-uponTrent EASTER EGG HUNT Search for the hidden eggs, Sun 5 - Mon 6 Apr, Whittington Castle, North Shropshire EASTER EGG CHALLENGE Colour in a polystyrene egg and challenge your family and friends to an Easter egg and spoon race in front of the mansion, Sun 5 - Mon 6 Apr, Attingham Park, Shropshire

Week Commencing

MON 6 APR ROLLING MILL DEMONSTRATION Originally used to amend and resize iron bars, the Rolling Mill is a typical Black Country hand rolling mill from around the 1900s, Mon 6 Apr, Black Country

Living Museum, Dudley EASTER MONDAY RACE DAY: AFTERNOON RACING All-weather racing, with children's activities and pony rides, Mon 6 Apr , Wolverhampton Racecourse WWI DISCOVERY DAY Opportunity to handle weapons, try on uniforms and explore the museum’s fascinating collections, Mon 6 Apr, The Staffordshire Regiment Museum CERAMIC CRAFTS Make your own tea-light holder by sculpting a cottage, castle or lighthouse from clay. Once fired, you can put a small candle inside your sculpture and transform it into a beautiful Tea Light Holder, Mon 6 - Fri 10 Apr, Coalport China Museum, Shropshire CHILDREN'S EASTER FUN Easter fun for all the family, including Easter trails, a bonnet parade and arts and crafts, Sun 5 - Fri 10 Apr, Birmingham Botanical Gardens EASTER-THEMED TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Find out about the tile decorating technique known as ‘tube lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’, and produce a tile with your very own Easter-themed design on, Mon 6 - Sat 11 Apr, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire ATTINGHAM ADVENTURES: KITE CREATORS Learn how to make your own amazing kites from recycled and natural materials, Tue 7 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury PEPPA PIG DAYS Chance to meet Peppa and George pig, as well as enjoy activities including toy pig racing, pin the tail on the pig, craft corner and muddy puddle challenge, Wed 1 Tues 7 - Wed 8 Apr, Ash End House Children's Farm, Tamworth, Staffordshire

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Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk EASTER ACTIVITIES Colour and make your own bird glider. Then see how well your glider flies by trying to land it on the roundel target zone, Tue 7 - Fri 10 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton EASTER ROCKSCHOOL One-week course learning to play in a band and perform a live show, Tue 7 - Fri 10 Apr, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton THE GADGET SHOW LIVE Five-day event packed with gaming celebrities, brand new games and top tournaments, Tue 7 - Sun 12 Apr, NEC, Birmingham SPORTY WEDNESDAY: ARCHERY Try your aim on the archery range.

Suitable for children aged six-plus (at instructor's discretion), Wed 8 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS Easter crafts to try - see what you can make. Wed 8 Apr, Dudmaston Estate, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Make a grass head bursting with green ‘hair’ and a spring collage to decorate Ethelfleda’s Well.

Booking essential, Wed 8 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire STEAM CREAM LAND CRUISE TRAIN Enjoy cream tea whilst travelling by steam train through the countryside, Wed 8 & Sun 12 Apr, Foxfield Railway FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITY: METAL POPPIES Artist Jolene Smith helps families make poppies out of metal, wire and beads, Thurs 9 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham STONES & BONES WORKSHOP: EXPLODING VOLCANOES! Find out about volcanoes at this interactive workshop and make your own to take home, Thurs 9 Apr, Library Of Birmingham FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITY: GLITTERING TREASURE Celebrate the discoveries made by Tudor explorers and create a

glittering treasure to take home, Thurs 9 Apr, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham FAMILY CRAFTS - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Thurs 9 Apr, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge THE MEDIEVAL BOWMAN A fascinating look at the weapons and techniques the Medieval Bowman would use when in battle. Suitable for children aged tenplus, Thurs 9 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE Including a display of silverware from the Soldiers Of Gloucester Museum, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Apr, NEC, Birmingham SPRING FAIR & CHILDREN'S TRAIL Join in the fun with a day of crafts, artwork and photography, Fri 10 Apr, Birmingham Cathedral RAINBOW FUSED COASTER Fri 10 Apr, Broadfield House Glass Museum, Stourbridge GEOCACHE EASTER EGG HUNT Working in teams, use the handheld GPS unit to navigate around the park looking for treasure chests holding special eggs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential, Fri 10 Apr, Severn Valley

Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2015 - NEC, Birmingham

Country Park, Shropshire SPRING HORSE TRIALS Three-day event comprising dressage, cross-country and showjumping, Fri 10 Sun 12 Apr, Weston Park, Staffordshire DROP-IN FAMILY ARTS Make your own artwork to take home and try out new techniques, Sat 11 Apr, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK Sat 11 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham WILDLIFE WATCH The

Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country host a range of fun activities for all the family, Sat 11 Apr, Library Of Birmingham MILL IN STEAM Watch the mill fully operational with the added bonus of a Spring event, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Apr, Etruria Industrial Museum, Stoke-on-Trent STAFFORD ANTIQUES FAIR With up to three hundred stands featuring a range of furniture, art, silver, glass and jewellery. As seen on BBC Bargain Hunt, Sat 11 Sun 12 Apr, Stafford

Bingley Hall CRITTERISH ALLSORTS A variety of exotic animals to meet and hold, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent SHROPSHIRE SCALE MODEL SHOW With around seventy model clubs attending the show, plus some forty traders selling everything you need to build the perfect model, whether it be a tank, car or boat, Sun 12 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton HANG OUT WITH A HAWK See breathtaking flying displays and discover

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Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk more about these incredible creatures, Sun 12 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury RAF ATCHAM: A WWII WALK Discover what’s left of the largest WWII airbase in Shropshire on a three-mile walk, Sun 12 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury GLASS CRAFTS RAINBOW KEY-RING Sun 12 Apr, Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford WEDDING FAYRE If you're thinking of getting married and looking for a venue or service providers, go along and meet the professionals, Sun 12 Apr, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire SHEPHERD & WILLIAMS: ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR The ideal opportunity to find something to complete your home, collection or wardrobe, Sun 12 Apr, Wolverhampton Racecourse WEDDING FAIR with a huge range of suppliers, dress makers, photographers, make-up artists and cake makers to help you plan your big day, Sun 12 April, The Rep, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 13 APR PENCIL AND WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP Local artist Daphine Millington holds a workshop for people of all abilities, Mon 13 Apr, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD & CONSERVATION TOUR Behind-the-scenes tour to find out the goings on of the Conservation Studio, Tue 14 Apr, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery GUIDED WALK Kinlet Hall and New England walk, distance 12.5 miles, booking essential, Wed 15 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE 2015 Offering expert advice to both new and experienced family historians, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 Apr, NEC, Birmingham CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Learn about nocturnal wildlife living at the park. Listen to the echolocation calls of bats on the electronic bat detectors. Don't forget your torch!

Fri 17 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire SILVER RING WORKSHOP

With designer-maker Grace Page, Sat 18 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham MURDER MYSTERY DINNER EXPERIENCE Ideas for what should be included in the Annual Fair in a sleepy Hampshire village arouse jealousy and unease - especially those proposed by the Lord of the Manor, who has his own agenda.

The result is murder!

Sat 18 Apr, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Staffordshire MIDLAND LABRADOR SHOW Featuring judges Shaun Williamson and Leigh Lesley, Sat 18 Apr, Stafford Bingley Hall POTTER AND PAINTER: THE ARTISTIC UNION OF EVELYN AND WILLIAM DE MORGAN Discover what made this couple such a force in English art, Sat 18 Apr, Wightwick Manor, Nr Wolverhampton NATIONAL GARLIC DAY The chance to taste lots of garlic products and celebrate National Garlic Day, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Apr, Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent WILD WEEKEND A variety of activities hosted by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent OWL EXPERIENCE A hands-on experience of owl conservation, Sat 18 - Sun 19 April, Trentham Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent IBFA 2015 SAXON CLASSIC BODYBUILDING SHOW Sun 19 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre SPINNING WORKSHOP Learn how to spin single ply yarn and how to ply yarns together using a drop spindle.

