area 15 december/january

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Editors: David O’Coy & Kerry [email protected]@fusedmagazine.comSales: Annelise [email protected]: Craig Bush, Rebecca Checkley, Annelise Francis, Maisie Jeynes, William Lambie, Luke McNaney, Kimberley Owen, Natasha Parker, Katie Pinner, Tom RichardsonFront Cover: Emma MorrisContent Image: Martin Pickard

DISCLAIMERReproduction of all editorial/images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission. We cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. While we aim to make sure all listings are correct we can not be held responsible for any incorrect entries. Readers should check venues before arrival. Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily the publishers. This is a Fused Publication © Fused 2010 © Area Culture Guide 2010.

AREA Culture Guide, 315 The Greenhouse, Gibb Square, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA tel: 0121 246 [email protected]

The Culture Guide is monthly and AdvErtS CoSt juSt £165 For A pAgE (£85 for a half page). To book call 0121 246 1946 today or email ads@fusedmaga z ine.com. Full rates can be found on areacultureguide.co.uk. We are NOW booking for the February, March & April issues.

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FESTIVE FLAIR /QUEEN VIC DESIGNER MAKER FAIRLight House & Wolverhampton Art gallery11 December11am-4pm

Christmas shopping can be a chore - especially when you’re faced with the same chain-stores on every street, shifting the same identikit tat that they were hawking last year. For the shopper who wants to find something unique for their loved ones’ stockings, traipsing around the stalls and malls of the Midlands can be a futile exercise.

But help may be at hand, thanks to two festive fairs hosted by Wolverhampton’s Light House and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The two institutions have teamed up to provide a showcase for the region’s best makers of hand-crafted gifts, cards and decorations, which organisers are touting as an opportunity to “find something unique and hand-made for everyone.”

Running in tandem, both events will play host to stalls from 40 of the region’s best designers and makers, selling everything from illustrations and photography to textiles and jewellery.

This year’s editions of the well-established designer fairs will be the second time that Festive Flair and Queen Vic have teamed up to offer a festive alternative to the monotony of high-street shopping, after collaborating last year.

Getting into the festive spirit, the Queen Vic leg of the event will feature storytelling, craft activities and local choir performances, as well as a Santa’s grotto to keep younger members of the family entertained. Those less enthralled by the man in red will be able to enjoy a glass of mulled wine as they browse the stalls.

A chance to buy something one-of-a-kind and escape the shopping-centre madness in the run-up to Christmas? We know where we’ll be on December 11th. TR

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DOMESTIC GLAMOURthe Lighthouse, Wolverhampton28 January - 24 March 2011

Monica Fernandez, originally from Tenerife, is a photographic artist now based in the Midlands. From 28th January her Domestic Glamour exhibition will be on show at Wolverhampton’s Light House Gallery.

The show celebrates women and their everyday beauty rituals. The subjects all have a personal link with Fernandez, allowing her to capture them in a more vulnerable state, giving the images an unstaged feel, and really brining the women in them to life.

The photographs reflect this intimacy, embracing the women’s natural beauty, as well as raising questions about ageing and ageism. The original catalysts for the exhibition were family ties and the strong women in her life with whom Fernandez, whose Spanish roots strongly influence her work, feels a connection.

If you’re looking for something a bit different to inspire you in the new year, and a good dose of real human warmth, this could be just the show to visit. WL

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DAVID RUSHTONModels and Metaphors, Concepts and Conceits Herbert Art gallery & Museum and the Lanchester gallery (Coventry School of Art and design)Until 3 January 2011

Influential Coventry-born conceptual artist David Rushton returns to his hometown with this two-part exhibition examining his past and present work.

Taking place in Coventry’s Herbert and Lanchester galleries, the exhibition includes examples of Rushton’s interpretations of early conceptual art, his meticulously-crafted 1/24 scale models of places, and records of his activities as a student activist.

Rushton was a member of the Turner Prize-nominated Art and Language group, founded in 1967 by four artists who began collaborating whilst teaching art in Coventry. The group, which had a huge influence on conceptual art in the UK and the US, railed against conventional forms of ‘non-linguistic’ art such as painting and sculpture, publishing journals which challenged long-standing conventions of art criticism and production.

His work has been displayed worldwide, including major installations at New York’s MoMA and galleries across Britain. TR

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BRILLIANTLy BIRMINGHAM various venues throughout BirminghamUntil 9 January 2011

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Birmingham’s metal industries died in the Black Country Museum. Rusty coal shafts and enamelled roasting trays may be the prime features of Birmingham’s forgotten industries, but Birmingham’s ugly duckling saw many swans emerge from its tinkering in iron and steel.

Brilliantly Birmingham is the city’s salute to the rich history of jewellery-making that went on, and is still going on throughout the Midlands and the world today.

Back for its 11th year, Brilliantly Birmingham returns to show off all that glitters in the innovative and historic Jewellery Quarter, home to hundreds of creative businesses and still a global hub for design.

This year’s festival sees Taiwanese artist and Birmingham graduate Li-Chu Wu (pictured) appearing as a profiled designer throughout the festival. Li-Chu creates paper jewellery and is inspired by the varied uses and sculptural possibilities of the material. Layering, cutting and arranging paper into wearable adornment, she creates unique pieces which develop traditional forms.

The festival takes in venues throughout Birmingham’s arts scene, including the newly refurbished mac in the south of the city. Mac will host Flux, a unique event which helps generate exposure for up-and-coming designers and makers. The exhibition and selling event runs alongside the festival.

Brilliantly Birmingham is an internationally recognised festival which showcases inspiring pieces in a range of unusual materials and designs, and which puts a little more gold on Birmingham’s streets than just the autumn leaves. RC

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NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMASvIvId18 December, 8.30pm till latewww.vivid.org.ukTickets £5

VIVID will be hosting a Christmas party with a difference to mark the close of its 2010 programme of events.

Nightmare Before Christmas will feature a line-up of winter horror, creepy electronica and spectral pop. There’ll be DJ sets from COLOUR, Lärmlicht, John Napier and Dan Le Trap, bringing you a mix of dark and jagged sounds combined with intense, psychedelic visuals. And to help you get in the right spirit, The Princes of Risborough have put together Jugend Horror Mix, a free playlist available for download at www.jugendklub.co.uk.

As well as bringing down the curtain on VIVID’s whole year, the party will be closing the LANGUAGE season (3rd - 18th December) which ends with work and performance by Aura Satz, who explores the uncanny aspects of technologies of mechanical reproduction, often focussed on unusual sonic devices and automata.

Nightmare Before Christmas forms part of The Garage Presents, a brand new series of one-off events encompassing music, live arts, installation, performance and digital and sonic media. WLImage credit: Malcolm Le Grice. Berlin Horse (1970). Image courtesy the artist.

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We are all sick of hearing the repetitive recession talk on the news, but Christmas is coming so it’s time to get cheery. How can you get into the Christmas sprit when you’re brassic, we hear you cry? Well, follow our guide to being a ‘recessionista’ and you can celebrate like a happy little elf all festive season without breaking the bank!

