December 2014 - What`s On Live

Transcription

Wolves & B'Cntry Cover .qxp_Mids Cover - August 24/11/2014 10:45 Page 1
WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON ISSUE 348 DECEMBER 2014
THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY
’
What sOn
www.whatsonlive.co.uk
ISSUE 348
DECEMBER 2014
RUSSEL
L
HOWARD
GOO
D NEWS IN
BRUM
CAMERON MACKINTOSH
PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS
talks musicals, money
and more...
interview inside...
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
indie rockers at the Civic
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
festive cheer at Black
Country Living Museum
@WHATSONWOLVES WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK
Buttermarket Xmas.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 18:35 Page 1
Contents Dec Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 12:59 Page 1
December 2014
Editor:
Davina Evans
INSIDE:
[email protected]
01743 281708
Cameron Mackintosh
Editorial Assistants:
Brian O’Faolain
Barnum out on tour...
interview p6
[email protected]
01743 281701
Lauren Foster
[email protected]
01743 281707
Adrian Parker
[email protected]
01743 281714
Sales & Marketing:
Chris Horton
[email protected]
01743 281704
Subscriptions:
Adrian Parker
[email protected]
01743 281714
Managing Director:
Paul Oliver
Chrissie Hynde
[email protected]
01743 281711
bonafide rock legend
in Wolves p17
Publisher and CEO:
Martin Monahan
[email protected]
01743 281710
Graphic Designers:
Lisa Wassell
Chris Atherton
Accounts Administrator
Julia Perry
[email protected]
01743 281717
Website Development:
Eddie Payne
Camping it up in Grand style. Julian Clary tells us how he’ll be spending
Christmas... Interview page 10
Contributors:
Graham Bostock: Theatre
James Cameron-Wilson:
Film; Alev Dervish: Music
Eva Easthope, Kate
Evans, Jessica Aston,
Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe,
Jan Watts, Reggie White,
Simon Carter, Anita
Champaneri
TO GET THE VERY
LATEST LISTING
INFORMATION,
Head Office:
INCLUDING
BOOKING ONLINE
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Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE
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VISIT:
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What’sOn
MAGAZINE GROUP
Wolverhampton
& Black Country
@whatsonwolves
News p4
Music p17
Comedy p26
Theatre p29
Film/DVD p45
Visual Arts p51
Events p55
Eating Out p65
Staffordshire
@whatsonstaffs
Shropshire
@whatsonshrops
Alfie Boe
inspired by the golden era
of Italian song... p24
December 2014
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News December Region 2Davina.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 16:21 Page 1
News
A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Secret Egypt, discovered
An exhibition addressing popular modern
misconceptions about ancient Egypt is to
open at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
next month. Featuring more than one hundred-and-fifty objects, Secret Egypt is a collection of ceramics, jewellery, statues, coffins
and both animal and human mummies.
The exhibition examines the science behind
the mummification process and also looks at
evidence of curses in Egyptian society.
A touring exhibition from Coventry’s Herbert
Art Gallery & Museum, presented in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust,
Secret Egypt shows at Shrewsbury Museum
& Art Gallery from 24 January to 26 April.
Secret Egypt exhibition at a previous location
Scoundrels abound in the Midlands...
Festive treat with a difference
Dudley Canal Trust is looking to make the
most of the area’s underground acoustics in
the lead up to Christmas.
Boat trips around the caverns and limestone
mines on 14 and 21 December will see an
onboard choir performing live in unaccompanied four-part harmony, presenting festive
favourites such as God Rest Ye, Merry
Gentlemen, Coventry Carol and Silent Night.
The unique hour-long trip will take in locations such as Cathedral Arch and the
famous Singing Cavern.
Tickets priced at £10.80 include travel
aboard one of the Trust’s special electric tunnel tripping boats, a hot drink and a mince
pie. For further information, call 0121 557
6265.
A national touring version of the critically acclaimed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will visit two
Midlands theatres next year. Based on Frank Oz’s 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael
Caine - which itself was based on 1964’s Bedtime Story with David Niven and Marlon Brando
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is set in the decadent underworld of the French Riviera, where two
seasoned swindlers attempt to hoodwink a millionaire soap heiress. The show stops off at
Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from 5 to 16 May and then at the Regent Theatre,
Stoke-on-Trent, from 29 July to 1 August. Casting for the show is yet to be announced.
That’s Amore and Come Fly With Me. The
show also boasts a sprinkling of seasonal
favourites to enjoy. Ten percent of all ticket
sales will be donated to local sight-loss charity Beacon. Funds raised will help the charity
support people living with sight loss across
the West Midlands. Tickets are priced £21
and £17 and are available from the Beacon
fundraising team on 01902 880 111.
Raw State launched in Brum
That’s Amore in Wolves
Wulfrun Hall is offering Midlanders the
chance to enjoy Christmas with the Rat Pack
on Tuesday 23 December. The popular tribute show sees ‘Frank Sinatra’, ‘Dean Martin’
and ‘Sammy Davis Jnr’ transporting audiences to 1960s Las Vegas via a programme
of classic songs, including Mac The Knife,
4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk
Black Country-born singer-songwriter Dan
Whitehouse is to officially launch his third
album, Raw State, at Birmingham’s Glee
Club this month (7 December). Dan performs at the venue with a full band - including BJ Cole (Bjork, Elvis Costello, REM).
Award-winning Irish songwriter Duke Special
offers support.
Dan is releasing
Raw State having
just completed a
string of UK and
North America
dates. The album
has been described
as a body of work
which ‘embraces
the power of
change and new
directions’.
Staffordshire location the
public’s favourite
The National Arboretum has come out on
top in a public vote designed to find the
most popular places to be funded by the
National Lottery in the past twenty years.
The Staffordshire location received the most
votes in the recent National Treasures survey, which asked social media users to
choose their favourite from a range of iconic
venues, landmarks and facilities, all of which
have benefitted from Lottery funding.
To date, more than £8 million of Lottery funding has been awarded to the arboretum. The
survey also saw the public choose Stephen
Fry as their National Treasure, for his work
as president of mental health charity Mind.
New collection revealed
Walsall’s New Art Gallery this month presents the first exhibition from The Clive
Beardmore Collection - a private collection
which will expand the gallery’s holding of
Modern British artworks. On general display
from 4 December, the collection showcases
pieces by Edward Bawden, John Bratby,
Laura Knight, Graham Sutherland and Keith
Vaughan, none of whom have previously
been represented in the gallery.
News December Region 2Davina.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 16:21 Page 2
Motionhouse to join forces
with Tamworth arts team
World-renowned dance company
Motionhouse is to join forces with
Tamworth’s Arts & Events team to mount a
large-scale site-specific performance next
May. The Leamington-based ensemble will
work with over two hundred performers
from the local community to create Tigress,
a piece inspired by the story of Æthelfleda,
the eldest daughter of King Alfred the Great.
A powerful queen in her own right, she was
responsible for refortifying the Saxon town
of Tamworth and leading the Mercians into
battle against the vikings.
Tigress is just one of many projects that
Motionhouse has planned for 2015. The
company will also be collaborating with No
Fit State Circus on a brand new outdoor
show called Block. We’ll keep you posted.
Archive image of rehearsals for a previous
Motionhouse production
Love is in the air at
National Sealife Centre
John Lewis’ festive advert featuring Monty
the penguin has certainly made a major
impact. Birmingham’s National Sealife
Centre has credited the ad for the popularity
of its new VIP feeding experiences with penguins. The Brindleyplace venue has enjoyed
a significant increase in bookings of late,
with people eager to get up close and personal with the Gentoo penguins, who’ve
recently begun bowing at one another in
preparation for mating.
Photo credit: John Lewis
Roots season announced...
BBC Folk Award-winner Jim Moray, Demon
Barber Roadshow frontman Damien Barber
and rising star Emma Sweeney all feature in
a series of concerts being presented next
year by Shropshire Roots, an offshoot of the
Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
Opening the winter season, festival patron
John Jones performs a rare solo gig at
Shrewsbury’s The Hive on 25 January. The
venue will then host Damien Barber on 8
February, Jim Moray on 22 March and BBC
Young Folk Award-winners Greg Russell
and Ciaran Algar on 19 April. Emma
Sweeney plays Shrewsbury’s Morris Hall on
10 May, while Irish singer-songwriter Keiran
Goss brings the season to a close with a
gig at The Hive on 31 May. Full details can
be found at www.shropshireroots.co.uk
Three Men In A Bowtie go back to where it all began...
Shropshire’s most established comedy trio are this month celebrating their twenty-first
anniversary by returning to their Shrewsbury roots.
Three Men In A Bowtie launched themselves on an unsuspecting public as a ‘Christmas entertainment’ way back in 1993. Five hundred concerts later they’re resurrecting the Christmas
format for two special nights, and will be presenting their first ‘seasonal show’ in Shrewsbury
since 1998. Classic Christmas songs will include Stuff The Turkey, Pantomime Blues and the
Telford carol, Ding Dang Dong. They’ll also be giving an airing to all their latest songs, as well
as pulling a few old crackers out of their Santa hats.
Accompanying the chaps will be Shropshire’s agricultural starlet Freda Brace-cock, who’ll be
waving around her mistletoe in the high hope of enjoying a moment or two of yuletide
romance.
Three Men In A Bowtie play the Ashton Theatre at Shrewsbury School on Thursday 18 and
Friday 19 December. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/threemeninabowtie, or
by calling Darren Wood on 01743 280812.
IN BRIEF
Mo’s back in Brum
Tickets are now on
sale for the world’s
biggest indoor athletics meeting. The
Sainsbury’s Indoor
Grand Prix will take
place at Birmingham’s
Barclaycard Arena formerly known as the
National Indoor Arena
- on Saturday 21
February. The event
will see the biggest
British and global athletics superstars including the legendary Mo Farah coming together for an
afternoon of worldclass sport. Those
who were lucky
enough to get their
hands on tickets for
last year's sell-out
Grand Prix saw some
truly showstopping
performances from
Britain’s finest.
To secure tickets for
the 2015 event, call
08000 556056.
Shropshire art show secures new patron
An annual art event launched in Shropshire earlier this year has
secured acclaimed British sculptor Andrew Logan as its new
patron.
The Big Art Show made its debut at Shrewsbury’s County
Showground in July and features works in a variety of media.
The 2015 version of the event will host over one hundred-and-fifty
exhibitors, live music, workshops and talks by artists.
The Big Art Show organiser David Dawkins said of Logan’s
involvement: “We’re really pleased that without hesitation Andrew
Logan has agreed to become a patron. He’s a well-known and
well-respected artist who also carries a lot of kudos. I hope his
patronage will encourage others to exhibit. Andrew will be exhibiting his work, as well as holding one of his famous catwalk jewellery shows. We received very encouraging feedback from artists
and attendees at last year’s event and look forward to 2015 being
even better.”
Local reindeer become movie stars
Seven reindeer from Blithbury Reindeer Lodge in Staffordshire
have made it big in the movies by featuring in a brand new British
comedy. Get Santa, which can be seen in cinemas across the UK
from 5 December, boasts an all-star cast including Jim
Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Warwick Davies and Kit Connor.
The film finds Father Christmas not only on the run from the
police but also befriended by a nine-year-old boy who wants to
save Christmas. Blithbury’s seven-year-old reindeer, Combo,
takes the lead as Dasher, while a reindeer named George, who
communicates by breaking wind, is sure to keep younger cinema-goers suitably amused.
www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5
Cameron Mackintosh interview R2.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 19:24 Page 1
“
I love showbusiness,
but I don’t want it to
take over my life. I’m
as interested in
building houses as
putting on shows.
”
Cameron Mackintosh
the modern-day Barnum talks musicals, money and more...
From the tender age of eight, when his aunt took him to see a matinee performance of Salad
Days, Sir Cameron Mackintosh knew that he wanted to be a theatre producer. Little could he
have imagined that his childhood ambition would be achieved so spectacularly! The first British
producer to be inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame, Sir Cameron has produced some of the
world’s most successful musicals, including Cats, Miss Saigon, The Phantom Of The Opera and
Les Miserables. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk to What’s On about his
revival production of Barnum, which stars Brian Conley and visits two Midlands venues in 2015.
What lies behind the decision to bring
Barnum back to the stage, Cameron?
I’ve got a very long connection with Barnum
which is fairly tenuous. One of the first
musicals I did, back in 1973, was called The
Card, which was written by Tony Hatch and
Jackie Trent. I was discussing having the
lead played by Michael Crawford, who
ended up doing another show called Billy
instead. So I was wracking my brains to
think of who I would get to do it. Suddenly I
remembered that I’d seen a young Jim Dale
do a marvellous show called Scapino at the
Young Vic. So I put him in The Card and he
was terrific. The show was a reasonable
success, and the great American producer
David Merrick came and saw it. David had
been asked about producing Barnum in the
US. He put Jim Dale in the show as Barnum,
and this unknown Englishman became the
toast of Broadway. The show was wonderful,
and because of my connection with Jim, I
went to see it and fell in love with it. It’s
always been there in the back of my mind and, of course, there’s a bit of PT Barnum in
me as well.
So how does this new staging differ from
the original?
If you know Barnum at all, you know him of
interview...
Barnum & Bailey’s Circus - but he didn’t join
the circus until he was sixty-five. Before that,
he was a great showman. He was also quite
an influential politician, in first the Democrat
and then the Republican party. In fact, he
was one of the first people involved in getting
Abraham Lincoln elected. He fought for very
many causes - the emancipation of women,
the abolition of slavery and all sorts of things,
all of which are touched on in the show. It’s
essentially about these amazing dreams that
Barnum had, and about his very practical
wife, Chairy, who made his dreams come
true. There’s a real love story about a very
extraordinary couple in the middle of this
incredible fable about a man who can’t help
thinking up these wonderful ideas. Those are
the themes that have haunted me over the
years. I was idly playing the music one day
and thought, it’s funny that we haven’t heard
this show for twenty-five years, because it’s
such a wonderful, life-affirming score and a
really lovely story. What I wanted to do was
actually strengthen the love story between
Barnum and Chairy, so I did some reworking
with American theatre director and producer
Mark Bramble, rebuilding the second act of
the show. The rebuilding’s worked really well.
My first memories of watching the show with
Jim Dale was of a very unknown Glenn Close
playing his wife. I never thought that the role
of Chairy was as good in any subsequent
shows I saw, because Glenn - being a
phenomenal actress - brought something
really special to the part. Thereafter, Barnum
was always thought of as a one-man show very entertaining but not much of a story. I
think having someone as good as Linzi
Hateley playing Chairy, and rebuilding the
emotional core of the show, works really well.
We’ve put some new numbers into the show
for when she dies and Barnum has a
nervous breakdown. It’s had this fantastic
reception from the audience since it reopened in Leicester a few weeks ago.
You’ve re-worked Miss Saigon, The
Phantom Of The Opera and now Barnum.
What are your main considerations when
setting out to re-work a very well-known
show?
I re-imagined the staging for the new
Phantom and Miss Saigon. In the latter,
Claude-Michel and Alain wrote a new song
for Ellen, but we didn’t really change the
structure of the show at all. It was literally
that. We looked at the language for the new
London production and we tightened it up. It
was written twenty-five years ago and we
wanted it to have a bit more edge. Basically,
both Saigon and Phantom were the same
shows that were written twenty-five years
ago. With Barnum, I felt it needed a much
more radical re-think, to put the love story of
the husband and wife more central stage to
the telling of Barnum’s tale.
Broadly speaking, Miss Saigon is
historical, Phantom is fictional, Barnum is
biographical. What draws you to a story?
Are there common themes and elements
to a story that you choose to bring to the
stage?
Most of the shows I’ve done have been
based on adaptations of classic material,
whether it be Dickens, PL Travers, Hugo or
whoever. I don’t normally do biography
musicals, and I don’t know whether I would
have done it originally. The connection I
found in Barnum is that, being a showman
myself, I understand how important it is to
have a relationship. It’s not all about the
work, it’s about how you live your life. That’s
the theme that I found in it. I normally
produce much more serious musicals, like
Oliver! and Miss Saigon. With Mary Poppins,
I always thought PL Travers’ book had
considerably more depth - there was more to
be got out of it than the original film had
presented. I loved the film, and I thought that
the music written for the film was brilliant, but
it was of its time. I had no interest in putting
it on the stage. Nor would PL Travers - who
never wanted the book to be turned into a
film - ever have allowed it. She was ninetythree when she gave me the rights. I said I
would never want to do it on stage unless I
could bring the best of the music from the
film into the stage score and create a new
show, which I think is the reason it’s been
such a great success. It’s a mixture of the
best things from the film and the best things
from her book. Out of two existing things
we’ve made something new; something
which continues to be a great success
around the world.
You’ve obviously got an incredible radar
for a good story. When you’re pitched an
idea, how quickly into the pitch can you
say ‘no, this just isn’t going to work’?
To be honest, I’m never interested in having
an idea pitched to me. On the whole I only
agree to do something if the writers have
been inspired to do a draft of it. At the point
at which they’ve finished the draft - or maybe
half draft - I come to it and go “Oh yes, I see
what you’re doing’. For instance, with Miss
Saigon, Claude-Michele and Alain didn’t
even tell me what the title was. Then, one
day, they said they’d done the first act and
had a recording of it - all in French, of
course. They gave me an outline of the
whole show. Then, when they told me it was
Miss Saigon, I knew immediately that I
wanted to do it. With Cats, Andrew Lloyd
Webber had been setting these poems that
he loved from his childhood to music. There
wasn’t any script at all, it was just the poems.
Everyone else he’d played it to had thought
it was a terrible idea, but when he played it
to me, I knew there was something there. I
didn’t know what it was going to be at that
point, but there was enough there to say ‘yes
I’m going to do it’. With Phantom, yes, I
suppose I thought the idea of doing The
Phantom Of The Opera was a good one.
There were several other versions about, and
originally we were just going to produce it.
Andrew didn’t want to write it, but the more
we got into it, the more we saw there was a
terrific show there. Thank God Andrew
relented and decided to write the score,
which has turned out to be one of his
greatest works.
Usually I would never have thought of doing
Les Miserables. It was the fact that I heard
the original French concept album and had
an idea of the story; that’s what grabbed me
by the throat and made me say yes. Again,
with Mary Poppins, I was inspired by the film
- so much so, in fact, that I’d been trying to
get the rights for thirty years. I just felt that
there was something in the writing that made
me want to try and get it. So it’s generally the
characters and the story that make me want
to do a show.
And is there a story that got away?
I did try and pursue Dr Zhivago for quite a
long time but the rights were never available.
Someone’s had them for many years and
keeps having a go at it, but I believe it may
end up on Broadway next year. That’s a
show that I seriously did look at. I love the
David Lean film and it’s a fascinating book,
but I think it would be a tricky one to do.
Are audience expectations more of a
challenge to meet these days?
I don’t think so. If you look at the biggest hits
in London at the moment on the musical
front, they’ve come from left field. The Book
Of Mormon - nobody could know what that
show was until it opened in America, and it’s
had an equal success in London at the
Prince of Wales. It’s an original musical, a
pastiche of many things and is wickedly
funny, but it’s taken audiences by surprise. I
found with Les Mis and Miss Saigon, by retooling them, a whole new audience who’ve
never seen them previously are coming to
see them.
It remains to be seen which of the new
musicals coming this season will actually
last. Certainly the Royal Shakespeare
Company’s Matilda has been a completely
unexpected success. So you really never
know. There are unlikely shows that
succeed. Look at Wicked. When it opened in
New York it got terrible reviews. It actually
built its audience over the first six months
and became a huge hit; it wasn’t an
overnight success. There was no expectation
before the show opened - and that’s
something which has happened throughout
history. Two of the most famous shows on
both sides of the Atlantic - Oklahoma in the
States in the 1940s and Oliver! over here both opened with no advance at all. Legend
has it that they couldn’t even fill the theatre
with free seats on the opening nights of
either show, but they’ve both gone on to
become a phenomena. It’s really weird how
it goes. Not all shows open like Cats and
Phantom or Les Miserables, becoming a
huge success immediately.
Is it the case that the bigger the name, the
greater the expectation? Andrew Lloyd
Webber, for example, has produced all
these fantastic shows, so do audiences
feel that every subsequent production of
his should be of the highest standard?
If Andrew or, to a lesser extent, I myself do a
new show, because we’ve been at it a long
time, we might be one of the few names that
the general public have heard of. That may
get the show a bit of attention, but the public
won’t buy in advance. That’s what Andrew
discovered with his last show - in the end it
only ran for a short amount of time. It’s the
show that matters. The most that a famous
name can do is generate publicity. A famous
name doesn’t get you people - unless you’re
a bonafide star, in which case they’re not
coming because of the writer or the producer
but because of the star.
So where does musical theatre go from
here, Cameron? How would a brand new
show in, say, thirty years’ time differ from
what’s being presented today?
God knows! I’ve no idea. I never know
what’s going to be a hit anyway. I treat every
new show I do as if it’s the first one. Yes, I
know there are certain things which would
be stupid mistakes to make, but I think there
are no rules about what makes a success.
I’ve always followed the dictum that you do it
Image from Barnum
continued... for yourself, you do it as well
as you can, and hopefully
other people will like it. I have to fall in love
with the material. The shows which have
been successful have been successful
because the authors believed in them. The
reason that Matilda’s been a success is
purely because of the brilliance of Tim
Minchin and Dennis Kelly’s writing, and the
show’s been very well done. That said, I do
think it’s unlikely the show would’ve done
quite so well if it had opened cold in the
West End. The fact that it came out of the
RSC, as happened with Les Miserable thirty
years ago, helped build an audienceawareness and appreciation for it.
Have shows like Matilda filled a gap for
younger audiences?
Yes. It’s the younger market which keeps
Phantom, Les Miserables and, particularly,
Miss Saigon going. What I’ve seen is a shift
over the last fifteen years. The main
demographic is that late teens to people in
their thirties make up the main bulk of the
audience, whereas it used to be thirty-fives
to fifties. I think the audience has got hugely
younger for those shows that have staying
power. Younger people have discovered the
excitement and the thrill of musical theatre.
This is one of the reasons why theatre is
thriving. Not every show, but the good
shows are thriving because the audiences
are much younger, they’re contemporary
and they like it.
Does theatre’s popularity with younger
audiences re-affirm people’s perception of
theatre becoming more accessible?
Absolutely. It’s now totally accessible. I think
its popularity is partly to do with the fact that
people have to stare at a screen with their
jobs all day. Therefore, when they have
leisure time, they want to do something
that’s live, whether it’s a pop concert, the
theatre or sport. Nowadays the live event is
worth more than the recorded event. As we
know with DVDs and CDs, people will flock
to the concert much more than buy
something to have at home now. And via all
these TV programmes searching for new
talent, people see that not only is theatre
enjoyable, it can also be a very good
profession to go into. The contribution of the
entertainment industry is huge and right up
the scale. It’s a real place where you can get
a job; if you’ve got a talent and get a break,
you can make it. There aren’t that many jobs
in the world where you can do that, no
matter where you come from.
What’s the greatest ever single piece of
advice that you’ve been given, and is it the
same advice that you’d pass on to an
inspiring Cameron Mackintosh in 2014?
Do something because you believe in it and
not necessarily because you think it will
make money. Do it passionately, do it as well
as you can, and then hopefully the public will
come to share your taste.
You’re the richest producer in the history
of musical theatre. How do you remain
grounded?
To be honest, as I spent so many years
wondering if I could afford the petrol to go
from one theatre to another, I’m constantly
amazed that I can afford to do whatever I
want. My sense of value is still there and I
don’t spend all my time in the theatre. When
I started out, I wanted to make a living and I
wanted to be successful, like anyone does in
any business, but I never thought of making
lots of money. So the fact that I’ve ended up
making more money than I could ever have
imagined is something quite surreal. I’m only
occasionally reminded of it. I live in nice
houses and I can more or less go wherever I
want and do what I want, but I love living in
the country. I love showbusiness, but I don’t
want it to take over my life. I’m as interested
in building houses as putting on shows. I’m
not caught up in the web of showbusiness
glamour; in fact, I rarely ever do it. I throw a
good party for opening night but I’m not
interested in being in OK magazine and all of
that showbusiness stuff. I think that’s helped
me. Plus, I’ve got some very good people
helping me - they do most of the work that
keeps my empire around the world ticking.
They may have to choose their moment, but
they know me well enough to tell me not to
be an ass. I like to think I don’t give them too
much of an opportunity to do so, but we can
all get carried away at times and need
people to say to us “Stop it! That’s not right”.
But the trappings have never interested me;
I’d much rather be spending time at home.
I’m quite reclusive - and interestingly
enough, so was PT Barnum, the greatest
showman of all time. He would only go and
do the hoopla when it was for his own show.
Otherwise he built himself nice houses and
went home and had a kitchen supper. So I
think we share a few more things in
common.
What’s your favourite way to wind down?
To be honest, the luxury is having the time to
myself and being with my friends. I’m equally
happy wandering the hills in Scotland or the
lovely countryside in Somerset. I switch off
very easily and I’ve never had a problem
relaxing and swimming and lying on the
beach reading a tawdry book. I remember
that even when I was twenty and didn’t have
two pennies to rub together, I would never
not go on holiday. I’ve always thought that
that was as important as doing the work.
That’s what’s kept me sane. I still go
shopping. I enjoy doing that and seeing the
prices of things. Yes, I can afford a private jet
and from time to time I’ll take it - mainly to
save time - but when I don’t need to, I get on
the shuttle or go Easy Jet or whatever,
because there’s no reason not to. Also, I find
there’s part of me that feels it’s worth
knowing what things cost; to know what the
price of a theatre ticket means to the people
who’ve given me this fortunate lifestyle. I
think it’s very important, and that’s why I’m
fanatical that a show - wherever it’s going - is
not only as good as possible but also
hopefully better than what audiences have
heard.
And that people think it’s money well
spent?
Exactly! And that’s why I’m thrilled with all
the reaction to Brian and Linzi in Barnum.
We’ve received lovely letters from people
who’ve said they loved it with Michael
Crawford but that they also love the
differences, and that this production is just
as good but in a different way. It is different
to the original production and that’s what I
wanted it to be.
So what makes Brian Conley a good
choice to play Barnum?
There’s a line towards the end of the play
about my kind of showbusiness being dead.
In a way, that means a throwback to an oldfashioned showman - and that’s Brian. He’s
Miss Saigon
Mary Poppins
a showman - and yet he’s also a very good
actor. He doesn’t often get the chance to
show that - although he was a very good
Fagin for me two years ago when he toured
England in Oliver!. Interestingly enough, he
chases me for the parts that he feels he can
do, and says “Look, I’d like to have a crack
at that”. Brian takes a tremendous pride in
his work. There are so many elements in this
show - being able to act it and, obviously,
technically sing it - but Brian also knows how
to break that fourth wall with an audience.
Midlands audiences will have seen that year
after year in Birmingham, where he’s been
one of the great pantomime stars. There’s an
element of that in Barnum too - in the way
the show is constructed, with this man
introducing us to all the people who made
his life story. I think that’s why he’s so terrific.
He’s also very moving when he has his
breakdown and loses his wife. I think it’s
probably the best part Brian’s had since
Jolson, who was another showman. There’s
something about those roles that he has a
fairly unique handle on, because of who he
is and how his professional life has come
about.
Also, Linzi - who I’ve known since she was
sixteen - has such strength and such humour
and is a real rock on that stage. You
completely understand how Barnum needed
her, and why, when she went, it was such a
terrible loss - a loss which was only made up
by having another, different kind of partner in
Bailey for the last great adventure of his life.
Back to you. Where does being inducted
into Broadway’s Hall Of Fame rank in
terms of career highs?
As a little boy of eight who wanted to
become a producer, having a show in
London was on my list of dreams - but this
never was. I believe I’m the only English
producer who’s been given that accolade, so
I was very, very touched to have that. I’ve
had, and continue to have, a wonderful
career in America, which has been a very
important part of my life.
And if you could change one rule in
theatreland, what would it be?
I would probably want to rehearse the actors
and so rehearsals never stop, I suppose.
If you could choose one single scene from
one of your shows to watch in your final
moments on earth, which scene would
you choose and why?
I think it would probably have to be the finale
of Les Miserables, because it’s such a
wonderfully uplifting piece of music. It’s
about coming together, the past and the
future. It’s about the people in your lives
being forever young once you go beyond
the barricade. As a piece of music, it’s very
embracing.
Les Miserables
And what will be your lasting legacy?
Because of my very fortunate career, I’ve
worked on - or become the father figure of at least half a dozen of the greatest musicals
ever written. They’re all classics and are
going to live on with new audiences long
after I’m forgotten. Plus, I know that with the
theatres I’ve bought and the work that’s been
done to them, they’re going to last another
hundred years. What better legacy could I
leave?
We doubt you’ll be forgotten, Cameron...
Nobody remembers who produced
Showboat, nobody remembers who
produced Oklahoma, and there’s no reason
to. It’s the authors who should be
remembered. Sure, authors need producers,
but none of us have a job unless authors
come up with something that’s exciting and
inspirational. In the end it’s the authors
who’re the continuing life blood. A few
people may know Burbidge’s name but, on
the whole, everybody knows Shakespeare,
and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve
obviously been blessed to be good at
musicals and I enjoy every aspect of it.
Probably that’s the reason I’ve had more
successes than anybody else has, but my
greatest gift is being able to spot the writers
who have a unique talent, and being able to
work with them. My second greatest gift is
knowing what I’m not good at. That’s
something that often gets overlooked in life.
It’s really good to know what you’re not
good at, and then to find the person who
can do that thing instead of you.
So what is it that you’re not good at?
Even though I interfere with direction and
things like that, I could never be a director. I
can often come up with some smart direction
once something exists. I’m very good in
every department of going ‘No, you need to
do this, not that, and what about that?’, and I
can talk to actors about interpretation - but
only once it exists. I could never put it up
fresh; I don’t have that gift. That’s why I
turned down directing. A number of
producers, like Hal Prince, have become
directors, and very successful directors - but
I know I wouldn’t be one of them.
Is there anything else at which you’d like
to have a go?
No, I’ve got the best job in the world. I’m
very happy that that eight-year-old boy is still
doing what he dreamed of doing. The only
question in my life is whether I’ve grown up
enough...
Barnum shows at Wolverhampton’s Grand
Theatre, from Tues 27 - Sat 31 January and
Birmingham Hippodrome, from Tues 7 July
to Sat 1 August
Phantom Of The Opera
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Julian Clary
prepares to camp it up Grand style in Wolverhampton...
Following in the footsteps of light entertainment icons such as Larry Grayson and John Inman,
Julian Clary’s humour comes complete with an impressive side order of innuendo. Julian’s sure
to be the source of much frivolity this month when he appears as Dandini in Cinderella at
Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre. What’s On recently caught up with him to find out what the
comedian/actor/author and panto veteran enjoys most about Christmas...
This is your fifteenth panto, Julian. What
is it that draws you to this traditional form
of seasonal entertainment time and time
again?
Well, it’s the one time of year that I get to be
with a whole crowd of people, as opposed to
travelling around on my own and sitting in a
dressing room on my own, which I do the
rest of the year. Also, I like that it’s such a
strange performance that you give in panto.
You’re telling a story to the children but also
entertaining the adults. It’s a play but it’s not
a play. It’s not a cabaret and there’s no
fourth wall. You can mess around and it’s just
a mad, mad world. Also, I like spending the
dark winter months in the theatre - all day
and every day. It gets you out of the real
world.
Tell us about your Dandini?
I’m acting but I’m also being myself. Dandini
is the Prince’s right-hand man and they’ve
had to swap clothes because the Prince
wants to meet all of these ordinary girls. So I
get to wear all the lavish costumes. Dandini
guides the plot along - but apart from that,
I’m just being myself. The great thing about
panto is that you can never be accused of
over-acting or wearing too much make-up.