Spindles and fleece provided, Sun 19 Apr, Ford Green Hall, Stokeon-Trent GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP A one-day workshop with awardwinning garden designer Clive Mollart on how to make the most of your garden, Sun 19 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent GROWING IN THE WALLED GARDEN: SEED SOWING Join the gardeners to help sow their spring seeds. Find out more about how the garden grows, Sun 19 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury SIMPLE SCIENCE KALEIDOSCOPES Sun 19

64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Apr, Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford CAMERA FAIR The UK's largest independent camera fair, featuring over one hundred stands, Sun 19 Apr, Wolverhampton Racecourse THE HOUSE OF BLACKSTAR - LIVING HISTORY Medieval reenactment society covering the historical period of 1240 to 1350, Sun 19 Apr, Whittington Castle, Oswestry, North Shropshire COUNTING BIRDS See some of the native birds up close and personal, Sun 19 Apr, Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury

Wedding Fair - The REP, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 20 APR HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Witness history in the making as Washington Generals look for a landmark victory over the Harlem Globetrotters, Tue 21 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham GUY DAY'S HINTS & TIPS Guy demonstrates seasonally inspired dishes which include ingredients such asparagus, peas, watercress and soft fresh herbs, Tue 21 - Wed 22 Apr, Weston Park, Staffordshire THE ULTIMATE YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE QUIZ A literature-themed quiz, Thu 23 Apr, Waterstones - High St, Birmingham ADULT CRAFTS - GLASS MOSAICS Fri 24 April, Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford FUN WITH FUSING Fri 24 Apr, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge TAI CHI Tai Chi lesson in the peaceful setting of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sat 25 Apr, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BRUMBATS A guided walk with bat experts BrumBats, Sat 25 Apr, Martineau Gardens, Birmingham FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE Featuring chocolatemaking workshops, craft sessions, demonstrations and storytelling, Sat 25 Apr, Selly Manor, Birmingham BARN DANCE SATURDAY The Cat Whiskers Band host another evening of food and dancing, Sat 25 Apr, National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent BAMMA 20 One of the biggest MMA events of the year returns with a huge headline fight featuring Brett McDermott and Marcin Lazars, Sat 25 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham ST. GEORGE'S DAY Tamworth Castle is brought to life with medieval fun, Sat 25

Apr, Tamworth Castle, Staffs SOOTY'S FUN HOUSE Direct from CITV, The Sooty Show returns, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Apr, Cadbury World, Birmingham ANTIQUES IN THE PARK Organised by Jaguar Fairs, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Apr, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Staffs CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE

SHOW The world's largest classic bike event returns with a range of new elements, Sat 25 - Sun 26 April, Stafford Bingley Hall BIKE 4 LIFE FEST 2015 In support of the RAF Museum and Midlands Air Ambulance. Ride out from Meole Brace Shrewsbury at 11.30am to RAF Cosford, Sun 26 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton

DRIVE-IT DAY Featuring a collection of classic vehicles and a celebration of British motoring heritage, Sun 26 Apr National Memorial Aboretum, Stafford VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY Featuring over thirty vintage and military vehicles, Sun 26 Apr, The Staffordshire Regiment Museum

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Eating Out Mailbox welcomes new bar and restaurant A hotly anticipated new bar and restaurant has recently opened its doors in Birmingham’s Mailbox. Gas Street Social serves up seasonal European food alongside a range of international craft beers, fine wines and signature handcrafted cocktails. The venue, which has been opened with the support of the Regional Growth Fund, has a restaurant area catering for up to one hundred-and-twenty diners and an outdoor terrace accommodating up to thirty-six people.

Plenty to Nosh & Quaff in Brum...

Birmingham is set to get its first dedicated lobster restaurant. The aptly named Nosh & Quaff promises to get creative with the popular crustacean, using fresh and organic ingredients to bring a taste of the sea - with a special twist - to the Midlands. Also on tap will be a wide variety of beers selected both to complement the menu and quench the thirst. We’ve got high expectations of this latest addition to the Birmingham food scene, as it’s a new member of the awardwinning Lasan Group. Other members are Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter, Fiesta del Asado on Hagley Road and Raja Monkey on Stratford Road. Nosh & Quaff is set to open on Colmore Row at the end of May.