1. get practicalIt’s time to get to grips with the make-do-and-mend attitude that our ‘rents’ embraced when funds were scarce. Rekindle your childhood creative side and arm yourself with glitter, glue and coloured pens to make your own Crimbo cards! Anyone can buy into commercialisation at Christmas, so instead wow your friends with your imagination and make your cards this year. Personalise them and your buddies will think, “Wow how thoughtful.” Forget Moonpig!

2. Make like Laurence Llewelyn-BowenSo you barely have a scrap of tinsel from last year? Get the girls over and have a Christmas decoration-making party! It may sound crass but after a bottle of wine it’s amazing how the creative juices will flow. How about making old-school paper chains out of white paper and any pink Financial Times you can get your hands on? Or embrace our celebrity culture and cut out your sleb of choice and make them into an angel for the top of your tree. Our choice will be Dame Vivienne Westwood – quirky but achingly fashionable, the perfect tree-topper.

3. party with a slice of frugalityIt’s the time for celebrations, but you can get merry on the cheap. When attending Christmas parties always pretend you are bringing wine/champers for someone’s birthday in a pressie bag then drink it on the sly yourself. Way

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cheaper than the bar! Or be the ‘hostess with the mostess’ and hold a house party, asking everyone to bring a bottle. You will always end up with a truckful of leftovers! Alternatively, get on lots of networking lists – there will always be free drinks at these bashes, so make like Vince Vaughn and gatecrash.

4. give ‘thoughtful’ giftsIf you want to give, think “less is more”. A sure-fire way into people’s hearts is to cook. Unleash your inner Nigella and get making a batch of Christmas biscuits you can put in mini gift-boxes for friends. Thoughtful and cheap but oh-so-tasty. Even your most diet-conscious friends will thank you for their festive delights; after all you did slave away to make them … or why not make old-school mix CD’s?

5. Be a Christmas CrackerFirst make your own crackers with a kit from the internet – genius. If you’re worried about your party outfit why not have a pre-Christmas switching party? Swap clothes with your best buddies, or if that’s not your cup of tea, get customizing. A few rhinestones, ribbons, and DIY hair decorations will always update an outfit. Pre-party go to a department store and get your make-up done for free – cheap and chic.

Whatever you decide to do this Christmas it’s time to think creatively and regain that old-fashioned festive spirit. Be thankful for what you have, but most of all have fun! KO

Image: Wrapping paper to get you started on your crafty way from Muji.

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MUSIC

Rocking Around the

Bullring: A Xmas Gig Guide

We often associate Christmas with quaint home comforts: turkey sarnies, chestnuts roasting on open fires, ‘horrid’ jumpers from Nan that we’d

probably splash £40 on if they were hanging off a rack in Urban Outfitters. But what to do if we want to hit the town, yet can’t stomach the thought of

yet another mulled wine at the famous Xmas market?

Round up some pals and go to a gig, silly! With some big names hitting some of the biggest venues in and around Birmingham, you can experience

some top festive music this December away from Mum’s countless Christmas carol CDs – maybe expect a tongue-in-cheek cover of ‘Mistletoe

and Wine’ somewhere down the line, though…

You could do worse than kicking off the party with Scissor Sisters at the LG Arena on 3rd December. They’ve rediscovered their credibility without losing any of the fun on third album Night Work, and their show, featuring

Hurts as the opening act, is sure to be camp as Christmas. (Like you didn’t see that coming.) If you’ve got any energy left, keep on dancing at Wolves Civic the following night when the Sisters’ electro-pop forebears Human

League treat us to their back catalogue of classics.

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Back in Brum, those who prefer the quieter kind of Crimbo can indulge in poetic acoustics from Mercury-nominated Villagers on 5th December at the HMV Institute – he’ll undoubtedly be wearing a fuzzy festive jumper. Keeping it twee, the following night beloved Scots Belle and Sebastian will be at Symphony Hall, playing music for lovelorn geeks everywhere to kiss under the mistletoe to. Or, if The Boy with the Arab Strap passed your generation by, catch pop-punkers You Me At Six the same night in Wolverhampton.

Feel like the whole ‘birthday of Jesus’ thing warrants a sense of occasion? You can’t get more epic than Arcade Fire on 8th December, who’ll deliver a simultaneously gloomy yet life-affirming sermon at the LG. The fact that prince of cool Devendra Banhart is supporting is enough to seal the deal, surely?

If you’re looking for a Christmas knees-up, Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Ever on the 9th at the HMV Institute’s Library sounds like a great addition to party season - even if Phil Spector will be eating another turkey dinner behind bars this year. Meanwhile, Suggs and his band Madness will get even Santa skanking at the 02 Academy on 11th December, while Martha Reeves & the Vandellas represent a ghost from Christmases past at the Institute on the 17th.

Local music fans get an early present in the form of Wolves troubadour Scott Matthews appearing at his city’s Slade Rooms venue on the 10th, three nights before The View, who will hopefully have some new jeans waiting in their stocking this year. Birmingham heroes The Twang also headline a Christmas homecoming gig at the Institute on 20th December.

Nothing taken your fancy as of yet? Rock around the Xmas tree with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the O2Academy on 7th December. Stop by the ever-lovely Glee Club on the 12th to witness the sufficiently Christmassy-sounding Trembling Bells. Or tickle your funny bone with white and nerdy Weird Al Yankovic on the 2nd at O2 Academy, or Jimmy Carr at Wolves Civic on 17th December.

There’s easily something for everyone then, and what better way to while away the cold nights than getting to the front at a must-see gig? There’s only one way to wrap up this Christmas’s musical merriment though, and that’s with a trip to see The Pogues at the O2 Academy on 18th December. Raise a glass during ‘A Fairytale of New York’ and your own fairytale Birmingham Christmas will surely be one to remember. LM

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ECHO & THE BUNNyMENo2 Academy4 December

Those latecomers to these Liverpool legends, who may not have been born when the Bunnymen’s 30-year career started, are in for a treat. The Scousers will be playing through the entirety of their first two albums, a duo of gems that should belong on any serious collector’s shelf.

Classics like ‘Do It Clean’, ‘Rescue’ and ‘Pictures on My Wall’ will all be played in order, a rare feat for any band, let alone one of the most influential in the British scene for the last few decades. So wipe the dust off those two classic albums (and if there is dust on them, shame on you) and get yourself prepared for one of the final must-see events of the year. CB

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BELLE AND SEBASTIANSymphony Hall6 December

After a two-year hiatus, Belle and Sebastian, the typically low-key purveyors of twee indie music, return to promote new album Write About Love backed by a 40-piece orchestra. And, far from the sticky-floored rock venues where you might normally expect to see them, the Glaswegian seven-piece are bringing their inimitable brand of indie-pop to the decidedly more upmarket confines of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Not that fans should expect too radical a departure. Write About Love - the band’s eighth studio album since genre classic and permanent fixture on any self-respecting indie fan’s iPod, Tigermilk - is a return to their trademark wistful, sometimes melancholic vocals and off-the-wall musical arrangements.

Though the band started humbly enough in 1996, they’ve gone on to build a worldwide cult following which includes film stars and directors; their music has soundtracked movies like Juno and High Fidelity, and Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan provided guest vocals on the new album’s title track.

Indeed, it’s actually not the first time frontman Stuart Murdoch and co. have been accompanied by a fully-fledged orchestra; they played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to a sell-out crowd at LA’s Hollywood Bowl in 2006.

But this, Belle and Sebastian’s first UK tour in four years, will be the first time they’ve played to a home audience with some 40-odd extra members - in this case the London Contemporary Orchestra.

The Birmingham leg of the 2010 tour, which also includes a curatorial slot at December’s ATP-branded Bowlie 2 event, is one of only three UK dates to feature the orchestra. Sure to be a special event, it’s a rare chance to catch one of the UK’s most influential and best-loved indie groups. TR

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From humble beginnings in St. Albans in 2003, Enter Shikari went on to obliterate the meaning of the word ‘genre’ as their post-hardcore electronic fusion gripped both the music press and angsty teens alike. From the smallest tents at UK festivals, the band has since toured the US with the Vans Warped Tour, and count groups such as The Prodigy as friends. Ahead of their tour supporting 30 Seconds to Mars, which will see them playing some of their largest UK shows to date, it seems like now might be the time to reflect on the year that has seen the group move up the ladder of musical domination. Bassist and backing vocalist Chris Batten shares his thoughts.

You’ve been guests of some big artists in the past. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the support larger acts have given you?We’ve definitely felt overwhelmed by the size of the organisation and how impressive a live show a band like The Prodigy can put on. You think you reach a certain level where things have got pretty big, then you support The Prodigy and you feel like school children again, realising you’re only at the beginning. They were so kind to us in regards to looking after us also. Such nice dudes.

Festivals aside, these will be some of your largest audiences to date. Will you treat it like any other show or do you feel like you have to up the ante?They’re definitely up there. We did some pretty large arenas in Europe with The Prodigy, and also a few big ones with Linkin Park and Billy Talent too. Being a support band you don’t get any control over production really, so it’s

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hard to up the ante in the usual way with installing a massive lighting and sound system, so we’ll just go out there and use whatever we can to our advantage, anything we can do to go towards a better stage performance.

Take to the Skies was released on your own label, Ambush Reality. What made you go to Atlantic Records and then return to your own label?We first made our own label because no one at the time was willing to take a risk on us. We knew we were ready to start releasing music and we’ve never been a band to sit around and wait for things to happen. We made a deal with Atlantic for the second record as we felt we needed to step things out and we didn’t really have the funding ourselves to do so. As it turned out the major label experience didn’t work out for us as expected. All the people working with us were lovely, and we’re thankful for that, but really it was a bit of a clash of cultures with the more business-minded people there. We moved back to a completely independent set-up because it was frustrating for us to have to have decisions approved, or ideas turned down because a business-affairs person looking at the label’s accounts feels we’re not worth investing a lot of money into. The way we’re set up now we get a lot of things done quickly. If we want to make a one-off digital-only release, or perhaps release a limited-edition live CD, we have no chain of command we have to go through.

So what can we expect from the next Enter Shikari album?We like to push ourselves; we aim to make the songs sound and feel new and exciting. I’d expect a lot of new ideas and directions. It’s hard to say much about it at the moment. We start writing properly for the record early next year, so it’ll only become obvious to us which direction we’re heading once we all get in the rehearsal room together and start busting out our ideas.

What have been your highlights of 2010?Personally for me, the Warped Tour was a real highlight. It was the first time we saw the hard work we’ve done in the States paying off. We didn’t know what to expect and some of the reactions we received were mind-blowing. Reading and Leeds Festivals were also highlights. They always are to be honest. Reading is the festival we all went to as kids so it’s always an honour to play there, the reaction is always intense too. The other major highlight for us was the European tour with The Prodigy. We’re all massive fans and we had a great time on the tour. We also got to support them at the Milton Keynes Bowl at their largest headline UK show. Playing in front of 60,000 people is a pretty damn good experience, not to mention a total high.

Enter Shikari will playing the Birmingham NIA on 1st December. NP

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BLACK REBEL MOTORCyCLE CLUBo2 Academy7 December

There was a time not so many years ago when it seemed that rock might be in a state of terminal decline, in the days of wall-to-wall Coldplay, Keane, and Cowell and co’s manufactured X-Factor pop. BRMC are one of the bands who restored the faith of many a distraught music-lover and helped to bring a bit of balance back to the musical landscape, definitively answering the question “Whatever Happened to my Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

Their heady blend of heavy, hard-rock riffing and thunderous rhythms, combined with lighter, folkish moments and psychedelic washes, with constant overtones of doom and damnation, blasted through the prevailing conditions like a blaze in a fireworks factory.

And now they’re back in the UK, after touring earlier in the year to promote their latest album, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo. (Coming soon is the DVD of their sell-out show at London’s Kentish Forum.) But this time around you can expect more of a greatest-hits show as they build up to their 1000th gig, at Brixton Academy on the 11th.

So make sure you’re in top moshing form, get your big boots on ready for a good stomp, and don’t be surprised if you wake up the next day with ringing ears and a sore neck. WL

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FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKETvictoria Square and New StreetUntil 23 December

Get your mittens, woolly hat and big coat on and make sure your stomach is empty, ready for the return of Birmingham’s most festive of events. The lights will be up and there’ll be dozens of wooden-chalet-style sheds, full of nick-nacks and plenty to indulge your sweet tooth.

Those of you who have passed the threshold into adulthood and are looking for something a bit stronger can wash down your bratwurst with a wide range of German beers and Glühwein (that’s mulled wine to the less Bavarian-literate among us). Lift your mugs and glasses while attempting to sing along to Oompah bands and maybe some more traditional carols.

So wrap up warm and be prepared to stay up late (although the stalls are open throughout the day), get caught up in that holiday feeling and don’t be surprised if you find yourself riding the merry-go-round after a few too many cherry lagers. ‘Tis the season. CBImage Courtesy of visitbirmingham.com

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COMEDy

ANDy PARSONS - GRUNTLEDWolverhampton Civic Hall29 January 2011

With his unmistakable West Country accent, Andy Parsons has been consistently delivering comedy to a very approving public. Following his meteoric rise to mainstream fame, appearing on BBC comedy staple Mock The Week, Parsons is back touring the live circuits, meaning fans no longer have to share him with five other egos.

His cheeky comedic style sees him recalling questionable anecdotes (does anyone remember the time he found some underpants in a jar of mayonnaise?), and whilst we know that these stories are almost certainly embellished, and quite possibly completely fabricated, there’s something about Parsons that means it really doesn’t matter.

This time, he’s back with Gruntled, which promises to provide enough comedy to laugh away your post-Christmas blues. MJ

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Send your answer along with your name, address, telephone number and date of birth to [email protected]. Deadline for entry is 16th December, 2010.Crossfade LP is available for £199.99 Carphone Warehouse stores and online.Please visit v-moda.com for more information.

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ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS SHOWHMv Institute 8 December

As famous for his award-winning burger van as he is for his appearances on TV show Shooting Stars, Angelos Epithemiou is travelling the UK with a rag-tag group of friends to bring some festive cheer into your lives.

Having done lone stand-up tours for several years now, Angelos Epithemiou (a character created by actor Renton Skinner) shot to fame after harassing guests and recounting his stories on the Reeves and Mortimer comedy quiz. Always with shopping bag in hand, Angelos went on to replace George Dawes and become the show’s scorekeeper, entertaining with his raving techno music and dry humour.

Not a lot is known about what the show will entail, but here is what the man himself promises: “It’ll be jokes and questions and magic and songs and stuff like that dragged out for an hour and a half I think. Come along.”

You will also get to see Angelos at Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall on 22nd February 2011. CB

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THEATRE

It’s that time of year again, the time of year when our bank balances seem permanently in the red, when we’re forced to spend time with irritating relatives, and when otherwise respectable establishments become overrun with Dames, Genies, and Handsome Princes. We’re talking about Christmas. More specifically, about Panto season.

This year, the West Midlands has done us proud, hosting an array of plays, musicals and ballets to cater for all tastes. If it’s uber-camp, fairytale mischief you’re after, we’ve got it. A more serene and poignant tale for the children? No problem. Breathtakingly beautiful ballet? Of course. And if you’re after simple good old-fashioned fun, then we can do that too. Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated for Area’s guide to the best of Birmingham’s Christmas Theatre.

Birmingham royal Ballet’s Cinderella (pictured)Birmingham HippodromeUntil 12 DecemberDirected by David Bintley, Cinderella celebrates Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 20th anniversary, bringing the classic tale back to life through mesmerizing choreography and a spellbinding score. Designer John Macfarlane creates a magical setting for the fairytale to truly come to life.

the Lost Happy EndingsmacUntil 3 JanuaryImagine if all the happy endings to stories got lost. Imagine if the only person who could save them was caught in the clutches of an evil witch. Written by award-winning Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, The Lost Happy Endings invites the audience to engage in this original and inspiring story, which promises surprising twists and turns around every corner!

the Secret gardenThe REPUntil 8 JanuaryThe Secret Garden is the story of ten-year-old Mary Lennox who is forced to live in her uncle’s gloomy Manor house in the Yorkshire countryside. Mary despises the whole situation, until she meets local boy Dickon, and together they discover a secret garden. The REP have transformed this children’s tale into a musical stage production, which offers the perfect Christmassy treat for children of all ages.

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the Firework Maker’s daughterThe Old RepUntil 22 JanuaryThe Firework Maker’s daughter is a magical tale of adventure. Protagonist Lila goes on a journey to find royal sulphur, before she faces a race against time to rescue her father by hosting the best fireworks display the world has ever seen. This play provides excitement and wonder for children and adults alike who are looking for a little bit more substance to their Christmas fairytale.

AladdinWolverhampton Grand 11 December – 30 JanuaryWith Christopher Biggins playing Widow Twanky, you know exactly what you’re going to get from this panto classic. Staying true to Christmas Pantomime roots, this version of Aladdin will have you booing and hissing in all the right places. Slapstick comedy for the kids, with the odd innuendo slipped in for the parents, this is camp Christmas mayhem at its finest.

dick WhittingtonBirmingham Hippodrome18 December – 30 JanuaryThe Hippodrome have pulled out some great names this year, with Dick Whittington starring Joan Collins, Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Keith Harris. Another panto favourite, Dick Whittington promises impressive special effects and relentless tomfoolery. A great evening out for some frivolous family fun.

We’re going on A Bear HuntBirmingham Town Hall21 December – 12 JanuaryThis is the delightful adaptation of Michael Rosen’s magnificent children’s picture book. Watch the explorers on stage as they hunt to find the elusive bear; facing long grass, squelchy mud, and all sorts of other inventive hindrances. Expect lots of noise, lots of singing, and lots of laughter. Perfect for younger children, or for those of us who want to reminisce about this enticing childhood adventure. MJ

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SPAMALOTAlexandra theatre7 December 2010 – 1 January 2011

The classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail has its spin-off, Spamalot, coming to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre.

This Tony Award-winning musical has had audiences in hysterics since 1995. Eric Idle and John Du Prez won the Tony Award for Best Musical 10 years later in 2005. Eric Idle is obviously known for his roles during the Python years and John Du Prez is also well qualified to work on the musical, having composed additional music for Life of Brian.

Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, killer rabbits and French people. Including the famous ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’, audiences will be singing along, always assuming they can sing in between fits of laughter.

Spamalot is a must-see for all Monty Python fans. The Pythons attract all generations to their shows and films, with youngsters laughing at the slapstick humour, and those of a more mature age finding their double entendres hilarious.

This Holy Grail of comic theatre is always a hit at the box office and makes for a welcome alternative to the Christmas pantomime usually enjoyed throughout December. KP

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FOOD&DRINK

FUSIONBroadway Casino, Broadway plaza, 219 Ladywood Middlewaybroadwaycasino.co.uk

Usually when you think of casinos you automatically think of a stench-filled, ghetto-tastic evening with dozens of uncouth gentlemen. However, a trip to Broadway Casino in the heart of the city changed all that.

The casino itself is mammoth, and unless you have been there you can’t entirely appreciate its TARDIS-like appeal. With its ambient surroundings, friendly staff and live entertainment you are sure to hit the jackpot here.

Fusion restaurant has a plethora of cuisines , so there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. The menu offers an array of dishes from Thailand, China, India and Italy to name just a few, while the chic setting offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, rare for a casino. This is a great date-spot with a difference.

Try the deep-fried red snapper if you like your food to leave a hot, tingly afterburst, or sample the Thai green curry for a delicious dead cert. KO

For booking at Fusion Restaurant call 0121 456 5557.

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Those cool guys at Etnies have kindly offered us three pairs of men’s trainers to give away to our readers in sizes 8, 9 and 10.Just answer this question to win: what is the name of the punk-rock hardcore festival which Etnies sponsor?

Quirky London designers Lazy Oaf are offering one of our lucky readers a £100 goody bag filled with gifts, accessories and clothing from their awesome store.To be in with a chance of winning simply answer this question: in what AREA of London will you find a Lazy Oaf store?

This gorgeous new gift and homewares collection, designed by Elizabeth Pinnock, offers up a kitsch range of products that showcase vintage images of saucy 50s ladies. All tastefully attired in undies and assuming coquettish poses they are a must for discerning pin-up devotees.

The cleverly titled Peek-a-Boo mug collection has virginal white bone china on the outside, but when tipped for a slurp of tea a rather alluring ‘Tease Maid’ is revealed inside. Guaranteed to raise a smile with your morning brew!

Once you’ve had your tea the Pin up Tea towel could come in handy. Featuring one of the most popular ladies, Veronica, the tea towel is 100% cotton and should get the chaps rushing to do the washing up!

We’ve got a mug and tea-towel set to give away.

045

WIN A MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK

Moleskine notebooks should be the default setting for anyone with creative ambitions, or even if you just want a diary that’s a cut above.

Used by such literary and artistic heavyweights as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin - who coined the name “Moleskine” - they are proving just as popular with a new generation of scribblers and sketchers.

And now one great cultural icon has been joined by another. Pac-Man celebrated his 30th birthday this year, and to mark this occasion Moleskine have produced a range of limited edition notebooks featuring Pac-Man cover art and mini-stickers.

We have five of the pocket notebooks to give away.

Please send your answer (if there is one - just your details if not) along with your name, address, contact number and date of birth, to [email protected] no later than 16th December 2010. Please put the name of the competition in the subject box.If entering the Lazy Oaf competition please include your gender.

ENTRy DETAILS

WIN A SANyO VIDEO CAMERA

The SANYO Xacti GH1 is YouTube ready, making it simple to upload your footage of festive fun (including the embarrassing bits, because we all love them).

The GH1 is lightweight and sleek, with 14 mega pixels and a 12 x wide range zoom.

Prices start from £199 in Curry’s.

To be in for a chance of winning this very cute and functional piece of kit just tell us: According to Buggles what killed the radio star?

046

FASHION&SHOPPING

41/42 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EE0121 665 6741 15% discount at White Stuff, and win a wardrobe worth £350!

White Stuff is offering an exclusive 15% discount in its new Birmingham shop this month*. The new branch on Cannon Street in Birmingham city centre promises to bring an all-new shopping experience to the area. The brand is known for quirky events, weird and wonderful window displays and unique interior designs, and this store is no exception.

Retro wallpaper, vintage lamps and doors made from old vinyl records are just some of the features. Plus, the gorgeous products focus on quality, distinctive print and amazing attention to detail. Dresses, kaftans, knits and shirts are designed for the casual and girly layered look, while unique accessories and leather footwear give you the chance to kit yourself out head to toe. White Stuff’s menswear collection of vintage-feel denim, slim-fit checked shirts and graphic tees are easy to wear and perfect for the man who hates shopping!

Just take this page to the Birmingham White Stuff store this month and redeem your 15% discount at the till. *The offer is valid until the 23rd December, 2010.

Win a White Stuff wardrobe worth £350! Simply answer the question below:

What is the door in the shop made from?a) CDsb) Vinyl recordsc) Cassette tapes

Send your answer along with your name, address and date of birth to [email protected]. Please write ‘White Stuff’ in the subject box. Deadline for entries is 16th December 2010.

WHITE STUFF COMPETITION

048

WEDNESDAy1 DECEMBER

MuSICurBAN Fox CLuBThe Yardbird8pm

MuSICtHIrty SECoNdS to MArSNIA7.30pm

MuSIC joHNNy ForEIgNEr, StAgECoACH, tHE NEAtThe Flapper7pm

tHEAtrEtHE SECrEt gArdENBirmingham Rep2.30pm

tHEAtrEtHE ArSoNIStS By MAx FrISCHCrescent Theatre7.45pm

dANCEBIrMINgHAM royAL BALLEt- CINdErELLABirmingham Hippodrome2pm & 7.30pm

tHEAtrEtHAt’LL BE tHE dAyAlexandra Theatre7.30pm

tHEAtrEtop gIrLSLibrary Theatre7.30pm

SpoKEN WordAN AudIENCE WItH BENjI rEId, WILL poWEr & toBy WILSHErBirmingham Rep7.45pm

ArtFrEE Art BuSIkon, Barber Institute, RBSA5pm - 9pm

THURSDAy2 DECEMBER

MuSICWEIrd AL yANKovIC02 Academy7pm

MuSICtHE SuBtErrA-NEANSJam House9pm

MuSICpENduLuMNIA7.30pm

MuSICMEAt FEASt, tHE gLASS godSThe Rainbow7.30pm

CLuBStrAxThe Victoria8pm

CLuBSouL CAFESunflower Lounge8pm

CLuBWHItE Boy SHIt!The Bulls Head9pm

049

FRIDAy 3 DECEMBER

MuSICSCISSor SIStErSLG Arena7.30pm

MuSICtHE HErBALISErHMV Institute6.30pm

MuSICKANoHMV Institute6.30pm

CoMEdyWIL SyLvINCEThe Drum7pm

CoMEdyWINdSor, WIL, WAyNE dEAKIN, gEoFF NorCottHighlight8pm

CLuBHoWLThe Victoria8pm

CLuBtHE BEAt rooMIsland Bar9pm, Free

SATURDAy4 DECEMBER

MuSICgALLoWSCivic Hall7pm

MuSICECHo & tHE BuNNyMEN02 Academy6.30pm

MuSICyouNg godS, tHIS IS rAdIo, dEAdFILMStArEddie’s Rock Club7pm

MuSICAtHLEtEHMV Institute6pm

MuSICHuMAN LEAguECivic Hall7pm

CLuBSouL & MoWtoWN dANCE pArtyThe Public8pm

CLuBvErtIgoThe Victoria8pm

tHEAtrEBIrMINgHAM royAL BALLEt- CINdErELLANIA7.30pm

tHEAtrEproCESS douBLE BILLBirmingham Rep6.30pm

ArtSAturdAy Art CLuBThe Public 10am

SpoKEN WordjoHN CoopEr CLArKEHMV Institute7pm

EvENtCELEBrAtE St.NIKoLAuS dAyCentre for the ChildCentral Library10am

SUNDAy5 DECEMBER

MuSICCHAoS ACouStIC CLuBOld Moseley Arms9pm

MuSICLIttLE SIStErKitchen Garden Cafe7.30pm

MuSICMIKE pEtErS oF tHE ALArMCivic Hall7pm

CLuBLIvE ForEErThe Bulls Head7.30pm, Free

tHEAtrEtHE LoSt HAppy ENdINgSMac11am

050

MONDAy 6 DECEMBER

MuSICBELLE & SEBAStIANSymphony Hall8pm

MuSICMAddy prIor & tHE CArNIvAL BANdTown Hall8pm

MuSICNIgHt oF tHE uNExpECtEdGlee Club7.30pm

MuSICBuLLEt For My vALENtINENIA6.30pm

tHEAtrEtHE FIrEWorK MAKEr’S dAugHtErThe Old Rep10am & 1.30pm

SpoKEN WordSpEAKEASy: A ForuM For tHEAtrE MAKErSThe Drum6pm

WEDNESDAy8 DECEMBER

MuSICArCAdE FIrELG Arena7.30pm

MuSICtHE CrooKEd EMpIrEThe Rainbow7.30pm

CoMEdytIM MINCHINNIA7.30pm

CoMEdyANgELoS EpItHEMIouHMV Institute7.30pm

CoMEdyLAugHINg CoWSKitchen Garden Cafe7pm

CLuBtHE LIKELy LAdSSunflower Lounge8pm

tHEAtrESECrEtS ANd gArdENSBirmingham Rep7pm

TUESDAy7 DECEMBER

MuSICBLACK rEBEL MotorCyCLE CLuBO2 Academy7pm

MuSICtHE INtENtIoNStHE jAM HouSE9pm, Free

MuSICELECtrIC SIxO2 Academy7pm

MuSICyou ME At SIxCivic Hall7pm

MuSICdISturBEd, pApA roACHNIA7.30pm

CoMEdytHE LAugHINg SoLE CoMEdy CLuBThe British Oak8pm

CLuBSWAMpMEAtSunflower Lounge8pm

tHEAtrESpAMALotAlexandra Theatre7.30pm

dANCEStrEEt dANCE CLASSESThe Public6pm

SpoKEN WordpoEtry WorKSHopThe Drum6pm

051

THURSDAy9 DECEMBER

MuSICdrEAdzoNE, SHE IS dANgErO2 Academy7pm

MuSICtHE MouLEttESHare & Hounds7.30pm

MuSICrEggAELICIouSThe Lake at Barston7pm

MuSICjAzz @ tHE vAuLtSThe Vaults7pm

MuSICKErrANg xMAS pArtyO2 Academy7pm

CoMEdyCoMEdy NIgHt Paragon Hotel7pm


tHEAtrEMIrIAM oN 34tH

StrEEtThe Old Joint Stock8pm

tHEAtrEHAMLEtLighthouse6.45pm

SpoKEN WordpuBLIC AddrESSMac7.30pm

FRIDAy10 DECEMBER

MuSICHAtEBrEEdHMV Institute6.30pm

MuSICFAItHLESSNIA7.30pm

CoMEdyjoHN BISHopCivic Hall6.45pm

CoMEdyACtINg up!The Drum7.30pm

CLuBzoMBIE CLuBSound Bar8pm

CLuBtHE BEAt rooMIsland Bar9pm, Free

CLuBFrEEStyLE: SAM rEdMorEThe Bulls Head9pm

CLuBFIdgEt FrIdAyRainbow Warehouse10pm

SATURDAy11 DECEMBER

MuSICMAdNESS- FAMILy MAtINEEO2 Academy2.30pm (Evening performance at 6.30pm)

MuSICtHE HEArtBrEAKSHMV Institute7pm

MuSICMoNAThe Flapper7pm

CoMEdygAry dELANEy, toM StAdE, IAN StoNEGlee Club7.30pm

CLuBFAtMAN d’S BIrtHdAy BASHCustard Factory9pm

CLuBzoMBIE proMRainbow Warehouse9pm

tHEAtrEtHE LoSt HAppy ENdINgS

052

Mac2.30pm

tHEAtrEMy pErFECt dESI BrIdEThe Drum7.30pm

EvENtCHrIStMAS CrAFt drop-IN SESSIoNWeoley Castle1.30pm

EvENtBAr Boot SALEHare & Hounds11am - 4pmFree

EvENtFEStIvE FLAIr MAKEr FAIrLighthouse11amFree

TUESDAy14 DECEMBER

MuSICACouStIC LouNgE LIzArdThe Yardbird7pm

MuSICtHE rEd LEMoNSThe Jam House9pm

CoMEdyyouNg guNS CoMEdy NIgHtWagon & Horses7.30pm

CLuBjAgErBoMBHMV Institute10pm

tHEAtrESuNFLoWErS & SHEdSBirmingham Rep1.30pm

SpoKEN WordpoEtry WorKSHopThe Drum6pm

EvENtBurLESquE WorKSHopThe Jekyll & Hyde8pm

SUNDAy12 DECEMBER

MuSICBoNoBoHMV Institute7pm

MuSICjAMESO2 Academy7pm

MuSICCHAoS ACouStIC CLuBOld Mosely Arms9pm

MuSICtrEMBLINg BELLS, doN’t MovEGlee Club7.30pm

CoMEdyFrANKIE BoyLENIA8pm

tHEAtrEMIrIAM oN 34tH StrEEtOld Joint Stock2.30pm

tHEAtrEMy pErFECt dESI BrIdEThe Drum5pm

MONDAy13 DECEMBER

MuSICWEEKLy rEggAE SESSIoNThe Bulls Head8.30pm

MuSICBroKEN AMp ACouStIC EvENINgAdam & Eve7.30pm

MuSICSoNIC BooM SIxO2 Academy 27pm

MuSICtHE vIEWSLAdE rooMSCivic Hall7pm

EvENtCHrIStMAS gIFt FAIrKItCHEN Garden Cafe6pm - 9pm

EvENtFILM & tv quIzLighthouse8pm

053

WEDNESDAy15 DECEMBER

CoMEdyLEE MACKSymphony Hall8pm

CoMEdyKEvIN BrIdgESCivic Hall7pm


tHEAtrEdAd’S ArMyCrescent Theatre7.30pm

tHEAtrESuNFLoWErS & SHEdBirmingham Rep1.30pm

EvENtStory tELLINg CAFE: tHE tWELvE WAyS oF CHrIStMASKitchen Garden Cafe6pm£7

THURSDAy16 DECEMBER

MuSICKINgS oF LEoNNIA7.30pm

MuSICjAzz @ tHE vAuLtSJazz7pm

MuSIC FrEINdS oF tHE StArSSymphony Hall - Level 35.30pm-7pm, Free

MuSICtHE joLLy BoySHMV Institute7pm, £12.50

CLuBtHE BooK CLuBHare & Hounds7.30pm


EvENtMurdEr MyStEry EvENINgHighbury Hall7pm

FRIDAy17 DECEMBER

MuSICdopAMINEO2 Academy 36pm

MuSICKINgS oF LEoNNIA7.30pm

MuSICdog Food, MISS HALLIWELLSunflower Lounge7.30pm

MuSICdEtroIt SouLJam House9pm

CoMEdyjIMMy CArrCivic Hall6.30pm

CLuBFrIENdLy FIrEHare & Hounds11pm

tHEAtrErAggArELLAThe Drum7.30pm

tHEAtrEdAd’S ArMyCrescent Theatre7.30pm

SATURDAy18 DECEMBER

MuSICtHE poguESO2 Academy7pm

MuSICjooLS HoLLANd & HIS rHytHM & BLuES orCHEStrANIA7.30pm

MuSICguNdogS, MAx rAptor, turN oFF tHE SuNThe Flapper7.30pm

MuSICdEtroIt SouLThe Jam House9pm

CoMEdydAvE FuLtoN, StEvE WILLIAMS, MArK oLvEr, pAuL toNKINSoNGlee Club7.30pm

CLuBvErtIgoThe Victoria8pm

054


CLuBAdvENturES IN StErEoHMV Institute10pm

CLuBgodSKItCHEN CHrIStMAS pArtyAir, 10pm

tHEAtrEdICK WHIttINgtoNBirmingham Hippodrome2.30pm & 7.15pm

EvENtCHrIStMAS tEddy tIMECENtrE For tHE CHILdrENCentral Library10am

TUESDAy21 DECEMBER



CLuBjAgErBoMBHMV Institute10pm

EvENtCHrIStMAS CrAFt WorKSHopSSolihull Arts Community Centre10.30am


dANCEStrEEt dANCE CLASSESThe Public6pm

SUNDAy19 DECEMBER

MuSICMICK SuLLIvAN, jIMMy CASSIdyIrish Centre5.30pm

MuSICCHAoS ACouStIC CLuBOld Moseley Arms9pm

CLuBLIvE ForEvErBulls Head7.30pm

tHEAtrErAggArELLAThe Drum6pm

tHEAtrECHrIStMAS WASSAILCrescent Theatre7.30pm

tHEAtrEtHE NutCrACKErLighthouse3.45pm

EvENtrEtort CABArEt SHoWKitchen Garden Cafe6.30pm, £9

MONDAy20 DECEMBER

MuSICFugAtIvEO2 Academy 37pm

MuSICgroupErThe Jam House9pm

tHEAtrErAggArELLAThe Drum7.30pm


055

WEDNESDAy 22 DECEMBER

MuSICSoLId SouLJam House9pm

MuSICgINgEr & tHE WILdHEArtSWulfrun Hall7pm

CoMEdyCoMEdy NIgHt CHrIStMAS SpECIALSt Andrews Stadium7pm

CLuBCLuB BoMBIsland Bar8pm

CLuBFuLL MooNHMV Institute10pm

tHEAtrEdICK WHIttINgtoNBirminghamHippodrome2.30pm, 7.15pm

tHEAtrECHrIStMAS ExtrAvAgANzA!Crescent Theatre7.45pm

THURSDAy23 DECEMBER

MuSICtHE BASHFuL ALBErt ExpErIENCEThe Actress & Bishop8.30pm

MuSICACouStIC LouNgE opEN MICIsland Bar8pm



CLuBHEduCAtIoN xMAS pArtyHare & Hounds8pm


tHEAtrEtHE dIrty oLd FoLKErS prESENt ‘puSS

IN BootS’Kitchen Garden Cafe7pm, £10

FRIDAy24 DECEMBER

CLuBtHE CuLt CLuBHMV Institute10pm

tHEAtrEtHE LoSt HAppy ENdINgSMac11am, 2.30pm

tHEAtrEdICK WHIttINgtoNBirmingham Hippodrome1pm, 5.15pm


056

SATURDAy25 DECEMBER

CHrIStMAS dAy!

MErry xMAS FroM tHE tEAM At ArEA & FuSEd xxx

TUESDAy28 DECEMBER


CLuBSWAMpMEAtThe Sunflower Lounge8pm

tHEAtrEMAgIC orLEANSOld Orleans7.30pm

SUNDAy26 DECEMBER

CLuBCoCooN: SvEN vAtHHMV Institute10pm

CLuBxMAS CrACKAThe Custard Factory10pm

CLuBtIN tINSubway City10pm


MONDAy27 DECEMBER

MuSICBroKEN AMp ACouStIC EvENINgAdam & Eve7.30pm

MuSICWEEKLy rEggAE SESSIoNThe Bulls Head8.30pm

CoMEdyrEAL dEAL CoMEdy jAMTown Hall7.30pm

tHEAtrEdICK WHIttINgtoNBirmingham Hip-podrome7.15pm

tHEAtrESpAMALotAlexandra Theatre7.30pm

057

WEDNESDAy29 DECEMBER

MuSICrEggAE roCK: tHE WINtEr CHILLJam House9pm



tHEAtrEtHE LoSt HAppy ENdINgSMac2.30pm, 6.30pm

THURSDAy30 DECEMBER

MuSICCoBWEB CoLLECtIvE jAzz SESSIoNThe Yardbird9pm

MuSICACouStIC LouNgE opEN MICIsland Bar8pm

MuSICdEL CAMINoJam House9pm

CLuBApttHE BuLLS HEAd8pm, Free

EvENtStANd up CoMEdy CourSECustard Factory1pm

FRIDAy31 DECEMBER

MuSICtHE SuBtErrA-NEANSThe Jam House9pm

MuSICCrACKEd ACtorSAdam & Eve7.30pm

MuSICSNooty BoBSYardbird8pm

CLuBNyE: WINtEr gAtHErINgRainbow Warehouse8pm

CLuBECLECtrICIty NEW yEArS EvE ExtrAvAgANzAHMV Institute9pm

CLuBgodSKItCHEN NEW yEArS EvEClub Air9pm

CLuBSANdEr vAN doorN

tHE EMporIuMCoalville8pm

CLuBtHE CuLt CLuBHMV Institute10pm

EvENtNEW yEAr’S EvE gALASymphony Hall3pm & 9.30pm

058

SATURDAy1 JANUARy

EvENtBrILLIANtLy BIrMINgHAMjEWELLEry FEStIvALMac9am

EvENtSouL Food projECtFrEE pArtyHare & Hounds2pm

TUESDAy4 JANUARy

MuSICACouStIC LouNgE LIzArdYardbird7pm


EvENtrEtro quIz NIgHtThe Jekyll & Hyde8.30pm

SUNDAy2 JANUARy

MuSICSuNdAy jAzzThe Old Joint Stock1pm

CLuBLIvE ForEvErBulls Head7.30pm

MONDAy3 JANUARy

CLuBjAM jAH MoNdAySBulls Head8.30pm

059

WEDNESDAy5 JANUARy

CLuBCLuB BoMBIsland Bar8pm



tHEAtrEjAMES & tHE gIANt pEACHCrescent Theatre7.15pm

SpoKEN WordtHEBIrMINgHAM WrItEr’S groupBIrMINgHAM Central Library6pm

THURSDAy6 JANUARy


CLuBAptBulls Head8pm

dANCESALSA NIgHtThe Public8pm

FRIDAy7 JANUARy

MuSICjACKpIKE, SoNS oF BEACHESSunflower Lounge7.30pm

MuSICvAuLt oF EAgLES, MotHErLESS, pArAdISE vALLEyThe Actress & Bishop8.30pm

CLuBFIdgEt FrIdAySRainbow Ware-house10pm

SATURDAy8 JANUARy

MuSICSICKNotEWagon & Horses8pm

MuSICNEoN ASyLuM Ep LAuNCHHare & Hounds8pm

CLuBoN tHE roCKSIsland Bar8pm

CLuBzoMBIE proMRainbow Ware-house9pm


tHEAtrEtHE FINAL CurtAINBirmingham Rep11am

ArtSAturdAy Art CLuBThe Public10am

060

SUNDAy9 JANUARy

MuSICSuNdAy jAzzOld Joint Stock1pm

WEDNESDAy12 JANUARy

tHEAtrECLAIrE doWIE douBLE BILLCrescent Theatre7.15pm

MONDAy10 JANUARy

tHEAtrEtHE FIrEWorK MAKEr’S dAugHtErThe Old Rep10am, 1.30pm

TUESDAy11 JANUARy


EvENtSouNd & vISIoN puB quIzThe Victoria8pm

061

THURSDAy13 JANUARy

tHEAtrEArSEHAMMErS ANd tHE yEAr oF tHE MoNKEyCrescent Theatre7.15pm

tHEAtrEtHE LAdy IN tHE vANHall Green Little Theatre7.30pm

FRIDAy14 JANUARy

MuSICtHIN LIzzyCivic Hall7pm

MuSICdrAKENIA7.30pm

MuSICrENEgrAdE MESSIAHThe Actress & Bishop8.30pm

SATURDAy15 JANUARy

MuSICKINg pLEASurE & BISCuIt BoySHare & Hounds 8pm

MuSICBANg BANg roMEoActress & Bishop8.30pm

tHEAtrEdANNy tHE CHAMpIoN oF tHE WorLdCrescent Theatre7.15pm

CLuBzoMBIE proMRainbow & Warehouse9pm

SUNDAy16 JANUARy

MuSICMAMA roSINHare & Hounds8pm

tHEAtrEdANNy tHE CHAMpIoN oF tHE WorLdCrescent Theatre2.30pm

062

WEDNESDAy19 JANUARy

MuSICSMoKE FAIrIESGlee Club7.30pm

CoMEdyMArK tHoMAS: tHE WALLMac8pm

SpoKEN WordBIrMINgHAM WrItEr’S groupBirmingham Central Library6pm

THURSDAy20 JANUARy

MuSICtHE NoCK, BLACK BEArSO2 Academy6.30pm

MuSICFoLK For FrEE: roB FELLoWSSymphony Hall5.30pm

SpoKEN WordAFtErNooN tEAIkon Gallery2.30pm

MONDAy17 JANUARy

tHEAtrEtHE FIrEWorK MAKEr’S dAugHtErOld Rep Theatre1.30pm


TUESDAy18 JANUARy

tHEAtrEtHE FIrEWorK MAKEr’S dAugHtErOld Rep Theatre10am, 1.30pm


EvENtBurLESquE WorKSHopJekyll & Hyde8.30pm

063

SUNDAy23 JANUARy

MuSICMEtroNoMyHare & Hounds8pm

MuSICtHE WALKMENGlee Club7.30pm

MONDAy24 JANUARy

MuSICANI dIFrANCoGlee Club7.30pm

CoMEdyStEpHEN K AMoSCivic Hall7pm

FRIDAy21 JANUARy

MuSICWoMBAtSHMV Institute6.30pm

MuSICCroWBArO2 Academy6pm

CLuBFrIENdLy FIrEHare & Hounds11pm

SATURDAy22 JANUARy

MuSICLIvE roCK, INdIE, ACouStICWagon & Horses8pm

CLuBSMoovE & turrELLHare & Hounds9pm


064

THURSDAy27 JANUARy

MuSICALASdAIr roBErtSGlee Club 7.30pm

MuSICjoHN otWAyHare & Hounds7.30pm

MuSICvAuLt oF EAgLESO2 Academy6.30pm

CoMEdyMILtoN joNESWulfrun Hall7pm

CoMEdyFELIx dExtErBirmingham Town Hall8pm

FRIDAy28 JANUARy

MuSICBANd oF HorSESO2 Academy6.30pm

MuSICHEy CoLLoSuS, uLtrApHALLuSWagon & Horses8pm

tHEAtrEBLood BrotHErSHall Green Little Theatre7.30pm

EvENtBIrMINgHAM SoCIAL MEdIA CAFECoffee Lounge10am Free

TUESDAy25 JANUARy

MuSICACouStIC SESSIoNSJam House6pm

WEDNESDAy26 JANUARy

MuSICAttACK AttACK!O2 Academy7pm

CLuBWE LovE WEdNESdAySThe Bulls Head8pmFree

065

MONDAy31 JANUARy

MuSICroxy MuSICLG Arena7.30pm


SATURDAy29 JANUARy



SUNDAy30 JANUARy

MuSICtrANSAtLANtIC SESSIoNSSymphony Hall7.30pm

066

VENUE DIRECTORyMuSIC vENuES

ACtrESS & BISHop36, Ludgate Hill, B3 1EH0121 236 7426

BotANICAL gArdENS12A Westbourne RoadEdgbaston, B15 3TR0121 454 1860birminghambotanical-gardens.org.uk

BuLLS HEAd23, St. Marys Row, Moseley, B13 8HWbullsheadmoseley.co.uk

CIvIC/WuLFruN HALLNorth Street, WV1 1RQ. 0870 320 7000wolvescivic.co.uk

tHE FLAppErKingston Row, B1 2NU.0121 236 2421

HArE & HouNdS106 High Street, B14 7JZ. 0121 444 2081hareandhoundsking-sheath.co.uk

HMv INStItutE 78 Digbeth High St, Digbethhmvinstitute.com

ISLANd BAr14-26 Suffolk Street, B1 1LT. 0121 632 5296bar-island.co.uk

tHE jAM HouSE3 - 5 St Pauls SquareBirmingham, West Midlands B3 1QU0121 200 3030thejamhouse.com

jEKyLL & HydE28, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6BJ

KItCHEN gArdEN CAFE17 York Road, Kings Heath. 0121 443 4725kitchengardencafe.co.uk

o2 ACAdEMy08444 772 000o2academybirmingham.co.uk

Sunflower Lounge76, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5

tHE rAINBoW160 High Street Deritend, B12 0LD.

tHE SLAdE rooMSBroad StreetWolverhampton

toWN HALLVictoria Square, B3 3DQ0121 780 3333www.thsh.co.uk

tHE vICtorIA48 John Bright Street, B1 1BN. 0121 633 9439thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk

yArdBIrdParadise Place, Birmingham, B3 3HJ

Art vENuES

BM&gChamberlain Square, B3 3DH, bmag.org.uk

CuStArd FACtoryGibb Street, B9 4AAcustardfactory.co.uk

tHE druM144 Potters Lane, Aston, B6 4UU, 0121 333 2444 the-drum.org.uk

EAStSIdE projECtS86 Heath Mill Lane, B9 4AR, 0121 771 1778eastsideprojects.org

IKoN EAStSIdEFazeley Street, Digbethikon-gallery.co.uk

067

IKoN gALLEryOozells Square, B1 2HS0121 248 0708ikon-gallery.co.uk

INtErNAtIoNAL projECt SpACEMaple Road, B30 2AA0121 331 5763internationalproject-space.org

tHE LIgHtHouSEThe Chubb BuildingFryer Street, Wolver-hampton WV1 1HT01902 716 055light-house.co.uk

MACCannon Hill Parkmacarts.co.uk

tHE puBLICNew Street, West BromwichB70 7PG0121 533 7161thepublic.com

rHuBArB EASt gALLEryHeath Mill Lane, Digbethhubarb-rhubarb.net

vIvId140 Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, B9 4AR0121 766 7876vivid.org.uk

WoLvErHAMptoN Art gALLEryLichfield St, WV1 1DU01902 552055wolverhamptonart.org.uk

CoMEdy vENuES

tHE gLEE CLuBThe Arcadian, B5 4TD.0871 472 0400glee.co.uk

HIgHLIgHt259-262 Broad Street, B1 2HF

tHEAtrE vENuES

ALExANdrA tHEAtrEStation St, Birmingham0844 847 2302alexandratheatre.org.uk

BIrMINgHAM HIppodroMEHurst Street0844 338 5000birminghamhippo-drome.com

CrESCENt tHEAtrESheepcote Street, B16 8AE, 0121 643 5858crescent-theatre.co.uk

tHE oLd joINt StoCK puB ANd

tHEAtrE4 Temple Row WestB2 5NY, 0121 200 1892oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk

BIrMINgHAM rEpCentenary Square, 0121 236 4455birmingham-rep.co.uk

area 15 december/january

Documents

area culture guide

festive fairs

festive spirit

festive alternative

queen vic leg

ukthe culture guide

gibb street

wolverhamptons light