What makes a great panto?
Magic. It’s got to transport the audience and
it’s got to be jaw-dropping. Not too many
distractions - I don’t like pantos where people
come on in the middle and do a twentyminute act. It’s all got to be plot-driven.
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interview...
Do you have a favourite?
Cinderella - and I’m not just saying that
because I’m in it. It has the best story and it’s
got the most magic in it. It’s got the romance
and it’s got a lot of comedy with the Ugly
Sisters. It’s a winner all round.
Christmas for you - bah humbug or warm
mince pies?
Warm mince pies. I like Christmas but I’m
happy to be working throughout. I like
Christmas Day - I get to go to my parents’ but then Boxing Day morning I have to leave
to get back to the theatre, which I secretly
like. I wouldn’t want days and days of sitting
around watching bad television. I’d rather be
working.
A perfect festive companion from the past
- who would you choose?
Queen Victoria. She’d do a fabulous
Christmas, wouldn’t she? And the setting
would be lovely, as would the clothes and
the food. And I suspect she’d be quite good
fun secretly.
And from Christmas present?
Joan Collins, who I was in panto with a few
years back in Birmingham. We’ve since
become friends and she’s good fun to be
with. I’ve been to her house in the South of
France. She’s very good at entertaining and
loves Christmas, so I imagine it would be
very beautiful and very chic. I would imagine
she has baubles from Cartier hanging on her
tree.
In your advancing years, who would you
like to spend Christmas with?
One Direction. All of them. In ten years, when
they’ve calmed down. They’d be fun,
wouldn’t they?
Who would be your Christmas nightmare?
Nigel Farage, if he’d been on the sherry and
did that awful laughing grimace that he does.
That would finish me off, I think.
Decorations - subtle or bling?
Actually, quite subtle. I have a big tree at
home and all the decorations are pink. Is that
subtle? Well, subtle bling then. There’s no
reason why taste has to go out of the
window just because it’s Christmas.
Will you still have the festive
paraphernalia even though you’ll be
spending much of your time in the run-up
to Christmas in Wolverhampton?
I will, even though I’m not there. I like to
decorate the tree at home. My sister will be
there, looking after the animals for me whilst
I’m away, so she’ll get to enjoy it. I always
get my tree decorated horribly early.
Is Christmas a time for giving or
receiving?
I give and receive, so it’s both. I suppose
giving is more important than receiving, but
there’s nothing much that I particularly want
this year. I enjoy giving people something
that will make them genuinely happy.
You say you don’t particularly want
anything, but what would be your ideal
gift?
I could do with some tupperware. I really
could. I’m keen on tupperware, especially
when you’re doing panto and you can make
your own lunch. I’d also like a kitten. I’ve
wanted one for the past couple of years, but
the request has been denied by my partner.
A siamese kitten, that’s what I’d like.
Turkey or Goose...
Turkey every time.
Favourite stuffing...
Can I say One Direction again?
Favourite Clary festive custom...
I think it’s much like anyone else’s. We go to
church, open our presents, drink sherry and
eat sausage rolls. Nothing out of the
ordinary.
So is your perfect Christmas the way you
spend it now?
I like it as it is. I did spend one Christmas in
Australia. I was on tour and I hated not being
in England. I hated it being sunny. It’s all a
ritual over here. I like the repetition of
knowing what I’ll be doing at the same time
on that day, and knowing we’ll all be
together. My parents are in their 80s and I’ve
got nephews and nieces and great nephews
and nieces, so there’s quite a lot of us. But
it’s just good to be together; that’s what’s
important.
What’s your earliest Christmas memory?
I remember being at my grandparents’
house in Norfolk and my favourite present
was a little stuffed dog. We had a dachsund
named Monty and he got hold of it, thinking
it was a dog toy, and bit its head off. I was
terribly upset.
You’ve touched on performing in Australia.
How is your brand of comedy received
down under?
Oh, they like it. They like a bit of filth in
Australia. They’re nice, extrovert people. We
understand each other, me and the
Australians. They have a well-developed
sense of vulgarity. It’s a bit like in the south
of England, people are a little bit reticent and
introverted, whereas the further north you go,
the more people are out for a good time. In
Australia it’s a bit like being in Glasgow every
night.
and thinking I should write a novel. It did
make me feel inadequate but I got over that.
Actually, I can write anywhere.
It’s been a few years since you wrote your
last book. Are there plans for any more?
I’ve just written a children’s book which is
due to be published next summer. I can’t say
any more than that because it’s not been
announced yet. It’s a very beautiful story for
eight to twelve-year-olds.
Were you commissioned?
No, it all comes from my imagination. I was
quite a solitary child and used to make up
stories about the neighbours for my own
amusement. So I resurrected my inner child
and wrote it from there. They’ve already
asked me to write another one, so I reckon
that’s what I’ll be doing after panto.
You’ve also got a TV show coming up for
ITV1...
Yes, Nature Nuts. It’s about me going around
the country and looking at some British
wildlife. I go up to Scotland and find some
pine martins, then I encounter some beavers,
falcons and hedgehogs. It’s been great fun
and I had a lovely year going all around the
country, not only meeting the animals but
also the people who’re interested in them. It
was also a very educational experience for
me.
You’ve had a couple of successful stints in
the West End. Is that something you’d like
to revisit?
I’d like to. I loved doing that, and the routine
of trekking into work and being part of a
show with other people in.
A book and a TV show. Anything else on
the agenda?
I don’t think I’ll tour next year, but I’m quite
interested in doing smaller cabaret venues.
There’s a place called Crazy Coqs in
Piccadilly where I’ve just finished a week. It’s
nice to do intimate cabaret gigs. I’d like to do
more of those. I’ve also written a play - a
serious play that I might be putting on next
year.
You mentioned earlier about your parents,
and going to church. How do they deal
with your vulgarity?
It’s all their fault. It all comes from them. I’m
not immoral. I’m not the devil’s work, so they
cope quite well. My sense of humour is
inherited, so they find it quite amusing.
You live in Noel Coward’s house...
No, it’s my house now.
Okay, your house. Is it true that you
believe the house to be haunted?
There’s supposed to be four ghosts
wandering around. When I first moved in, the
spirits were a bit disturbed and pictures
started falling off the walls and people were
getting locked in rooms. Then it all calmed
down. I think that’s sort of what happens.
They get used to you, so there’s not been
much lately.
How does living there inspire you
creatively?
It’s difficult sitting down in the room in which
Noel Coward used to write songs and plays
Julian stars as Dandini in Cinderella at
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre,
from Sat 6 December to Sun 18 January
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One of Britain’s greatest traditions, pantomime continues to play a significant role in the country’s festive celebrations. And a staple of most productions is the rotten-to-the-core panto villain, whose sinister and often downright evil
behaviour provides audiences with plenty of opportunity to enjoy a good ol’ boo and hiss. Nowadays the role is an
absolute shoe-in for actors who’re best known for starring as fatally flawed or downright nasty characters on
TV - and there’s certainly no shortage of famous panto baddies for them to play! Abanazar in Aladdin, Fleshcreep
in Jack And The Beanstalk, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella are just some of the
much-loved rotters who routinely make life hell for pantoland’s handsome heroes and beautiful heroines.
Here in the Midlands we’re fortunate to host some of the country’s very best pantomimes and pantomime
villains - so if you’re up for a bit of booing and the pleasure of seeing a good-for-nothing ne’er-do-well get their
comeuppance, you know what you need to do...
Not only does Jack have a giant-sized problem in the shape
of a big, scary ogre, he’s also got to tackle a nasty piece
of work known as Fleshcreep! The ogre’s henchman,
Fleshcreep is traditionally played by a male actor - with
Coronation Street favourite Chris Gascoyne stepping into
the role at the Birmingham Hippodrome this
Christmas. Chris has starred as the Street’s much-maligned
Peter Barlow since the year 2000, recently leaving the popular
soap in order to pursue other acting projects. Making people’s
skin crawl as Fleshcreep in Jack And The Beanstalk seems
like a fun way for him to get that particular ball rolling!
Well shiver those timbers and splice that mainbrace if Captain Hook isn’t one of
the most dastardly pirates in the history of fictional seafarers! Hook’s only got one
hand - but what he’s lacking in the limb department he more than makes up for in
the nastiness stakes. He’s not without his weaknesses, though, fearing both the
sight of his own blood and the crocodile who ate his hand after Peter Pan cut it
off. Michael Neilson stars as Pan’s arch enemy in the Theatre Severn version of
JM Barrie’s children’s classic. Over the years Michael’s been a regular visitor to
pantoland, with his festive CV including the roles of Squire Squander in Mother
Goose, Dame Trot in Jack And The Beanstalk and Herman The Henchman
in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. He’s also played Dean Martin
in The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas.
Rats have been getting a bad press since the fourteenth century, when they
brought plague-infested fleas to the city of London. So there’s little wonder
that Dick Whittington’s enemy, King Rat, is such a popular ‘unpopular
character’! Dick finds himself shipwrecked in an exotic kingdom
that’s overrun with rats, the leader of whom is, yep, you’ve guessed it, King
Rat himself. Thank heaven our eponymous hero has brought his
rodent-terrorising cat along for the ride! Kai Owen takes the role of
King Rat in the Regent Theatre production, and is perhaps
best known for having played the character of Rhys Williams
in the popular Dr Who spin-off TV series, Torchwood.
Panto Villains Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 19:23 Page 2
Witch Guillotine may not be as famous as Abanazar or Fleshcreep but she’s no less wicked.
When a handsome prince makes the mistake of teasing her terribly, she exacts a horrifying revenge
by casting a spell on him, condemning him to a life lived as a ghastly looking beast. Nicki French stars
as Guillotine in the Oakengates Theatre production in Telford this Christmas. Nicki, who’s best known for her
1995 dance cover version of Total Eclipse Of The Heart, represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision
Song Contest in the year 2000, finishing sixteenth with Don't Play That Song Again.
Cinderella was almost certainly at the back of the queue
when siblings were being handed out! The daughters of
Cinders’ wicked stepmother, these vile-looking girls are
more bitchy than evil, and are well-jealous of their stunningly
beautiful sister. Making her life an absolute hell at every conceivable turn, they force her to stay at home and do the
chores while they swan off to the big flash Ball.
The Ugly Sisters are traditionally played by men as is the case in this year’s Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
production - but are sometimes played by women check out the Lichfield Garrick version. At the Grand,
Ben Stock and Tony Jackson are the fellas who’re getting
rouged up for the roles. Ben’s no stranger to starring as an
Ugly Sister, having previously appeared in productions of Cinderella in Hastings, High Wycombe, Dartford, Bradford
and, er, Wolverhampton twice! Tony, meanwhile, is
starring in his eighth pantomime season with Julian Clary.
The Lichfield Garrick version sees Stacey Bland
and Kate Playdon starring as Cinders’ seriously
scary-lookingsiblings.
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Music
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 5 December
Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero are a Mexican acoustic guitar duo whose music is influenced
by genres such as nuevo flamenco, heavy metal
and rock. They’ve released five studio albums in
total, including re-Foc (2002), 11:11(2009) and this
year’s 9 Dead Alive. As well as countless tours and
festival performances, the duo also collaborated
with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for Pirates Of
The Caribbean: On Stranger
Tides, and contributed to the
soundtrack for Shrek prequel
movie Puss In Boots. Catch
them at Symphony Hall for
what promises to be a thoroughly engaging show.
The Puppini Sisters
Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 9 December
With influences that range from The Andrews Sisters to Mike Flowers Pops, it’s fairly evident that
The Puppini Sisters are peddling something rather
unique. The retro stars, lauded for their ‘1940s
glamour’ look, perform tongue-in-cheek classics in
three-part harmony. They here present their very
own sassy reworkings of festive hits from performers including Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey and Ertha
Kitt. Well worth a look.
Chrissie Hynde
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 12 December
Bonafide rock legend Chrissie Hynde is here joined by The Pretenders’ James Walbourne and Nick Wilkinson for a show which blends the best of her and the band’s backcatalogue with songs from debut solo album Stockholm.
Hynde has been mega since she and the Hereford-originated Pretenders enjoyed chart
success with 1979’s Brass In Pocket. In the years that followed they scored numerous
other hits, including Back On The Chain Gang, Message Of Love, Talk Of The Town, Thin
Line Between Love And Hate and Don't Get Me Wrong.
Commenting on her Wolverhampton show, Chrissie said: "My new band, Will Travel, is
uniting with James and Nick to form a band which I can only describe as All I Want For
Christmas. Rejoice!"
The Who Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA), Birmingham, Sun 7 December
Ben Howard
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 4 December
Double BRIT Award-winner Ben Howard was
brought up listening to the sounds of John Martyn,
Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkel. He began writing songs at the age of
eleven. “I was quite an imaginative little kid, I
guess,” reveals Ben. “So your standard little love
songs turned into your standard adolescent love
songs. I think you start getting your own take on
things when you’re a late teen. That’s when everything changes.”
Following on from three EPs, Ben released his first
studio album, Every Kingdom, in 2012, peaking at
number four in the UK Albums Chart. His follow-up offering, I Forget Where We
Were, was released in October and faired even better,
taking top spot. Expect
plenty more from this talented singer-songwriter in
the years to come...
Just like The Rolling Stones, The Who simply don't know when to stop touring. They're
appearing in the Midlands as part of their The Who Hits Fifty anniversary tour - and as
you’d expect when celebrating a glorious half-century’s-worth of success, they’re presenting an evening of classic anthems from their truly stupendous back-catalogue.
“Trying to stay young,” said Pete Townshend in a news release announcing the tour. “Not
wearing socks. Growing a great big woodcutter’s beard. Might even wear a check shirt
on stage and get a tattoo of a Union Jack. Always a fashion victim. But under no illusions.
We are what we are, and extremely good at it, but we’re lucky to be alive and still touring.”
Music PREVIEWS
Embrace
Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 3 December; Kasbah, Coventry, Mon 8 December
This English rock band don’t really need an
introduction. After building a following
through their EP releases, 1998 debut album
The Good Will Out went straight to number
one in the UK Albums Chart. They’ve since
enjoyed a colourful career, bagging themselves another two number one albums - Out
Of Nothing and This New Day - as well as
being chosen to record England’s official
World Cup 2006 song, World At Your Feet,
which entered the UK Single Chart at number
three. After a quiet period, the boys have returned to the music scene to release sixth
studio album Embrace, in support of which
they’re playing this Midlands gig.
Madness
LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 13 December
Madness were one of the most prominent bands of the late-1970s/early-1980s 2 Tone Ska revival, and although their high-profile days are behind them, the zany funsters continue to
draw a crowd - as their regular arena concerts ably illustrate. With hits like Baggy Trousers,
On The Wings Of A Dove and Our House to recommend them, an evening with Suggs and
the gang guarantees plenty of great music and not a little madcap mayhem. They appear in
Birmingham this month as part of their All For The M.A.D.H.E.A.D. tour. Pop rock trio Scouting
For Girls support.
By The Rivers
The Institute, Birmingham, Wed 10 December
Driven by a real passion for the groove, culture and soul of reggae music, Leicester sixpiece By The Rivers write and perform songs
about the subjects that impact on the youth
of today. Their lyrics are awash with social
comment and positive messages, while their
self-titled debut album has been enthusiastically received by their growing legion of fans.
Presenting pretty much everything you’d expect from a typical Brit Reggae band, the
boys attracted large crowds at numerous UK
festivals during the summer and are widely
tipped for great things in 2015.
This Birmingham gig kick-starts a nine-date
tour.
Lindisfarne Christmas Show
Bombay Bicycle Club
The Robin, Bilston, Mon 15 December
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton,
Wed 10 December
“When the band was really popular,” says
Lindisfarne’s Ray Jackson, “we kept our feet
very firmly planted on the ground and did our
own thing. We were proud of our self-deprecating Geordie roots, and just wanted the
freedom to play our music and entertain people.” Mandolin and harmonica player Jackson was an original member of the Newcastle
folk-rock group, appearing with them for
twenty long years from 1970.
Hailed for their winning blend of Geordie wit
and well-crafted songs, the band scored hits
with memorable numbers such as Meet Me
On The Corner, Lady Eleanor, All Fall Down,
Run For Home and Fog On The Tyne.
Support on the night comes from local lad
David Young and The Midnight Chorus.
English indie rockers Bombay Bicycle Club
formed in 2005 and, after winning a competition to secure the opening slot at the following year’s V Festival, released two EPs and
debut single Evening/Morning. The band
have since cut four albums - including So
Long, See You Tomorrow, which topped the
charts in February. This Midlands gig is one
of nine UK dates they’re undertaking after an
extensive tour of Australia, the US, Canada,
Europe and South Africa. Support comes
from upcoming indie rock quartet Peace.
Leveret
The Morris Hall, Shrewsbury,
Sun 14 December
Catfish And The Bottlemen
The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 5 December; The Institute, Birmingham,
Sun 7 December
Although it took a while for Welsh rock band
Catfish And The Bottlemen to get noticed,
they finally signed to Communication
Records and released their first single,
Homesick, last year. Now with Island
Records, the band released debut album The
Balcony in September and charted at number ten - not bad for a group who were fairly
unknown until recently. What’s more, they’ve
managed to sell out plenty of dates on this
November/December headline tour, including
both Midlands shows. Honeyblood support.
If you’re a fan of instrumental folk music, this
is a gig you won’t want to miss. With a collective CV that includes Bellowhead, The Full
English, Kate Rusby and Blowzabella, Sam
Sweeney, Andy Cutting and Rob Harbron decided to get together, form a band and, in
January this year, hit the road - since which
time they’ve garnered praise pretty much
everywhere they’ve performed.
The Dylan Project
Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Fri 5 December;
Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs, Sun 14 December
“Don't be misled by the word 'tribute',” reads
The Dylan Project’s website. “Although the
phrase ‘tribute band’ can mean a slavish facsimile or a big-name cash-in, The Dylan Project is far more than a mere copycat act.”
An accurate appraisal indeed of this most accomplished of tributes. Steve Gibbons interprets Bob Dylan’s lyrics with stylish
individuality, while Dave Pegg, PJ Wright and
Simon Nicol offer their own distinctive take
on the Great Man’s music.
Music LISTINGS
Music GIG REVIEWS
For full listing information on gigs,
including times and dates,
visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk
For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk
Paloma Faith
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Paloma trooped on to the stage
with her backing singers, performing a rousing rendition of Take Me.
The eager crowd at Wolverhampton
Civic immediately rose to their feet
and sang along.
Vocally, Paloma was fantastic. The
richness of her voice could be best
appreciated when she was singing
the ballads, especially Only Love Can Hurt Like This. The band were
sharp and polished, the backing vocalists on fine form.
It was a gig which made more than a passing nod in the direction of
some of Paloma’s influences. Van Morrison’s Crazy Love was performed with support artist Brett Dennen. The Sisters Love’s The Bigger
You Love, which appears on her latest album, also featured. So too
did Ike and Tina Turner’s River Deep, Mountain High. Performed as
part of her encore, it came complete with accompanying Tina Turner
dance moves!
Essentially this was an album tour for A Perfect Contradiction, so we
didn’t get to hear the big tunes from her two previous albums. Although the performance was great, the evening lacked any real sense
of momentum. I think she’s saving herself for her first arena tour,
which stops off in Birmingham next March. Ted Finlay nnnn
Jackson Browne Symphony Hall, Birmingham
This legendary Californian singer-songwriter has been inducted into
the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He also penned one of the most profound and moving canons of contemporary song. So quite how he’s
escaped becoming a household name is a complete mystery!
Now aged sixty-six and still producing fine work, Browne’s magnificent
voice remains undiminished by time. Performing seven tracks from his
new album, Standing In The Breach, he was supported by his incredible five-piece band and backing singers. This topical album showcases the musician’s defining political and environmental beliefs from the damning indictment of corporate greed on Which Side to the
hope for change on If I Could Be Anywhere. But it was the album’s title
track, with all its elegiac power, that made for the night’s outstanding
performance.
Older classics were rapturously received, including Doctor My Eyes,
Fountain Of Sorrow and a knockout rendition of The Pretender, but I
was sorely disappointed that arguably his finest song, Sky Blue And
Black, was omitted - as were various other classics.
I was also congratulated by strangers on a fantastic poster made by
my equally over-excited sister, and repeatedly asked by astonished
pensioners both to justify my ardour and to confirm my age! As the
night drew to a close with Running On Empty, we joined fans dancing
in the aisles and Browne even pointed at us!
A magical night I’ll never forget. Malaka Chowdhury nnnnn
Lady Gaga
MON 1 DEC
THE DUNNETT/BAXTER
BIG BAND The Yardbird
Jazz Club, Birmingham
SLASH LG Arena, B’ham
BRIT FLOYD Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
NUESTRAS VIVENCIAS &
JUGGY RIHAL Warwick
Arts Centre, Coventry
CHRIS CLEVERLEY Crescent Theatre, B’hamBABY GODZILLA The
Oobleck, Birmingham
TUE 2 DEC
SIXTIES GOLD Feat.
Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Searchers,
The Fortunes & Chip
Hawkes, Symphony
Hall, B’ham
THE DEFILED The Slade
Rooms, Wolverhampton
JANET DEVLIN Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
THE WYTCHES Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
MARTIN SMITH The
Robin, Bilston
MICHAEL BUBLÉ The Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA), Birmingham
GEORGE COLLIGAN The
Spotted Dog, B’ham
WED 3 DEC
TWO MAN TING The Yardbird Jazz Club, B’ham
MICHAEL BUBLÉ The Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA), Birmingham
ELECTRIC SIX O2 Academy, Birmingham
ABBA MANIA New
Alexandra Theatre,
Birmingham
BREED 77 The Oobleck,
Birmingham
BEANS ON TOAST Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
The Red Lion Folk Club,
Birmingham
HACKTIVIST The Institute, Birmingham
BASEMENT JAXX The Institute, Birmingham
EMBRACE Victoria Hall,
Stoke-on-Trent
PAUL CARRACK Malvern
Theatres
THE FRANKIE VALLI
STORY Feat: Stephen
James, The
Robin, Bilston
JACK GARRAT Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
URBAN TRIO The Jam
House, Birmingham
THU 4 DEC
RAYMOND FROGGATT
Birmingham Town Hall
BOYZ II MEN O2 Academy, Birmingham
JASPER CARROT'S STAND
UP AND ROCK Stratford
Artshouse
THE SENSATIONAL 60'S
EXPERIENCE Malvern
Theatres
THE CHANTEL MCGREGOR
BAND The Robin, Bilston
BEN HOWARD Civic Hall,
Wolverhampton
PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury
RAGING SPEEDHORN The
Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent
ANY TROUBLE Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
GERARD AND THE WATCHMEN Ort Cafe, B’ham
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
RAT PACK New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham
WAIT FOR THE FALL,
HOUR GLASS, ALL THE
REST AND MORE... The
Roadhouse, B’hams
SOLID SOUL The Jam
House, Birmingham
THE HELL The Oobleck,
Birmingham
FRI 5 DEC
THE HUMAN LEAGUE
Civic Hall, W’hampton
GORDON HENDRICKS IS
ELVIS Theatre On The
Steps, Bridgnorth
SOLID SOUL The Jam
House, Birmingham
JEFF WAYNE'S MUSICAL
VERSION OF THE WAR OF
THE WORLDS LG Arena,
Birmingham
LONE The Oobleck,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
JASPER CARROT'S STAND
LG Arena, Birmingham
It takes few words to describe a live
performance by the amazing Lady
G: Vocally - Amazing; Visually - Stunning; Verbally - Slightly embarrassing.
Gaga treated her little monsters to
The Artpop Ball at the NIA in Birmingham last month. Her two-hour set
included a lot of swearing, a lot of
outfit changes and only a few of her
biggest hits, including Poker Face, Just Dance and Paparazzi. I couldn’t help feeling that the audience, along with myself, were hoping for
more of the old and less of the new. But, as Lady G put it, “If you’ve
come here tonight to hear all the old hits, you’d better f... off now.”