Wolves restaurant maintains Michelin status Wolverhampton’s popular Bilash restaurant has succeeded in maintaining its Michelin-star status for the fourteenth consecutive year. The familyrun eatery first opened its doors on Cheapside over thirty years ago, in 1982, and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Specialising in Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, the restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Bilash prides itself on offering ‘mouthwatering, innovative food’ - and obviously those in the know at the Michelin Guide continue to be in agreement with that assessment.

So why not sample some award-winning dishes next time you’re in the area?

Top marks for Old Downton Lodge REVIEW Think of fine cuisine in south Shropshire and Ludlow’s award-winning restaurants soon spring to mind. But tucked away on a pretty little lane just a few minutes south of the town is a hidden gem that arguably tops them all.

For those looking for a dining experience that’s pure escapism, look no further than the utterly charming Old Downton Lodge.

A mix of Georgian, halftimbered and medieval architecture, the beautifully restored barn and stables are enchanting and timeless. This secret world has not gone completely unnoticed, though - the food here has recently been awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. My wife and I were sampling the five-course taster menu and were

eager to see what was on offer.

We started with duck hearts, leeks and kohlrabi, followed by mackerel with rhubarb & horseradish.

Both courses (particularly the duck) were excellent, delicately flavoured and the perfect warm-up for what was to become the star of the show...

The main course of beef was magnificent.

Accompanied by pickled mushrooms, kale and garlic, the flavour and tenderness was superb. I don’t think I’ve ever had beef as good as this.

But we weren’t finished there, as two sweet courses were to follow. The first was chickory, with white chocolate and yogurt. The second was sumptuous chocolate and beetroot sorbet with accents of orange and coriander.

Both courses were very well considered and perfectly executed. The resi-

dent chef is clearly keen to showcase his mastery with this menu, and we certainly weren’t disappointed.

From the roaring log burner and friendly smile that welcomed us in from the cold, to the mighty timbers of the medieval dining room, the surroundings and food at Old Downton Lodge are on a par with the county’s finest.

Visit now before everyone else discovers the place.

Matthew Morris Food: nnnnn Service: nnnnn Ambience: n n n n n Overall value n n n n n OVERALL n n n n n Old Downton Lodge Downton on the Rock Ludlow Shropshire SY8 2HU Tel: 01568 771826

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Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on restaurants, including opening times and type of cuisine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Black Country ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1SY 01922 613361 BANKS BISTRO Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton WV1 4EP 01902 238433 BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton. 01902 427555 BENGAL FUSION 174 High St, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 8LN. 01384 891111 BILASH 2 Cheapside, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TU 01902 427762 THE BLUE BRICK Broad Gauge Way, Wolverhampton WV1 1AA 01902 875301 BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper Green, Wolverhampton WV6 8QQ 01902 756052 CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253255 Bilston Road, Wolverhampton WV2 2JN 01902 458024 CASA CASITA Upper Gornal, Dudley. DY3 1UP 01902 676754 CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Wolverhampton, WV1 4LR 01902 428928 CINNAMON COURT Bentley Mill Way, Walsall WS2 0BP 0121 568 6664 THE COWSHED Clive Farm Clive Rd, Pattingham, WV6 7EN 01902 701888 THE CROOKED HOUSE Coppice Hill, Himley DY3 4DA 01384 238583 THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, Walsall, WS1 2EU 01922 643215 DON SALVO 25 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4HW 01902 712819 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU 01384 877077 FARADAYS The Waterfront, Brierley Hill, Dudley, DY5 1UR 01384 482 882 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage Place, Walsall WS1 3NA 01922 646164

