With the nights drawing in and festive events starting to creep onto our calendars, there’s plenty to keep you busy across the Midlands this November
What: Poppy Fields
Where: Lichfield Cathedral
When: November 6 to 13
After first appearing in 2018 to mark the centenary of World War One, the award-winning sound and light show Poppy Fields will return to Lichfield Cathedral this November. Created and produced by Luxmuralis Artistic Collaboration, the immersive show will see cascading poppies and flowers projected across the ceiling, walls and floor of the 900 year old Cathedral. With accompanying music by David Harper and poetry read by Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, this promises to be a poignant call to remember and honour those who have lost their lives in service for our peace and safety.
Poppy Fields will be at Lichfield Cathedral from Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 November. Timed tickets are available from 5.30pm until 9.30pm, with last entry at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced at £7.50 per adult and £6.50 per child. Under threes go free. For more details visit: www.lichfield-cathedral.org
What: Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Where: The Alexandra, Birmingham
When: November 10 to 14
Classic Disney movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks has been reimagined as an exciting new musical and it arrives at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham this month. The show made its world premiere back in August in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and tells the story of the three orphaned Rawlins children. Evacuated from wartime London, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead when they move in with Eglantine Price, who they discover is a trainee witch.
Eglantine and the children join forces to find a spell to defeat the enemy, armed only with an enchanted bedknob, a bewitched broomstick and a magical flying bed. Recommended for ages 3 and up, children will love watching their journey to the depths of the beautiful briny sea.
Tickets are available from £13.00 (plus transaction fee) for shows on Wednesday at 7.30pm, Thursday through Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday at 2.30pm. For more details visit: www.atgtickets.com
What: 9 to 5 the Musical
Where: The Alexandra, Birmingham
When: November 16 to 20
Fresh from sell-out audiences and 5-star reviews in the West End, Dolly Parton’s smash-hit show 9 to the Musical comes to Birmingham this month. Starring singer-songwriter Louise Redknapp and with an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Queen of Country herself, this new production recounts the story of three workmates who are pushed to their limits by a sexist, self-centred boss. The women hatch a plan to kidnap this unsavoury character and teach him a lesson, but audiences will be on the edge of their seats wondering what happens next when the company CEO pays an unexpected visit…
Ticket prices for 9 to 5 the Musical start from £13.00 (plus transaction fee). You can catch it at The Alexandra Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, or head to the 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. It’s recommended for ages 12+. For more details visit www.atgtickets.co.uk
What: Birmingham Film Festival
Where: Millennium Point and The Grand Hotel
When: November 19 to 28
Over a period of 10 days this November, you’ll find numerous screenings, events and awards for film makers from around the world as part of the international Birmingham Film Festival. Around 200 films will be screened over the course of the festival – including features, shorts, documentaries, music video and screenplay – as well as workshops, seminars, industry Q&A panels and networking opportunities for filmmakers and lovers of film. Birmingham Film Festival is a great platform to discover new films and new talent with 350 seats available and screenings free to attend. The Festival invites talented and independent filmmakers from all over the globe to take part. The celebration of film craft will culminate in a glittering black tie Awards Gala ceremony at The Grand Hotel, where the winners of each competition category will be announced in style on November 27. For more details visit www.birminghamfilmfestival.com
What: Meet the authors
Where: Museum of Cannock Chase
When: November 26
You’re invited to get involved in some Festive Fiction action at the Museum of Cannock Chase on the last Friday in November. Local author, publisher and book blogger Kim Nash will host a special Christmas panel of authors. Warwickshire-based Erin Green, whose novel ‘From Shetland with Love at Christmas’ is published this month, is joined by local author Philippa Ashley, whose latest release ‘A Special Cornish Christmas’ also appears on November 11. A lively discussion will run from 6pm to 8pm, with the opportunity to have your books signed at the end of the evening.
Tickets cost £8 per person with mulled apple juice, tea or coffee and a mince pie included in the price. Advance booking is required by calling the Museum on 01543 877666.
What: Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch On
Where: Market Street, Lichfield
When: November 28
Lichfield’s spectacular Christmas lights switch on takes place on the last Sunday of November this year. As ever, it promises to be a fun-packed all-day event for the whole family. There’s plenty to get involved with in the City centre, from fairground rides for the kids to shopping and eating at the festive food and gift market, plus the various music and entertainment acts to enjoy on the stage in the Market Square. If it’s a little too chilly outside, you can warm up at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum where hands-on activities and festive refreshments including mulled wine will be available from 3.30pm until 6pm. The illuminations will be switched on at 5pm, kicking off the festive season in the Cathedral City. Shortly afterwards, keep a keen ear out for the bells that signal the arrival of Santa.