Andrew Middleton nnnn
UP AND ROCK Stratford
Artshouse
CENTIMENT, BRUTAL, MIDNIGHT CONVOY & EMURSIA The Oobleck,
Birmingham
GRAHAM BONNET'S CATCH
THE RAINBOW O2 Academy, Birmingham
THE BOOZE BROTHERS
Nailcote Hall, Berkswell
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
Symphony Hall, B’ham
CHRISTMAS ROCK N ROLL
ROADSHOW Tamworth
Assembly Rooms,
Staffs
AUGUSTINES Wulfrun
Hall, Wolverhampton
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN The Sugarmill,
Stoke-on-Trent
PRINCE OF WALES BRASS
BAND Artrix, Bromsgrove
BJORN AGAIN The Assembly, Leamington
Spa
T.REXTASY Huntingdon
Hall, Worcester
ALABAMA 3 The Institute,
Birmingham
ICONIC 80S The River
Rooms, Stourbridge
DESPERADO - THE VERY
BEST OF THE EAGLES The
Roadhouse, B’ham
MAGNUM The Robin, Bilston
OZZBEST Route 44,
Birmingham
CAPERCAILLIE IN CONCERT Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
WOMEN IN JAZZ Symphony Hall, B’ham
ABBA LOVE Genting Club
Stoke-on-Trent
AGAINST THE CURRENT
The Asylum, B’ham
FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, Birmingham
BOAT TO ROW Ort Cafe,
Birmingham
SEEDY SONICS The Rainbow Venues, B’ham
LONGFALLBOOTS O2
Academy, Birmingham
COME UP & SEE ME
Drummonds Bar,
Worcester
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER Hare & Hounds,
Birmingham
RORY MCGRATH AND
PHILIP POPE Malvern
Theatres
SAT 6 DEC
PROFESSOR GREEN O2
Academy, Birmingham
THE LEGENDS PARTY
WITH ABSOLUTE LEGENDS
THE 80'S EXPERIENCE
Basement Jaxx - The Institute, Birmingham
For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21
Music LISTINGS
For full listing information on gigs,
including times and dates,
MARCIA CARR & NUBIAN
SOUL Hare & Hounds,
Birmingham
HARARE Ort Cafe, B’ham
SOLID SOUL The Jam
House, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
GORDON HENDRICKS IS
ELVIS Theatre On The
Steps, Bridgnorth
IMELDA MAY The Institute, Birmingham
A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY
The Roadhouse, B’ham
DARK SKY The Oobleck,
Birmingham
TURBOWOLF The Institute, Birmingham
LUKE DANIELS Artrix,
Bromsgrove
SALLY BARKER Lichfield
Guildhall, Staffs
LABOUR OF LOVE - UB40
TRIBUTE The River
Rooms, Stourbridge
MOSTLY AUTUMN The
Robin, Bilston
PUNK'D Route 44, B’ham
THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Symphony Hall, B’ham
LYNUS, ROSE REDD, HOPE
STREET, LAUREN PRYKE,
HIDDEN SKIES, KILLGLASS, SINGING TOWARDS DISASTER,
SEVENDAZE & OUT OF
LUCK O2 Academy,
Birmingham
BEYOND THE BARRICADE
Malvern Theatres,
Worcs
THE MOTOWN SISTERS
DUO Genting Club,
Stoke-on-Trent
SOLDIER & DUKE The Actress & Bishop, B’ham
ST AGNES FOUNTAIN
Huntingdon Hall, Worcs
THE HURLING BOYS Irish
Centre, Birmingham
OYE SANTANA The Marr's
Bar, Worcester
LOVELESS LUCK, AGAINST
THE WHEEL & HOLLOW
PEOPLE The Oobleck,
Birmingham
CREAM BIRMINGHAM 8TH
YEAR ANNIVERSARY The
Rainbow Venues, Birmingham
THE BLOCKHEADS Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS THROUGH
THE AGES, CAROLS
THROUGH THE CHAIRS
Stafford Town Centre
MARTIN CARTHY
Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
De Montfort Hall,
Leicester
MORAL PANICS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
HEADBANGERS BALL The
Flapper, Birmingham
SUN 7 DEC
ROD AND THE FACEZ The
Roadhouse, B’ham
AT THE GATES The
Oobleck, Birmingham
RODDY FRAME Birming-
ham Town Hall
THE WHO The Barclaycard Arena (formerly
NIA), Birmingham
RECKLESS LOVE The
Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
INSPIRAL CARPETS O2
Academy, Birmingham
MAYBESHEWILL The
Flapper, Birmingham
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN The Institute,
Birmingham
THE FREE LOVE CLUB The
Yardbird Jazz Club,
Birmingham
MARILLION The Assembly, Leamington Spa
DAN WHITEHOUSE The
Glee Club, Birmingham
KATONA TWINS Huntingdon Hall, Worcs
IRENE & TOM Irish Centre, Birmingham
AVONBANK BRASS BAND
Evesham Arts Centre
ANGEL AT MY TABLE Hare
& Hounds, Birmingham
SHALAMAR The Institute,
Birmingham
BIG SIXES The Sunflower
Lounge, Birmingham
ABSOLVA The Asylum,
Birmingham
HANK WOOD & THE HAMMERHEADS Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
MON 8 DEC
ONLY MEN ALOUD Birmingham Town Hall
RAGING SPEEDHORN O2
Academy, Birmingham
SAINT SAVIOUR & BILL
RYDER-JONES Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
FISH The Robin, Bilston
EMBRACE Kasbah,
Coventry
NINA NESBITT The Glee
Club, Birmingham
THE CADILLAC THREE The
Oobleck, Birmingham
TUE 9 DEC
RIVAL SONS Wulfrun
Hall, Wolverhampton
SABATON The Slade
THE ALBION CHRISTMAS
BAND Ludlow Assembly
Rooms, Shropshire
JACK MCNEIL AND CHARLIE HEYS Ort Cafe, Birmingham
ROCKET The Jam
House, Birmingham
BOB LOG III The Tin
Music And Arts, Coventry
ROY WOOD CHRISTMAS
CONCERT Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
'68 O2 Academy, B’ham
BYRON HARE The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham
THE LITTLE UNSAID Hare
& Hounds, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
PUPPINI SISTERS The
JENNY JONES The Robin,
Bilston
GARETH FOWLER QUARTET The Spotted Dog,
The Human League - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Birmingham
WED 10 DEC
THREE STEP MANOEUVRE
FUNKY ORGAN TRIO The
Yardbird Jazz Club,
Birmingham
MARTIN SIMPSON The
Red Lion Folk Club,
Birmingham
MORBID ANGEL The Asylum, Birmingham
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
FOXES Kasbah, Coventry
THE MOULETTES The
Robin, Bilston
BROTHER STRUT Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
MADDY PRIOR & THE CARNIVAL BAND Huntingdon
Hall, Worcs
BY THE RIVERS The Institute, Birmingham
THE LAST CARNIVAL O2
Academy, Birmingham
ROCKET The Jam
House, Birmingham
THU 11 DEC
ALFIE BOE LG Arena,
Birmingham
SAXON Wulfrun Hall,
Wolverhampton
TAKING BACK SUNDAY
The Institute, B’ham
U.K. SUBS The Institute,
Birmingham
GOGOL BORDELLO O2
Academy, Birmingham
BAD MANNERS The
Robin, Bilston
THE BORN AGAIN BEATLES
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
THE RAT PACK Tamworth
Assembly Rooms,
Staffs
MATT WOOSEY The Tin
Music And Arts, Coventry
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
RAT PACK Victoria Hall,
Stoke-on-Trent
INSOLITO O2 Academy,
Birmingham
UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE
The Jam House, Birmingham
RICHIE RAMONE The Assembly, Leamington
Spa
LAETITIA SADIER Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE Hare & Hounds,
Birmingham
ORACLE, VEXXEN, SAMSARA AND MORE... The
Roadhouse, B’ham
NEON WALTZ The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
KATE RUSBY Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
LAURA JURD QUARTET
Bramall Music Building,
Birmingham
THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
Theatre Royal Concert
Hall, Nottingham
ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH
TONY WRIGHT, CJ, PAUL
MIRO & CHRIS CATALYST
The Slade Rooms,
Wolverhampton
FRI 12 DEC
THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
THE DOORS ALIVE O2
Academy, Birmingham
THE JAKE & ELWOOD BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE The Robin, Bilston
THAT'S LIFE - TAKE THAT &
WESTLIFE SHOW Nailcote
Hall, Berkswell
UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE
The Jam House, Birmingham
AMERICAN DREAMS Nailcote Hall, Berkswell
MAJISTRATE The Institute, Birmingham
BEHEMOTH O2 Academy, Birmingham
DOWN N' OUTZ The Slade
PARTY POPPERZ Tamworth Assembly
Rooms, Staffs
ESCAPING VENDETTA O2
Academy, Birmingham
ALL ON A WINTER'S NIGHT
WITH JOHNNY COPPIN Artrix, Bromsgrove
KICK UP THE 80'S The
River Rooms, Stourbridge
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
The Institute, Birmingham
CAROLS AND CAPERS The
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
FRED ZEPPELIN Route
44, Birmingham
BEE GEES FEVER Theatre
On The Steps, Bridgnorth
MICHELLE LAWSON
Genting Club, Stoke-onTrent
UNDER THE COVERS Irish
Centre, Birmingham
HYPE BIRMINGHAM The
Rainbow Venues, Birmingham
CASH (JOHNNY CASH
TRIBUTE) The Roadhouse, Birmingham
STONE FARM Drummonds Bar, Worcester
LITTLE SIMZ, OCD:
MOOSH & TWIST The Institute, Birmingham
MASSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
The Marr's Bar, Worcester
JACK WALLEN Ort Cafe,
Birmingham
CHRISSIE HYNDE Wulfrun
Hall, Wolverhampton
DAN MESSORE AND INDIGO KID Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
JESSICA RHODES The
Strawberry Bank,
Coventry
ED DOOLAN CHRISTMAS
SHOW Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
DEAD CITY SOULS The
JEAN GENIE The Assembly, Leamington Spa
INTO THE SHADOWS
Bridge House Theatre,
Warwicks
SAT 13 DEC
BON GIOVI The Robin,
Bilston
ROY ORBISON AND
FRIENDS Prince Of
Wales Centre, Cannock
STATUS QUO The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham
BEE GEES FEVER Theatre
On The Steps, Bridgnorth
THE MOTELLAS Nailcote
Hall, Berkswell
UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE
The Jam House, B’ham
THAT'LL BE THE DAY
CHRISTMAS SHOW Birmingham Town Hall
MADNESS LG Arena,
Birmingham
THE CROCKERS Wulfrun
Hall, Wolverhampton
BLUE ZOO The Flapper,
Birmingham
LPZKIN O2 Academy,
Birmingham
TALON - THE BEST OF EAGLES Malvern Theatres
ERIC MARTIN The
Oobleck, Birmingham
ULTRA 90S The River
Rooms, Stourbridge
THE STONES The Roadhouse, Birmingham
INTO THE SHADOWS
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury
FULLY LOADED Route 44,
Birmingham
AMINGTON BAND PRESENTS A CELEBRATION OF
CHRISTMAS Tamworth
Assembly Rooms,
Staffs
MIDLANDS METAL CRUSADE III Featuring Seven
Deadly, Destroyed Beyond Belief, The Heretic
Order, Our World Below
and more... The Slade
MAXIMUM ROBBIE - TRIBUTE ACT Genting Club,
Stoke-on-Trent
RED LIGHT ROOM &
GUERILLA MONSOON The
Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
THE FATHER TEDS Irish
Centre, Birmingham
SHAWN CUDDY Irish Centre, Birmingham
LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
CHORUS Lichfield Garrick, Staffs
STRATFORD CONCERT
BAND: A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Stratford
Artshouse
THOSE AMONGST US ARE
WOLVES, STRUCTURES &
MEDWAY MONOLITH The
Tin Music And Arts,
Coventry
RIFF RAFF The Marr's
Bar, Coventry
DIZZY LIZZY Moochers,
Stourbridge
SUN 14 DEC
TALON - THE BEST OF EAGLES Prince Of Wales
Centre, Cannock
CAST The Institute, Birmingham
CHRIS REA The Barclaycard Arena (formerly
NIA), Birmingham
LEVERET The Morris
Hall, Shrewsbury
ENNIO MORRICONE LG
Arena, Birmingham
BAND mac, Birmingham
DEVIL’S DANCE The
Roadhouse, B’ham
TEWKESBURY TOWN
BAND The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
RED BIRD SKY Kitchen
Garden Cafe, B’ham
THE DYLAN PROJECT
Lichfield Guildhall,
Staffs
TOUCHSTONE The Robin,
Bilston
Yardbird Jazz Club,
Birmingham
MADDY PRIOR & THE CARNIVAL BAND Birmingham
Town Hall
ORCHARD HILL O2 Academy, Birmingham
BRETFORTON SILVER
BAND Evesham Arts
Centre, Worcs
EAMMON MCCANN Irish
Centre, Birmingham
H.E.A.T The Slade
EAMMON MCCANN Irish
Centre, Irish Centre
MON 15 DEC
THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
LINDISFARNE CHRISTMAS
SHOW The Robin, Bilston
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
RAT PACK The Roses
Theatre, Tewkesbury
IN THE CARDS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
TUE 16 DEC
DEACON BLUE Symphony Hall, Birmingham
ARCH ENEMY & KREATOR
The Institute, B’ham
THE DIRTY OLD FOLKERS
Kitchen Garden Cafe,
Birmingham
MICHAEL SCHENKER'S
TEMPLE OF ROCK The
Robin, Bilston
MIKE SANCHEZ Huntingdon Hall, Worcs
THE BBC BIG BAND PRESENTS A SWINGING
CHRISTMAS Birmingham
Town Hall
THE JONATHAN SILK BIG
BAND The Spotted Dog,
Birmingham
RED LEMONS The Jam
House, Birmingham
WED 17 DEC
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS
RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
ARTHUR DOHERTY BAND
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
RED LEMONS The Jam
House, Birmingham
MAD JOCKS AND ENGLISHMEN The Red Lion
Folk Club, Birmingham
HEFFRON DRIVE O2
Academy, Birmingham
BAND New Vic Theatre,
Newcastle-under-Lyme,
Staffs
MIKE SANCHEZ The
Robin, Bilston
THE MELLSTOCK BAND
Lord Leycester Hospital, Coventry
DEAF HAVANA Kasbah,
Coventry
CANTERBURY The Flapper, Birmingham
HOZIER The Institute,
Birmingham
GIN ANNIE & NOISE POLLUTION ROCK DISCO The
THU 18 DEC
THE BOOTLEG BEATLES
Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent
NYA KING AS WHITNEY
HOUSTON Nailcote Hall,
Berkswell, Warwickshire
SLADE The Robin, Bilston
CHINA DRUM The Institute, Birmingham
THE MELLSTOCK BAND
Lord Leycester Hospital, Coventry
LIVE & PICKING
Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
MACHINE HEAD O2 Academy, Birmingham
KATE RUSBY Malvern
Theatres
GORDON GILTRAP
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
KERI ARRINDELL Genting
Club, Stoke-on-Trent
THE WONDER STUFF O2
Academy, Birmingham
LIFESIGNS The Assembly, Leamington Spa
BAND Huntingdon Hall,
Worcs
BLOBBIE WILLIAMS The
Roadhouse, B’ham
WILEY The Institute,
Birmingham
THE DYLAN PROJECT
Hare & Hounds, B’ham
BIG TENT AND THE GYPSY
LANTERN Ort Cafe, Birmingham
RICHIE RAMONE Kasbah,
Coventry
HANGING TREE The
Marr's Bar, Coventry
E OF E The River Rooms,
Stourbridge
INSCRIPTIONS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS
RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
DETROIT SOUL The Jam
House, Birmingham
FRI 19 DEC
BAD MANNERS The Assembly, Leamington
Spa
SWINGING 60'S MOTOWN
PARTY WITH THE KRYSTALETTES Nailcote Hall,
Berkswell
House, Birmingham
THE BARRY WHITE SHOW
WITH THE DIVAS OF MOTOWN Nailcote Hall,
Berkswell
UB40 O2 Academy,
Birmingham
THE 90’S NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS The Institute, Birmingham
A GERMAN CHRISTMAS
Malvern Theatres
THE STONES Theatre On
The Steps, Bridgnorth
LARRY MILLER The
Marr's Bar, Worcester
ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S V
80S The River Rooms,
Stourbridge
SLADE UK The Roadhouse, Birmingham
Robin, Bilston
THE ALI CLINTON BAND &
THE Z F PROJECT Route
44, Birmingham
3 DAFT MONKEYS The
Oobleck, Birmingham
BACK TO THE 80'S
Genting Club, Stoke-onTrent
THE FULL SHA BANG Irish
Centre, Birmingham
OUT OF TIME CHRISTMAS
SPECIAL Newhampton
Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
PALEMAN The Rainbow
Venues, Birmingham
THE NOTEBENDERS Symphony Hall, Birmingham
KILLERSTREAM Drummonds Bar, Worcester
WAIT FOR THE FALL, KEEP
THE CHANGE, SPEAKING
IN SHADOWS & YOU
KNOW THE DRILL The Institute, Birmingham
TRIAXIS The Asylum,
Birmingham
Birmingham
SAT 20 DEC
THE ENEMY & THE TWANG
O2 Academy, B’ham
BOOTLEG ABBA Nailcote
Hall, Berkswell
THE BROTHERS OF SOUL
THE MARTIN BARRE BAND
The Assembly, Leamington Spa
SWORN TO OATH The
DARK SIDE OF THE WALL
TALON - THE BEST OF EAGLES The Robin, Bilston
ROBERT ALEXANDER
GILES - MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE Route 44,
Birmingham
LIAM KELLY Genting
Club, Stoke-on-Trent
BUZZARD LOPE & GILL
SANDELL Ort Cafe, Birmingham
THEIA The Slade
JAMIE KNIGHT AND THE
MANUKA BAND Huntingdon Hall, Worcs
GBH, DRONGOS FOR EUROPE & EASTFIELD The
Institute, Birmingham
House, Birmingham
SUN 21 DEC
CHAS AND DAVE The
Robin, Bilston
Yardbird Jazz Club,
Birmingham
TOM HEALY BAND Irish
Centre, Birmingham
THE SPEAKEASY Kitchen
Garden Cafe, B’ham
DOWNSHIFT The Roadhouse, Birmingham
ALTERNATIVE DUBSTEP
ORCHESTRA Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
MON 22 DEC
ROD STEWART TRIBUTE GARRY PEASE Nailcote
Hall, Berkswell
GOSPEL CENTRAL The
Jam House, B’ham
CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
Lichfield Guildhall,
Staffs
SWEET The Robin, Bilston
BIG BOY BLOATER Hare &
Hounds, Birmingham
THE ALBION, BONSAI &
THE REBELLION The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
TUE 23 DEC
JERSEY 4 Nailcote Hall,
Berkswell
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
RAT PACK Wulfrun Hall,
Wolverhampton
THE DIRTY OLD FOLKERS
Birmingham
FRED ZEPPELIN The
Robin, Bilston
BLAST FROM THE PAST
PRESENTS - A MEDIEVAL
CHRISTMAS Huntingdon
Hall, Worcs
JAMIE KNIGHT & THE
MANUKA BAND Artrix,
Bromsgrove
WHITE NOISE THEORY
The Sugarmill, Stokeon-Trent
BEAT BROTHERS The Jam
House, Birmingham
WED 24 DEC
SKABUCKS The Roadhouse, Birmingham
THE CAVERN BEATLES
The Robin, Bilston
FRI 26 DEC
MR BEN The Jam
House, Birmingham
LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The
Robin, Bilston
THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE The River Rooms,
Stoubridge
THE NORTORIOUS BROTHERS Route 44, B’ham
THE HURLING BOYS Irish
Centre, Birmingham
SOULED OUT 2 FUNK The
Roadhouse, B’ham
SAT 27 DEC
MOTOWN LEGENDS PARTY
WITH SOUL LEGEND Nailcote Hall, Berkswell
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
MR BEN The Jam
House, Birmingham
SUPREME QUEEN The
ROXY MAGIC The Roadhouse, Birmingham
MAINLY MADNESS The
Robin, Bilston
FLARES PARTY BAND
Route 44, Birmingham
ELVIS TRIBUTE BY ANDY
WHITE Irish Centre,
Birmingham
THE BHANGRA LEGENDS
Civic Hall, Birmingham
LAWLESS The Sugarmill,
Stoke-on-Trent
SUN 28 DEC
THE VERY BEST OF JOHN
WILLIAMS Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
Yardbird Jazz Club,
Birmingham
LITTLE JIMMY Irish Centre, Birmingham
HEAVENLY SINNERS The
Roadhouse, B’ham
IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC
ROCK NIGHT Route 44,
Birmingham
DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO AC
/ DC The Robin, Bilston
ELIVS PRESLEY - GORDON
HENDRICKS & THE PAS-
SIONETTES The River
Rooms, Stourbridge
MON 29 DEC
THE SOUND OF MUSICALS
DEFINITELY MIGHT BE
AND ADORED The Robin,
Bilston
GENERATIONS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
TUE 30 DEC
THE TREVOR BURTON
CHRISTMAS SHOW The
Roadhouse, B’ham
THE SOUL SURVIVORS
The Robin, Bilston
WED 31 DEC
T.REXTASY The Robin,
Bilston
THE DELRAY ROCKETS
NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA
NEW YEAR'S EVE - ROUTE
44 PARTY NIGHT Route
44, Birmingham
THE FATHER TEDS Irish
Centre, Birmingham
SEAN WILSON Irish Centre, Birmingham
SWINGAMAJIG NEW
YEAR'S EVE The
Oobleck, Birmingham
THE DECADES BAND The
GLOBAL GATHERING NYE
Featuring Wilkinson &
David Rodigan, The Institute, Birmingham
THE SUBTERRANEANS
The Jam House, B’ham
Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands
Birmingham
02 ACADEMY
0121 622 8250
THE ACTRESS & BISHOP
0121 236 7426
ADRIAN BOULT HALL
0121 331 5901
THE ASYLUM
0121 233 1109
THE BARBER INSTITUTE
0121 414 7333
BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL
0121 780 3333
CBSO CENTRE
0121 780 3333
FLAPPER 0121 236 2421
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
LG ARENA
0844 338 8000
NIA
0844 338 8000
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
THE YARDBIRD
0121 212 2524
Black Country
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
Staffordshire
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
STAFFORD GATEHOUSE
01785 254653
0870 320 7000
Warwickshire
STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL
01384 812812
WULFRUN HALL,
WOLVERHAMPTON
THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON
01926 311311
0870 320 7000
Shropshire
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
THE KASBAH, COVENTRY
024 7655 4473
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
For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23
Classical Dec Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 12:57 Page 1
Classical Music PREVIEWS
‘Simply the greatest all-round opera
experience available in this country’
BBC Music Magazine
Alfie Boe
LG Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 11 December
Alfie Boe this month makes a welcome
return to the Midlands as part of his second
UK arena tour. One of the most talented
crossover artists of modern times, Alfie
here performs tracks from latest album Serenata - a collection from the golden era of
Italian song that’s widely considered to be
his most romantic offering yet.
Alfie’s joined on stage by New Zealand’s
internationally renowned singing trio, Sol3
Mio. Tenor brothers Pene and Amitai Pati
and their baritone cousin Moses Mackay
fuse powerful operatics with Samoan
humour to ‘break down the perceived barriers and stereotypes of the music’, at the
same time breathing new life into time-honoured classics. Sol3 Mio’s self-titled debut
album, featuring Nessun Dorma, Amazing
Grace and O Sole Mio, was New Zealand’s
biggest seller of 2013, beating off opposition from regular chart-toppers Susan
Boyle and One Direction.
Glyndebourne On Tour: La Traviata
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 9 - Wed 10 December
As committed to reaching new audiences as it is to presenting opera of the highest quality,
Glyndebourne has been taking its work out on the road every autumn since 1968. A regular at
Stoke’s Regent Theatre, the company this month returns to the venue with a new production of
Verdi’s La Traviata.
One of the most popular operas of all time, La Traviata tells the story of Violetta, a nineteenth
century Parisian courtesan who, aspiring to a better life, becomes involved with a man who
may finally make her dreams come true.
Written by Verdi at the peak of his powers, the work covers a subject of intense personal significance to the Italian composer - he and the singer Giuseppina Strepponi lived together for ten
years before they married, enduring the objections of those who viewed her as a woman of no
worth or moral standing. This particular production is sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Festive Favourites
With Hugh Dennis
Symphony Hall, Birmingham,
Fri 19 - Sun 22 December
Christmas Classics
Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis
hosts this firm festive favourite,
which sees the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
(CBSO) presenting an evening of
classic carols and seasonal stories. Members of the audience are
invited to get into the festive spirit
by joining the CBSO’s famous
choruses in a Christmas singalong. Simon Halsey conducts.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham,
Sat 20 December
Ex Cathedra
St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Tues 2 December; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 7 December; Birmingham
Cathedral, Mon 8 December; Sy John’s Church, Hagley,
Birmingham, Tues 9 December; Hereford Cathedral, Wed
10 December; St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sat
20 & Mon 22 - Tues 23 December
What better way to get into the festive spirit than by
enjoying an evening with one of the country’s finest
choral music ensembles? Under the directorship of its
founder, Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra this month presents a series of atmospheric ‘Christmas music by candlelight’ evenings, blending seasonal favourites from
around the globe and across the ages with a variety of
readings.
Keeping in the festive spirit, the ensemble also presents
Handel’s Messiah at Symphony Hall on 7 December;
Santa Lucia Service - a traditional Swedish service of
carols and readings at Birmingham Cathedral on 8
December; An Elizabethan Evening featuring the music
of Byrd, Gibbons, Tallis and Sheppard at Hereford
Cathedral on 10 December; and Angels, Stars And Kings
- a relaxed family concert at St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, on 20 December.
Larger-than-life thespian and ‘devilish storyteller’ Brian Blessed here presents a series
of festive readings to complement a host of
favourite Christmas songs. Directed by conductor Adrian Lucas and accompanied by
soprano Elizabeth Atherton, the London
Concert Orchestra perform a programme of
carols for all, including: Good King Wenceslas; O Come, All Ye Faithful; Once In Royal
David’s City; The First Nowell; and O Little
Town Of Bethlehem. The programme also
features Darke’s In The Bleak Midwinter,
Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel Overture
and Mozart’s Alleluia from Exsultate Jubilate.
Brian Blessed
Classical Dec Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 12:57 Page 2
Classical LISTINGS
For full listing information on classical
concerts, including times and dates,
EX CATHEDRA - CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey
Skidmore (conductor),
Alexander Mason
(organ) & Lynda Sayce
(guitar), Tue 2 Dec, St
Chad's Church,
Shrewsbury
MICHAEL BUBLE Tue 2 Wed 3 Dec, The Barclaycard Arena, B’ham
CBSO MACMILLAN'S ST
LUKE PASSION Thurs 4
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
WBS EXPRESS CONCERT
Thurs 4 Dec, The Edge
Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire
SENIOR CITIZENS
ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Thurs 4 Dec, Forest
Arts Centre, Walsall
TRIO SEVERN Programme includes works
by Schubert & Arensky,
Thurs 4 Dec, CBSO
Centre, Birmingham
JEFF WAYNE'S MUSICAL
VERSION OF THE WAR OF
THE WORLDS Fri 5 Dec,
LG Arena, Birmingham
IGOR LEVIT PLAYS RACHMANINOV Fri 5 Dec,
NAVARRA QUARTET WITH
ALEXANDER BOYD Fri 5
Dec, The Barber Institute, Birmingham University
CBSO BRASS ENSEMBLE:
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
Featuring the CBSO
Brass Ensemble &
Catherine Arlidge (presenter), Fri 5 - Sat 6
Dec, CBSO Centre,
Birmingham
A VIENNESE STRAUSS
GALA Sat 6 Dec, Crewe
Lyceum
THE BRITISH POLICE
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:
PROMS NIGHT SPECTACULAR Sat 6 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham
MIDLANDS FRETTED
ORCHESTRA Sat 6 Dec,
Bonded Warehouse,
Stourbridge
CHRISTMAS CONCERT In
aid of the Hope &
Homes For Children
Charity, Sat 6 Dec,
Maidment Auditorium,
Shrewsbury School
THE SALSEDO ENSEMBLE:
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Sat 6 Dec, Charlemont
Methodist Church, West
Bromwich
EX CATHEDRA: HANDEL’S
MESSIAH Sun 7 Dec,
ONLY MEN ALOUD Mon 8
Dec, Birmingham Town
Hall
SANTA LUCIA SERVICE Ex
Cathedra present a traditional Swedish service
of carols & readings by
candlelight, Mon 8 Dec,
Birmingham Cathedral
LA TRAVIATA Glyndebourne present a new
version of Verdi's masterpiece, Tue 9 - Wed
10 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS
MUSIC WITH THE CHOIR
OF WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL Tue 9 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham
MIDLANDS HOSPITALS'
CHOIR - CAROLS THAT
COUNT Tue 9 Dec,
Alexander Mason
(guitar), Tue 9 Dec, St
John’s Church, Hagley,
Birmingham
CBSO ELGAR'S ENIGMA
VARIATIONS Wed 10
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
ALFIE BOE Thurs 11 Dec,
LG Arena, B’ham
LAURA JURD QUARTET
Featuring 2014 Yamaha
Jazz Scholar Awardwinner Elliot Galvin on
piano & Corrie Dick on
drums, Thurs 11 Dec,
Birmingham
THE MIDLAND PIANO TRIO
& BRIAN PERKINS (GUITAR): THE MAGIC OF
SPAIN Programme
includes works by
Manuel de Falla & Albeniz, Fri 12 Dec, Birmingham & Midland Institute, Birmingham
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
CHOIR: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Fri 12 Dec, Sympho-
Christopher Warren-Green: Beethoven’s Ninth,
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
ny Hall, Birmingham
UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S
CHOIR Fri 12 Dec, The
Barber Institute, B’ham
ANDREW LITTON & CBSO
PLAYERS Feat. Andrew
Litton (piano), Fri 12
Dec, CBSO Centre,
Birmingham
PHOENIX SINGERS Featuring James Llewellyn
Jones (conductor) &
Sara Wilander (accompanist), Sat 13 Dec,
Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire
AMINGTON BAND PRESENTS A CELEBRATION OF
CHRISTMAS Sat 13 Dec,
Tamworth Assembly
Rooms
CBSO ELGAR'S ENIGMA
VARIATIONS Sat 13 Dec,
CAROLS FOR ALL Featuring the Maldwyn
Strings, The Shrewsbury Consort of
Recorders & Shrewsbury Handbells. Conducted by Richard
White. All proceeds to
The Cystic Fibrosis
Trust & The Hamar
Centre, Shrewsbury,
Sat 13 Dec, St Alkmund’s Church,
Shrewsbury
SONGS OF THE ANGELS:
CHRISTMAS CHARITY
CONCERT Featuring
Birmingham Festival
Choral Society with the
choristers of St
Alphege, Solihull; Joe
Cooper (organ) &
Patrick Larley (conductor), Sat 13 Dec, St
John’s & St Peter’s
Church, Ladywood
ARC, Birmingham
GLORIOUS MESSIAH Featuring the Lichfield
Cathedral Chorus &
Staffordshire Band, Sat
13 Dec, Lichfield Cathedral
BIRMINGHAM BACH
CHOIR: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 13 Dec, St
Francis Of Assisi,
Bournville, B’ham
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
SALVATION ARMY Sun 14
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA:
FIRST & LAST Programme includes works
by Butterworth, Strauss
& Mahler, Sun 14 Dec,
Birmingham
SING CAROLS WITH THE
CITY ORGANIST Presented by Jeremy Nicholas,
Mon 15 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
TOWN HALL GOSPEL
CHOIR Hosted by BBC
WM presenter Nikki
Tapper, Mon 15 Dec,
THE BBC BIG BAND PRESENTS A SWINGING
CHRISTMAS Tue 16 Dec,
ANDRE RIEU Wed 17
Dec, LG Arena, B’ham
CHRISTMAS WITH
CANOLDIR Thurs 18 Dec,
PIVA: OLD CHRISTMAS
RETURN'D Evening of
music celebrating the
yuletide season in true
Andre Rieu - LG Arena, Birmingham
Elizabethan style, with
traditional music, songs
and stories from Tudor
times, Fri 19 Dec,
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF THE GREAT
CROONERS Join Matthew
Long for a festive celebration, featuring the
works of Perry Como,
Frank Sinatra, Matt
Monro and many
more... Fri 19 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
CBSO FESTIVE
FAVOURITES WITH HUGH
DENNIS Fri 19 Dec,
THE KLEE QUARTET Programme includes works
by Haydn, Stravinsky &
Mendelssohn, Fri 19
Dec, The Round Room,
Birmingham Museum &
Art Gallery
BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPERTOIRE
ORCHESTRA Programme
includes works by
Mahler, Mozart, Fang
Fang & Dvorak, Fri 19
Dec, Adrian Boult Hall,
Birmingham Conservatoire
Alexander Mason
(guitar), Fri 19 - Sat 20
Dec, St Paul’s Church,
Birmingham
Sat 20 Dec, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
THE FRONCYSYLITE MALE
VOICE CHOIR Sat 20
Dec, New Vic Theatre,
Newcastle-under-Lyme
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 20 Dec, Lichfield Cathedral
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: CHRISTMAS
CLASSICS Feat. festive
readings by Brian
Blessed, Sat 20 Dec,
EX CATHEDRA: ANGELS,
STARS & KINGS Family
Christmas music by
candlelight, Sat 20 Dec,
St Paul’s Church, Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM BACH
CHOIR: NINE LESSONS &
CAROLS Conducted by
Paul Spicer & featuring
organist Paul Carr, Sun
21 Dec, St Paul’s
Church, Jewellery
Quarter, Birmingham
CBSO FESTIVE
FAVOURITES WITH HUGH
DENNIS Sun 21 - Mon
22 Dec, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
JONATHAN COHEN
CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG Mon 22 Dec,
EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT Mon 22 - Tues 23
Dec, St Paul’s Church,
Birmingham
BERKLEY SALON ENSEMBLE Mon 22 Dec, CBSO
Centre, Birmingham
THE MESSIAH Presented
by Shrewsbury School
Community Choir &
Guests, Tues 23 Dec,
The Abbey, Shrewsbury
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: THE GLORY
OF CHRISTMAS Wed 24
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: LAST NIGHT
OF THE CHRISTMAS
PROMS Featuring Hilary
Davan Wetton (conductor), Philip O'Brien
(tenor), James Cleverton (baritone). Programme includes works
by Rossini, Sousa,
Bizet, Verdi, Ravel,
Denza and Grieg, Sat
27 Dec, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
MOZART FESTIVAL
ORCHESTRA: GLORIOUS
HANDEL BY CANDLELIGHT
Sun 28 Dec, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: THE VERY
BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Sun 28 Dec, Symphony
Hall, Birmingham
CBSO NELSONS CONDUCTS BRUCKNER'S SEVENTH Mon 29 Dec,
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: THE SOUND
OF THE MUSICALS feat.
Summer Strallen, Kerry
Ellis, Graham Bickley &
Tim Howard, Mon 29
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
BEETHOVEN'S NINTH Tue
30 Dec, Symphony
Hall, B’ham
LONDON CONCERT
ORCHESTRA: NEW YEAR’S
EVE GALA Programme
includes works by
Mendelssohn, Sousa,
Grieg, Mascagni,
Sibelius, Ravel, Elgar,
Rossini, Verdi &
Tchaikovsky, Wed 31
Dec, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
Classical
Box
Office
ABEEY CHURCH
SHREWSBURY
01743 232723
,
ADRIAN BOULT HALL,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 331 5901
BARBER INSTITUTE,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 414 7333
BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL
0121 262 1840
BIRMINGHAM
CONSERVATOIRE
0121 331 5901/2
BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND
INSTITUTE
0121 236 3591
0121 780 3333
BRAMALL CONCERT
HALL, BIRMINGHAM
0121 414 3344
CBSO CENTRE,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 780 3333
LUDLOW ASSEMBLY
ROOMS, SOUTH
SHROPSHIRE
01584 873229
MAIDMENT HALL,
SHREWSBURY SCHOOL
01743 280810
ST ALBAN THE MARTYR,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 440 4605
ST CHAD’S CATHEDRAL,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 236 2251
ST FRANCES CHURCH,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 472 7215
STRATFORD CIVIC HALL
01789 207100
SYMPHONY HALL,
BIRMINGHAM
0121 780 3333
Comedy December - Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 17:55 Page 1
Comedy
Seann Walsh
Comedy
Box Office
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton,
Thursday 18 December
Seann Walsh is such a popular comedian he
could even give Real Madrid a run for their
money when it comes to the acquisition of silverware. The multi-award-winning star of television shows such as Mock The Week and
Russell Howard’s Good News Extra, Seann’s
been likened to the legendary Billy Connolly in
terms of his gift for storytelling. His jokes aren’t
bad either, with two examples being as follows:
“I don't understand swimming. You don't see
fish going for a walk” and “Are city centre beat
officers police who rap?”
Jeremy Hardy
Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire,
Friday 12 December
“In an ideal world," The Guardian once wrote,
"Jeremy Hardy would be extremely famous but an ideal world would leave him without
most of his best material."
Hardy has developed a reputation for being
one of the most topical comedians on the circuit. He blends his concerns about the modernday world with a humour that makes his sometimes controversial subject matter all the more
accessible and thought-provoking.
Russell Howard
LG Arena, Birmingham, Sunday 21 December
Rob Deering
Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury,
Sunday 14 December
Rob Deering has successfully built on the benefit of having a face that was made for comedy
to turn himself into a rather splendid finished
product. He’s been described as a man with
‘clownish physicality’ and ‘easy charm’ - and
on the back of such qualities he’s nurtured a
small army of hugely dedicated fans, all of
whom are addicted to the pleasures of an
evening in the company of his razor-sharp wit.
According to his mother - Russell Howard reveals - his comic style
calls to mind a child telling people about his day at the zoo. And in
fairness, Mrs H’s assessment is a pretty accurate one...
Gags include, “A Levels are getting easier; in my day you had to do
fifty questions in a minute, and if you got one wrong they killed your
dad!” and “Anyone else wonder if the Queen ever props her quilt
cover up to her neck whilst in bed and says 'Look Philip, I'm a
stamp!'?"
Zoe Lyons
The George Hotel, Lichfield,
Tues 23 December
High on confidence and blessed
with a razor-sharp wit - which, let’s
face it, are pretty vital commodities
for a successful comedian to
possess - Zoe Lyons creates
funny routines based on
astute observation of life’s
absurdities. She came to
prominence in 2004 when
she won the Nivea Funny
Women Award, since
which time she’s been
garnering plaudits like
they’re going out of
fashion. Described by
one reviewer as ‘Alan
Bennett on speed’, her jokes
include: ‘The old blind fisherman liked nothing more than
coming home and putting on a
pair of his favourite kippers.’
ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE
01527 577330
0121 780 3333
CIVIC HALL,
WOLVERHAMPTON
0870 320 7000
COURTYARD THEATRE,
HEREFORD
01432 340555
THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM
0121 333 2444
DRUMMONDS BAR,
WORCESTER
01905 28190
MUCH WENLOCK
01952 728911
EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE,
WORCESTERSHIRE
01386 446944
FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE,
LEEK, STAFFS
01538 386112
THE GEORGE HOTEL,
BURSLEM, STAFFS
07763301081
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
01584 878141
MAC, BIRMINGHAM
0121 446 3232
OAKENGATES THEATRE,
TELFORD
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
STAFFORD GATEHOUSE
THEATRE
01785 619080
THEATRE SEVERN,
SHREWSBURY
01743 281281
WARWICK ARTS CENTRE
02476 524524
WULFRUN HALL,
WOLVERHAMPTON
0870 320 7000
Comedy December - Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 17:55 Page 2
Comedy LISTINGS
For full listing information on comedy
gigs including times and dates visit
MARK STEEL Wed 3 Dec,
Artrix, Bromsgrove
CRAIG MURRAY, GEOFF
NORCOTT AND MARLON
DAVIS Wed 3 Dec, The
LEE NELSON Wed 3 Dec,
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury
DAWN FRENCH Wed 3
Dec, Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry
ALAN DAVIS Thurs 4
Dec, De Montfort Hall,
Leicester
ROB ROUSE, GEOFF
NORCOTT AND MARLON
DAVIS Thurs 4 Dec, The
NOEL FIELDING Thurs 4
Dec, Crewe Lyceum
SUSAN CALMAN Thurs 4
Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove
KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY
NIGHT Thurs 4 Dec,
Stourbridge Town Hall
ANDY WHITE, CAIMAH
MCDONNELL, PETE
PHILLIPSON AND ANDY
KIND Thurs 4 Dec, The
George Hotel, Lichfield
STAND UP COMEDY
SHOWCASE Thurs 4 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
BENNETT ARRON, JIMMY
MCGHIE, IAN COPPINGER
AND TANYALEE DAVIS
Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Dec
Jongleurs Comedy
Club, Birmingham
JEFFERSON AND
WHITFIELD, SUSAN
MURRAY AND THANYIA
MOORE Fri 5 Dec, The
Drum, Birmingham
STEVE BUGEJA, ERIC
LAMPAERT AND KIERAN
BOYD Fri 5 Dec,
Hereford Courtyard
Theatre
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED
LAGER WITH RORY
MAGRATH AND PHILIP
POPE Fri 5 Dec, Malvern
Theatres
ELEANOR TIERNAN PLUS
COMICS TBC Fri 5 Dec,
Players Bar, B’ham
DAVE FULTON, GEOFF
NORCOTT AND MARLON
DAVIS Fri 5 Dec, The
NOEL FIELDING Sat 6
Dec, Victoria Hall,
Stoke-On-Trent
KATHERINE RYAN Sat 6
Dec, Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry
HOWARD READ, LLOYD
GRIFFITH, RHYS JAMES
AND DAMION LARKIN Sat
6 Dec, Regent Theatre,
Stoke-On-Trent
DAVE FULTON, GEOFF
NORCOTT, MARLON DAVIS
AND ANDREW BIRD Sat 6
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
CHRIS LYNAM, ERICH
MCILORY, DEBRA JANE
APPELBY AND HARRIET
DYER Sat 6 Dec,
Coventry Showcase
Cinema
LUCY BEAUMONT PLUS
COMICS TBC Sat 6 Dec,
STAND UP COMEDY
SHOWCASE Sat 6 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
ROUGH WORKS NEW
MATERIAL NIGHT Sun 7
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
LOUDEEMY SOUP
COMEDY NIGHT Mon 8
Dec, The Blue Orange
Theatre, Birmingham
IAN D MONTFORT, TOM
BINNS AND IVAN
BRACKENBURY Tues 9
Dec, Station Pub,
Sutton Coldfield
COMEDY EVENING WITH
MRS BARBARA NICE AND
JO ENRIGHT Tues 9 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
JEN BRISTER, MAUREEN
YOUNGER Wed 10 Dec,
Birmingham
ALEX BOARDMAN, SEAN
PERCIVAL, TANYALEE
DAVIS AND ROBERT
WHITE Wed 10 Dec,
Jongleurs Comedy
Club, Birmingham
JOHN FOTHERGILL, SOL
BERNSTEIN AND ANDY
ROBINSON Wed 10 - Fri
12 Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
OMID DJALILI Thurs 11
Dec, Civic Hall,
Wolverhampton
PAUL SINHA, JOHN
ROBINS AND SUZI
RUFFELL Thurs 11 Dec,
Birmingham
ALEX BOARDMAN, SEAN
PERCIVAL, TANYALEE
DAVIS AND DALISO
CHAPONDA Thurs 11 Sat 13 Dec, Jongleurs
Comedy Club, B’ham
SEANN WALSH Fri 12
Dec, Evesham Arts
Centre
JEREMY HARDY Fri 12
Dec, Ludlow Assembly
Rooms, South
Shropshire
JOHNNY CANDON, BARRY
DODDS, IAN COPPINGER
PLUS COMIC TBC Fri 12
Dec, Players Bar,
Birmingham
BARBARA NICE'S
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Fri 12 - Sat 13 Dec
mac, Birmingham
ED GAMBLE, HAYLEY
ELLIS AND JACK BARRY
Fri 12 - Sat 13 Dec,
Hereford Courtyard
Theatre
JIMMY CARR Sat 13
Dec, Civic Hall,
Wolverhampton
STAND-UP STAIRS
COMEDY SHOW WITH MC
MR ANT HILL Sat 13
Dec, Palace Theatre,
Redditch
RHODRI RHYS, DANNY
WARD, PAUL PIRIE AND
JOHN HASTINGS Sat 13
Dec, Coventry
Showcase Cinema
JOHNNY CANDON, BARRY
DODDS, ELEANOR
TIERNAN AND IAN
COPPINGER Sat 13 Dec,
JOHN FOTHERGILL, SOL
BERNSTEIN, ANDY
ROBINSON AND JOE
LYCETT Sat 13 - Sun 14
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
KEN DODD Sun 14 Dec,
Civic Hall, W’hmapton
ROB DEERING, BLAIR
DUNLOP AND BETH PRIOR
Sun 14 Dec, Henry
Tudor House,
Shrewsbury
TOADALLY FREE COMEDY!
Mon 15 Dec, The Blue
Orange Theatre, B’ham
MICKEY D, ALISTAIR
BARRIE, DANA
ALEXANDER AND
RAYMOND & MR
TIMPKINS REVIEW Tues
16 Dec, Jongleurs
LEE MAC Tues 16 - Wed
17 Dec, Civic Hall,
Wolverhampton
MICKEY D, ADDY VAN DE
BORGH, DANA
ALEXANDER AND
RAYMOND & MR
TIMPKINS REVIEW Wed
17 Dec, Jongleurs
DAN NIGHTINGALE, MARK
OLVER AND CHARLIE
BAKER Wed 17 - Thurs
18 Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
SEANN WALSH Thurs 18
Dec, Wulfrun Hall,
Wolverhampton
TIFF STEVENSON, STEVE
BUGEJA AND AHIR SHAH
Thurs 18 - Fri 19 Dec,
Hereford Courtyard
Theatre
JOJO SUTHERLAND, ADDY
VAN DER BORGH, CARL
HUTCHINSON AND ANDY
ASKINS Thurs 18 Dec
Jongleurs Comedy
Club, Birmingham
ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri
19 Dec, Civic Hall,
Wolverhampton
DAN NIGHTINGALE, MARK
OLVER, CHARLIE BAKER
PLUS COMIC TBC Fri 19 Sat 20 Dec, The Glee
Club, Birmingham
JOJO SUTHERLAND, ADDY
VAN DER BORGH, CARL
HUTCHINSON AND STEVE
SHANYASKI Fri 19 - Sat
20 Dec, Jongleurs
KEN DODD Sat 20 Dec,
Victoria Hall, Stoke-OnTrent
JIM TAVARE, GARY
DELANEY, MATT REES
AND DAMION LARKIN Sat
20 Dec, Regent
Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent
COMEDY IN THE MET Sat
20 Dec, Stafford
Gatehouse Theatre
RUSSELL HOWARD Sun
21 Dec, LG Arena,
Birmingham
MARK OLVER, CHARLIE
BAKER, MARLON DAVIS
PLUS COMIC TBC Sun 21
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS
Sun 21 Dec, mac,
Birmingham
ZOE LYONS, THE
RAYMOND AND MR
TIMPKINS REVIEW, MARK
CRAM AND SUSAN
MURRAY Tues 23 Dec,
The George Hotel,
Lichfield
ROY CHUBBY BROWN Sat
27 Dec, Victoria Hall,
Stoke-On-Trent
Noel Fielding - Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent & Crewe Lyceum
PAUL THORNE, JIM
TAVARE, MARLON DAVIS
PLUS COMIC TBC Sat 27
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
SHOULD I STAY OR
SHOULD I GO Sun 28
Dec, Drummonds Bar,
Worcester
PAUL THORNE, ANTHONY
J BROWN, MARLON DAVIS
PLUS COMIC TBC Sun 28
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
DAVID JOHNS, JUSTIN
MOORHOUSE, JONNY
PELHAM, DAMION LARKIN
Wed 31 Dec, Regent
Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent
ANDY ROBINSON, ROB
DEERING, MICKEY D AND
NATHAN CATON Wed 31
Dec, The Glee Club,
Birmingham
KAREN BAYLEY, SMUG
ROBERTS, DANA
ALEXANDER AND SEAN
PERCIVAL Wed 31 Dec,
Jongleurs Comedy
Club, Birmingham
For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27
Theatre Region 2 - December.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 20:14 Page 1
Theatre
Lichfield Garrick’s panto ensemble
Cinderella
Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 4 December - Sun 4 January;
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 6 December Sun 18 January
With its comical Ugly Sisters, metamorphosising pumpkin, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop-dead gorgeous Prince Charming,
super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can
justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes.
Julian Clary and Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini take top billing in the
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s version of the classic fairytale.
Meanwhile ’Allo, ’Allo’s Arthur Bostrom (he played French Gendarme
Crabtree in the hit BBC TV comedy series) stars as Count Dandini de
Tartare at the Lichfield Garrick.
Peter Pan
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury,
Wed 3 December - Sun 11 January
Shropshire-based pantomime audiences this year
get the chance to fly away with the boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled with adventure.
Meet a real fairy, marvellous mermaids, wonderful
Wendy and the down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh,
and beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a
very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock). Pantomime favourite Brad Fitt
ensures there’s plenty of chance to enjoy a chuckle
or several.
Dick Whittington
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 4 January
‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to star as the lad himself in this
ever-popular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan’s pretty much a festive fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, and is set to play an inevitably significant part
in making Dick Whittington one of the region’s must-see pantos this Christmas.
The story of a young man who heads to London in search of fame and fortune is one
of the most popular of all pantomimes, not least because of the top adventures in
which the happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself involved. With Sarah the Cook and King
Rat both putting in an appearance, and heady romance with the delightful Alice also
on the cards for young Dick, this is a show that promises to be packed to its festive
rafters with action, comedy, fun and romance.
Theatre PREVIEWS
Sleeping Beauty
Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock,
Sun 21 - Tues 30 December
The tragic tale of a young princess who’s
tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger
on a spinning wheel, causing her to fall
asleep for a hundred years, offers a great
story around which to build a pantomime
production of real quality. And judging by its
panto offerings in previous years, the Prince
of Wales Centre’s 2014 festive presentation
is likely to be just that. Shorelle Hepkin from
CBBC’s Wolfblood, Darren John Langford
from Hollyoaks, Keith De Winter and Nikki
Horsburgh star.
Jersey Boys
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 9 December - Sun 4 January
Uncle Ben’s Festive
Block Party
The Drum, Birmingham,
Thurs 18 - Sun 21 December
Described as an evening of merriment and
festive celebration, Uncle Ben’s Festive Block
Party finds the eponymous lead character in
the mood to enjoy a cracking Christmas
caper. With the local sound system booked
to supply the music, obligatory party hats,
crackers, mistletoe and decorative lights all
purchased (and a few bottles of rum on hand
to ensure that even his least humorous jokes
go down a storm), Uncle Ben’s set to leave a
tragic year battling ill health behind him.
Until, that is, an enlightening dream finds him
suddenly facing a significantly bigger challenge than simply throwing a festive gettogether...
Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons scored some truly
massive hits during the mid-1960s, with best-known numbers including Walk Like A Man, Bye
Bye Baby, Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry and December 1963 (Oh, What A Night). This massive
jukebox musical tells their story. Taking a documentary-style format, the show is structured as
four ‘seasons’, each being narrated by a different member of the band.
The Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning production is visiting the Midlands as part of its
first ever UK tour.
Beauty And The Beast
The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford,
Tues 9 December - Mon 5 January
When a young woman is captured by a
hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life
of isolation in his mysterious palace. The
Beast, too, is trapped - seemingly forever inside the grotesquery of his physical
appearance, the consequence of a spell cast
upon him by an evil witch. Only Beauty’s
ability to look beyond his ugliness and see
the person within can save him...
That’s pretty much the story outline of this
ever-popular fairytale, which is here given the
pantomime treatment by a high-energy
ensemble of talented performers.
One-time Eurovision entrant Nikki French
and Dancing On Ice favourite Matt Evers star.
adventure to the big bad city.
Expect gangster moles, singing fish, biker
beetles and crooning birds in a production
that features puppetry, clowning, live music
and even a sprinkling of snow...
Looking Good - Feeling Better
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton,
Tues 9 December
The company behind this story, which has
been inspired by the real-life experience of a
breast cancer sufferer, is OutsidEye, who
describe themselves as having been ‘born
from a passion for physical theatre’. Using a
collaborative studio approach, the ensemble
seeks to create theatre which is inspired by
the unconventional within the everyday, in
the process ‘transforming what’s seen into
innovative performance’.
A Christmas Carol
Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 21 December
For anybody tired of the commercialism of
Christmas in the twenty-first century, delving
into the delightful world of Charles Dickens
should offer the perfect antidote.
Of all his festive stories, A Christmas Carol
reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the
miserly Scrooge, the ghostly visions of
redemption and the eternal hope offered by
Tiny Tim all combine to give the tale a real
olde-world charm.
Clive Francis stars as Scrooge, and also
offers an introduction to Dickens’ exploits in
Birmingham, which included an 1853 Town
Hall reading of A Christmas Carol.
Thumbelina’s Great
Big Adventure
mac, Birmingham, Mon 1 - Sat 13 December
Award-winning physical theatre company
Dancing Brick are the high-energy ensemble
behind this brand new retelling of Hans
Christian Andersen’s classic tale.
The company describe the show as ‘a brightly-coloured, action-packed musical’, in which
the vertically challenged Thumbelina, her
daredevil Granny and a forest’s-worth of
delightful animals embark on a whirlwind
Tue 9th Dec 14 - Mon 5th Jan 15
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
PANTOMIME MAGIC FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Time: Various
Sat 24th January
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Time: 7.30pm
Thu 5th February
THAT’LL BE THE DAY
Time: 7.30pm
Fri 6th Feruary
ALL STAR SUPERSLAM
WRESTLING
Time: 7.30pm
Fri 13th February
THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW
Time: 7.30pm
Thu 19th February
THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS
THE NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIE
Time: 7.30pm
Sun 1st & Mon 2nd March
THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE
Time: Sun, 2.00pm, 4.30pm
Mon, 10.30am, 12.30pm
Fri 13th March
LLOYD LANGFORD
Time: 8.00pm
Sat 21st March
AABA BY ARRIVAL UK
THE ULTIMATE ABBA TRIBUTE SHOW
Time: 7.30pm
TWC GP 00940
Theatre PREVIEWS
Horrible Christmas
Old Rep, Birmingham,
until Sat 17 January
The Horrible Histories team are back, this
time to stab a sprig of holly through the heart
of the yuletide season! Famous festive
favourites Charles Dickens, St Nicholas and
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - as well
as Oliver Cromwell and King Henry VIII - are
all present and correct in a good-humoured
show that brings together Victorian villains,
Medieval monks, Puritan parties and Tudor
treats. Read the review on page 42.
Jack And The Beanstalk
Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 19 December - Sun 1 February
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Birmingham Town Hall,
Tues 23 December - Wed 14 January
Following on from a hugely successful West
End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back in
town, dropping in on Sophie and her mum
just as they’re settling down for an afternoon
cuppa... Adapted by David Wood OBE from
Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this fifty-five-minute
show features singalong songs and boasts
plenty of magic - not to mention a big,
stripey tiger, of course!
The Borrowers
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme,
until Sat 31 January
After enjoying success with previous festive
offerings such as The Hundred And One Dalmatians, Alice In Wonderland and Peter Pan,
the New Vic turns its attention to Mary Norton’s delightful 1952 children’s fantasy.
Living happily beneath the floorboards of a
quiet old house, The Borrowers suddenly
find their way of life compromised when
young Arrietty gets itchy feet and goes
exploring...
The New Vic team is here promising a yuletide package of ‘magical storytelling, original
music and thrilling live-on-stage effects’. So if
you’re looking
for a Christmas
show free of custard pies and
rouged-up
Dames, this
could well be the
production for
you.
Jack and his mam are hard-up, and have no choice but to take their cow to market to raise
some much-needed cash. However, Jack being Jack, he decides to trade her in (the cow, that
is, not his mam!) for a handful of magic beans, which then grow into a real ogre of a
beanstalk. And speaking of ogres...
Jack And The Beanstalk is one of the UK’s best-loved pantos - so it’s appropriate indeed that
it’s the show of choice at the world’s number one pantomime venue, the Birmingham Hippodrome. As well as featuring a big, bad, fee-fi-fo-fumming ogre, the production also boasts a
star cast headed up by Jane McDonald, Blue’s Duncan James and Coronation Street badboy
Chris Gascoyne. Gary Wilmot makes a welcome return as Dame Trot, with Paul Zerdin and
Matt Slack also on hand to play their part in ensuring the laughter count’s as high as a really
tall beanstalk.
Cinderella:
The Rock’n’Roll Panto
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre,
Fri 12 December - Sat 10 January
They’ve done it before and now they’re
doing it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oftused twist of imbuing their annual pantomime with a real rock’n’roll flavour has
proved so popular in previous years that the
venue is giving the exact same treatment to
its 2014 production. So... they’ve taken a
fairytale about a put-upon girl who finally
finds her Prince Charming, stirred in a few
time-honoured pantomime favourites and
then seasoned liberally with all manner of
rock’n’roll hits - including favourites from Otis
Redding, The Temptations, The Jackson 5
and The Blues Brothers.
A recipe for success if ever there was one so expect a veritable feast of fun and frivolity.
he teaches her whizzpopping, shows her his
secret collection of dreams and lets her taste
his extraordinary
food, the snozzcumber. When it
becomes apparent a
tribe of boghumping
giants are planning
to rampage through
England, Sophie and
the BFG realise they
must save the country from unprecedented disaster...
Wind In The Willows
Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire,
Tues 2 December; The Place, Oakengates,
Telford, Sat 24 January
Kenneth Grahame’s famous children’s book
presents a perfect example of how one life
can command the full attention of three others. Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t
have time for any of their own interests they’re way too busy having to look after
their reckless and irrepressible friend, Toad...
The Wind In The Willows is here brought to
the stage by acclaimed touring troupe Oddsocks. Zany humour is guaranteed.
The BFG
The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 17 January
Roald Dahl’s delightful tale has been
enchanting children and the adults in their
lives for over thirty years now. The story follows the adventures of a little girl named
Sophie, who’s taken to a magical land by the
Big Friendly Giant (or BFG for short). There,
NOT ABOUT HEROES
THE MET STUDIO
Sat 6 Dec
Through the letters and poems of
Wilfred Owen and Siegfried
Sassoon, Stephen MacDonald’s
acclaimed play paints a vivid and
moving picture of their friendship
and the conflict that brought them
together. One hundred years on
7.30pm, £13
from the beginning of the First
World War, Not About Heroes is both exhilarating and uncompromising in its exploration of love, war and a friendship that
changed the face of British poetry.
CINDERELLA THE ROCK
‘N’ ROLL PANTO
GATEHOUSE THEATRE
Wed 10 Dec 14 - Sat 10 Jan 15
Tickets from £12.50
Rock around the clock and get ready to party at Prince Charming's ball with Baron Hardup, the loveable Buttons, Cinderella, and
two very ugly sisters...Rock ‘n' Roll panto
returns to Stafford with one of the most loved fairytales of
all time. Cinderella is filled with classic hits from Otis Redding,
The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Blues Brothers and many,
many more, all played live on stage by an incredible
cast of actor musicians.
INTO THE SHADOWS
THE MET STUDIO
Sat 13 Dec
Into the Shadows recreate the
unique sounds of The Shadows.
The Shadows had 5 number one
hits and 16 top ten hits, and were
in the UK Charts for 310 weeks.
7.30pm, £13
No other Instrumental Group has
ever achieved such success. Into the Shadows play all their hits,
and more. Also performing many of the early Cliff Richard hits
from the days when The Shadows were his backing Group.
GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS
THE MET STUDIO
Tue 16 Dec
Join the macabre tradition of the
BBC's classic 1970s programme, Ghost Stories for
Christmas is a theatre show featuring new adaptations of classic spine-chillers. An evening of
vengeful revenants, restless
spirits and malevolent ghouls is
guaranteed for those brave
enough to join us!
7.30pm, £10/£8 concs
THE UGLY DUCKLING
THE MET STUDIO
Tue 22 & Wed 23 Dec
Float downstream with the Story
Man, in Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical adaptation
of Hans Christian Anderson’s
classic tale of belonging and
identity. Set on the banks of a
magical river, brilliant storytelling, fantastic puppets and a
delightful new musical score,
make this a must see show for
little ones and their families.
Tue 22nd 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Wed 23rd 11.30am & 1.30pm
£7 / Family £24
TRÈS TRÈS CABARET CHRISTMAS
SPECIAL THE MET STUDIO
Sat 27 Dec
OVER
18
After the runaway success of
Stafford’s first burlesque and
cabaret night, Très Très Cabaret
is back with a very special
show for the festive season,
8.00pm, £20
Featuring the hottest performers
from the international cabaret scene to surprise and delight you...
Dress to impress and join us for an evening of glitz, glamour and
so much more.
BOOKONLINE
Box Office 01785 619080
www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Theatre - December.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 20:09 Page 8
Theatre LISTINGS
For full listing information on theatre
productions, including times and dates,
From
MON 1 DEC
FRANKENSTEIN Return of
the National Theatre
Live's broadcast of
Frankenstein, featuring
Benedict Cumberbatch
as the creature, until
Sun 7 Dec, mac, Birmingham
WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR
HUNT Little Angel Theatre bring Michael
Rosen's much-loved
children's book to life in
a new puppetry production featuring music
and lyrics by renowned
singer-songwriter Barb
Jungr, until Sun 7 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Ballet
present Sir Peter
Wright’s enchanting
version of the festive
favourite, until Sat 13
Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome
Traditional family pantomime, until Sat 3 Jan,
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury
DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional family pantomime, until Sun 4
Jan, Regent Theatre,
Stoke-on-Trent
THE GRUFFALO Songs,
laughter and scary fun
come together in this
family favourite based
on Julia Donaldson's
best-selling book, until
Sun 4 Jan, Warwick
Arts Centre, Coventry
ALADDIN By Iain Lauchlan, until Sat 10 January, Belgrade Theatre,
Coventry
HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS
The Horrible Histories
team are back, this time
to stab a sprig of holly
through the heart of the
yuletide season!, until
Sat 17 Jan, The Old
Rep Theatre, Birmingham
THE BFG A brand new
staging of Roald Dahl's
popular children's
book, until Sat 24 Jan,
The REP, Birmingham
THE BORROWERS Mary
Norton's classic family
adventure, until Sat 31
Jan, New Vic Theatre,
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE A
specially commissioned
play by Phil Porter
which draws on true
stories of soldiers in the
Warwickshire Regiment,
until Sat 31 Jan, Royal
Shakespeare Theatre,
Stratford-upon-Avon
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Christopher Luscombe
directs a new production of Shakespeare's
sparkling comedy, until
Sat 14 March, Royal
Stratford-upon-Avon
LOVE'S LABOUR'S WON
Christopher Luscombe
directs the second of
Shakespeare's matching pair of comedies
that rejoice in man's
capacity to find love in
the most of unlikely
places, until Sat 14
March, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
BLOOD BROTHERS Amateur version presented
by Stage Productions,
Mon 1 - Fri 5 Dec,
Stoke Repertory Theatre
CALAMITY JANE The
Watermill Theatre present a new production of
the classic musical.
Jodie Prenger stars...,
Mon 1 - Sat 6 Dec,
Malvern Theatres
A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL The Nonentities
present Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious view
of amateur theatre, Mon
1 - Sat 6 Dec, Rose
Theatre, Kidderminster
THUMBELINA'S GREAT BIG
ADVENTURE Puppetry,
clowning, live music
and a sprinkling of
snow are all promised
in this brand new,
brightly coloured,
action-packed, musical
retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic
tale, Mon 1 - Sat 13
Dec, mac, Birmingham
UNCLE ERIC'S CHRISTMAS
PARTY New Vic legend
Uncle Eric returns with
a fun night of Christmas
comedy and ’60s
music, Mon 1 - Sat 13
Dec, New Vic Theatre,
A ‘magical festive pantomime’ presented by
the Worcester Repertory Company, Mon 1
Dec - Sun 4 Jan, The
Swan Theatre Worcester
WEST END WOMEN West
End leading ladies
Kerry Ellis, Joanna
Ampil & Ria Jones join
forces for a celebration
of their careers in the
musicals. Songs from
Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Cats, Evita,
Jesus Christ Superstar
and Wicked all feature,
Tue 2 Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Live music and
comedy from Oddsocks as they present
their version of the classic tale of boats, cars,
trains and washerwomen... Tue 2 Dec,
Ludlow Assembly
Rooms, South Shropshire
ERIC AND LITTLE ERN A
homage to the great
British comedy duo,
recreating some of the
finest moments of Eric
& Ernie's television and
stage performances,
Tue 2 Dec, Malvern
Theatres
Presented by Blast
From The Past, Wed 3
Dec, The Red Lion Folk
Club, Birmingham
TAT MAN TALES Black
Country Touring present an intense, emotional, one-man production featuring stories
that promise to stay
with audiences long
after the show is over,
Wed 3 Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
DEM BOYZ Exploration of
the issues of gang
association, devised
and performed by year
Two BA (Hons) applied
performance students
from Birmingham
School of Acting, Wed
3 - Fri 5 Dec, The
Drum, Birmingham
DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Birmingham School of
Acting present Roy
Williams' explosive play
that explores the aftermath of war, Wed 3 Sat 6 Dec, Crescent
Theatre, Birmingham
RETURN TO NEVERLAND
Presented by Cannock
Wood & Gentleshaw
Musical Society, Wed 3
- Sat 6 Dec, Prince of
Wales Centre, Cannock
HORRIBLE HISTORIES:
BARMY BRITAIN Birmingham Stage Company
bring historical figures
to life in a new show
featuring 3D Bogglevision, Wed 3 - Sat 6
Dec, Theatre Hafren,
Newtown, Powys
DONA ROSITA THE SPINSTER Birmingham
School of Acting present one of Lorca’s
greatest achievements,
a play which charts the
decline of a young girl
full of dreams whose
hopes of marriage
diminish with every
passing year, Wed 3 Sat 6 Dec, Old Joint
Stock Theatre, Birmingham
PETER PAN OR THE BOY
WHO WOULDN’T GROW
UP Presented by the
Solihull Society of Art &
Drama, Wed 3 - Sat 6
Dec, The Edge, Alderbrook School, Solihull
ALADDIN Wed 3 - Sun
28 Dec, Bedworth Civic
Hall
PETER PAN Paul Hendy
Productions and Brad
Fitt return to Theatre
Severn with another
fun-filled family pantomime, Wed 3 Dec Sun 11 Jan, Theatre
Severn, Shrewsbury
AN EVENING WITH NOEL
FIELDING Expect a magical mix of Noel's
unique brand of standup comedy, live animation and music, plus
some of his best-known
TV characters (such as
The Moon and Fantasy
Man)…, Thurs 4 Dec,
Crewe Lyceum
THE CRUCIBLE Live
BRB’s The Nutcracker - Birmingham Hippodrome
screening of Arthur
Miller’s classic American drama based on
Salem’s infamous witch
trials. Richard Armitage
stars, Thurs 4 Dec, The
Edge Arts Centre, Much
Wenlock, South Shropshire
HOKE'S BLUFF Action
Hero present an underdog story that shifts
and rearranges the trite
conventions and narratives of American teen
movies to talk about
what it means to be a
winner on the inside,
Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Dec,
Warwick Arts Centre,
Coventry
THE LASTING SENSE OF
SUDDEN A rollercoaster
ride across the diverse
landscape of human
sexuality and relationships, Thurs 4 - Sat 6
Dec, Fred’s Shed,
Sheep Street, Stratfordupon-Avon
CINDERELLA Traditional
family pantomime...
Thurs 4 Dec - Sun 4
Jan, Lichfield Garrick
ALL TURN! Brass Tack
Theatre present a oneman show which tells
the story of workingclass man Albert North,
Fri 5 Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED
LAGER After their hit
dad-rock album, Dark
Side Of The Moob,
Rory and Philip return
to touring with an
evening of sophisticated comedy and song,
Fri 5 Dec, Malvern Theatres
IMPRO HO HO! An improvised Christmas cracker
featuring mistletoads
and folly, Fri 5 Dec, The
Blue Orange Theatre,
Birmingham
STAND UP AND ROCK
WITH JASPER CARROTT
Fri 5 Dec, Stratford
Artshouse, Stratfordupon-Avon
WAR OF THE WORLDS:
THE FINAL ARENA TOUR
Conducted by Jeff
Wayne & featuring Liam
Neeson in 3D holography, Jason Donovan,
Westlife’s Brian McFadden, Shayne Ward, Les
Miserables’ Carrie
Hope Fletcher & X Factor 2013’s Joseph Whelan, Fri 5 Dec, LG
Arena, Birmingham
MORE GRIMM TALES
Stage 27 present ‘dark
festive fun’ via comic
fables from the Brothers Grimm, Fri 5 - Sat 6
Dec, Acocks Green
Methodist Church,
Shirley Rd, Birmingham
SANTA'S DIZZY DAY! Funpacked experience for
children with song &
laughter, Fri 5 - Sat 6
Dec, Belgrade Theatre,
Coventry
THE VICAR OF DIBLEY THE SECOND COMING
Amateur stage version
of the popular BBC sitcom, Fri 5 - Sat 13 Dec,
The Bear Pit, Stratfordupon-Avon
CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY Featuring a plethora of Christmas musical
favourites, including
White Christmas, A
Winter’s Tale & The Perfect Year, Sat 6 Dec,
The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham
AN AUDIENCE WITH DES
O'CONNOR Sat 6 Dec,
Evesham Arts Centre
AN EVENING WITH NOEL
FIELDING Expect a magical mix of Noel's
unique brand of standup comedy, live animation and music, plus
some of his best-known
TV characters (such as
The Moon and Fantasy
Man)…, Sat 6 Dec, Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent
NORMS OF CONDUCT
Triple bill of works
which focus on the distinguishing characteristics of human nature:
Rosie Kay's Dance Of
Possession; Carlos
Pons Guerra's Costa
Del Sol; Adam Rutherford's What Sexuality Is
Love?, Sat 6 Dec, The
Drum, Birmingham
PMA Productions present their version of the
greatest love story ever
told, Sat 6 Dec, Festival
Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire
CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY Join a talented
cast of singers as they
perform some of the
best Christmas songs
from the world of musical theatre and beyond,
Sat 6 Dec, The Blue
Orange Theatre, Birmingham
NOT ABOUT HEROES Feelgood Theatre present a
production based on
the true story of friendship between war poets
Siegfried Sassoon and
Wilfred Owen, Sat 6
Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Ballet Cymru present a
choreographed version
of the much-loved fairytale, Sat 6 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall
BEYOND THE BARRICADE
Musical theatre concert
recreating original West
End & Broadway musical hit songs, Sat 6
Dec, Malvern Theatre
PAUL HOLLYWOOD:
BRITISH BAKING LIVE A
packed show full of
baking, fun, demos &
audience participation,
Sat 6 Dec, Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry
A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A
festive feast of carol
music and song, comedy and spoken word,
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Coughton Court, Warwickshire
THE LADYKILLERS Graham Lineham’s staging
of the classic Ealing
comedy, Sat 6 - Sun 14
Dec, Criterion Theatre,
Coventry
THE WITCHES The Crescent Theatre Company
Theatre LISTINGS
present David Wood's
adaptation of Roald
Dahl's children's tale,
Sat 6 - Sat 20 Dec,
Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
MOTHER GOOSE Sat 6 Sat 20 Dec, Sutton Arts
Theatre, Sutton Coldfield
OH NO IT ISN'T! A festive
comedy thriller written
and directed by Nick
Walker, Sat 6 - Sat 27
Dec, Belgrade Theatre,
Coventry
CINDERELLA Starring JP
McCue & Mike Royce
as the Ugly Sisters, Sat
6 Dec - Sat 3 Jan,
Royal Spa Centre,
Leamington Spa
CINDERELLA Qdos return
to the Wolverhampton
Grand with yet another
popular family pantomime. This year's
adventure sees Julian
Clary star as Dandini.
Hollyoaks star Joe
Tracini takes the role of
Buttons, Sat 6 Dec Sun 18 Jan. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
THE PEOPLE'S ORCHESTRA: THE SNOWMAN
Classic Christmas
songs and stories followed by The People’s
Orchestra playing the
original orchestration to
a live screening of the
classic film, Sun 7 Dec,
Malvern Theatres
BASHMENT HOUSEWIVES
An urban comedy highlighting the lifestyles of
four competitive young
women wanting to live
a life of luxury, Sun 7
Dec, The Drum, Birmingham
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
Presented by Working
Theatre Company, Sun
7 Dec, Newhampton
Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
THE CRUCIBLE Live
screening of Arthur
stars, Sun 7 Dec, The
Wenlock, South Shropshire
SIMONE SCHOOL OF
DANCE Sun 7 Dec,
Artrix, Bromsgrove
Week Commencing
MON 8 DEC
A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL
Evening of festive fun,
Christmas comedy &
seasonal song, Mon 8
& Tues 9 Dec, Highbury
Hall, Birmingham
LOOKING GOOD - FEELING
BETTER OutsidEye present a passionate story
about the social and
personal traumas faced
by a breast cancer suf-
ferer. Inspired by reallife experiences, Tue 9
Dec, Arena Theatre,
Wolverhampton
CINDERELLA Anne
Charleston stars as the
Fairy Godmother in the
classic festive fairytale.
Rebecca Tyson (Cinderella), Scott Cripps
(Buttons) and Richard
Pocock & Derreck
Walker (Ugly Sisters)
also star... Mon 8 Dec Sun 4 Jan, Palace Theatre, Redditch
CANNOCK CHASE HIGH
SCHOOL CHRISTMAS
CONCERT Join students
from Cannock Chase
High School for a festive celebration. A
blend of musical, dramatic and dance performances showcase
the very best individual
and group talents at the
school, Tues 9 Dec,
Prince Of Wales Centre,
Cannock
LA TRAVIATA Glyndebourne present a new
version of Verdi's masterpiece - one of the
most popular operas of
all time, Tue 9 - Wed 10
Dec, Regent Theatre,
Stoke-on-Trent
ALADDIN Presented by
Rugeley Rose Theatre,
in association with
Reveal Theatre Company, Tues 9 - Sat 13 Dec,
Rugeley Rose Theatre,
Staffordshire
THE TWELVE DATES OF
CHRISTMAS Gina
Hoben's off-Broadway
play, Tue 9 - Sat 13
Dec, Old Joint Stock
Theatre, Birmingham
UNDER THE STARS Language Alive present a
celebration of the rich
world of Arabic storytelling, including Sinbad The Sailor and Ali
Baba And The Forty
Thieves, Tue 9 - Sat 20
Dec, The REP, Birmingham
JERSEY BOYS The Tony,
Olivier and Grammy
Award-winning musical
hits the road for its first
UK tour, Tue 9 Dec Sun 4 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Chaos, calamities &
comedy in the French
village of Cristimonto,
Tue 9 Dec - Mon 5 Jan,
The Place, Oakengates
Theatre, Telford, Shropshire
JOHN CLEESE: 'SO, ANYWAY' BOOK TOUR John
brings his unique
comedic perspective to
audiences across the
UK with tales from his
new book, So, Anyway.
Wed 10 Dec, Malvern
Theatres
JESUS MY BOY Worcester Repertory Theatre
Company present a
one-man show which
tells the story of Jesus
through the eyes of
Joseph, Wed 10 Dec,
The Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
A NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS HOW College students present a tale of
magic & discovery,
Wed 10 - Fri 12 Dec,
Artrix, Bromsgrove
THE WIZARD OF OZ Presented by Stratford
Musical Theatre Company, Wed 10 - Sat 13
Dec, The Courtyard,
Stratford-upon-Avon
OUR LIFE ON ICE In conversation with legendary skating duo
Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean, Thurs 11
Dec, Town Hall, Birmingham
JUST ANOTHER WINTER'S
TALE Jean Brown Productions present an
evening of 'harmony
singing with a touch of
Christmas', Thurs 11
Dec, Prince Of Wales
Centre, Cannock
ELEGIES FOR ANGELS,
PUNKS AND RAGING
QUEENS A dramatic and
emotive musical theatre
piece featuring free
verse poems and
songs which reflect the
lives of people who’ve
lived with and died from
AIDS, Thurs 11 - Fri 12
Dec, Arena Theatre,
Wolverhampton
ROBIN HOOD AND BABES
IN THE WOOD Thurs 11 Sun 21 Dec, Forest Arts
Centre, Walsall
ALADDIN Robert Powell
stars as Abanazar,
Thurs 11 Dec - Sun 4
Jan, Malvern Theatres
Aladdin
THE SHOEMAKER'S HOLIDAY Following his
acclaimed RSC debut
with The Merry Wives
Of Windsor (2012),
Phillip Breen returns to
direct Dekker's glorious
city comedy of class,
conflict and cobblers in
love, Thurs 11 Dec Sat 7 Mar, The Swan
Theatre, Stratford
THE ELVES AND THE
SHOEMAKER A magical
new show for children
from Silly Boys, the creators of The Tallest
Horse On Earth, Fri 12
Rooms, South Shropshire
SWAN LAKE Ballet Theatre UK present a
retelling of the worldfamous ballet, Fri 12
Dec, Prince Of Wales
Centre, Cannock
SLEEPING BEAUTY Traditional family pantomime, Fri 12 - Sat 20
Dec, Hall Green Little
Theatre, Acocks Green,
Birmingham
CINDERELLA Traditional
family pantomime written by & starring Malcolm Stent, Fri 12 Dec Sun 4 Jan, Solihull Arts
Complex
CINDERELLA THE ROCK 'N'
ROLL PANTO Rock
around the clock and
get ready to party at
Prince Charming's ball
Hoke’s Bluff - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
with Baron Hardup, the
loveable Buttons, Cinderella - and two very
ugly sisters... Fri 12
Dec - Sat 10 Jan,
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
CINDERELLA Encore
Academy bring a twist
to a classic festive
panto, Sat 13 Dec,
Dovehouse Theatre,
Solihull
CELTIC FEET THE SHOW
Dance show presented
by the Celtic Feet Irish
Dance & Theatre Company, Sat 13 Dec,
Albany Theatre, Coventry
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Booster Cushion Theatre Company’s version
of the festive Dickensian tale, told using
mime, voice, some sign
language, a 60cm-tall
pop-up book and lots
of audience participation, Sat 13 Dec,
Library of Birmingham
FATHER CHRISTMAS
NEEDS A WEE! Tale Gate
Theatre present a
‘bouncy’ musical adaptation of Nicholas
Allan’s much-loved
book, Sat 13 Dec, Theatre Hafren, Newtown,
Powys
GILBERT & SULLIVAN
GALA Presented by
Bromsgrove Operatic
Society, Sat 13 Dec,
Artrix, Bromsgrove
THE STORY GARDEN
Active storytelling sessions where children
aged four to eight and
their parents/carers can
get involved in telling
Shakespeare's stories
in a fun and lively way,
Sat 13 Dec, Royal
Stratford-upon-Avon
SWAN LAKE Ballet Theatre UK present a
retelling of the worldfamous ballet, Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec, Bridge
House Theatre, Warwick
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Presented by
Blue Orange Arts, Sat
13 Dec - Sat 3 Jan, The
Blue Orange Theatre,
Birmingham
JACK AND THE
BEANSTALK A ‘not-to-be
missed production’
packed full of sparkling
costumes, spectacular
sets, supersized comedy and some very magical beans! Sat 13 Dec Sun 4 Jan, Crewe
Lyceum
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Presented by Elite
Dance Academy, Sun
14 Dec, Albany Theatre, Coventry
MY DEAREST GIRLS: THE
LETTER BOOK A fulllength theatre piece
based on the real letters sent between a
group of six Shropshire
women between 19171920 Sun 14 Dec, Wem
Town Hall, South
Shropshire
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Wriggle Dance Theatre
present a fusion of
dance, live music and
audience interactivity
for three-to-six-yearolds, Sun 14 Dec,
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
THE CRUCIBLE Live
screening of Arthur
stars, Sun 14 - Mon 15
Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL
Evening of festive fun,
Christmas comedy &
seasonal song, Sun 14
- Tues 16 Dec, Crescent
Theatre, Birmingham
Week Commencing
MON 15 DEC
ALADDIN Annual family
pantomime presented
by Reveal Theatre Ltd
Mon 15 - Tue 16 Dec,
Rugeley Rose Theatre
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN
WONDERLAND Live
screening from the
Royal Opera House of
Christopher Wheeldon's
ballet in three acts,
based on Lewis Carroll's much-loved children's classic, Tue 16
Rooms, South Shrop-
shire
AN AUDIENCE WITH
ALBERT ROUX Tue 16
Dec, Malvern Theatres
GHOST STORIES FOR
CHRISTMAS In the
macabre tradition of
the BBC's classic
1970s programme,
Ghost Stories For
Christmas, this theatre
show features new
adaptations of classic
spinechillers, Tue 16
Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
JOHN CLEESE: SO, ANYWAY BOOK TOUR Bringing a unique comedy
perspective to audiences with tales from
his new book, Tues 16
Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
GOING FOR A NUMBER
ONE AT CHRISTMAS Amateur Transplants front
man Adam Kay presents his festive antidote
to the pantomime horrors on every other
London stage, Tues 16
THE SNOWMAN Familyfriendly concert featuring Raymond Briggs’
much-loved festive film
accompanied by a live,
twenty-five-piece
orchestra, Tues 16 Dec,
Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent
PWS MEWN BWTS Welsh
version of the famous
Puss In Boots adventure, Tues 16 Dec, Theatre Haffren, Newtown,
Powys
THE HAUNTING Psychological horror presented by Stoke-On-Trent
Repertory Players, Tues
16 - Sat 20 Dec, Stoke
Repertory Theatre,
Stoke-on-Trent
RUMPELSTILTSKIN
Northumberland Theatre Company present
an adaptation of the
classic fairytale, Tue 16
- Sun 21 Dec, Stratford
Artshouse
JACK AND THE
BEANSTALK Presented
by Tread The Boards
Theatre Company,
Tues 16 - Sun 28 Dec,
Attic Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon
A CHRISTMAS SHOW-
Theatre LISTINGS
CASE Three local theatre groups - WOW,
No-Nonsense and The
Discoverers - present a
festive showcase of
dance, drama, music &
comedy, Wed 17 Dec,
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
GHOST STORIES FOR
CHRISTMAS Don’t Go
Into The Cellar theatre
company present new
adaptations of classic
spinechillers, Wed 17 Thurs 18 Dec, The Old
Joint Stock Theatre,
Birmingham
ROBIN PUD William
Brooks’ School Sixth
Form present a brand
new version of the
Robin Hood legend,
Wed 17 - Thurs 18
Dec, The Edge Arts
Centre, Much Wenlock,
South Shropshire
TWELFTH NIGHT OR
WHAT YOU WILL Birmingham-based youth
theatre Drama-Link
present ‘a hilarious
play suitable for all
ages’ that’s based on
Shakespeare’s famous
comedy of mistaken
identity, romance &
shipwrecks, Wed 17 -
Sat 20 Dec, Crescent
Theatre, Birmingham
ALADDIN All & Sundry
serve up a festive family treat, Wed 17 - Sun
21 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove
MOTHER GOOSE Wed 17
Dec - Sun 4 Jan, Priory
Theatre, Kenilworth,
Warwickshire
PETER PAN Playbox
Christmas show featuring 'swashbuckling
sword fights, music,
dancing, wonderful
characters & plenty of
fairy dust', Thurs 18
Dec - Sun 4 Jan, The
Dream Factory, Warwick
UNCLE BEN'S FESTIVE
BLOCK PARTY Join
Uncle Ben, his friends
and some very special
guests for an evening
of merriment and festive celebrations, Thurs
18 - Sun 21 Dec, The
Drum, Birmingham
THE TWELVE DAYS OF
CHRISTMAS Distraction
Theatre Company
present the story of
Miss Elizabeth Fairfax
and her rather unusual
Christmas of 1895, Fri
19 Dec, Bridge House
Theatre, Warwick
VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET
- SNOW WHITE Fri 19 Sat 20 Dec, Evesham
Arts Centre
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS Described as a
Christmas show for all
ages & tastes, Fri 19 Sat 20 Dec, Albany
Theatre, Coventry
JACK AND THE
BEANSTALK Fri 19 DecSun 1 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE
CHRISTMAS Distraction
Theatre Company
present a heartwarming tale based on the
story of Saint Nicholas
and his kind offerings,
Sat 20 Dec, Bridge
House Theatre, Warwick
EMBRACED BURLESQUE
Sat 20 Dec, Newhampton Arts Centre,
Wolverhampton
KEN DODD Sat 20 Dec,
Victoria Hall, Hanley,
Stoke-on-Trent
ALI BABA AND THE FORTY
THIEVES Sat 20 Dec Sat 3 Jan, Talisman
Theatre, Coventry
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Clive Francis brings
Charles Dickens’ most
famous characters to
life. The first half of the
performance sees
Francis talk about
Dickens’ first reading
at the Town Hall and
the author’s exploits in
Birmingham, Sun 21
Rumpelstiltskin - Stratford Artshouse
Dec, Birmingham Town
Hall
THE CHRISTMAS BALLET
Presented by the Amy
Greaves School of
Dance, Sun 21 Dec,
Dovehouse Theatre,
Solihull
SLEEPING BEAUTY Sun
21- Tue 30 Dec, Prince
Of Wales Centre, Cannock
Week Commencing
MON 22 DEC
THE UGLY DUCKLING Sea
Legs Puppet Theatre’s
gentle musical adaptation of Hans Christian
Andersen’s classic tale
of belonging & identity,
Mon 22 - Tues 23 Dec,
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
Wed 26 November, 7.30pm
Wed 3 December, 7.30pm
Tickets: £10/£8 concs
Tickets: £5.00
Fri 5 December, 7.30pm
THE TWELVE DAYS OF
CHRISTMAS The People's Theatre Company
present a festive family
production based on
the ever-popular Christmas carol, Mon 22 Tue 30 Dec, Theatre
Severn, Shrewsbury
Presented by Blast
From The Past, Mon 22
Dec, Lichfield Guildhall
Sun 14 December, 11am & 2pm
VISIT OU
WEBSITE R
T
VIEW MO O
RE
SHOWS!
Box Office 01743 281 281
Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk
Frankwell Quay,
Shrewsbury, Shropshire,
SY3 8FT
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY
Westcountry folk singer,
songwriter and
multi-instrumentalist .
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
His darkest, most
personal show yet.
Luckily, also his funniest.
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
THE THREE DEGREES
The Legendary American female vocal group, formed
in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
Olivier Award winning OperaUpClose follow
their hugely successful La Boheme & Tosca
with Mozart's joyous The Marriage of Figaro.
Bursting with great tunes, laugh-out-loud
comedy and powerful insights.
WEDNESDAY 4 - SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY
Theatre LISTINGS
SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER
Festive family show
blending music, puppetry and high-energy
storytelling, Mon 22 Wed 24 Dec, Solihull
Arts Complex
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO
TEA Stage adaptation of
Judith Kerr's muchloved picture book for
children, Tue 23 Dec Wed 14 Jan, Birmingham Town Hall
TRES TRES CABARET
Stafford's very own burlesque and cabaret
night. Strictly over-18s
only, Sat 27 Dec,
Stafford Gatehouse
Theatre
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Little English Theatre
Company bring a new
twist to Dickens' festive
favourite, Sun 28 Dec,
Artrix, Bromsgrove
ALADDIN Family pantomime presented by
DE Cavershill Theatre
Company. Jonny Wilkes
& Christian Patterson
star, Sun 28 - Mon 29
Dec, Stoke Repertory
A Christmas Carol - Artrix, Bromsgrove
Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional pantomime performed by Three Spires
Musical Society, Sun 28
Dec - Sat 3 Jan, Albany
Theatre, Coventry
THE SNOW PRINCESS
Amateur production
presented by Limelight
Theatre Company, Sun
28 Dec - Sat 3 Jan,
Roses Theatre, Kidderminster
Week Commencing
MON 29 DEC
AN EVENING OF MUSIC
AND DANCE WITH BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Wed 31 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
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
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SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX
0121 704 6962
Black Country
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
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01743 234970
LUDLOW ASSEMBLY
ROOMS 01584 878141
THE PLACE, OAKENGATES,
TELFORD 01952 382382
THEATRE SEVERN,
SHREWSBURY
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Staffordshire
LICHFIELD GARRICK
01543 412121
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CENTRE, CANNOCK
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RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE
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STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE
01782 209784
Warwickshire
ALBANY THEATRE, COVENTRY
024 7601 6222
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BELGRADE THEATRE,
COVENTRY
024 7655 3055
BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE,
WARWICK 01926 776438
THE DREAM FACTORY
01926 419555
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE
THEATRE,
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
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ROYAL SPA CENTRE
LEAMINGTON 01926 334418
WARWICK ARTS CENTRE,
COVENTRY 02476 524524
Worcestershire
ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE,
BROMSGROVE
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THE HIVE
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HUNTINGDON HALL,
WORCESTER
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MALVERN THEATRE
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NORBURY THEATRE,
DROITWICH
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PALACE THEATRE
REDDITCH 01527 65203
ROSE THEATRE,
01562 743745
SWAN THEATRE,
WORCESTER
01905 611427
Theatre REVIEWS
Below are reviews of theatre
productions we checked out last
month. For further theatre reviews, visit
Horrible Christmas
The Old Rep, Birmingham
A rapping King Charles II was the source of much
hilarity in this festive offering from Birmingham
Stage Company. An alternative to the traditional
panto, Terry Deary’s Horrible Christmas provides a
fun - and often participatory - way for younger
audiences to learn about the origins of Christmas.
In modern-day England, when a young Watson
Williams has his presents snatched from under the
tree, he calls upon the help of super sleuth Shirley
Holmes. Together, Watson and Holmes soon establish that the villains behind the crime are Sydney
Clause and his Scottish sidekick Rudolph. Clause
hates Christmas and is on a mission to change the
course of history. And so, aided by a time-travelling
scooter, Clause and Rudolph, with Watson and
Holmes in hot pursuit, take us to numerous places:
the home of Charles Dickens, where the author is
suffering a literary block; the opulent surroundings
of a blinged-up King Charles II; Oliver Cromwell’s
puritan England; the palaces of Henry VIII, complete with a snorting Katherine Howard; the faraway shores where St Nicholas resides.
Horrible Christmas is very entertaining, even for
older members of the audience. The performance
of each of the eight-strong cast is excellent. Tom
Jude’s amusing portrayals of all of the principal
characters throughout history was perfect. His
depiction of Charles II and Henry VIII had me in
stitches - so much so, in fact, that I’d love to see
the show all over again. It was certainly a great
start to my festive season... Patsy Moss n n n n
Slava’s Snowshow Birmingham Hippodrome
Slava’s Snowshow has been touring the world for around a decade now, so most of
the riotous audience at Birmingham Hippodrome knew exactly what to expect - except
me! Consequently I was literally blown away by it - by the wide-eyed magic, wonderful
comedy and gale-force blizzard that swept through the stalls.
Half a century ago, Slava Polunin was famously turned down by the Leningrad Theatre
Institute because his diction wasn’t up to scratch. Instead he turned himself into a
Russian clown and mime artist. He and his troupe have never looked back. Now in
worldwide demand, their UK Christmas tour began in Birmingham.
This is no circus slapstick show. It’s a comedy without words, a ballet without dance; a
sequence of gently moving tableaux laden with grace, humour and pathos. Each idea
creates diametrically contrasting emotions. I’d never seen anything quite like it.
A red-nosed, red-slippered, ageing clown walks on with a noose around his neck. He
tugs and tugs at his long rope, trying to find the other end, only to discover that it too
is a noose, fitted round the neck of another clown. You want to laugh and weep in the
same moment. Gradually his gang of green gabardined fools arrive, wearing winged
hats and huge, flapping feet. They move slowly about the stage with keen intent.
Every gesture generates a laugh. They are ridiculous, simple and elegant, as they
gently toy with our imaginations. A red bedstead and white sheet becomes a ship,
rolling roughly in a sea of smoke. Another clown, with his belly on a skateboard and a
dark fin on his back, circles the shipmates, weighing up his lunch. It’s simultaneously
sinister and hilarious. The show oscillates from tiny, bittersweet, solo vignettes to huge
arena effects.
In a moment of sophisticated street theatre, Slava plays coyly with his own arm as if it
belongs to a stranger. It’s a simple street artist stunt, but in the controlled environment
of a proper theatre, its impact is side-splitting. And when he deigns to speak, it’s in
completely comprehensible gibberish.
The big set-pieces really are big. What at first looks like a harmless wisp of candyfloss
grows and grows until it envelops the entire audience in a white cobweb the size of
Wembley. And when the blizzard finally comes - billowing ferociously off the stage
right into our faces - it brings with it awe and joy. Chris Eldon Lee n n n n n
MummyJi Presents The REP, Birmingham
Beauty Of The Beast
The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
Taking the theme of masculinity as its starting
point, Beauty Of The Beast brings together theatre
and dance to showcase ‘the many sides of men’.
It’s performed by an all-male cast of six.
Raising the curtain with a work of ballet, what was
originally meant to be a pastiche poses questions
about masculinity and femininity. Graceful yet powerful, is the artform really so soft?
Moving into an exploration of group dynamics, the
ceremonies of initiation and, conversely, of alienation, hierarchy and public/private personas, the
evolution of man is symbolised through clothing.
Breaking down barriers and challenging preconceived notions of what’s masculine, how men
should act and what it means to be a man, Company Chameleon has here created a thought-provoking piece. Alev Dervish n n n n
This warm, British-Asian talent show was hosted by the bubbly MummyJi (Rina Fatania) and her hapless son, Pandesh (Divian Ladwa), from the comfort of ‘their own living room’. In no time at all, I too felt very much at home. Claiming that Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan had appeared to her in a dream, urging her to launch the
show, MummyJi presented a production that made for a welcome and refreshing
change from stale TV talent shows like The X Factor. I very much enjoyed watching the
diverse acts - from classical Indian dancing to spoken performance art and even a
comedy monologue.
Light relief was provided
by MummyJi’s attempts
to find her son a wife she even asked female
audience members about
their marital status! The
show broke with tradition
by not announcing an
overall winner. If I’d had
to choose, the superb
Giddha Sansaar dance
troupe would have
received my vote.
Malaka Chowdhury n n n
Jasmin Vardimon Company Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Ten years after it was first staged, Jasmin Vardimon’s critically
acclaimed PARK has been resurrected and refigured for a new generation. Bringing so much more to the stage than just contemporary
dance, the production is set in an urban park in need of some care and
attention. The narrative follows eight principial characters who frequent,
live or work near to the park, which is under threat of development as
we witness a property developer trying to persuade a Japanese businesswoman to invest.
A simple set comprising a fenced-off fountain with a mermaid on top, a
row of benches, a lamppost and a bin is used to great effect throughout the performance, and could see PARK placed anywhere in the
world.
Throughout the ninety-five-minute production, we get to meet a host of
interesting characters. The opening performance introduces us to a
bag lady with a penchant for twerking as she wields bundles of carrier
bags around her robust frame. As the story unfolds, so does her character. Each new routine sees her gradually shed more layers of clothing
until, finally, she morphs into a slimline form of sophistication.
A busker who loves to graffiti, a homeless man wanting to ‘share the
love’, an ASBO boy who bullies his way through life, a chav girl who
communicates through intimidation and a singing vamp who attempts
to seduce anyone who crosses her path complete the line-up of characters, each of whom contribute in equal measure to the sheer magnificence of PARK.
Comedy interspersed with choreographed routines set to an eclectic
musical soundscape (ranging from Singin’ In The Rain to The Power Of
Love and Popcorn) means there’s no shortage of surprises. There’s
even a lighthearted rendition of Oh, I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside.
PARK is undoubtedly physical theatre at its very best. The dance, the
comedy, the narrative and the performers are all first class. All in all, an
excellent evening’s entertainment that I strongly recommend. Let’s just
hope it comes to the region again soon!”. Patsy Moss n n n n n
Theatre WEST END
Phill Jupitus to join
Urinetown The Musical
Never Mind The Buzzcocks frontman Phill
Jupitus is to join the cast of Urinetown
The Musical this month. Jupitus will play
Caldwell B Cladwell in director Jamie
Lloyd’s well-reviewed production. A social
and political satire, Urinetown is set in a
fictional future where water is scarce.
With the government having imposed a
ban on all private toilets in order to control water consumption, spending a
penny can be somewhat problematic...
Urinetown The Musical shows at the
Apollo Theatre until 10 January.
Daniel Kitson and Cole Porter at the Old Vic
Artistic Director Kevin Spacey has announced two new shows for
his final season at the Old Vic. Revivals of Daniel Kitson’s Tree and
Cole Porter’s High Society - the latter directed by Maria Friedman are highlights of the theatre’s programming for 2015.
First performed at Manchester’s Royal Exchange, Tree is described
as a show about ‘dissent, commitment, two people and a tree’. Kitson will appear in the show alongside fellow comedian Tim Key.
The production shows at the Old Vic from 5 to 31 January.
Cole Porter’s High Society, meanwhile, is the story of Long Island
socialite Tracy Lord, whose plans for a lavish summer wedding are
thrown into disarray when her ex-husband turns up and tries to win
her back. Casting for High Society (30 April to 20 August) has yet
to be announced.
Arthur Miller classic transfers to the West End
The cast of the Young Vic’s A View From The Bridge is to remain
with the production when it transfers to Wyndham’s Theatre next
year. The Arthur Miller classic, a dark and passionate tale which
confronts the American dream, has enjoyed rave reviews at the
Young Vic, with Mark Strong receiving particular acclaim for his
portrayal of Eddie Carbone. The production also stars Emun Elliot
(Marco), Phoebe Fox (Catherine), Michael Gould (Alfieri), Luke Norris (Rodolpho) and Nicola Walker (Beatrice). A View From The
Bridge shows at Wyndhams Theatre from 11 February until 11
April.
Songs From A Ledge Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
A theatre space the size of my living room was brought to sizzling life
by three brilliant actors in this intimate production.
Transported back to 1920s New York, I was spellbound by the stormy
life of vivacious blues singer Maria Linwood - played by Amy Kakoura,
who also co-wrote the play. Her voice was stunning; her recollections
of her past, hilarious. Her scenes were interjected with those of her
great-granddaughter Anna (Jessica Duncan), who received from a distant relative a box of
Maria’s memorabilia which
transformed her life.
The strong script, excellent
characterisations and wonderful, live music - performed by both the actors
and talented musicians made me wish this show
had found a wider audience. The delightful sets
paved the way for an
absorbing tale of familial
estrangement and heartbreak. By the end, I truly
loved the characters. An
evocative evening filled
with life, love and laughs.
Malaka Chowdhury
nnnnn
Casting complete for Women On The Verge...
Land Girls actress Seline Hizli is to join Tamsin Greig, Haydn
Gwynne and Anna Skellern in the forthcoming London production
of Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown. Based on the
original book by Pedro Almodóvar, Women On The Verge... is set
in Spain in the late 1980s and follows the messy love lives of several women. Hizli, who stars as Marisa, has previously appeared in
Jumpy at The Royal Court and The House Of Bernada Alba at the
Almeida Theatre. Greig, who plays the central character of Pepa an actress and singer who struggles to deal with being dumped by
her boyfriend - is well known from TV shows Green Wing,
Episodes and Friday Night Dinner.
Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown opens at the Playhouse Theatre on 12 January and runs through to 9 May.
Film - DEC.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 19:16 Page 1
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TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk
From
FRI 26
DEC
Exodus: Gods And Kings CERT 12a (150 mins)
Starring Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, Ben
Kingsley, Hiam Abbass Directed by Ridley Scott (USA/UK/Spain)
Sir Ridley Scott calls this his biggest epic yet, which is some almighty claim (it was he who brought us 1492:
Conquest Of Paradise, Gladiator and Kingdom Of Heaven). For those who don’t know their Bible, it’s a tale of
sibling rivalry, namely between a lawgiver called Moses (Christian Bale) and his adopted brother Ramesses II
(Joel Edgerton), a rather powerful pharaoh. There are also wars, plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
Please, this has got to be better than Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. We hope. Expect some CGI. In 3D.
TOP 5
FILM BOX OFFICE
1 Interstellar (12a)
Imitation Game
2 The
(12a)
3 Nativity 3 (U)
4 Mr. Turner (12a)
5 The Drop (15)
FROM
FRI 2
DEC 6
Big Eyes CERT tbc
Starring Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp, Jon
Polito Directed by Tim Burton (USA)
Any film from Tim Burton is an event but this one is trailing Oscar buzz in its wake - and it’s a fascinating
story. This is the true tale of the impresario Walter Keane (Waltz) whose pictures of wide-eyed waifs became a
marketing phenomenon in the 1950s. However, history relates that it was actually his wife Margaret (Adams),
not Walter, who painted the pictures and when he refused to give her any credit, she took him to court. Originally Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds were in the frame to star, but when Burton took over as director
there was a creative reshuffle. If Amy Adams snatches the Oscar nomination she is tipped to, it will be her
sixth. Herr Waltz already has two (actual statuettes).
Interstellar
Film NEW RELEASES
Released from Fri 5 December
Penguins Of Madagascar
CERT U (92 mins)
Featuring the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Mos
Def, Isla Fisher, Will Forte, Tim Robbins, John
Hawkes Directed by Simon J. Smith and Eric
Darnell (USA)
Like the Nickelodeon TV series The Penguins
Of Madagascar, this full-length feature is an
off-shoot from DreamWorks’ Madagascar trilogy. This one features a lot of penguins and
is a spy thriller (seriously) - with a lot of
laughs. To secure the voice of Werner Herzog
as narrator is definitely a coup. In 3D.
Black Sea CERT 15 (115 mins)
Starring Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, Ben
Mendelsohn, Jodie Whittaker
Directed by Kevin Macdonald (UK)
For his Bafta-winning documentary Touching
The Void (2003), Kevin Macdonald scaled the
heights of the Peruvian Andes. Now he tackles the depths of the Black Sea, where Jude
Law’s submarine captain goes in search of a
sunken sub supposedly stacked with gold…
The screenplay is by the playwright Dennis
Kelly, he who scripted Channel Four’s Utopia.
The Grandmaster CERT 15 (108 mins)
Get Santa CERT U (102 mins)
Starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen,
Zhao Benshan
Directed by Wong Kar-wai (Hong Kong/China)
Starring Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Kit
Connor, Stephen Graham, Ewen Bremner,
Jodie Whittaker Directed by Christopher
Smith (UK)
Dedicated followers of Wong Kar-wai will probably adore The Grandmaster. It is such a Wong
Kar-wai film that one aches in its exalted presence. With its exquisite lighting, atmospheric interiors, tight close-ups and elegiac,
Morricone-esque score, the film sweeps one up
and invites one to fall in love with its imagery.
The Grandmaster himself is one Ip Man
(Leung), a martial arts maestro who perfected
the horizontal/vertical combat of wing chun. Ip
Man was a very real person - he went on to
teach Bruce Lee - although this biography is
more of a hallucinogenic tapestry of captions,
voice-over and fights. On the combatant front,
the film is no equal of Bruce Lee’s cinematic antics - let alone Jackie Chan’s - as the fight sequences are far too stylised to exhilarate or
enthral. It’s just a symphony of exaggerated
sound effects, musical riffs and impossibly balletic jumps. It’s odd, then, that this is one martial arts film that might actually be better without
the martial arts.
St Vincent CERT 12a (102 mins)
Starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi
Watts, Chris O'Dowd, Scott Adsit, Terrence
Howard Directed by Theodore Melfi (USA)
Jack Nicholson was due to play the drunken,
hedonistic, misanthropic war veteran St Vincent
de Van Nuys, but Bill Murray is a damn good replacement. When St Vincent is recruited by his
neighbour, Maggie (McCarthy), to look after her
twelve-year-old son, he introduces the undersized boy to the joys of the strip club and the
racetrack, among other things.
Men, Women & Children
CERT 15 (120 mins)
Starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Ansel
Elgort Directed by Jason Reitman (USA)
A hugely ambitious undertaking, this dramatic
comedy follows the
interlocking lives of a
group of people
whose worlds have
been changed by the
Internet and social
networking. From the
director of Juno, Up
In The Air and Labor
Day.
The Pyramid CERT 15 (89 mins)
Starring Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare,
James Buckley
Directed by Grégory Levasseur (USA)
Hello Carter CERT U (92 mins)
Starring Charlie Cox, Jodie Whittaker, Paul
Schneider, Annabelle Wallis, Christian Cooke,
Judy Parfitt Directed by Anthony Wilcox (UK)
A comedy-drama with a romantic heart, Hello
Carter follows the hapless Carter (Cox) as he
attempts to get his
life back together.
He’s lost his job,
he’s lost his
home, but worst
of all, he’s lost his
girlfriend. Filmed
in and around
London.
For Santa read Father Christmas, even
though this is a British comedy. So, Father
Christmas (Jim Broadbent) is on the run
from the police, crashes his sleigh and is
then befriended by a nine-year-old boy
(Connor) who wants to help his hero save
Christmas. Incidentally, Chris Smith previously directed the extremely nasty Creep,
Severance and Black Death. But this bears
a U certificate.
What are those Egyptians like? All those curses.
Here a team of American archaeologists unearth a previously unknown pyramid, but once
inside... Expect some gory imagery.
The Circle (Der Kreis)
CERT 15 (102 mins)
Starring Matthias Hungerbühler, Sven
Schelker, Marianne Sägebrecht, Stefan
Witschi
Directed by Stefan Haupt (Switzerland)
Ernst Ostertag and Röbi Rapp were the first
same-sex couple to be married in Switzerland,
back in 2003. Here, now in their eighties, they
relate to camera how their relationship flourished in Zurich in 1956, at a time when adult homosexuality was not a criminal offence. In fact,
as one talking head puts it, Zurich had “practically one leg in New York.” But things were to
change, and The Circle details the backlash
against the liberal ideal, with the younger Ernst
and Röbi played by Matthias Hungerbühler and
Sven Schelker in the dramatised bulk of the
film. Unfortunately, Hungerbühler gives a somewhat wooden reading of Ernst, a portrayal that
reflects the rather flat delineation of Stefan
Haupt’s film. It seems a missed opportunity as
the story contains all the true-life dramatic potential of Pride, but The Circle fails to either stir
or excite.
From
FRI 12
DEC
Night At The Museum:
Secret Of The Tomb CERT tbc
Starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Kingsley, Steve
Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Mickey Rooney
Directed by Shawn Levy (USA)
The Face Of Love CERT 12a (90mins)
Starring Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Robin
Williams, Amy Brenneman, Jess Weixler
Directed by Arie Posin (USA)
Annette Bening may be fifty-six, but there’s love
in the air. She plays Nikki Lostrom, who has recently lost her husband. Then she meets - and
connects with - a teacher and artist (Ed Harris)
who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late
spouse. The Israeli-born director Arie Posin previously brought us the slick, smart satire The
Chumscrubber (2005).
After voicing Alex in Madagascar 3 and before embarking on Zoolander 2, Ben Stiller
slipped in this sequel to Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian. This time
the former security guard Larry Daley embarks on a round-the-world trip in an effort to
save the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah. Sadly, this comic sequel was to be
the last film for both Robin Williams and
Mickey Rooney.
Lily O’Connor (Deyn) suffers from temporal lobe
epilepsy and it is through her eyes - and hallucinations - that we follow
her search for her long
lost brother. Based on
the novel by Ray Robinson, which was partly inspired by events in his
own childhood. Filmed
in and around London
and Newcastle.
Previously known as The Hobbit: There And
Back Again, the final instalment of the Hobbit
trilogy now takes on a more militant subtitle.
And there’s a lot of battling. There’s not only a
very grumpy Smaug (the dragon voiced by
Cumberbatch) but the return of Sauron (Cumberbatch again) and his army of ferocious
Orcs. It’s all too exciting. In 3D of course.
Unbroken CERT 12a (tbc)
Dumb & Dumber To CERT tbc
Electricity CERT 15 (96 mins)
Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman,
Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Lee
Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch,
Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom Directed by
Peter Jackson (New Zealand/UK/USA)
Starring Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson,
Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Jai Courtney
Directed by Angelina Jolie (USA)
Starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Laurie
Holden, Kathleen Turner, Bill Murray
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly
(USA)
Starring Agyness Deyn, Christian Cooke, Paul
Anderson, Alice Lowe, Lenora Crichlow, Tom
Georgeson Directed by Bryn Higgins (UK)
The Hobbit: The Battle Of
The Five Armies CERT tbc
Twenty years after Dumber And Dumber was released (almost to the day) and went on to gross
$247million worldwide, we have the sequel.
Pedants will recall that there was a prequel (in
2003), but this is the first time that Jim Carrey
and Jeff Daniels, now fifty-two and fifty-nine, respectively, have resurrected their characters of
the cerebrally challenged morons Lloyd Christmas and Harry
Dunne. Now they go
on a road trip to find
Harry’s daughter,
who was given up
for adoption. Think
Philomena meets
Rain Man - and prepare to be offended.
Louis ‘Louie’ Zamperini was quite a chap. An
Olympic distance runner praised by Hitler, Zamperini was a survivor. When his plane crashed in
the Pacific, he spent forty-seven days drifting on
a raft before being picked up by the Japanese
and then sent to a series of POW camps. Jack
O’Connell (Starred Up, ’71) is said to be sensational as Zamperini, while such heavyweights as
William Nicholson, Richard LaGravenese and
Joel and Ethan Coen contributed to the screenplay.
Annie CERT PG (118 mins)
Starring Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis,
Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Cameron
Diaz, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Directed by Will Gluck (USA)
Little Orphan Annie (Wallis) trusts the sun'll
come out tomorrow when filthy-rich New York
mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Foxx) turns up
at her foster home. Of
course, it’s a thinlyveiled campaign
movie but Annie is no
fool… No doubt we’ll
be whistling the tunes
when we leave the
cinema.
Film A-Z LISTINGS
All films are currently on general release
unless otherwise stated. For full listing
information, including times and dates,
‘71 15
An unstable British soldier
is caught up in riots in
Belfast in the year of the
title. Stars Jack O’Connell.
Showing at The Courtyard,
Hereford, Mon 8 - Thurs
11 Dec
Alexander And The
Terrible, Horrible, No
Good, Very Bad Day PG
The title pretty much sums
up the gist of this Disney
comedy about poor old
eleven-year-old
Alex(ander). It’s based on
the 1972 children’s book
by Judith Viorst. Stars
Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner. Showing at Ludlow
Assembly Rooms, Mon 29
- Tues 30 Dec
Belle 12a
Based on true events, this
is the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a former slave
who is brought up by her
great uncle, the First Earl
of Mansfield. Stars
Mbatha-Raw. Showing at
Stourbridge Town Hall ,
Mon 1 Dec
The Big Lebowski 15
"Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire,
seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his
bowling buddies to help
get it. Starring Jeff
Bridges, John Goodman.
Showing at Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs
11 Dec
Blade Runner: The Final
Cut 15
Adapted from Philip K
Dick’s novel Do Androids
Dream Of Electric Sheep?,
Ridley Scott’s science fiction masterpiece Blade
Runner has gripped audiences and inspired passionate and fierce debate
ever since its initial release
in 1982. Stars Harrison
Ford, Rutger Hauer.
Showing at Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 14
Dec
Book Of Life U
Originally entitled Day Of
The Dead, this animated
musical-adventure concerns a hopeless romantic
with a guitar and two
swords. However, in order
to pursue his romantic
dream, he has to manoeuvre two alternative worlds.
Stars Diego Luna, Zoe
Saldana. Showing at Artrix,
Bromsgrove, Mon 22 Weds 24 Dec
Chef 15
The story of a disgraced
chef who starts up his own
business running an eatery
on wheels. Stars Jon
Favreau. Showing at Stourbridge Town Hall , Mon 15
Dec
Dolphin Tale 2 U
More true stories from the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida. The first
film was rather sweet.
Stars Harry Connick, Jr.
Showing at The Courtyard,
Hereford, Sat 6 - Sun 7
Dec; The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury, Sun 7 Dec
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The Drop 15
Tom Hardy plays a Brooklyn bartender whose joint
is used as a money-laundering operation for the
local lowlife. Then things
get personal… Showing at
Warwick Arts Centre, until
Thurs 4 Dec
Effie Gray 15
Back in the 1850s, ‘Effie,’
the wife of the eminent art
critic John Ruskin, met the
Pre-Raphaelite painter
John Everett Millais. The
resultant affaire de cœur
has been the subject of
much speculation. Stars
Dakota Fanning & Emma
Thompson. Showing at
Ludlow Assembly Rooms,
Mon 1 & Wed 3 Dec; The
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Fri 5 Dec; Artrix,
Bromsgrove, Sun 7 - Mon
8 Dec
CINEMA Box Office
Birmingham
CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham
0871 200 2000
CINEWORLD Solihull
0871 200 2000
ELECTRIC, B’ham
0121 643 7879
EMPIRE 0871 471 4714
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0121 202 2222
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0871 200 2000
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716055
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0871 220 1000
Fear Eats The Soul 15
An almost accidental romance is kindled between
a German woman in her
mid-sixties and a Moroccan migrant worker
around twenty-five years
younger. They abruptly
decide to marry, appalling
everyone around them.
Showing at The Hive,
Shrewsbury, Wed 10 Dec
Fury 15
‘Fury’ is the name of a
Sherman tank and Brad
Pitt is in command. It’s the
last month of the war (the
Second) and Pitt and his
crew of five find themselves stuck behind
enemy lines. And even
though the Allies are mopping up all over Europe,
Fury finds itself in dire
straits as the full might of a
Nazi backlash unleashes
its, er, fury. Showing at The
Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 6 Dec
Get On Up 12a
A biography of James
Brown. Brown, of course,
was the Godfather of Soul,
and Get On Up chronicles
his rise from poverty to
celebrity. Stars Chadwick
Boseman & Nelsan Ellis.
Showing at The Roses
Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 6
Dec; Warwick Arts Centre,
Mon 15 - Sun 21 Dec
The Homesman 15
An unlikely Western, in
which a man and woman
team up to escort three
mentally impaired women
from Nebraska to Iowa.
From the 1988 novel by
Glendon Swarthout. Stars
Tommy Lee Jones & Hilary Swank. Showing at
mac, Birmingham, Sat 13 Thurs 18 Dec
Human Capital 15
A cyclist is hit by a jeep,
and so the destinies of two
families become irrevocably intertwined in a tricky
social dance of status,
money and ambition.
Stars Valeria Bruni
Tedeschi. Showing at
Hereford Courtyard Theatre, Mon 1 - Wed 3 Dec;
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury, Thurs 11 Dec
The Hunger Games:
Mockingjay Part 1 12a
JLaw is back as Katniss
Everdeen, and in her new
role as Mockingjay - the
symbol of hope for the
persecuted districts of
Panem - she must consolidate the divided in their
FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL 01922 645 555
Shropshire
CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY
0871 200 2000
MUCH WENLOCK
01952 728 911
FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE,
MARKET DRAYTON
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01743 234 970
LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS
01584 878 141
MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH
01746 761815
fight against the Capitol.
Stars Jennifer Lawrence,
Josh Hutcherson. Showing at Electric Cinema,
Birmingham, until Thurs 4
Dec; Ludlow Assembly
Rooms, Thurs 18 - Sat 20
& Mon 22 Dec
I am Ali PG
An intimate and heartwarming documentary
looking at the man behind
the legend - Muhammad
Ali as he’s never been
seen before. Showing at
mac, Birmingham, Fri 19 Sat 20 Dec
Ida 12a
Poland 1962; orphaned
novice nun Sister Anna is
about to take her vows
when she finds out that
she was originally named
Ida and is Jewish, so she
goes on a search for the
truth about her parents.
Stars Agata Kulesza.
Showing at Malvern Theatres, Thurs 11 Dec
The Imitation Game 12a
Based on the biography
Alan Turing: The Enigma
by Andrew Hodges, the
film chronicles Turing’s
part in winning the Second World War (by helping to crack the Nazi’s
Enigma code) and then
his criminal prosecution
for being homosexual.
Stars Benedict Cumberbatch & Keira Knightley.
Showing at Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 4 Dec;
Warwick Arts Centre,
Coventry, until Sun 7 Dec;
Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, until Thurs 11 Dec;
The Courtyard, Hereford,
Fri 12 - Wed 17 Dec; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Sat
13, Mon15 - Thurs 18 Dec;
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury, Fri 28 - Sun
28 Dec; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 29 Wed 31 Dec
Interstellar 12a
A sci-fi tale of the journey
undertaken by a group of
astronauts through a
wormhole. Think Gravity
with more star names.
Stars Matthew McConaughey & Anne Hathaway. Showing at The
Courtyard, Hereford, Fri 12
- Wed 17 Dec; Festival
Drayton Centre, Market
Drayton, Mon 29 - Tues 30
Dec
It’s A Wonderful Life U
When selfless George Bailey attempts suicide on
Christmas Eve he gains
ODEON TELFORD
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01939 232299
Staffordshire
CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPONTRENT 0871 200 2000
THE STAFFORD CINEMA,
STAFFORD
0207 438 9580
FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE,
LEEK 01538 386 112
STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782
411188
the attention of a guardian
angel that shows him all
the people whose lives
George has touched and
the difference he has
made to his community.
Stars James Stewart &
Donna Reed. Showing at
The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury, Fri 19 Dec;
mac, Birmingham, Sat 20 Tues 23 Dec; Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry, Sat 20 Tues 23 Dec; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Tues 23
Dec
Mr. Turner 12a
Mr Turner seems to have
been known by a number
of names: Mr Mallord, Mr
Booth, William, Billy and
by posterity as J.M.W.
Turner, arguably Britain’s
greatest artist of all time.
Stars Timothy Spall. Showing at The Courtyard,
Hereford, Fri 5 - Thurs 11
Tewkesbury, Sat 27 - Mon
29 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 27 - Tues 30
Dec
Jimi: All Is By My Side
The Muppet Christmas
Carol U
12
A drama based on Jimi
Hendrix's life as he left
New York City for London,
where his career took off.
Stars André Benjamin &
Imogen Poots. Showing at
The Roses theatre,
Tewkesbury, Wed 10 Dec
Joyeux Noel 12
The moment when World
War One took a momentary backseat for Christmas. Stars Diane Kruger &
Benno Furmann. Showing
at Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri 5 Dec
The Judge 15
Estranged from his family,
top city lawyer Hank
Palmer returns to the small
town of Carlinville, in Indiana, for his mother's funeral. He then discovers
that his father, the local
judge, has been accused
of murder… Stars Robert
Downey Jr. & Robert Duvall. Showing at Ludlow
Assembly Rooms, Wed 10
- Thurs 11 Dec
La Belle Et La Bete PG
Jean Cocteau's adaptation of Beauty and the
Beast. When a merchant
is told that he must die for
picking a rose from the
Beast's garden, his courageous daughter offers to
go back to the Beast in
her father's place. Stars
Jean Marais & Josette Day.
Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun
7 Dec
Miracle On 34th Street
U
The mysterious Kriss
Kringle is white-bearded
department store Santa
listening to the wish lists of
toy-crazed kids, determined to prove he is in
fact the genuine article.
Stars Richard Attenborough. Showing at The
Courtyard, Hereford, Sat 6
- Sun 7 Dec
ODEON TAMWORTH
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Warwickshire
ODEON COVENTRY
0871 224 4007
ODEON NUNEATON
0871 224 4007
SHOWCASE, COVENTRY
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VUE, LEAMINGTON SPA
08712 240 240
PICTURE HOUSE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 0871 902
5741
WARWICK ARTS CENTRE
COVENTRY 02476 524524
Michael Caine, surrounded by legions of
fuzzy, felt puppets, plays it
straight as the crotchety
Ebenezer Scrooge, an old
miser who couldn’t care
less about Christmas and
the joy the season brings.
Showing at mac, Birmingham, Sat 6 Dec; Royal Spa
Centre, Leamington Spa,
Thurs 11 Dec
My Old Lady 12a
This is all bit of a reunion
for Kristin Scott Thomas
as she has previously
starred alongside both
Kevin Kline and Maggie
Smith. Here, she plays the
old lady’s daughter, her
mother being the sole occupant of a Parisian apartment inherited by a New
Yorker. Showing at mac,
Birmingham, Fri 5 - Thurs
11 Dec; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 5 - Fri 12
Tewkesbury, Sun 21 - Tues
23 Dec; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 26 - Sun
28 Dec; The Courtyard,
Hereford, Fri 26 - Tues 30
Dec; Ludlow Assembly
Rooms, Mon 29 - Tues 30
Dec
Nativity! U
Primary school teacher
Paul Maddens is being
charged with the biggest
challenge of his life - directing the school's musical
version of the Nativity,
competing against the
posh local school for the
honour of best reviewed
show in town. Stars Martin Freeman & Pam Ferris.
Showing at Warwick Arts
Centre, Sat 6 Dec
Nativity 3: Dude,
Where’s My Donkey? U
Following in the skid
marks of Nativity! (2009)
and Nativity 2: Danger in
the Manger (2012), comes
this third instalment featur-
Worcestershire
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01562 747773
VUE, WORCESTER
0871 224 0240
THE ROSE’S THEATRE,
TEWKESBURY
01684 295 074
ing the loose canon that is
Mr Poppy, whom the students of St Bernadette's
adore. Stars Martin Clunes
& Marc Wootton. Showing
at Warwick Arts Centre,
Coventry, Fri 12 - Thurs 18
Dec; Wem Town Hall, Fri
19 - Sun 21 Dec; Festival
Drayton Centre, Market
Drayton, Fri 19 - Sat 20 &
Tues 23 Dec; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Mon 22 Wed 24 Dec
Northern Soul 15
An authentic, uplifting
drama about two friends
whose horizons are expanded forever by their
discovery of black American soul music, with supporting turns from Steve
Coogan, Lisa Stansfield
&Ricky Tomlinson
amongst others. Showing
at The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury, Sat 20 Dec
The Other Woman 12a
It’s hard to imagine any
man double-dealing
Cameron Diaz, but this is
the case in this revenge
comedy. Also stars Nikolaj
Coster-Waldau. Showing at
Forest Arts Centre, Walsall,
Fri 5 Dec
Our Currency Is
Information
The first episode of the
documentary film series
exposing the Invisible
which shows methods for
investigating corruption
and organised crime.
Showing at The Drum,
Birmingham, Thurs 4 Dec
Paddington tbc
A film about the loveable
bear with a penchant for
marmalade. Stars Hugh
Bonneville &Sally Hawkins.
Showing at Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry, Fri 19 Wed 24 Dec; The Courtyard, Hereford, Sat 20 Wed 31 Dec; mac, Birmingham, Fri 26 - Wed 31
Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove,
Sat 27 - Wed 31 Dec
Say When 15
When Megan is proposed
to by her long-term
boyfriend, she panics and
hangs out with sixteenyear-old Annika instead.
Then she meets Annika’s
rather cute dad. Stars Keira
Knightley & Sam Rockwell.
Theatre, Thurs 18 Dec
Serena 15
George Pemberton is a tycoon who moves from
Boston to Depression-Era
North Carolina to build a
timber empire. Initially met
with hostility by the locals,
his wife, Serena soon
proves that she can hold
her own. But then a secret
from George’s past threatens to undermine their
union... Stars Jennifer
Lawrence & Bradley
Cooper. Showing at Light
House Media Centre,
Wolverhampton, until
Thurs 4 Dec; Warwick Arts
Centre, Coventry, Mon 8 Thurs 11 Dec; The Roses
Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues
16 - Thurs 18 Dec
Set Fire To the Stars 15
Taking its title from the last
line of Dylan Thomas’s
‘'Love in the Asylum,' this
is the story of the Welsh
poet’s first visit to America.
Elijah Wood plays the literary critic and aspiring poet
John Malcolm Brinnin
who brings Thomas along
- and has to suffer the
consequences. Stars Elijah Wood & Celyn Jones.
Showing at mac, Birmingham, until Tues 2 Dec
The Shop Around The
Corner U
Two employees at a gift
shop can barely stand one
another, without realising
that they're falling in love
through the post as each
other's anonymous pen
pal. Stars Margaret Sullavan & James Stewart.
Showing at Wem Town
Hall, Thurs 4 Dec
terviews and a wealth of
rare and never before
seen archive, Still the
Enemy Within draws together personal experiences – whether they’re
tragic, funny or terrifying –
to take the audience on
an emotionally powerful
journey through the dramatic events of that year.
Showing at Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 2
Dec
Times And Winds 15
Turkish director Reha
Erdem's sumptuously
composed fourth feature
looks at childhood life in a
rural village on a mountain
overlooking the sea is the
incubator for an examination of that pain as experienced through the eyes of
three very different children. Showing at The
Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 5
Dec
This Is Where I Leave
You 12a
The comedic story of four
siblings who return to their
childhood home following
the death of their father.
Stars Jason Bateman &
Tina Fey. Showing at The
Courtyard, Hereford, until
Mon 1 Dec
Still the Enemy Within
Twenty Feet From
Stardom 12a
15
In 1984, a conservative
government under Prime
Minister Margaret
Thatcher declared war on
Britain’s unions. Using in-
A wonderfully exuberant
tribute to the fabulous
backing singers who
worked on classic albums
through the 60s & 70s.
Millions loved their voices
but no one even knew
their names. Starring Darlene Love & Lisa Fischer.
Showing at The Hive,
Shrewsbury, Fri 19 Dec
The Two Faces Of January 12a
Rydal, a tour guide shows
an American couple
around the Acropolis of
Athens. But Rydal is not all
he seems and neither, for
that matter, is his new friend
Chester MacFarland. Stars
Viggo Mortensen & Kirsten
Dunst. Showing at The
Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 1 Dec;
Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek,
Staffs, Tues 2 Dec
Violette 15
Impoverished and
unloved Violette Leduc
meets Simone de Beauvoir in post war Saint-Germaindes-Prés. An intense
lifelong relationship develops between the two
women authors, based on
Violette’s quest for freedom through writing and
on Simone’s conviction
that she holds in her
hands the destiny of an
extraordinary writer. Showing at Light House Media
Centre, Wolverhampton,
Mon 1 - Thurs 4 Dec
Withnail & I 15
A modern classic that follows the (mis) fortunes of
Withnail and friend as they
attempt to escape their
squalid Camden flat for an
holiday in the countryside.
However, their limited survival skills are tested by
the lack of food, bad
weather, an over amorous
Uncle and a shared fixation for illegal substances.
Stars Richard E. Grant &
Paul McGann. Showing at
mac, Birmingham, Tues
16 - Thurs 18 Dec
What We Did On Our
Holiday 12a
When Abi and Doug are
invited to the Scottish
Highlands for the birthday
of Doug’s father, they are
determined to keep their
impending divorce a secret. Stars Rosamund
Pike & David Tennant.
Showing at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Sat 6 &
Mon 8 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 9 & Fri 19 Dec
Winter Sleep 15
In Palme d'Or winner Winter Sleep, Aydin, a former
actor, runs a small hotel in
central Anatolia with his
young wife Nihal with
whom he has a stormy relationship and his sister
Necla who is suffering
from her recent divorce. In
winter as the snow begins
to fall, the hotel turns into
a shelter but also an inescapable place that fuels
their animosities… Stars
Haluk Bilginer & Melisa
Sözen. Showing at mac,
Birmingham, Fri 12 - Mon
15 Dec; Electric Cinema,
Birmingham, Sat 6 - Thurs
11 Dec
DVD NEW RELEASES
The Congress 15
The Inbetweeners 2 15
The story of an ageing
Hollywood beauty who
can no longer get work
due to her reputation for
being ‘difficult.’ So, in
order to continue her career, she sells the rights
to her ‘digital image.’
Stars Robin Wright and
Harvey Keitel.
Released 8 December
Having wreaked havoc in
Crete, Jay Cartwright
(Buckley) goes on a gap
year in Australia and invites along his sex-mad,
half-witted friends. Stars
Simon Bird, James Buckley and Blake Harrison.
Released 8 December
The Nut Job U
The nuts in question are
those prized by squirrels
in the fictional town of
Oakton, where the selfcentred Surly is forced to
reconsider the value of
the greater good. With
the voices of Will Arnett
and Brendan Fraser.
Released 8 December
The Expendables 3 12a
After Conrad Stonebacks
(Mel Gibson) survived
Expendables 2 so Barney must now recruit a
new band of younger Expendables to help him
finish the job. Stars
Sylvester Stallone and
Jason Statham.
Released 8 December
Lucy 12a
Million Dollar Arm PG
This “inspirational” truelife drama from Disney
includes both cricket and
Major League baseball,
as the sports agent J. B.
Bernstein tries to recruit
Indian cricketers to play
baseball in America.
Stars Jon Hamm and
Suraj Sharma.
Released 15 December
Lucy is a drug mule
whose body is permeated by a drug she is
carrying, which boots
her brain power to superhuman proportions,
so she turns on the
gangsters who have
been exploiting her.
Stars Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman.
Released 29 Dec
Sin City 2: A Dame To
Kill For 18
Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller
reunite to bring Miller’s
visually stunning graphic
novels back to the
screen. Weaving together two of Miller’s
classic stories with new
tales, some of Sin City's
most hard-boiled citizens
cross paths with a few of
its more reviled inhabitants. Stars Jessica Alba.
Into The Storm
Sex Tape 15
12a
Those looking for a meteorological Godzilla should
be warned that this is a
“found footage” thriller.
The premise is about a
group of students who attempt to document the
devastating effects of a
tornado, and so the
events are relayed by
video camera à la Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity,
Chronicle, et al. The
Leicester-born actor
Richard Armitage (The
Hobbit, TV’s Spooks)
plays a widowed father
trying to rescue his son.
Cameron Diaz and Jason
Segal team up again with
director Jake Kasdan.
This time they play a married couple whose private
sex tape ends up in cyber
space.
Visual Arts December R1 .qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 14:45 Page 1
Visual Arts
Last Post: Remembering The
First World War
Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire,
until Fri 27 March
Curated by the British Postal Museum & Archive
(BPMA) in partnership with the Ironbridge Gorge
Museum Trust, Last Post explores the effect of the
Great War on the Post Office and its people, as
well as explaining the contribution of postal communications to the war effort.
“The First World War Centenary is an opportunity
to reflect on the impact that this cataclysmic conflict had upon everyone, not just those fighting on
the Front Line,” says Dr Adrian Steel, Director of
BPMA. “Few organisations had a greater role to
play, or a greater impact, over the five years of
hostilities than the British postal service.”
The exhibition encompasses a variety of themes.
Alongside its presentation of objects of military
and postal importance, it also includes stories
from a Shropshire perspective.
Art Of The Troubles
Wolverhampton Art Gallery,
until Fri 27 February
No fewer than fifty artists have contributed to this
thought-provoking exhibition, which takes a look
at the ways in which the Troubles in Northern
Ireland have impacted on modern-day society.
“Art Of The Troubles is not designed to be either a
historical or comprehensive account of all that
happened during the Troubles,” explains Dr Jim
McGreevy, Director of Collections & Interpretation
for National Museums Northern Ireland. “We are
conscious of the unresolved legacy of the
Troubles and continuing sensitivities in our community. The exhibition offers avenues for exploring
the ways in which the Troubles have been viewed
by a range of artists, and for reflecting upon the
manifestations and impact of violence and division
in our community.”
The exhibition features a wide range of works and
includes paintings, drawings, photographs and
sculpture.
Black Sheep: The Dark Side Of Felt
Bilston Craft Gallery, Sat 6 December - Sat 31 January
“There are some fascinating pieces of work in Black Sheep that let you see beyond felt’s
fuzzy reputation,” says Bilston Craft Gallery Exhibitions Officer Carrie Slawinska. “It’s
amazing what can be created from the material - and with such a long history, it makes
you realise just how versatile felt truly is.” Items on show include teddy bear skulls,
seamless show-stopping garments, animal-based headwear and sculptural forms.
Darren Banks: The Raven
New Art Gallery, Walsall,
Thurs 4 December - Sun 26 April
The extraordinary life of 1960s disc jockey Mike Raven is here explored by the
highly rated Darren Banks.
Pirate radio and Radio One star Raven,
whose real name was Churton Fairman,
dabbled with various artforms during his
career. An aspiring ballet dancer and
photographer, he later became a horror
film actor and starred alongside
Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.
A 1970s epiphany led him to become a
sheep farmer and woodcarver on
Bodmin Moor where, following his death
in 1997, he was buried in a grave that
he’d dug himself.
Banks’ homage to Raven not only
explores many facets of the latter’s life
but does so within the context of the
New Art Gallery’s collections - a
process which requires the reframing of
historic and contemporary art and
sculpture.
VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS
For full listing information on Visual Art
exhibitions, including times and dates,
Further exhibitions
Empire By Jon Tonks
mac, Birmingham, until Sun 4 January
West Midlands-born photographer Jon
Tonks’s fascinating exhibition is the end
product of a sixty thousand-mile journey, during which he used four hundred rolls of film,
caught twenty-four flights and spent thirtytwo days at sea. Jon’s travels saw him
exploring life on four remote islands in the
South Atlantic, all of which are relics of the
once-formidable British Empire - the British
Overseas Territories of Ascension Island,
Tristan da Cunha, the Falkland Islands and St
Helena. Photographing the people and landscapes, and recording traces of the past
which he found embedded within each territory, Jon is eager to point out that his motivation for the project was neither political nor
nostalgic. Instead it arose from his curiosity
about the lives of these distant yet still firmly
British lands.
Enchanted
Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge,
until Sat 4 Jan
Mystical artworks depicting elusive fairies
and soulful pieces celebrating the origins of
Christmas feature in this delightful exhibition,
which explores ‘the magic and wonder of the
festive season’. Enchanted has been mounted by Red House Glass Cone’s studio artists
and features jewellery, ceramic, glass and
lino-cut prints, with pieces including glassfused Christmas wreaths, hand-fused
Christmas trees on cards and paintings of
local scenes.
“The made@the cone studio artists have
pulled out all the stops for their annual showcase,” says
Councillor Hilary Bills,
cabinet member for
environment and culture. “The Enchanted
exhibition embraces
the spirit of Christmas
and the traditions of
Yule to create some
truly original pieces
of work.”
Static: Still Life
Reconsidered
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery,
until Wed 31 December
Las
chanct
to seee
Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Howard
Hodgkin, Henry Moore and Jim Dine are just
some of the renowned artists whose work
features in this exhibition at the Museum &
Art Gallery’s Waterhall Gallery. Comprising
fifty artworks from Birmingham’s collection
from the 1800s to the present day, Static
brings together a broad range of disciplines
and artistic responses, at the same time
opening a discussion about the genre of still
life in its broadest sense.
Three new contemporary exhibits, Land Of
Milk And Honey II - from the late West
Bromwich artist Donald Rodney - and
Snacks 4 and London Oyster Shells (from
young artist Jess Flood-Paddock) are showcased in the exhibition.
ECHO Exhibition of paintings by London-based
artists, with audio
accompaniment from
Birmingham-based
musicians, until Fri 5
Dec, Stryx, Digbeth,
Birmingham
SUSAN PHILIPSZ - BROKEN ENSEMBLE: WAR
DAMAGED MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS (BRASS
SECTION) New site-specific work from Turner
Prize-winning artist
Susan Philipsz, which
promises to fill the
gallery with the sounds
of instruments damaged in World War One,
until Sat 6 Dec,
Eastside Projects,
Birmingham
OLD HILL UPRISING
Exhibition of paintings
by Sandwell-based
Polish artist Rafal Zar,
until Sat 6 Dec,
Eastside Projects,
Birmingham
MILLION WOMEN RISE
EXHIBITION Highlighting
some of what the MMR
has done over the
years, until Wed 10
Dec, Library Of
Birmingham
SOUND AND SILENCE
EXHIBITION Exploring the
experience of prayer &
contemplation amongst
Birmingham’s six major
faith groups, until Sat
13 Dec, Birmingham
Museum & Art Gallery
ALL FIRED UP Exhibition
of work created by
members of Region 4
from the Guild of
Enamellers, until Sat 13
Dec, Bilston Craft
Gallery
MOUNTAIN, MOOR AND
MOONLIGHT Cleone
Abbs’ artwork reflects
her attempts to bring
inner and outer worlds
into new and unexpected relationships, until
Sat 13 Dec,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
Birmingham
JIM SIMPSON’S PHOTOGRAPHY RETROSPECTIVE
Exhibition which looks
at the many and varied
photographs that the
artist produced back in
the sixties, during which
time he caught on camera such stars as The
Rolling Stones, Little
Richard & Black
Sabbath, until Sat 27
Dec, Havill & Travis,
Harborne, Birmingham
SENSING SCULPTURE
Featuring new sculptures alongside old
favourites, until Wed 31
Dec, Wolverhampton
Art Gallery
DUDLEY SOCIETY OF
ARTISTS until Wed 31
Dec, Dudley Museum &
Art Gallery
DEER PARK DUDLEY
Archaeological exhibition, until Wed 31 Dec,
Dudley Museum & Art
Gallery
BOULTON PAUL Former
employees of the British
Aircraft manufacturer
showcase their knowledge of the industry,
until Wed 31 Dec,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
CRAFTSENSE Exploring
three hundred years of
craft through fine historic examples of
applied arts produced
in the Black Country,
including the famous
Bilston enamels, until
Wed 31 Dec, Bilston
Craft Gallery
TURNING ‘AGES EXHIBITION Installation & exhibition which comments
on our connection with
the written word, until
Wed 31 Dec, Library of
Birmingham
VOICES OF WAR EXHIBITION The experiences of
men on the Front, the
impact of war on children, the contribution of
Black & Asian soldiers,
and the role of women
on the Home Front are
among the themes
explored in this enlightening WWI exhibition,
until Wed 31 Dec,
Library of Birmingham
STATIC: STILL LIFE
RECONSIDERED
Exhibition comprising
fifty artworks from
Birmingham’s collection
from the 1800s to the
present day, until Wed
31 Dec, Birmingham
NEIL HARRIS People’s
Prize Winner 2013
whose work is inspired
by fantasy, the mythical
and the extinct, until Fri
2 Jan, Newcastle
Museum & Art Gallery,
MADE AT MAC: JEWELLERY EXHIBITION
Featuring work created
under the watchful eye
of artist-tutor Nick
Greenhough, until Sun
4 Jan, mac,
Birmingham
JON TONKS: EMPIRE
Series of photographs
which come together to
tell the story of life on
four remote islands in
the South Atlantic, until
Sun 4 Jan, mac,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS &
CONTEMPORARY PRINTS
until Sun 4 Jan, Shire
Hall Gallery, Stafford
WEST INDIES TO WEST
MIDLANDS Photographic
exhibition by rising
Birmingham-based documentary photographer
Inés Elsa Dalal, until
Thurs 8 Jan, The Drum,
Birmingham
AFTER THE GOLDRUSH An
exhibition of work by
Stephen Boyd made in
response to the finding
and conservation of the
Staffordshire Hoard,
until Fri 11 Jan,
Birmingham Museum &
Art Gallery
B(U)Y ME! FOR CHRISTMAS Exhibition of handmade festive gifts from
local & national designer makers, until Fri 11
Jan, Newcastle
‘DEGENERATE ART’
German expressionist
art from the Barber
Collection, including
early twentieth century
prints by celebrated
artists Max Beckmann,
George Grosz & Egon
Schlele, until Sun 11
Jan, The Barber
MARTIN PARR: BLACK
COUNTRY STORIES
Photographic portrait &
archive of life in the
Black Country, until Sun
11 Jan, New Art Gallery,
Walsall
USEFUL OR BEAUTIFUL
CRAFT EXHIBITION
Curated selection of
contemporary craft for
sale, until Sat 17 Jan,
RBSA Gallery,
Birmingham
THE MAKING OF MORDOR
Exhibition exploring the
links between JRR
Tolkien’s depiction of
his fantasy region and
the industrial Black
Country of the 1900s,
presented alongside
more contemporary
responses, until 17 Jan,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
THE NAKED AND THE
NUDE Works made
between 1500 and 1914
by, among others,
Durer, Rembrandt and
Matisse are featured in
this striking exhibition of
images portraying the
unclothed human figure, until Sun 18 Jan,
The Barber Institute,
Birmingham
WHEN SANTA CAME TO
THE FACTORY Exhibition
which brings together
childhood memories
with nostalgic photographs to focus on the
hugely popular
Christmas parties
organised by the
region’s factories &
their workforce, until
Sun 18 Jan, Bantock
House, Wolverhampton
A MODERN NARRATIVE
Exhibition of contemporary painting & drawing
by Kate Bainbridge &
Genevieve Belgard,
until Fri 23 Jan, The
Bond Cafe Gallery,
Birmingham
REBEL VISIONS
Groundbreaking exhibi-
THE ARTIST AND THE CITY
A collaborative exhibition celebrating Stoke’s
status as a creative
hub, until Sat 13 Dec,
Airspace Gallery, Stokeon-Trent
HIDDEN WATERS
Exhibition by Bob
Levene about water,
sewage & maps, until
Sat 20 Dec, Ort Gallery,
Balsall Heath,
Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM AND
BEYOND Featuring contributions from numerous
highly acclaimed honorary RBSA members,
notably David
Carpanini, Ken Howard,
HRH the Prince of
Wales and John Salt,
until Wed 24 December,
RBSA Gallery,
Rebel Visions - The Barber Institute, Birmingham
VisualArts LISTINGS
For full listing information on Visual Art
exhibitions, including times and dates,
tion exploring the work
of British war artist
Richard Nevinson, until
Sun 25 Jan, The Barber
JULIAN OPIE The last in a
series of five exhibitions
to be presented in
Ikon’s Tower Room as
part of the gallery’s
birthday celebrations,
until Sun 25 Jan. Ikon
Gallery, Birmingham
IMRAN QURESHI
Featuring an array of
gold and blood-red
miniature paintings
depicting people, blossoms, colours, rain,
leaves and abstract
forms, until Sun 25 Jan,
Ikon Gallery,
Birmingham
ANDY GARBI: SHADOWS &
DUST Using music, photography and video, the
artist explores ‘spirit of
place’ through audiovisual works that contain
within them the ‘DNA’ of
the Newman Bros factory before changes
occurred through its
renovation, until Fri 30
Jan, Newman Brothers
at the Coffin Works,
Jewellery Quarter,
Birmingham
POP EUROPE! until Sat 7
Feb, Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
WEST MIDLANDS OPEN
Biennial public art exhibition featuring work by
both professional and
amateur artists from all
disciplines, until Sun 15
Feb, Birmingham
THE ARTIST AND THE CITY
A collaborative exhibition celebrating Stoke’s
status as a creative
hub, until Sun 22 Feb,
Potteries Museum & Art
Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
ART OF THE TROUBLES
Major new exhibition
featuring artists’
responses to the troubles in Northern Ireland,
until Fri 27 Feb,
Wolverhampton 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
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
FAITHFUL FRIENDS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION A
body of work documenting friendships
formed & deepened
through the Near
Neighbours programme
in Birmingham, Mon 1 Sun 14 Dec, Library of
Birmingham
DARREN BANKS: THE
RAVEN A body of work
inspired by the legacy
of Churton Fairman better known by his
alias, Mike Raven,
Thurs 4 Dec - Sun 26
Apr, New Art Gallery,
Walsall
BLACK SHEEP: THE DARK
SIDE OF FELT Exploration
of the edgier side of felt
in an exhibition curated
by textile artist & felt
maker Laura Mabbutt,
Sat 6 Dec - Sat 31 Jan,
Bilston Craft Gallery
VAL PITCHFORD RBSA Val
explores the small, and
very small, format
through abstract landscapes, still life and
flower paintings, Mon
29 Dec - Sat 28 Feb,
RBSA Gallery,
Birmingham
ROBERT HAND ARBSA
Solo show featuring a
combination of handbuilt raku & pit-fired
ceramics, Mon 29 Dec Sat 7 Mar, RBSA
Gallery, Birmingham
JUNE DUDLESTON RBSA
Exhibition exploring
landscape scenes over
the changing seasons,
Mon 29 Dec - Sat 14
Feb, RBSA Gallery,
Birmingham
START Featuring works
by RBSA Members &
Associates. All works on
show are for sale,
priced £200 or under,
Tues 30 Dec - Sat 7
Feb, RBSA Gallery,
Birmingham
Museums & Art Galleries
Birmingham
ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield
0121 323 3776
BARBER INSTITUTE
0121 414 7333
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM &
ART GALLERY
0121 303 2834
CASTLE GALLERIES
0121 248 8484
GRAND UNION
0121 643 9079
IKON GALLERY
0121 248 0708
NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY
0121 643 9099
RBSA GALLERY
0121 2364353
STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH
[email protected]
THREE WHITE WALLS
GALLERY
0121 200 3328
Black Country
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
Shropshire
BEAR STEPS GALLERY,
SHREWSBURY
01743 344994
SHREWSBURY MUSEUM &
ART GALLERY
01743 258885
TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY,
MUCH WENLOCK
01952 727952
THE WILLOW GALLERY,
OSWESTRY
01691 657575
Staffordshire
NEWCASTLE BOROUGH
MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
01782 232323
THE POTTERIES MUSEUM &
ART GALLERY, STOKE-ONTRENT 01782 232323
SHIRE HALL GALLERY
STAFFORD 01785 278345
STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM,
SHUGBOROUGH
01889 881388
Warwickshire
COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY
01926 645500
HERBERT ART GALLERY
COVENTRY 02476 832386
MEAD GALLERY WARWICK
02476 524524
ROYAL PUMP ROOMS
01926 742700
RUGBY MUSEUM & ART
GALLERY 01788 533201
Worcestershire
WORCESTER CITY ART
GALLERY 01905 25371
Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for venue website details
For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53
Events - Dec Region two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 19:07 Page 1
Events
Santa’s Winter Wonderland Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs, until Wed 31 December
A brand new adventure-packed stage show awaits festive-season visitors to this popular Staffordshire destination. Santa’s on a mission to
find a new apprentice for his Winter Wonderland stage show, and
everyone needs to play their part in helping him decide who to hire.
Suitable for all age groups, the Winter Wonderland Show is just part
of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A
safe environment ensures visitors are able to play and slide in real
snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk
through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a
ride on a sledge.
The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe the snow action as
they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal
village, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hello to some
of his furry friends.
Continental Circus Berlin On Ice
Star City, Birmingham,
Thurs 18 December - Sat 3 January
After delighting audiences across the world,
Continental Circus Berlin this month lands in
the Midlands with a glittering show that combines ice artistry, circus skills and illusions. Ice
dancers, trapeze artists, contortionists, comedians and magicians all feature in this highenergy production, which is presented within
a brand new state-of-the-art (and heated!) luxury big top.
Festive Weekends
Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 6 - Sun 7 & Sat 13 - Sun 14 December
Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill museum this month, as
residents busy themselves with preparations for Christmas. Visitors to the award-winning site
can watch some of the seasonal entertainment on offer - including Punch & Judy, a mini performance of Little Red Riding Hood, a magician and carol singing. New for 2014, Blists Hill is
offering a series of family workshops in the site’s Engine Shed. Here, children will be able to
have a go at printing Christmas cards, making paper chain decorations, writing letters to
Father Christmas and taking part in fun quizzes and fascinating Christmas facts. And just in
case all that’s not enough to ensure your youngsters are happily entertained, Father
Christmas himself - together with his reindeer - will be on hand to hear some last-minute
present requests.
Events PREVIEWS
Antiques For Everyone
NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 4 - Sun 7 December
Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest
events of its kind in the UK - and with items
ranging from as little as £10 (up to £100,000
for the more serious collectors), it provides a
perfect environment in which to pick up
some unusual Christmas gifts.
Collectables on show at the event include
antique and decorative furniture, treen,
ceramics, kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery,
works of art, arms and armour, maps, dolls
and bears.
Taking centre-stage at this latest fair is a display of silverware from the Soldiers Of
Gloucester Museum, including trophies,
medals and flags from one of the British
Army's most battle-honoured units, the
Gloucestershire Regiment.
The event also features more than two hundred-and-fifty stall holders. Antiques For
Everyone favourites Judith Miller and Mark
Hill will be on hand to offer hints and tips on
what’s hot and what’s not.
Victorian Christmas Evenings
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Fri 19 - Tues 23 December
Providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, these traditional festive evenings at Dudley’s award-winning living history museum promise plenty of
Christmas cheer. Entertainment is provided courtesy of brass bands, street performers and
carols singers - and there’s even a fairytale panto with a Black Country twist from the museum’s resident performers, Fizzog Productions.
Mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, a food & craft market and the chance to visit Santa by
the fireside provide even more reasons to experience this always-popular event.
Clothes Show Live
NEC, Birmingham, Fri 5 - Tues 9 December
Featuring more than five hundred leading
fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk
shows, makeovers, manicures, beauty
demonstrations and style advice, it’s little
wonder that Clothes Show Live is described
as ‘the hottest ticket on the fashion calendar’. The award-winning ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre is the place to see
hot new girl band Neon Jungle, British music
talent Jetta, onscreen favourite Rick
Edwards, fashion designer Henry Holland
and the cheekiest chap in Chelsea, Jamie
Laing. Meanwhile, over at the Olympus PEN
Designer Catwalk, British journalist Hilary
Alexander OBE presents an exclusive trend
show featuring iconic designer Zandra
Rhodes. Other features include: Model
Masterclasses - thirty-minute tutorials led by
an industry expert; the Image Catwalk showcasing influential and contemporary
collections from emerging talent and graduate designers; and the THX Total Hair
Experts Paparazzi Pen - where visitors can
have the ultimate celebrity selfie with their
favourite TV & music stars, set against a
branded Clothes Show Live wall.
Christmas At Sandwell Park
Santa Safari
Sandwell Park Farm,
Sat 13 - Sun 14 December
Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle,
Shropshire, Fri 5 - Sun 7 December; Fri 12 Sun 14 December & Tues 16 - Tues 23
December
The big-bearded gent with a sackful of presents is just one of the attractions families can
enjoy at Sandwell Park Farm this Christmas.
St Nick is in residence throughout the month,
but is particularly keen for visitors to join him
on the 13th and 14th for a special Christmas
Fayre, complete with carol singers, brass and
jazz bands, and a choir. Free children’s activities also feature, while a craft fair provides a
perfect opportunity to purchase presents
aplenty for family and friends. Festive food,
including a hog roast, ensures a rumbling
stomach won’t distract from the feast of
entertainment on offer.
The North Pole’s most famous resident
comes to North Shropshire this month, with
Hawkstone Park Follies once again transformed into a Santa Safari experience. A trip
through the site’s ‘mystical woodland’ leads
the way to a hillside grotto, where a Wishing
Arch marks the entrance to a network of
fairy-lit caverns and tunnels. It’s here that
Santa, his elves and reindeer will reside in
the run-up to Christmas. For visitors wishing
to make more of their day at Hawkstone
Park, refreshments, mince pies and a full festive menu are on offer at the on-site hotel.
Winter Skate
Centenary Square, Birmingham,
until Sun 5 January
Oswestry Christmas Live
Returning to Centenary Square for a second
year, Winter Skate provides a perfect opportunity for wannabe Torvill and Deans to try
out their skating skills on an Olympic-sized
outdoor ice rink. Perfect for the lead-up to
Christmas, it provides an ideal accompaniment to Birmingham’s well-established
Frankfurt Market.
Oswestry, North Shropshire, Fri 5 December
Widely regarded as one of north
Shropshire’s largest festive celebrations,
Oswestry Christmas Live features fairground
rides, live music and roaming street entertainers. The return of a synthetic ice rink in
Festival Square is certain to delight those in
search of a bit of gentle exercise. Meanwhile,
the indoor market not only offers the chance
to shop for late-night bargains but also houses Santa’s Grotto.
A massive firework display (from 9pm) brings
this year’s event to a close.
Events LISTINGS
For full listing information on Events,
including times and dates, visit
from
MON 1 DEC
FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS
MARKETS The largest
outdoor market in the
country, featuring a
wide range of traditional handmade toys, art,
and items from
throughout the world,
until Mon 22 Dec,
Birmingham City Centre
WINTER WONDERLAND
Visit Santa in his log
cabin, walk through Ice
Mountain, take a spin
on the Winter Carousel
and Sleigh Ride, until
Tues 23 Dec,
Wonderland, Telford,
Shropshire
THE SHROPSHIRE SANTA
EXPERIENCE until Wed
24 Dec, Park Hall
Countryside
Experience, Oswestry,
North Shropshire
CHRISTMAS AT RAYS
FARM See baby Jesus
in the donkey’s stable
with Mary, Joseph, the
Three Kings and Wise
Men, until Wed 24 Dec,
Rays Farm Country
Matters, Bridgnorth,
Shropshire
WINTER SKATE Providing
a perfect opportunity
for wannabe Torvill &
Deans to try out their
skills on an Olympicsize outdoor ice rink,
until Sun 5 Jan,
Centenary Square,
Birmingham
THE RAGLEY SNOW BALL
Mon 1 Dec, Ragley
Hall, Warwickshire
THE BIRTHPLACE LIGHT
SHOW Celebrate
Christmas with the
Birthplace lightshow
and garden illumination, Mon 1 - Sun 14
Dec, Shakespeare’s
Birthplace, Stratfordupon-Avon
FESTIVE FEASTS Mon 1 Fri 19 Dec, St Mary’s
Guildhall, Coventry
FESTIVE OUTDOOR AND
CRAFTY FUN Mon 1 Mon 22 Dec, Brandon
Marsh Nature Centre,
Coventry
SANTA SAFARI Enjoy a
four-mile drive-through
safari. See cheetahs,
lions and elephants and meet Santa too!
Mon 1 - Wed 24 Dec,
West Midland Safari
Park, Bewdley
TRENTHAM FAIRY TRAIL
Mon 1 Dec - Wed 24
Dec, Trentham
Gardens, Staffs
CHRISTMAS POTTERY
PAINTING Mon 1 Dec Wed 24 Dec, Gladstone
Pottery Museum,
Stoke-on-Trent
SANTA'S WINTER
WONDERLAND Explore
Santa’s Christmas
snow trail, take a walk
through the enchanted
forest, enjoy a game of
snowballs and hitch a
ride on a sledge, Mon 1
- Wed 31 Dec, The
Snowdome, Tamworth
EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS
AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL Enjoy a family trail
around the east end of
the Cathedral, Mon 1
Dec - Tues 6 Jan,
Worcester Cathedral
SCIENCE OF SOUND Mon
1 Dec - Fri 5 June
2015, Symphony Hall,
Birmingham
LUNCHTIME TALK: THE
FACTORY CHRISTMAS
PARTY Illustrated talk
linked to the exhibition
When Santa Came To
The Factory, Tues 2
Dec, Bantock House
Museum,
Wolverhampton
TILE DECORATING
WORKSHOPS Drop-in
sessions where participants use the technique known as tube
lining to decorate their
very own tile to take
home, Tue 2 Dec,
Jackfield Tile Museum,
Oswestry Christmas Live, North Shropshire
Shropshire
DASH ART EXPRESS
WORKSHOP Tues 2 Dec,
The Hive, Shrewsbury
SONGS FOR THE CITY
Tues 2 Dec, Lichfield
Cathedral
POP EUROPE! SYMPOSIUM Symposium
addressing the issues
concerning the geographical confinement
of Pop Art, Tues 2 Dec,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Tues 2 Dec, The
Fleece Inn, Worcester
ART BUS! GALLERIES
NIGHT Birmingham's Art
Bus is back on the road
this month, transporting
art lovers between the
city’s various galleries,
Wed 3 Dec, mac,
Birmingham
VOICES OF WAR
EXHIBITION GUIDED
TOURS Wed 3 Dec,
Library Of Birmingham
MAKE A CHRISTMAS
PLANTER Wed 3 Dec,
Charlecote Park,
Warwickshire
FREE RADIO STAGE Enjoy
festive music and entertainment from Free
Radio, Wed 3 Dec,
Civic Centre 4,
Coventry
SANTA AND STEAM
Celebrate the festive
season with a nostalgic
steam ride through
Staffordshire’s most
idyllic valley, Wed 3
Dec, Churnet Valley
Railway, Froghall,
Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS TREE
FESTIVAL Wed 3 - Sun 7
Dec, St Marys Church,
Stafford
CHRISTMAS AT ARLEY
ARBORETUM Wed 3 Sun 7 Dec, Arley
Arboretum, Worcester
CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS A
rare opportunity to see
the house decorated
for a Georgian
Christmas. Hear tales
of how the season was
celebrated over two
hundred years ago,
Thurs 4 Dec, Soho
House, Birmingham
GRUESOME AND GHOSTLY
TOURS Hear about the
ghosts that haunt the
streets and houses of
Lichfield, Thurs 4 Dec,
Events LISTINGS
Lichfield City
CITY CENTRE SANTA RIDE
Charity bike ride
around the city centre.
All proceeds to the
Heart of England
Community
Foundation, Thurs 4
Dec, Coventry City
Centre
ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE
Showcasing an eclectic
array of antiques and
collectables, ranging
from kitchenalia
through to fine works of
art worth in excess of
£20,000, Thurs 4 - Sun
7 Dec, NEC,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS WREATH
MAKING Led by an
expert, learn about the
different techniques
used to make a wreath
and then get creative,
designing something
special to take home
with you, Fri 5 Dec,
Kenilworth Castle,
Warwickshire
SANTA SAFARI Fri 5 Dec,
Hawkstone Park &
Follies, Weston-underRedcastle, North
Shropshire
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS
CAROLS Fri 5 Dec,
Aston Hall, Birmingham
MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS Fri 5 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Staffs
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Evening of festive entertainment, Fri 5 Dec,
Bantock House
Museum,
Wolverhampton
FRIDAY TWILIGHT CAROLS IN THE CAFE See
the World War One
exhibition by lamplight
and enjoy traditional
carols in the cafe with
pianist Frank Leigh, Fri
5 Dec, The Potteries
Stoke-on-Trent
TUDOR BANQUETS Fri 5 Sat 6 Dec, Tamworth
Castle, Staffs
CHRISTMAS AT HOME
WITH THE EDWARDIANS
Enjoy Christmas activities and entertainment,
Fri 5 - Sat 6 Dec, The
Locksmith’s House,
Willenhall
WINTER WONDERLAND
PARTY NIGHT Enjoy
food, drink and entertainment by Mark
Tolliss Experience, Fri 5
- Sat 6 Dec, National
Motorcycle Museum,
Solihull
WINTER WONDERFARM
See Lower Drayton
Farm transformed into
a winter wonderland
and meet Santa for an
early Christmas present, Fri 5 - Sun 7 Dec,
Lower Drayton Farm,
Penkridge, Staffs
CLOTHES SHOW LIVE
Five-day fashion festival
packed with unique
and boutique fashion
and beauty brands.
Hair and beauty
demonstrations,
makeovers, experts,
trend reports, celebrities and next generation talent all feature,
Fri 5 - Tue 9 Dec, NEC,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Fri 5 - Sat 20 Dec,
Lichfield Cathedral
SANTA SAFARI Fri 5 Tues 23 Dec,
Hawkstone Park &
Follies, Shropshire
SANTA’S DIZZY DAY A
fun-packed experience
for children which
includes meeting santa,
sing-a-longs, festive
shows and more, Fri 5 Wed 24 Dec, Belgrade
Square, Coventry
FARMER'S MARKET
Featuring stalls selling
local food, drink, craft
and produce, including,
sweets, apple juice,
bread, cakes, honey,
smoked meats, handdyed yarns, beer,
plants and much more,
Sat 6 Dec, The
Discovery Centre,
Shropshire
WINTER MARKET Sat 6
Dec, The Bond,
Birmingham
HAND-CASTING AT THE
GLASS MUSEUM Sat 6
Dec, Broadfield House
Glass Museum, Dudley
A34 FESTIVE DOMINO
MUSIC NIGHT An
evening of dominos,
music & Caribbean cuisine to welcome the
festive period, Sat 6
Dec, The Drum,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS
Costumed guided
tours, carol singing by
Enchant Choir and festive refreshments, Sat 6
Dec, Museum of the
Jewellery Quarter,
Birmingham
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Sat 6 Dec,
Moseley Old Hall,
Wolverhampton
CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS - CRAFT
ACTIVITY Make-and-take
drop-in craft activity for
children, Sat 6 Dec,
Museum of the
Jewellery Quarter,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sat 6
Dec, Lower Precinct
Shopping Centre,
Coventry
GREEN WREATH
WORKSHOPS Sat 6 Dec,
Weoley Castle,
Birmingham
FREE RADIO CHRISTMAS
STARS Sat 6 Dec, New
Art Gallery, Walsall
LINOCUT PRINTMAKING
WITH IAN PHILIPS Sat 6
Dec, The Willow
Gallery, Oswestry,
North Shropshire
CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS
NIGHT Sat 6 Dec,
Avoncroft Museum,
Bromsgrove
GALLERY TOUR An informal tour of the gallery
to find out about the
history of the building
and Wolverhampton’s
renowned collections,
Sat 6 Dec,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS
OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
Sat 6 Dec, Wightwick
Manor & Gardens,
Wolverhampton
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Make, play and
discover during a festive session inspired by
Christmas decorations,
Sat 6 Dec, Bilston Craft
Gallery
CHRISTMAS AT WINTERBOURNE Featuring
themed craft activities
and a magical
Christmas grotto, Sat 6
Dec, Winterbourne
House and Garden,
Birmingham
MUCH WENLOCK CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sat 6 Dec,
The Square, Much
Wenlock, South
Shropshire
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
See the Tudor manor
decorated for
Christmas, lit by atmospheric candlelight and
brought to life by living
history group Gloriana,
Sat 6 Dec, Selly Manor,
Birmingham
DRIVEZONE - CAR CLINIC
A three-hour course in
the basics of motoring,
Sat 6 Dec, Heritage
Motor Centre,
Warwickshire
CHRISTMAS BALL Sat 6
Dec, Warwick Castle
FESTIVE BUNTING WORKSHOP Sat 6 Dec,
Herbert Art Gallery &
Museum, Coventry
MIRANDA DICKINSON
BOOK LAUNCH Sat 6
Dec, Fargo Village,
Coventry
CHRSTIMAS WREATH
WORKSHOP Sat 6 Dec,
Jinney Ring Craft
Centre, Bromsgrove
STUFF THE TURKEY
CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sat
6 Dec, St Nicolas
Church, Coventry
CHRISTMAS FOOD AND
GIFT FAIR Sat 6 - Sun 7
Dec, National Memorial
Arboretum, Staffs
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
FARGO STYLE Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Fargo
Village, Coventry
BREAKFAST WITH
FATHER CHRISTMAS Sat
6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Wightwick Manor &
Gardens,
Wolverhampton
DBPC CHRISTMAS GALA
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Dallas Burton Polo
Club, Coventry
ATTINGHAM CHRISTMAS
Discover the mansion
decorated for
Christmas in a bygone
age, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Attingham Park, Nr
Shrewsbury
SANTA HUNTS A funfilled search for Santa.
Acorns Santa Run, Walsall
Costumed guides and
Christmas clues point
the way to Santa's
workshop. This is a
pre-book event, Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Black
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND
FOOD MARKET Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Croome
Park, Worcester
SANTA AT THE SERVANTS'
QUARTERS Explore the
festively decorated
Victorian servants’
quarters and meet
Santa in the butler’s
pantry, where he’ll be
handing out gifts to visiting children, Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec,
Shugborough Historic
Working Estate, Staffs
SANTA STEAM SPECIALS
Visit Santa in his special grotto at Arley,
where all fare-paying
children will receive a
present, Sat 6 - Sun 7
Dec, Severn Valley
Railway, Kidderminster
CHRISTMAS CRAFT
MARKET Featuring local
designers selling an
exclusive selection of
products, including
ceramics, jewellery,
paintings and craft
items, Sat 6 - Sun 7
SANTA AND STEAM
steam ride through
idyllic valley, Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Churnet
Valley Railway,
Froghall, Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS MARKET Sat
6 - Sun 7 Dec, Upton
House & Gardens,
Warwickshire
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Blists Hill, Ironbridge,
Shropshire
SANTA AT ARLEY ARBORETUM Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Arley Arboretum,
Worcester
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
WEEKENDS The run-up
to Christmas sees
Bournville’s chocolate
paradise converted into
a festive wonderland
filled with seasonal
entertainment and
activities, Sat 6 - Sun 7
Dec, Cadbury World,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS FOOD AND
CRAFT FAYRE Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Weston
Park, Shifnal,
Shropshire
HOLLY WREATH-MAKING
WORKSHOPS Sat 6 - Sun
7 Dec, National
Memorial Arboretum,
Staffs
CHRISTMAS WASSAIL
Enjoy Christmas stories
and carols from
Birmingham Crescent
Theatre, Sat 6 - Sun 7
Dec, Coughton Court,
Warwickshire
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Ruskin Glass Centre,
Stourbridge
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS
CARD AND BAUBLE MAKING CRAFTS Sat 6 - Sun
7 Dec, National
Memorial Arboretum,
Staffordshire
STORIES WITH SANTA Sat
6 - Sun 7 Dec, National
Memorial Arboretum,
Staffordshire
VICTORIAN CRAFT FAYRE
Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec, St
Leonard’s Church,
Bridgnorth, Shropshire
CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME
Learn how to make traditional Christmas decorations and watch
demonstrations on how
to traditionally boil a
Christmas pudding, Sat
6 - Sun 7 Dec, Black
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
CHRISTMAS GROTTO No
child's Christmas would
be complete without a
trip to see Father
Christmas, Sat 6 - Sun
21 Dec, Birmingham
Botanical Gardens
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT
CHARLECOTE Sat 6 - Sun
21 December,
Charlecote Park,
Warwickshire
VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS
Sat 6 - Sun 21 Dec,
Upton House &
Gardens, Warwickshire
VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS
Sat 6 - Sun 21 Dec,
Croome Park,
Worcester
CHRISTMAS FAMILY PORTRAITS Draw your own
Holbein-style portrait,
Sat 6 - Sun 28 Dec,
Shakespeare’s
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTI-
VAL Sat 6 Dec - Mon 5
Jan, Worcester
Cathedral
Sat 6 Dec - Tues 6 Jan,
Anne Hathaway’s
Cottage & Gardens,
Stratford-upon-Avon
CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR
Featuring unique arts
and crafts created by
local designers, Sat 6 Tues 7 Dec, Hall’s
Croft, Stratford-uponAvon
ATTINGHAM AT CHRISTMAS Discover the mansion decorated for
age, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Dec,
Attingham Park,
Shrewsbury
SANTA’S GROTTO Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Gregynog
Hall, Newtown
CHRISTMAS DURING WWI
Experience what life
was like for a middleclass family between
1914 and 1918, Sat 6 Sun 7 Dec, Hall’s Croft,
Stratford-upon-Avon
CHRISTMAS CRAFT
SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Sun 7 Dec,
Warwickshire Exhibition
Centre
DECK THE HALLS Sun 7
Dec, Moseley Old Hall,
Wolverhampton
SANTA DASH Sun 7 Dec,
FAMILY FUSED GLASS
DECORATIONS Sun 7
Glass Museum, Dudley
THE MYTON HOSPICES
SANTA DASH Sun 7 Dec,
War Memorial Park,
Coventry
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Sun 7 Dec,
Worcestershire County
Museum
FLEA FAIR Sun 7 Dec,
Three Counties
Showground, Malvern
COVENTRY BLAZE VS
NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS
Sun 7 Dec, Skydome
Arena, Coventry
Week Commencing
MON 8 DEC
BAKE AND MAKE - THE
ART OF BREAD AND BUTTER Find out how people in the seventeenth
century ran their home,
bake a loaf of bread
Events LISTINGS
and make butter, Mon 8
Wolverhampton
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
PAPER CRAFTS Mon 8
Dec, Gregynog Hall,
Newtown
CHRISTMAS TOURS Take
part in a festive tour,
Mon 8 - Thurs 11 Dec,
Blakesley Hall,
Birmingham
MOSELEY BY CANDLELIGHT Mon 8 - Fri 12
Wolverhampton
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS Mon 8 - Tues 16
Dec, Wightwick Manor
& Gardens,
Wolverhampton
TILE DECORATING
WORKSHOPS Drop-in
sessions where participants use the technique known as tube
lining to decorate their
very own tile to take
home, Tue 9 Dec,
Jackfield Tile Museum,
Shropshire
CHRISTMAS FLOWER
ARRANGING Tues 9 Dec,
Gregynog Hall,
Newtown
Fleece Inn, Evesham
DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG
Chance to practise drifting in safe and legal
conditions on some of
the Pod's thirty acres of
open tarmac, where
there are beginners,
intermediate and
advanced tracks open
at the same time each
DWYB day, Wed 10
Dec, Santa Pod
Raceway, Northampton
CHRISTMAS COOKERY
Wed 10 Dec, Gregynog
Hall, Newtown
WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Wed 10 Dec,
Moseley Old Hall,
Wolverhampton
SANTA AND STEAM
steam ride through
idyllic valley, Wed 10
Dec, Churnet Valley
Railway, Froghall,
Staffordshire
FARGO CHRISTMAS MARKET Wed 10 Dec, Fargo
Village, Coventry
CHRISTMAS AT ARLEY
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Wed 10 - Wed 24 Dec,
Civic Centre 4,
Coventry
the house decorated for
a Georgian Christmas.
Hear tales of how the
season was celebrated
over two hundred years
ago, Thurs 11 Dec,
Soho House,
Birmingham
MURDER MYSTERY DIN-
NERS Thurs 11 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS WREATH
MAKING Fri 12 Dec,
Witley Court &
Gardens, Worcester
WORCESTER WOLVES VS
SHEFFIELD SHARKS Fri
12 Dec, Worcester
University Arena
FABRIC FAFFERS Fri 12
Glass Museum,
Stourbridge
CHRISTMAS READINGS Fri
12 Dec, Nuneaton
Coventry
BOWMAN ANTIQUES FAIR
A quality three-day
giant antique fair. Up to
four hundred stands,
including antiques,
curios, vintage, retro
and collectables. Free
Parking, Fri 12 - Sun 14
Dec, Bingley Hall,
Stafford
WINTER WONDERFARM
See Lower Drayton
Farm transformed into
a winter wonderland
and meet Santa for an
early Christmas present, Fri 12 - Sun 14
Dec, Lower Drayton
Farm, Penkridge, Staffs
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
& NEW YEAR FROLICS Fri
12 Dec - Mon 5 Jan,
Heritage Motor Centre,
Warwickshire
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Sat 13 Dec, Blakesley
Hall, Birmingham
GLAM XMAS PARTY
1970s-themed
Christmas party to coincide with the When
Santa Came To The
Factory exhibition, Sat
13 Dec, Bantock House
Museum,
Wolverhampton
WORCESTER WARRIORS V
NOTTINGHAM Sat 13
Dec, Sixways Stadium,
Worcester
MURDER-MYSTERY DINNERS Sat 13 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Staffs
CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS Featuring
live music, mulled fruit
punch and lots of festive goodies, Sat 13
Dec, Chedham's Yard,
Warwickshire
DRIVEZONE - TASTER
One-hour session
aimed at young people
who’ve not yet started
formal driving lessons,
Sat 13 Dec, Heritage
Motor Centre,
Warwickshire
A CHRISTMAS WISH Meet
Santa, listen to storytelling and join in with a
variety of craft activities,
Sat 13 Dec, The
Potteries Museum & Art
Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION Join the Simply
Paranormal team as
they explore ghostly
goings on, Sat 13 Dec,
St Mary’s Guildhall,
Coventry
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
AT FUSION Sat 13 Dec,
Fusion, Jackfield, Nr
Ironbridge, Shropshire
LANTERN PARADE Sat 13
Dec, Lower Precinct
Shopping Centre,
Coventry
RETRO CHRISTMAS FAIR
Sat 13 Dec, Walsall
Leather Museum
SANTA DASH Take part in
the festive fun and walk
or jog a one-mile route
from Chase Leisure
Centre to the Bank Bar
& Lounge in aid of
Newlife Foundation, Sat
13 Dec, Cannock Town
Centre
Sat 13 Dec, Christ
Church, Oswestry,
North Shropshire
OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNT
Sat 13 Dec, The
Falstaff’s Experience,
Stratford-upon-Avon
BUSH CRAFT - SPOON
CARVING Learn the
process and techniques of working with
green wood and knives
to create your own
spoon, Sat 13 Dec,
Bishops Wood Centre,
Stourport
CHRISTMAS DECORATION
WORKSHOP Decorate
and take away your
own Christmas promander, Sat 13 Dec,
Shakespeare’s
CAROLS AT SOHO In partnership with St
Michael’s Church, Sat
13 Dec, Soho House,
Birmingham
FAMILY CHRISTMAS
CAROL CONCERT Sat 13
Dec, Croome Park,
Worcester
SANTA’S GROTTO Sat 13
Dec, Gregynog Hall,
Newtown, Powys
FESTIVE FARMERS
MARKET Sat 13 Dec,
SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled
search for Santa.
Costumed guides and
the way to Santa's
workshop. This is a prebook event, Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec, Black
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Crafts, storytelling
and a chance to see a
very special guest in
his grotto, Sat 13 - Sun
14 Dec, Kenilworth
Castle, Warwickshire
festively decorated
Victorian servants’
quarters and meet
Santa in the butler’s
pantry, where he’ll be
handing out gifts to visiting children, Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec,
Shugborough Historic
Working Estate, Staffs
present, Sat 13 - Sun
Drayton’s Magical Christmas - Drayton Manor Park, Tamworth, Staffs
14 Dec, Severn Valley
SEARCH FOR SANTA Sat
13 - Sun 14 Dec,
Avoncroft Museum,
Bromsgrove
SANTA AT THE CONE
Visits to Santa include a
gift, photo, craft activity
and much more, Sat 13
- Sun 14 Dec, Red
House Glass Cone,
Stourbridge
CHRISTMAS CRAFT
MARKET Featuring local
designers selling an
exclusive selection of
products, including
ceramics, jewellery,
paintings & craft items,
Sat 13 - Sun 14 Dec,
mac, Birmingham
CHRISTMAS TRUCE WALK
National Memorial
Arboretum, Staffs
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Blists Hill, Ironbridge,
Shropshire
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Sat 13 - Sun 14
Dec, Worcestershire
County Museum
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
SANTA AT ARLEY ARBORETUM Sat 13 - Sun 14
Dec, Arley Arboretum,
Worcester
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Bewdley Museum,
Worcester
SANTA AND STEAM
steam ride through
idyllic valley, Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec, Churnet
Valley Railway, Froghall,
Staffordshire
WEEKENDS The run-up
to Christmas sees
entertainment and
activities, Sat 13 - Sun
14 Dec, Cadbury
World, Birmingham
MERLIN'S MAGIC WAND
WINTER PARTY Festive
painting, clay modelmaking and festive craft
activities, Sat 13 - Sun
14 Dec, The National
Sea Life Centre,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS GIFT-MAKING
WORKSHOPS Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec, Jackfield
Tile Museum,
Ironbridge, Shropshire
COVENTRY BLAZE VS
SHEFFIELD STEELERS
Sun 14 Dec, Skydome
Arena, Coventry
CHRISTMAS AT THE
CASTLE Enjoy crafts,
storytelling and more,
Kenilworth Castle,
Warwickshire
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS
SANTA TRAILS Sat 13 Sun 14 Dec, Tamworth
Castle, Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING Sat 13 - Sun 21
Dec, Croome Park,
Worcester
17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Sat 13 - Sun 21
Wolverhampton
FATHER CHRISTMAS
GROTTO Sat 13 - Sun 21
Dec, Wightwick Manor
& Gardens,
Wolverhampton
MERRY 'FISHMAS' Visit
the National Sealife
Centre to meet the man
who makes Christmas
happen, Sat 13 - Tues
23 Dec, The National
Sea Life Centre,
Birmingham
ATTINGHAM AT CHRISTMAS Discover the mansion decorated for
age, Sat 13 - Tues 23
Dec, Attingham Park,
Shrewsbury
DRIVEZONE - EXPERIENCE
A three- hour package
that includes classroom
training and tuition
behind the wheel, Sun
14 Dec, Heritage Motor
Centre, Warwickshire
WINTER WONDERLAND
PARTY NIGHT Enjoy
food, drink and entertainment by Mark
Tolliss Experience, Sun
14 Dec, National
Motorcycle Museum,
Solihull
Sun 14 Dec, Black
Events LISTINGS
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON
THE FARM Sun 14 Dec,
Fordhall Community
Farm, Market Drayton,
Shropshire
THE MYTON HOSPICES
WARWICK SANTA DASH
Sun 14 Dec, The Myton
Hospice, Coventry
OSWESTRY CHRISTMAS
MARKET Sun 14 Dec,
Bailey Street, Oswestry,
North Shropshire
POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOP Sun 14 Dec,
Eastnor Pottery and
The Flying Potter,
Herefordshire
SO
SUNDAY,
SO SANTA
Week
Commencing
Sun 14 Dec, The Fleece
MON
15
Inn, Evesham DEC
SEASONAL CRAFT FOR
ADULTS Mon 15 Dec,
Solihull Arts Complex
TWILIGHT SANTA Pop
along after school,
meet Santa in the mansion and receive a special gift, Mon 15 - Fri 19
Dec, Attingham Park,
Shrewsbury
TILE DECORATING
WORKSHOP Drop-in sessions where participants use the technique
known as tube lining to
decorate their very own
tile to take home, Tue
16 Dec, Jackfield Tile
Museum, Ironbridge,
Shropshire
Fleece Inn, Evesham
MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS Tues 16 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS AT ARLEY
the house decorated for
a Georgian Christmas.
Hear tales of how the
season was celebrated
over two hundred years
ago, Thurs 18 Dec,
Soho House,
Birmingham
MURDER-MYSTERY DINNERS Thurs 18 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Stafordshire
THREE MEN IN A BOWTIE
Music and comedy
capers... Thurs 18 Dec,
Ashton Theatre,
Shrewsbury School
EARLY YEARS PLAY DAYS
Children aged 1-3 have
an opportunity to
explore through sensory play that encourages
creativity, Thurs 18 - Fri
19 Dec, Hebert
Coventry
THE MAD HATTER'S
CHRISTMAS PARTY A theatrical Christmas party
which offers partici-
pants the chance to
eat, drink and dance
the night away inside
The Studio, The Rep’s
newest theatre space,
Thurs 18 - Sat 20 Dec,
The REP, Birmingham
HISTORY TALKS: BLACK
COUNTRY ECHOES Paul
Quigley, curator of
Black Country Echoes,
discusses the project
and some of the fascinating stories he and
the team unearthed
while researching the
region’s industrial heritage, Fri 19 Dec,
Wolverhampton Art
Gallery
ART SPEAKING Audiodescribed tours of exhibitions for people with
visual impairment, Fri
19 Dec, Wolverhampton
Art Gallery
WORCESTER WOLVES VS
LONDON LIONS Fri 19
Dec, University of
Worcester Arena
OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNT
Fri 19 - Sat 20 Dec, The
Stratford-upon-Avon
WINTER WONDERFARM
See Lower Drayton
Farm transformed into a
winter wonderland and
meet Santa for an early
Christmas present, Fri
19 - Sun 21 Dec, Lower
Drayton Farm,
Penkridge, Staffs
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
EVENINGS Featuring
market stalls, carol
singing and both street
and musical entertainment. Local theatre
group Fizzgog
Productions present
their fairytale panto, Fri
19 - Tue 23 Dec, Black
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
DICKENSIAN CAROL
SINGERS & CHRISTMAS
STREET THEATRE Sat 20
Dec, Stafford Town
Centre
CANDLELIT CAROL
SERVICE Sat 20 Dec,
National Memorial
Arboretum, Staffs
AN AFTERNOON WITH
CLARE BALDING Sat 20
Dec, Cineworld,
Shrewsbury
ANNUAL SANTA RUN &
ICE RINK Sat 20 Dec,
Haughton St Giles
Primary School, Staffs
Sat 20 Dec, Avoncroft
Museum, Bromsgrove
FUSED GLASS CHRISTMAS DECORATION WORKSHOP Sat 20 Dec,
Ruskin Glass Centre,
Stourbridge
WINTER WONDERLAND
PARTY NIGHT Enjoy
food, drink and entertainment by Mark Tolliss
Experience, Sat 20 Dec,
National Motorcycle
Museum, Solihull
MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS Sat 20 Dec,
Shugborough Working
Estate, Staffs
MEET SPONGEBOB
SQUAREPANTS Sat 20
Dec, City Arcade,
Coventry
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
Sat 20 Dec, Elgar
Birthplace Museum,
Worcester
CAROLS AT WARWICK Sat
20 Dec, Warwick Castle
present, Sat 20 - Sun
21 Dec, Severn Valley
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
SANTA AT THE CONE
Visits to Santa include a
gift, photo, craft activity
and much more, Sat 20
- Tue 23 Dec, Red
House Glass Cone,
Stourbridge
SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled
search for Santa.
Costumed guides and
the way to Santa's
workshop. This is a prebook event, Sat 20 Wed 24 Dec, Black
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
WEEKENDS The run-up
to Christmas sees
entertainment and activities, Sat 20 - Sun 21
Dec, Cadbury World,
Birmingham
SANTA AT ARLEY ARBORETUM Sat 20 - Sun 21
Dec, Arley Arboretum,
Worcester
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS
SANTA TRAILS Sat 20 Sun 21 Dec, Tamworth
Castle, Staffs
SHREWSBURY WALKING
TOURS - A CHRISTMAS
CAROL Sat 20 - Sun 21
Dec, Shrewsbury Town
Centre
festively decorated
Victorian servants’ quarters and meet Santa in
the butler’s pantry,
where he’ll be handing
out gifts to visiting children, Sat 20 - Mon 22
Dec, Shugborough
Historic Working Estate,
Staffs
SANTA AND STEAM
steam ride through
idyllic valley, Sat 20 Wed 24 Dec, Churnet
Valley Railway, Froghall,
Staffordshire
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
TRAIL Sat 20 Dec - Sun
4 Jan, Attingham Park,
Shrewsbury
MAC FOOD MARKET
Indulge yourself with
tasty treats and specialist goods at a special
festive edition of mac's
monthly food market,
featuring a host of local
artisan producers, Sun
21 Dec, mac,
Birmingham
CHRISTMAS RAMBLE
Enjoy a walk around
the Capability Brown
Parkland and learn how
the landscape has
evolved over centuries,
Sun 21 Dec, Weston
Park, Staffordshire
COVENTRY BLAZE VS FIFE
FLYERS Sun 21 Dec,
Skydome Arena,
Coventry
CAROLS AND SUNDAY
LUNCH Sun 21 Dec,
Weston Park,
Staffordshire
WASPS VS LONDON IRISH
Sun 21 Dec, Ricoh
Arena, Coventry
A MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS
WITH WAYTES & MEASURES Sun 21 Dec, The
Fleece Inn, Worcester
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
FAMILY ACTIVITIES A variety of family-friendly
trails, crafts and outdoor activities, Sun 21 Wed 31 Dec, National
Memorial Arboretum,
Staffs
Week Commencing
MON 22 DEC
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Mon 22 Dec,
Moseley Old Hall,
Wolverhampton
WITH SWAN & DYER’S
WINTER WARMER A festive celebration of
Christmas carols and
music hall, Mon 22
Dec, The Fleece Inn,
Evesham
FESTIVE DROP-IN CRAFT
Mon 22 Dec, Artrix,
Bromsgrove
CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICES Mon 22 - Tues 23
Dec, Worcester
Cathedral
TILE DECORATING
WORKSHOPS Drop-in
sessions where participants use the technique
Museum, Shropshire
GREAT HALL MEDIAEVAL
BANQUET Tues 23 Dec,
Warwick Castle
Fleece Inn, Evesham
CHRISTMAS QUEST Tues
23 - Wed 24 Dec,
Moseley Old Hall,
Wolverhampton
present, Wed 24 Dec,
Severn Valley Railway,
Kidderminster
CHRISTMAS EVE GHOST
TOUR Including mince
pies and mulled wine,
Wed 24 Dec, The
Stratford-upon-Avon
TUDOR CHRISTMAS TALKS
Santa Safaris - The Follies, Hawkstone
Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, North
Shropshire
Wed 24 Dec,
Shakespeare’s
BLESSING OF THE CRIB
Wed 24 Dec, Worcester
Cathedral
CHRISTMAS DAY
EUCHARIST Thurs 25
Dec, Worcester
Cathedral
CHRISTMAS DAY EVENSONG WITH CAROLS
Thurs 25 Dec,
Worcester Cathedral
COVENTRY BLAZE VS
CARDIFF DEVILS Fri 26
Dec, Skydome Arena,
Coventry
WINTER FAMILY OUTDOOR
TRAIL Fri 26 Dec - Mon
5 Jan, Croome Park,
Worcester
TOY COLLECTORS FAIR
Described as 'Britain's
biggest' event of its
kind and featuring thousands of collectables
for sale from the UK's
leading specialist dealers, Sat 27 Dec, NEC,
Birmingham
Country Living
Museum, Dudley
FLEECE FESTIVE FILMS
Sun 28 Dec, The Fleece
Inn, Evesham
EVENSONG WITH CAROLS
Sun 28 Dec, Great
Witley Parish Church,
Worcester
CHILDREN’S SCHOOL HOLIDAY POTTERY SESSIONS
Mon 29 Dec, Eastnor
Pottery and The Flying
Potter, Eastnor Castle,
Herefordshire
TILE DECORATING
WORKSHOPS Drop-in
sessions where participants use the technique
Museum, Ironbridge,
Shropshire
NEW YEAR’S EVE GHOST
TOUR Includes a glass
of buck’s fizz, Wed 31
Dec, The Falstaff’s
Experience, Stratfordupon-Avon
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Enjoy a five-course
meal and disco, Wed
31 Dec, Hawkstone
Park & Follies, Westonunder-Redcastle, North
Shropshire
NEW YEAR’S EVE HOUSE
PARTY Wed 31 Dec,
Weston Park,
Staffordshire
NEW YEAR’S EVE 1940S
PARTY Includes a welcome drink and a fourcourse meal, Wed 31
Dec, Jinney Ring Craft
Centre, Bromsgrove
NEW YEAR EVE CEILIDH
Family event featuring
music entertainment as
well as a hot supper
and bonfire. Fancy
dress theme is Sci-Fi,
Wed 31 Dec, The
Fleece Inn, Evesham
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Featuring a glass of fizz
on arrival, live music
and hot food, Wed 31
Dec, The Swan Theatre,
Worcester
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS Featuring a
buffet and live entertainment from Sole Trader,
Wed 31 Dec, Wharton
Park, Bewdley
Eating Out December Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 17:49 Page 1
Eating Out
Shropshire food centre
a winner...
The Ludlow Food Centre in South Shropshire has
fended off stiff competition from hundreds of
entrants to win the title of the Midlands’ Best Deli.
Following an arduous judging process, the centre
was declared ‘the ultimate food destination in the
Midlands’ at the recent BBC Good Food Show.
Barney Desmazery, BBC Good Food’s Food
Editor, said of the win: “Once again during the
search for the Midlands’ best deli or farm shop
we’ve uncovered some incredible food shops.
From traditional high street delis to a chicken
shed-turned-farm shop, customers have nominated their favourite local food destinations across
the Midlands. I’m really impressed with the winner, the Ludlow Food Centre, and am sure food
lovers from across the region will agree that
they’re worthy winners of the title.”
Hav’an’a Cuban feast in Shrewsbury
REVIEW
Just Good Food at The REP...
Highly rated local outfit Just Good Food has
been chosen by The REP as its caterer for private
parties and events. The Birmingham-based catering company will provide a wide range of food
options - from canapes to three-course meals for a variety of events at the Centenary Square
theatre venue, including VIP launch events, opening nights, corporate
breakfasts, lunches and
private parties. The company will this month be
creating a special menu
for The REP’s Alice In
Wonderland-themed Mad
Hatter’s Christmas Parties.
Gentleman & Scholar opens
at The Hyatt
Birmingham’s Hyatt hotel has unveiled its brand
new look following a multi-million pound refurbishment. An integral part of the revamp is the
creation of a new bistro pub. The Gentleman &
Scholar opens onto Broad Street and features a
heated terrace and extensive menu. Open to
both guests and non-guests, the eatery mixes
modern European cuisine with great British classics. Dishes include a trio of Shropshire lamb,
chargrilled cutlets, lamb shoulder boulangere
and sauted sweet breads, all sourced from local
producers.
Last night was the second
time I’ve been to Havana
Republic since its opening
in September - both times
under different circumstances. The first occasion
was a boozy Saturday
night birthday celebration
with my friends; the second, a child-free date with
my husband. I loved it the
first time, primarily for the
atmosphere and the fun.
Now I love it even more,
thanks to the food...
Brought to you by the
team who created the
award-winning Peach Tree
Restaurant and swanky
ramen bar Momo·No·Ki,
Havana Republic offers a
top-notch night out to suit
every mood. Its Cubaninfluenced, no-fuss menu
allows you to dip in and
try a bit of everything,
share with friends, and eat
either a little or a lot.
Executive Head Chef Chris
Burt has created a fingerlickin’, tapas-style menu
incorporating wings, ribs,
steaks, burgers, Cuban
jerk spices, smoky dips,
sauces, paellas, chorizo
and salsas.
If meat isn’t your thing,
there are veggie options
too - with not a standard
risotto or goat’s cheese
tart in sight! Vegetarian
paellas, jerk-spiced
salmon and Cuban chick
pea curry are all there for
the taking.
My one criticism would be
that the dessert menu is
the same as the Peach
Tree’s. That said, the
Peach Tree’s is delicious,
so that’s no bad thing. Try
their famous brulee that
comes in three eggshells
in a nest!
The cocktail menu is a
fantastic read. With every
type of rum, mojito and
daiquiri you could wish for,
the flavour combinations
and ingredients used are
inspired. If you’re a fan of
ginger, elderflower, fresh
mint and long, refreshing
drinks, you could easily
spend a whole night working your way through the
menu. If you’re not sure
what to go for, the staff are
more than happy to recommend. Chris, our waiter, was very knowledgeable and chatty - the service was excellent.
Moving on to the decor,
the vibe is all about the
raw, industrial look that’s
not only typical of a
Cuban-style bar but is also
very fashionable at the
moment. Think piled-up
wooden crates, bare
floors, stripped-back brick
walls, upcycled furniture
made from oil drums,
lighting fixtures made from
helicopter parts, angle
lamps and wooden panelling with pops of colour.
Top it off with warm mood
lighting and live Cuban
music and you’ve got
yourself an upbeat atmosphere that makes you feel
like you’re enjoying a
Caribbean getaway.
Havana Republic is very
much to my taste. Its
social, Cuban, food & family-loving vibe makes it my
new ‘favourite hangout’ in
Shrewsbury. My next table
has already been
booked... roll on next
month!
Jessica Aston
Food:
nnnnn
Service:
nnnnn
Ambience: n n n n n
Overall value n n n n n
OVERALL n n n n n
Havana Republic Bar
& Restaurant
18 Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
SY2 6AE
01743 281744
Eating Out December Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 17:49 Page 2
Restaurant LISTINGS
For full listing information on restaurants, including opening times and
type of cuisine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk
Birmingham
AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel
La Tour, Albert Street,
Birmingham B5 5JT
0121 718 8000
AIR RESTAURANT LG
Arena, Bickenhill Rd,
0844 338 0333
BANK 4 Brindleyplace,
B1 2JB 0121 633 4466
BAR ESTILO 10-114
Wharfside St, The
Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121
643 3443
BARAJEE 265 Broad
Street, B1 2DS 0121 643
6699
BELLA ITALIA 102 New
Street, B2 4HQ 0121
643 1548
BLUE MANGO Regency
Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS
0121 633 4422
BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT
AND BAR 24-26 Harborne
Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454
6877
BUONISSIMO 1 Albany
Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX
0121 426 2444
CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells
Square, Brindleyplace,
B1 2HS 0121 248 3226
CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s
Edge, Brindleyplace
B1 2HP 0121 633 9262
CENTENARY BAR &
BRASSERIE Broad Street,
B1 2EP 0121 245 2080
CHUNG YING
16-18 Wrottersley Street,
B5 4RT 0121 622 5669
CHUNG YING GARDEN 17
Thorpe St, B5 4AT
0121 666 6622
CIELO 6 Oozells Square,
Brindleyplace, B1 2JB
0121 632 6882
COAST TO COAST 9
Brindleyplace, Broad
Street, B1 2HJ
COTE The Mailbox,
B1 1RX 0121 631 1587
CUCINA RUSTICA 24
Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX
0121 233 2277
DEL VILLAGGIO
Unit 528, Middle Mall,
The Bullring. B5 4BE
0121 643 1400
EDMUNDS 6 Brindley
place, B1 2JB 0121 633
4944
FLEET STREET KITCHEN
Fleet Street, Islington
Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236
0100
ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3
1JL 0121 212 3383
JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle
Mall, Bullring Shopping
Centre, B5 4BE
0121 270 3610
JIMMY SPICES Regency
Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS
0121 643 2111
LAS IGUANAS Arcadian
Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD
0121 622 4466
LASAN 3-4 Dakota
Buildings, James St, St
Paul’s Square, B3 1SD
0121 212 3664
THE LOFT LOUNGE
143 Bromsgrove St,
B5 6RG 0121 622 2444
LOVES The Glasshouse,
Browning St, B16 8FL
0121 454 5151
MECHU 47 - 59 Summer
Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212
1661
METRO BAR & GRILL 73
Cornwall St B3 2DF
0121 200 1911
MOUNT FUJI The Bullring,
B5 4BH 0121 633 9853
OPUS 54 Cornwall St,
B3 2DE 0121 200 2323
THE ORIENTAL The
Mailbox, 128-130
Wharfside St, B1 1RQ
0121 633 9988
PEACHYKEENS 1741
Coventry Road, B26
1DS 0121 764 5519
PENNY BLACKS
The Mailbox, 132-134
Wharfside St, B1 1XL
0121 632 1460
PICCOLINO
9 Brindleyplace B1 2HS
0121 634 3055
PITCHER & PIANO
Brindleyplace, B1 2HP
0121 643 0214
POPPY RED Arcadian
Centre, Birmingham B5
4TD 0121 687 1200
PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall
St, B3 2DH 0121 212
9799
PURNELL’SBISTOR & GINGER’S BAR 11 Newhall
Street, B3 3NY, 0121
2000 1588
RED PEPPERS 117
Wharfside St, B1 1RF
0121 643 4202
SAN CARLO 4 Temple St,
B2 5BN 0121 633 0251
SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad
St, B15 1AY 0121 633
0366
SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield
Rd, Edgbaston B13 3DU
0121 454 3434
THE SLUG AND LETTUCE,
Brindley Place,
Birmingham B1 2HL
0121 633 3049
STRADA 109-111
Wharfside St, The
Mailbox B1 1XL
0121 643 7279
THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq,
B1 2HL 0121 643 3993
WAGAMAMA Brindley
Place, birmingham B1
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
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
BUFFALO STEAK HOUSE
125 Frankwell,
Shrewsbury SY3 8JX
01743 537523
BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal,
TF11 9BA 01952
460662
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
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 BÉCASSE 17 Corve St,
Ludlow, SY8 1DA 01584
872 325
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
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
For full Restaurant listings
visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk
Havana Republic (FP-Dec).qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 19:02 Page 1
grand_whatson FP Dec.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2014 16:54 Page 1
Great Theatre at the Grand!
SAT 6 DEC - SUN 18 JAN
MON 12 JAN
TUES 20 JAN
WED 21 JAN
FRI 23 JAN
SAT 24 JAN
HERMAN’S HERMITS
THE SWINGING BLUE JEANS
DAVE BERRY
THE UNION GAP
THE IVY LEAGUE
ALAN MOSCA
FROM FREDDIE AND THE DREAMERS
MON 2 - SAT 7 FEB
TUES 27 - SAT 31 JAN
SUN 8 - MON 9 FEB
Raymond Gubbay presents
Russia’s acclaimed ballet company
returns for the UK Tour 2014/15
SWAN LAKE
THE NUTCRACKER
Performed by
The Russian State Ballet
& Orchestra of Siberia
Follow us on
@WolvesGrand
Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand
Box Office 01902
42 92 12
BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk

December 2014 - What`s On Live

Transcription

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