FOUR STONES Adam’s Hill,Clint, Stourbridge, DY9 9PS 01562 883260 FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, Smethwick, B67 5BN 0121 429 7920 FRENCH CONNECTION 3 Coventry St, Stourbridge DY8 1EP 01384 390940 FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove Rd, Clent, Stourbridge DY9 9PY 01562 883040 GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 2EQ 01922 640363 THE HUNGRY BISTRO 81 Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1EQ 01902 546336 LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster. DY11 6UU 01562 744976 MADE IN THAI Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4HW 01902 312512 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster DY11 6UU 01562 60479 THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB 0121 557 1402 RED FORT Fold St, Wolverhampton, WV1 4LP 01902 424440 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 Upper Green, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QQ 01902 756052 SAFFRON Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury B69 4RR 0121 552 1752 SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 0PU 0121 580 9293 SPICES Hollywell Rd, Wednesbury. WS10 7PA 0121 502 0720 THE SPRINGHILL Warstones Rd, Penn, Wolverhampton WV4 4LB 01902 342530 THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 Gospel End Rd, Dudley DY3 4AN 01902 676 102 THORNESCROFT Bridgnorth Rd, Wolverhampton, WV6 7EQ 01902 700 253 THE WOODMAN Claverley, Wolverhampton WV5 7DG 01746 710 553

THE DINNER CLUB

Shropshire AFTAB 25 High St, Ironbridge TF8 7AD 01952 432055 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY Ellesmere Rd, Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF 01939 290 523 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 1PZ 01743 272586 BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, TF11 9BA 01952 460128 CASA NARANJO Barracks Passage, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 01743 588165 CASA RUIZ 45 High Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4DX 01746 218 084 CHEZ MAW Best Western Valley Hotel, Buildwas Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW 01952 432247 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, Market Drayton TF9 3PX 01630 638984 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, Shrewsbury SY1 1EN 01743 361440 DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 01952 432250 DORRINGTON OLD HALL PERSIAN CUISINE Main Road, Dorrington, Shropshire SY5 7JD 01743 719100 DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ 01743 344679 THE FEATHERS Brockton, Much Wenlock TF13 6JR 01746 785202 FENNELS 8 Market Place, Shifnall TF11 9AZ 01952 463020 THE FOX INN 46 High St, Much Wenlock TF13 6AD 01952 727292 FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JX 01743 354422 THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 Princess St, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LP 01743 362507 GRANARY BAR & GRILL Weston Park, Westonunder-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, TF11 8LE 01952 852107 THE GLUTTON CLUB 165167 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8LG 01743 361672 HADLEY PARK HOUSE Hadley Park, Telford TF1 6QJ 01952 677269 HAVANA REPUBLIC 18 Abbey Foregate,

(EST 86)

A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY

SINGLE?

For the more discerning unattached person, age 40+ Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls,theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad.

NOT A DATING AGENCY

01244 677030 (Day) / 01244 548816 (Eve/W-end)

www.thedinnerclubuk.com 66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Hadley House Hotel, Telford, Shropshire

Shrewsbury SY2 6AE 01743 281744 THE HAYWARDS at The Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UY 01743 353107 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE Barracks Passage Shrewsbury SY1 1XA 01743 361666 HILL VALLEY HOTEL Tarporley Road, Whitchurch SY13 4HA 0844 879 9049 THE INN AT GRINSHILL The High Street, Grinshill, Shrewsbury, SY4 3BL 01939 220410 KING & THAI Avenue Rd, Broseley, Telford TF12 5DL 01952 882004 THE KNIGHTON HOTEL Broad Street, Knighton, Powys LD7 1BL 01547 520530 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 1QU 01743 249126 LA LANTERNA The Old Vestry, St Julian's Church, Shrewsbury SY1 1UH 01743 233552 LION & PHEASANT 50 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 THE LION QUAYS Moreton, Oswestry SY11 3EN 01691 684300 LOCH FYNE Talbot House, Market Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 277140 LUDLOW KITCHEN Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 2JR 01584 856020 THE MALTHOUSE The Wharfage, Ironbridge TF8 7NH 01902 433712 MOMO·NO·KI T19 Abbey Foregate,Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE 01743 281770 MORGANS 1 Bellstone, Shrewsbury SY1 1HU 01743 231199 MR UNDERHILLS Dinham Weir, Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1EH 01584 874431 THE MYTTON & MERMAID Atcham, Shrewsbury, SY5 6QG 01743 761220 THE OLD ORLETON INN Holyhead Rd, Wellington, TF1 2HA 01952 255011 THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill Road, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5UA 01939 233233 THE PEACH TREE 21 Abbey Foregate,

Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE 01743 355055 THE PLUME OF FEATHERS Harley, Shrewsbury SY5 6LP 01743 727360 PORTER HOUSE 15 St Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 THE POUND AT LEEBOTWOOD Leebotwood, Nr Church Stretton SY6 6ND 01694 751477 RENAISSANCE, 29a Princess St, Shrewsbury, SY11LW 01743 354289 ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, shrewsbury SY1 1HH 01743 233244 SARACENS Shrewsbury Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 210877 SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, Oswestry SY11 1AQ 01691 655444 SHALIMAR 23 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AE 01743 366658 SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UT 01743 242321 THE SILVERTON the Old Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JY 01743 248000 TIN TINS Wellington Road, Telford TF2 8AJ 01952 608688 THE WALLS Welsh Walls, Oswestry SY11 1AW 01691 670970 ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 High Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1SF 01743 353232

Staffordshire NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock.

WS11 1BH 01543 573905 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 Lombard St, Lichfield.

WS13 6DP 01543 257986 BELLA ITALIA 20 Greengate St, Stafford, ST16 2HS 01785 211968 CHANDLERS Corn Exchange, Conduit St, Lichfield, WS13 6JU 01543 416688 THE CORNER HOUSE Second Avenue, BurtonOn-Trent DE14 2WF 01283 542321 CURRY KUTEER 31 Greengate Street, Stafford

ST16 2HY 01785 253279 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT 27 Broad Eye, Stafford ST16 2QB 01785 229988 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen Hall Lichfield, WS14 9RE 01543 481494 THE GREEN ROOM Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR 01543 412121 INDIAN VILLAGE 8 Lombard St, Lichfield.

WS13 6DR 01543 253415 INDICA Virage Park, Cannock. WS11 0HN 08712 070417 LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford St, Stone ST15 8QW 01785 817 985 THE LODGE 24 Birmingham Road, Shenstone. WS14 0LQ 01543 483334 MALABAR 1-2 Water Street, Stafford, ST16 2AG 01785 227 500/600 MARLOES 13 London Road, Newcastle under Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 661983 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, ST15 8BA 01785 818456 THE NAVIGATION INN Newport Road, Gnosall, Stafford ST20 0BN 01785 822327 OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Branston, Burton, DE14 3EX 01283 533222 PASCAL AT THE OLD VICARAGE 2 Main Street, Branston, Burton-uponTren 01283 533222 PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill Street, Stafford, ST16 2AJ 01782 263 737 THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR 01543 481807 PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 1JD 01782 209444 THE RED ROOM 7 Newcastle Road, Congleton CW12 4HN 01260 297871 THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Lockwood Rd, Kingsley Holt, Stafford ST10 2DH 01538 750831 WOLSELEY ARMS Wolseley Bridge, Stafford ST17 0XS 01889 883179

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Great Theatre at the Grand!

TUES 7 - SAT 11 APRIL

SAT 4 APRIL

SUN 12 APRIL

JEFFREY HOLLAND

JUDY BUXTON

MON 13 - TUES 14 APRIL

WED 15 - THURS 16 APRIL

TUES 21 APRIL - SAT 2 MAY

MON 18 - SAT 23 MAY

MON 25 MAY

LA BOHÈME (PUCCINI)

THE SIEGE OF CALAIS (DONIZETTI)

WED 13 - SAT 16 MAY

DIRECT FROM ITS RECORD BREAKING WEST END RUN

WRITTEN BY

REGINALD ROSE DIRECTED BY

CHRISTOPHER HAYDON

PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS CAST

HHHH

‘GRIPPING’ DAILY EXPRESS

HHHH

‘TERRIFIC’ THE TIMES

HHHH

‘PERFECTION’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

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BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk