Category Archives: What’s on / Listings

NEWS: Cast announced for the revamped The Steamie at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro

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A starry cast has been announced for Scotland’s much loved play, The Steamie. The revamped show – with more songs, more music and more laughs – will see The Dolls, Louise McCarthy and Gayle Telfer Stevens, marking their Steamie debut and playing the feisty Magrit and gullible Dolly respectively. Fiona Wood returns to the show for the third time to portrait the young, full of hope Doreen whilst Mary McCusker reprises the poignant role of Mrs Culfeathers. Harry Ward joins the cast as the lovable drunk handyman Andy.

Written and directed by Tony Roper with songs by David Anderson, this Hogmanay the show takes over Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, the largest entertainment venue in Scotland. Due to popular demand, an extra show on 28th December has been added to this special, limited run.

The Steamie is a Scottish theatre classic; an ode to the hard-working women of the 1950’s and to a bygone Glasgow. The young Doreen envisions a new future, while Mrs Culfeathers looks back to the past – the play is a snapshot of a society, of a time and a cross section of strong women, all rolled up in Roper’s hilarious comedy. As The Scotsman said in 2017, it is a “superb, funny and perfectly-observed play.”

This is the fourth time Neil Laidlaw has produced a tour of The Steamie, first in 2009, the 25th anniversary tour in 2012, the 30th anniversary tour in 2017 and now the revamped, steamier than ever special run at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.

Neil Laidlaw said: “The Steamie is one of Scotland’s best-loved plays and I am extremely proud to be able to bring it back for another generation to enjoy, this time with new songs and a bigger cast and set.”

“We have brought together a fantastic cast: the inimitable Dolls – Louise McCarthy and Gayle Telfer Stevens who I know decided to be actors because of The Steamie – and Harry Ward are our newbies with the wonderful Fiona Wood and Mary McCusker reprising their roles of Doreen and Mrs Culfeathers. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room to witness another cast making this legendary play their own.”

Tony Roper said: “In my late forties I sat down with a biro and a jotter and wrote my first ever play. Over three decades later, the play is still getting the laughs and the cries, connecting with another generation of Scots. The Steamie is the nation’s favourite night out and I cannot wait to bring the show – with more music and a spectacular cast – to the country’s biggest entertainment venue, SSE Hydro.”

THE STEAMIE AT THE SSE HYDRO

SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 2019 – 2.30pm

SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2019 – 6.00pm

MONDAY 30 DECEMBER 2019 – 7.30pm

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2019 – 1.00pm & 5.30pm

Tickets on sale on Friday 30 November at 10am

https://www.thessehydro.com/events

Box office: 0844 395 4000

Louise McCarthy – Magrit

Gayle Telfer Stevens – Dolly

Fiona Wood – Doreen

Mary McCusker – Mrs Culfeathers

Harry Ward – Andy

Written and directed by Tony Roper

Songs by David Anderson

WHAT’S ON MAY: The North – accessible show comes to Platform

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Joan Clevillé Dance comes to Platform with The North, the story of a young man who finds himself lost in a harsh yet delicate wilderness with only himself and two eccentric Northerners for company

Using dance, theatre, storytelling and puppetry, The North follows the story of John, a young man who finds himself lost in the harsh yet delicate wilderness of the North with only himself and two eccentric Northerners for company. Without any memory of who he is or where he comes from, John searches for meaning in an increasingly unpredictable environment where being lost is the norm and letting go the only way to survive.

The piece looks at choreographer Joan Clevillé’s own fascination with the idea of ‘North’ as a Catalonian living in Scotland: the landscape, the light, the creatures that inhabit it, but also the people, the dark humour, the silence. The piece deals with themes of identity, belonging, feeling like an outsider and finding your place in an uncertain world.

The North features original music and sound design by Luke Sutherland (former collaborator of Mogwai) featuring music from Wagner to Sinatra, and a striking lighting design by Emma Jones (Scottish Dance Theatre). Dancers Solène Weinachter and Newcastle born John Kendall who starred in Plan B for Utopia are joined on stage by Eve Ganneau (Scottish Dance Theatre, Andersson Ensemble).

Artistic Director Joan Clevillé said “We are delighted to be on the road again with The North.  People have very personal reactions to the piece, first of all, everyone carries their own, very intimate idea of what the north is and what it means. But the performance also talks about uncertainty and how we become comfortable with it (or not!).  I think this really touches people, as we are living through very unstable times on many different

 Rather than realistically describing one environment, which cinema is so good at, I am more interested in the human experience. I wanted to evoke a sense of disorientation, of being humbled by an environment that is stronger than us and that forces us to let go in order to survive.  Our followers will recognise the playfulness and versatility of our performers, but this new work has an intriguing, almost cinematic feel, that we hope will take audiences on a completely different journey’.

Joan Clevillé Dance is an independent dance company based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. Led by Artistic Director Joan Clevillé, the company aims to create intimate works that are honest, original and thought-provoking, inviting audiences to share the performers’ enquiry about themselves, each other, and the world we live in.  Joan has recently been appointed as Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and will take up the position in April 2019. 

www.joanclevilledance.com

The North


Platform, Easterhouse
Tue 28 May
Tickets: ££8.50/£5 (concession) / £4 (Local Links)

www.platform-online.co.uk

Running Time: 60 minutes | Guidance rating PG

Conceived and directed by Joan Clevillé

Choreography by Joan Clevillé with the dancers
Performed by:  Eve Ganneau, John Kendall, Solène Weinachter           

Dramaturgy by Ella Hickson

Costume and Set Design by Matthias Strahm  

Original Music and Sound Design by Luke Sutherland

Lighting Design by Emma Jones

Additional music by Richard Wagner, Mazzy Star, Nukariik Klavdiya Shulzhenko, and Frank Sinatra

 

NEWS: Scottish Premiere : Glesga Wumen-The Mystery Swally Adventure

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Following the success of Carol Grant’s 2016 publication, the short novel, Glesga Wumen-The Mystery Swally Adventure goes on a bigger adventure as it moves from page to stage…for its Scottish Premiere at The Shed in Shawlands, May 10-12 as part of The Southside Fringe Festival.

Three “wumen” on the wine, end up at Wemyss Bay and a whole lot of shenanigans ensues…A psychic, a copper, a stripper and a stiff! Celebrating the highs (and lows) of lifelong friendships in Glorious Glesga.

NEWS: OPERA POPS UP IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE PARKS

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Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing The Pop Up Opera Roadshow to two of East Renfrewshire’s most popular parks this June.

Three short operas for all the family will be brought to life by a storyteller, singers, musicians and a series of colourful illustrations, performed in a specially-adapted, fully accessible trailer.

Hosted by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, the performances take place on Friday 7 June at Cowan Park in Barrhead and Saturday 8 June at Rouken Glen Park in Giffnock.

Anthony McReavy from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said:

“Scottish Opera’s pop up shows offer a fantastic, unique opportunity for the whole family to experience the magic of opera in a unique way, in the heart of our best local parks this summer.

“The three shows offer something for everyone, from those experiencing opera for the first time to seasoned fans and there is even an opera show specially written and performed for a younger audience.”

 

A Little Bit of Iolanthe kicks off the pop-up opera show at 4pm on Friday 7 June at Cowan Park, a light-hearted satire which is full of fun, followed by A Little Bit of Magic Flute at 6pm, a beguiling mix of comedy, fantasy and pantomime, with a profound story of the search for love, wisdom and truth.

A schools’ performance of Puffy MacPuffer and the Crabbit Canals comes to Cowan Park on 7 June and stops by Rouken Glen Park at 12pm on Saturday 8 June. Suitable for 5-8 year olds, Puffy MacPuffer and the Crabbit Canals is a tale of five waterways that link Scotland from the North Sea to the Atlantic. Each one is different: Caledonian – the longest; Crinan – the most beautiful; hard-working Monklands; Union – the fastest; wise old Forth & Clyde. Each one thinks they’re the best. Can an ordinary little puffer boat make them think again?

A Little Bit of Iolanthe follows at Rouken Glen Park at 2pm and A Little Bit of Magic Flute finishes the sessions at 4pm.

Prices are just £6 standard, with 30 minute approximate running times for all performances. Book online at: https://www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk/article/10073/Opera-Roadshow or call 0141 577 4956.

WHAT’S ON PITLOCHRY: Summer Season 2019, Autumn & Festive Productions

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Summer Season                 24 May – 5 Oct 2019

Autumn Production         17 Oct– 3 Nov

Festive Production           21 Nov – 23 Dec

To book, call Box Office on 01796 484626 or go online: www.PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com.

Summer Holiday
Stage adaptation by MICHAEL GYNGELL and MARK HADDIGAN. Based on the film SUMMER HOLIDAY, directed by PETER YATES, screenplay by RONALD CASS and PETER MYERS and by special arrangement with StudioCanal Orchestrations by KEITH STRACHAN Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited on behalf of Josef Weinberger Limited

During a wet Scottish summer, Pitlochry bus driver Don whisks his workmates away on a borrowed bus, in search of sunshine and fun in Athens!

Along the way, the boys pick up a stowaway, rescue stranded singing trio Do-Re-Mi and fall in love! One of the most popular movies of the 60s, immortalised by Cliff Richard and The Shadows, make sure you jump on board to sing along with the happiest, hit-filled, feel-good musical of your summer holiday.

Look out for news about our Theatre Bus Tour! We will be sharing songs and stories in lots of communities, bringing joy and art to as many people as possible. Expect those wonderful songs, In The Country, Summer Holiday, The Young Ones, Do You Wanna Dance, Travellin’ Light, Bachelor Boy ,Living Doll , Move It  and On The Beach.

Tickets: from £20.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

8:00pm, 24 May 2019

2:00pm, 25 May 2019

8:00pm, 25 May 2019

2:00pm, 29 May 2019

8:00pm, 29 May 2019

2:00pm, 30 May 2019

8:00pm, 30 May 2019

2:00pm, 1 June 2019

8:00pm, 1 June 2019

2:00pm, 8 June 2019

8:00pm, 8 June 2019

2:00pm, 15 June 2019

8:00pm, 22 June 2019

8:00pm, 28 June 2019

2:00pm, 29 June 2019

8:00pm 1 July 2019

8:00pm 5 July 2019

2:00pm 6 July 2019

8:00pm 10 July 2019

8:00pm 13 July 2019

8:00pm 17 July 2019

8:00pm 20 July 2019

8:00pm 29 July 2019

8:00pm 2 July 2019

2:00pm 3 August 2019

8:00pm 6 August 2019

2:00pm 7 August 2019

8:00pm 10 August 2019

8:00pm 16 August 2019

2:00pm 17 August 2019

8:00pm 23 August 2019

2:00pm 24 August 2019

8:00pm 2 September 2019

8:00pm 6 September 2019

2:00pm 14 September 2019

8:00pm 18 September 2019

2:00pm 19 September 2019

8:00pm 23 September 2019 

8:00pm 28 September 2019

2:00pm 1 October 2019

2:00pm 2 October 2019

8:00pm 2 October 2019

2:00pm 3 October 2019

8:00pm 3 October 2019

8:00pm 4 October 2019

2:00pm 5 October 2019

8:00pm 5 October 2019

 

Blithe Spirit
by Noël Coward

 

Celebrated (and often cantankerous!) novelist Charles Condomine has invited a local medium and eccentric, Madame Arcati, to hold a séance at his house,

as research for his latest book. Rather surprisingly, the hapless Arcati calls up the ghost of Charles’ first wife – the alluring Elvira. Safe in the knowledge that only Charles can see her, Elvira embarks on a series of troublesome events that

quickly move from somewhat harmless to very dangerous…

 

Blithe Spirit is Coward’s most successful, inventive, highly spirited comedy. It was the longest running hit of his career, the film version of which memorably

starred Rex Harrison and Margaret Rutherford.

 

If you relished our 2013 production of Present Laughter, then you’ll love this mischievous comedy that’s pure Coward at his nonchalant and sardonic best.

 

Tickets: from £16.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

 

8:00pm, 6 June 2019

8:00pm, 7 June 2019

8:00pm, 15 June 2019

2:00pm, 22 June 2019

8:00pm, 25 June 2019

2:00pm, 26 June 2019

8:00pm 3 July 2019

8:00pm 6 July 2019

8:00pm 9 July 2019

2:00pm 10 July 2019

8:00pm 15 July 2019

2:00pm 18 July 2019

2:00pm 27 July 2019

8:00pm 30 July 2019

2:00pm 31 July 2019

8:00pm 7 August 2019

8:00pm 12 August 2019

8:00pm 17 August 2019

8:00pm 21 August 2019

8:00pm 24 August 2019

8:00pm 5 September 2019

2:00pm 6 September 2019

8:00pm 11 September 2019

2:00pm 12 September 2019

8:00pm 17 September 2019

2:00pm 18 September 2019

8:00pm 25 September 2019

2:00pm 28 September 2019

 

 

Blonde Bombshells of 1943
By Alan Plater

 

Band leader Betty is in trouble. Her glamorous, all female 8-piece band has finally landed a big-time BBC performance on the wireless, but various illicit liaisons with the yanks have depleted their ranks.

 

In double-quick time, remaining bandmates recruit new talent! Enter a draft-dodging drummer who is unafraid to don a frock, a nun who plays a mean ukulele, an innocent schoolgirl clarinetist and a rather snooty soldier saxophonist. Will Betty and her assorted crew give the performance of their lives?

 

Based on the BAFTA-winning, TV film starring Judi Dench, this show is guaranteed to raise your spirits with stunning, live vocal and musical performances of hits by Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, George Formby, Fats Waller and more, with all the glitz and sparkle of a by-gone but not forgotten era. With songs Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree, Loch Lomond, T’ain’t What You Do, Goodbye-ee, Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye

 

Tickets: from £16.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

 

8:00pm, 13 June 2019

8:00pm, 14 June 2019

8:00pm, 24 June 2019

8:00pm, 27 June 2019

8:00pm 2 July 2019

2:00pm 3 July 2019

8:00pm 8 July 2019

8:00pm 12 July 2019

8:00pm 16 July 2019

2:00pm 17 July 2019

8:00pm 31 July 2019

8:00pm 5 August 2019

8:00pm 8 August 2019

8:00pm 15 August 2019

8:00pm 20 August 2019

2:00pm 21 August 2019

8:00pm 31 August 2019

8:00pm 7 September 2019

8:00pm 12 September 2019

2:00pm 13 September 2019

8:00pm 21 September 2019

8:00pm 26 September 2019

2:00pm 27 September 2019

 

 

The Crucible
by Arthur Miller

 

For the puritanical folk of Salem, Massachusetts, the news that their young women have been conjuring spirits in the forest is devastating. It means the devil is amongst them. And the devil must be hunted down and driven out, whatever the cost. Fear and suspicion spirals quickly out of control, unleashing a murderous powder keg of accusations, hysteria, lust and revenge.

 

Arthur Miller’s 1953 play is one of the most powerful pieces of 20th century theatre. Written as an allegory for McCarthyism, when the US government persecuted its citizens for being communists, this parable of politics, religious fervour and fear is a masterpiece which still resonates in the 21st Century.

 

Tickets: from £16.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

 

8:00pm, 20 June 2019

8:00pm, 21 June 2019

8:00pm, 26 June 2019

8:00pm, 29 June 2019

8:00pm 4 July 2019

8:00pm 11 July 2019

2:00pm 13 July 2019

8:00pm 19 July 2019

2:00pm 20 July 2019

8:00pm 27 July 2019

8:00pm 1 August 2019

2:00pm 10 August 2019

8:00pm 14 August 2019

8:00pm 22 August 2019

2:00pm 31 August 2019

8:00pm 3 September 2019

2:00pm 4 September 2019

8:00pm 10 September 2019

2:00pm 11 September 2019

8:00pm 19 September 2019

2:00pm 20 September 2019

8:00pm 27 September 2019

 

 

Heritage

by Nicola McCartney

 

Canada 1914. Sarah McCrea stands on the threshold of womanhood, facing a bright future in a new country. Leaving Ulster behind, Sarah and her family carve out their existence in an emerging community.

 

Drawn to one another through tales of a near-forgotten, mythical Ireland, Sarah and her neighbour Michael Donoghue become firm friends. But when Sarah and Michael’s relationship deepens by Nicola McCartney and his determination to define his identify catches fire, centuries of conflict threaten to blight their love. And for Sarah, the realisation dawns that old battles are being fought on new territory.

 

First staged in 1998, Heritage is a poignant and poetic exploration of love, identity, tribalism and the need to belong. As stark and poignant as the sweeping landscape it conjures, all at once it is epic, lyrical and timeless.

 

Tickets: from £16.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

8:00pm 25 July 2019

8:00pm 26 July 2019

8:00pm 3 August 2019

8:00pm 9 August 2019

8:00pm 13 August 2019

2:00pm 14 August 2019

8:00pm 19 August 2019

2:00pm 7 September 2019

8:00pm 13 September 2019

8:00pm 16 September 2019

2:00pm 26 September 2019

 

 

North And South

by Elizabeth Gaskell, adapted by Janys Chambers

 

Strong-willed vicar’s daughter Margaret Hale has grown up in the rarefied atmosphere of rural southern England, so when her family relocates to the roughness and vitality of a northern factory town, she is thrown into a new life of strikes and strife.

 

Hot-blooded industrialist John Thornton rules his cotton mill with an iron hand. Sparks fly when Margaret challenges both master and mill-hand, only to discover that not all of her southern beliefs hold true.

 

A tale for today, this timely adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic 19th-century novel by BAFTA-nominated writer Janys Chambers explores the complex relationship between North and South, and between women and men of different classes.

 

Can reason overcome pride and prejudice? Can compassion triumph over a blind adherence to market forces? Can love bloom amongst the snowy fibres of a money-driven cotton mill?

 

Tickets: from £16.00 PLUS groups offers, family tickets and concessions.

 

8:00pm 29 August 2019

8:00pm 30 August 2019

8:00pm 4 September 2019

2:00pm 5 September 2019

8:00pm 9 September 2019

8:00pm 14 September 2019

8:00pm 20 September 2019

2:00pm 21 September 2019

8:00pm 24 September 2019

2:00pm 25 September 2019

 

 

Faith Healer

by Brian Friel

 

Travelling to the small towns and remote village halls scattered throughout Scotland and Wales, the Fantastic Francis Hardy, together with his indefatigably loyal wife, Grace, and their born-into-show-business manager, Teddy, promises healing to the hopeless and restoration for the sick and suffering.

 

Each of their stories in turn sheds shifting shards of light on events. Only one thing is certain however; Faith Healer Francis is at the mercy of his ‘unreliable’ gift. So where does truth lie? Showman? Con-man? Villain? Victim?

 

A haunting exploration of love, loss, belief and sacrifice, Faith Healer is often funny, passionate and tender. It will take you to the heart of what it means to love, struggle and believe.

 

Brian Friel is one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights. Author of Translations and Dancing At Lughnasa, Faith Healer is considered his masterpiece. Starring George Costigan who is best known for portraying Bob in the 1987 film Rita, Sue and Bob Too as well as his more recent role in Happy Valley.

 

7:30pm 17 October 2019

7:30pm 18 October 2019

2:00pm 19 October 2019

7:30pm 19 October 2019

2:00pm 20 October 2019

2:00pm 23 October 2019

7:30pm 23 October 2019

2:00pm 24 October 2019

2:00pm 25 October 2019

7:30pm 25 October 2019

2:00pm 26 October 2019

7:30pm 26 October 2019

2:00pm 27 October 2019

2:00pm 30 October 2019

7:30pm 30 October 2019

2:00pm 31 October 2019

2:00pm 1 November 2019

7:30pm 1 November 2019

2:00pm 2 November 2019

7:30pm 2 November 2019

2:00pm 3 November 2019

 

 

A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens, adapted by Isobel McArthur

 

A bright, bold new adaptation of the Dickens classic – one of the most loved yuletide stories ever written.

 

In one ghostly, Christmas night, miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge receives a series of unexpected supernatural visitors who are determined to show him the error of his ways. Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough?

 

A fantastic, festive tale of redemption and compassion packed with feel-good festive music and song, dancing and joy. Rejoice with us in the Christmas spirit!

 

Isobel McArthur is one of Scotland’s brightest, new writing – and acting – talents, who was last seen on Pitlochry’s stage in the award-winning The Monarch Of The Glen. Now she focusses her creative talents to rediscover the heart of Dickens’ timeless tale.

 

7:00pm, 21 November 2019

7:00pm, 22 November 2019

2:00pm, 23 November 2019

7:00pm, 23 November 2019

10:30am, 26 November 2019

10:30am, 27 November 2019

2:00pm, 27 November 2019

10:30am, 28 November 2019

2:00pm, 28 November 2019

2:00pm, 29 November 2019

7:00pm, 29 November 2019

2:00pm, 30 November 2019

7:00pm, 30 November 2019

2:00pm, 1 December 2019

2:00pm, 4 December 2019

7:00pm, 4 December 2019

2:00pm, 5 December 2019

2:00pm, 6 December 2019

7:00pm, 6 December 2019

2:00pm, 7 December 2019

7:00pm, 7 December 2019

2:00pm, 8 December 2019

2:00pm, 11 December 2019

7:00pm, 11 December 2019

2:00pm, 12 December 2019

2:00pm, 13 December 2019

7:00pm, 13 December 2019

2:00pm, 14 December 2019

7:00pm, 14 December 2019

2:00pm, 15 December 2019

2:00pm, 18 December 2019

7:00pm, 18 December 2019

2:00pm, 19 December 2019

7:00pm, 19 December 2019

2:00pm, 20 December 2019

7:00pm, 20 December 2019

2:00pm, 21 December 2019

7:00pm, 21 December 2019

2:00pm, 22 December 2019

2:00pm, 23 December 2019

 

NEWS: OPERAVISION TO STREAM FULL PERFORMANCE OF SCOTTISH OPERA’S ANTHROPOCENE IN MAY

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Anthropocene, the acclaimed new work commissioned by Scottish Opera from composer Stuart MacRae and librettist Louise Welsh, will be available to watch on OperaVision from May.

Directed by Matthew Richardson, designed by Samal Blak and conducted by Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford, Anthropocene had its world premiere in January at Theatre Royal Glasgow, and tells the story of an expeditionary team of scientists who become trapped in the frozen Arctic wastelands.

The film of Anthropocene, directed for OperaVision by Jonathan Haswell and produced by Andrew Lockyer, was made at a performance at London’s Hackney Empire, on 9 February. The full performance will be available to view worldwide on the free streaming platform from 17 May to 17 November, and is the first time a Scottish Opera production has been featured on OperaVision.

Launched in 2017, OperaVision – curated by Opera Europa, the European association of opera companies and festivals – streams performances from all over the world, allowing viewers to watch productions from the greatest European opera houses from the comfort of their own home. As well as full-length performances shown with subtitles, it features extracts, interviews and behind the scenes footage.

Anthropocene’s superb ensemble cast includes former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Jennifer France (Ariadne auf Naxos 2018), Scottish soprano Jeni Bern and Stephen Gadd (Rigoletto 2018.) They are joined by Benedict Nelson (The Burning Fiery Furnace 2018), Mark Le Brocq, Paul Whelan, Anthony Gregory and Sarah Champion (Opera Highlights 2018).

Anthropocene is the fourth collaboration between MacRae and Welsh, a fruitful partnership initially born of Scottish Opera’s Five:15 Opera Made in Scotland series, which paired composers and librettists to create five 15-minute operas. The composer-librettist team went on to create Remembrance Day in 2009, Ghost Patrol in 2012, which won a South Bank Sky Arts Award and was nominated for an Olivier Award, and 2016’s The Devil Inside, based on a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Inverness-born MacRae’s work has been performed at the Royal Opera House and Edinburgh International Festival, and by ensembles including Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Hebrides Ensemble. He is currently Composer in Association at Lammermuir Festival.

A Professor of Creative Writing at University of Glasgow, Welsh is the author of a number of popular novels including award-winning The Cutting Room and Plague Times Trilogy.

Scottish Opera General Director Alex Reedijk said: ‘This film of Anthropocene by OperaVision is a very important first for Scottish Opera. Performing at Hackney Empire was a double win for us, as it brought Anthropocene to a London audience and, through this film shot there, allows us to introduce this exciting new work to an international audience. It’s a great opportunity to show off the incredible work of Stuart MacRae and Louise Welsh, who are such an important part of Scottish Opera’s history, as well as the talented cast and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.’

Nicholas Payne, Opera Europa Director said: ‘Anthropocene grabbed me from the start and held me throughout with the twists and changes of its riveting story. Stuart MacRae and Louise Welsh skilfully deploy music and words to create tension. They do not preach to us in the audience, but we are compelled to reflect on its relevance to our contemporary world. Chilling!’

Anthropocene is available to watch from 17 May at https://operavision.eu/en

NEWS: SCOTTISH OPERA’S FOX-TOT! HAS WORLD PREMIERE AT EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE THIS AUGUST

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Fox-tot!, a new opera for children aged 12 to 24 months, has its world premiere at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August.

This Scottish Opera co-commission with Royal & Derngate, Northampton, is composed by former Scottish Opera Composer in Residence, Lliam Paterson. Last year, his acclaimed ‘opera for babies’, BambinO, had sell-out performances at the Fringe, in Paris and at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Fox-tot!  will be performed at Edinburgh Academy from 2 to16 August. It then goes to Royal & Derngate, Northampton, from 27 August to 1 September, and tours around Scotland in Spring 2020.

Directed by Roxana Haines (Edgar 2018) and designed by Giuseppe Belli and Emma Belli (BambinO 2017), the 45-minute show for toddlers is an engaging mix of music and puppetry, performed by mezzo-soprano and former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Katie Grosset (The Opera Factory 2018), and countertenor Daniel Keating-Roberts (The 8th Door 2017). They are joined by cellist Laura Sergeant and percussionist Michael D Clark, who both performed in BambinO.

Sung in English, Lliam’s new work takes inspiration from French baroque dances and contemporary opera. It tells the story of a little fox sent on an adventure to explore the world and learn to see through the eyes of other creatures, including a cat, a butterfly and a frog. But, as Mother Vixen guides her cub’s journey, will the little one discover what it takes to become an excellent fox?

Scottish Opera’s Director of Education and Outreach, Jane Davidson, said: ‘Fox-tot! is Scottish Opera’s most recent foray into creating opera for children.

‘Building on their BambinO experiences, our babies are now toddlers; discovering a delicately coloured sound world rooted in French baroque, complete with a trio of creatures ready to flit, paddle and scamper through the forest with them.

‘Through the music and narrative, Fox-tot! aims to stimulate the little ones’ physical and intellectual curiosity in their surroundings as well as instilling the beginnings of empathy, a critical skill which is arguably the most defining of all human qualities.’

Director Roxana Haines said ‘You are invited to join Fox on a journey of transformation, play, and discovery. In this magical world, who Fox will be is up to Fox, and Mother Vixen’s unconditional love is there no matter what. ‘

Composer Lliam Paterson, continued: ‘A little fox sets out on a magical journey, guided by Mother Vixen. Fox-tot! follows our furry hero on an operatic quest, tailor-made for miniature audiences and their carers! ‘

Fox-tot! is supported by Scottish Opera’s Education Angels & New Commissions Circle. This project is also part of a Royal & Derngate-led consortium inspiring and supporting the creation of new musicals and operas.

Creative Team

 

Composer                   Lliam Paterson

Director                       Roxana Haines

Designers                    Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli

Puppet designers        Mervyn Millar for Significant Object

 

Cast

 

Mezzo-soprano           Katie Grosset

Countertenor               Daniel Keating-Roberts

Cello                            Laura Sergeant

Percussion                  Michael D Clark

 

Performance Diary

 

Edinburgh Academy

Part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

2 to 16 Aug (excl. Mondays)

10am & 11.30am

Tickets on sale now from https://tickets.edfringe.com

 

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

27 Aug, 2pm

28 Aug to 1 Sep, 11am & 2pm

 

Spring 2020

Touring Scotland (more information coming soon)

NEWS: The Scottish Play’s Only Scottish Date at Perth Festival of the Arts

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English Touring Opera, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accessible opera companies, will bring Verdi’s Macbeth to Perth Festival of the Arts as their only Scottish tour date (16th May).  Sung in English, with English surtitles, the event includes a pre-opera talk.

The witches have a prophecy: Macbeth will be king. But royalty comes at a price. The cost of power is betrayal, murder and revenge.

Follow Verdi’s Macbeth in a blood-soaked journey to the throne and watch a guilt-ridden Lady Macbeth descend into the depths of despair in English Touring Opera’s new production. Starring Grant Doyle (Macbeth) and Tanya Hurst (Lady Macbeth) in Verdi’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic play.

Gerry Cornelius conducts his first opera for English Touring Opera, directed by James Dacre. Andrew Porter’s careful English translation brings as much of Shakespeare to the production as possible.

English Touring Opera is the leading touring opera company in the UK. ETO travels to more regions and to more venues than any other English opera company, touring annually to around 55 venues and presenting as many as 110 performances per year.

English Touring Opera aims to offer opera to everyone, with a varied repertoire of high-quality professional productions featuring some of the finest talent in opera.

Perth Festival of the Arts is the only Scottish date for Macbeth by Verdi in ETO’s 2019 spring tour.

Sung in English with English surtitles.

Running time 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval).

There will be a pre-show talk at 18:30. You can reserve a free ticket at the box office.

Images: Richard Hubert Smith

NEWS: Judith Owen Announces date at Glad Café, Glasgow

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Following from her critically acclaimed 2018 album ‘redisCOVERed’, firebrand singer-songwriter and pianist Judith Owen has announced a set of October UK dates, where she will be showcasing her unique interpretations of classic hits as part of her ‘Ego Non Karaoke – I don’t do karaoke’ shows.

She will appear on Thursday 10th October at the Glad Café, Glasgow

“I can’t believe it’s been over two years since I last toured the UK,” says Judith. “I’ve travelled the world in support of ‘redisCOVERed’, (and even learnt to swear in multiple languages), but nothing compares to coming home and sharing the new songs and stories with my British fans and friends…”

On redisCOVERed, Judith garnered critical praise for her reimagining’s of a diverse catalogue of tracks (Soundgarden’s breakthrough hit ‘Black Hole Sun’, Grease’s ‘Summer Nights’ and Deep Purples’ ‘Smoke on the Water’ to name a few) with the Daily Express saying she “has the ability to make a song her own,” in their four star review of her album. Judith’s talent stretches beyond the musical, her ability to empathise with a song and its writer allows her to place herself within its story, turning its narrative on its head and completely changing the meaning behind the lyrics.

Her biggest test, was seeing herself within the very modern hip-hop of Drake’s ‘Hotline Bling’. “I said to Harry [Shearer, her husband], ‘choose the most extreme thing; something contemporary that you would think I could not relate to,’” she says. “But of course I can because I’ve been in that place where I was constantly waiting for the phone call that would come from the guy who would call me only when there was no one better to be around. That song became more of a torch song. That’s absolutely a woman’s song if ever there was one.”

NEWS: Scottish dates for ‘HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES’ starring Vicki Michelle and Julie Coombe

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HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES the comedy sketch show starring VICKI MICHELLE with JOSEPHINE PARTRIDGE and JULIE COOMBE will be touring to Scotland on these dates:

April 20th/21st Kilmarnock Palace Theatre

May 4th Arbroath Webster Theatre

May 5th Dunfermline, Alhambra Theatre

May 19th Edinburgh Festival Theatre

May 31st Dundee Caird Hall

June 2nd Glasgow Theatre Royal

Hormonal Housewives is a witty, topical, rude and extremely funny three hander starring Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo, Emmerdale) with Josephine Partridge (Top Girls) and Scottish co-writer Julie Coombe, this no-holds-barred show blasts its way through a catalogue of women’s bits: weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, housework, homework, electrolysis, men, sex, working out, staying in, going out, celebrity gossip, a lot of chocolate…and you get the idea. 

For these ‘Hormonal Housewives’ no subject is taboo and no thought too private as the challenges of modern womanhood are sliced, diced and put to rights by this vivacious cast.

Co-writer and performer Julie Coombe says “I come from a big, working class Glasgow family dominated by strong, wonderful women.  They’re also loud, crazy and fun!  I grew up in Kilwinning in Ayrshire, close to Kilmarnock and Glasgow and was raised by my mum and granny.  We weren’t well off materially but the house was always full of laughter.  If struggle and hardship bring people together I believe it’s laughter that makes it bearable and gets you through – laughter definitely got my gang through.  There is a saying “if you didnae laugh you’d greet”!  It’s true and really, who wouldn’t want to laugh till the tears roll down your face in the company of good pals.  I’ve always been drawn to comedy Scotland’s tremendous comedy heritage is hugely inspiring.  I’m really looking forward to performing ‘Hormonal Housewives’ in Scotland – I hope audiences will find it as funny as I do!”

Vicki Michelle is known globally for her role as waitress Yvette in the award winning and long running British comedy TV series ‘Allo ‘Allo; she has been a regular cast member of Emmerdale and Doctors and has starred alongside Ray Winstone and Idris Elba in All In The Game, Hugh Bonneville in Silent Hours and Keith Lemon and Robbie Williams in The Keith and Paddy Picture Show. Vicki’s many TV credits include I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Celebrity Masterchef, The Wright Stuff; she made her West End debut with Dudley Moore in Play It Again Sam, and her theatrical credits range from playing Marilyn Monroe in Hello Norma Jean to Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. 
Film credits include The Greek Tycoon with Anthony Quinn, and the award-winning Grimaldi: The Funnest Man In The World with The Chuckle Brothers and David Essex.  Vicki hosts her own weekly radio show Vix Mix on Phoenix 98FM in Essex and has presented numerous awards ceremonies.  She served as Executive Producer on the Ray Cooney film Run For Your Wife and was awarded an MBE in 2010 for her extensive services to charity.  She is patron of two young people’s theatre schools in London and Kent and the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage.

In her final term at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in 2005 Josephine Partridge met her future husband, moved to Wales, raised a family and ran drama classes for young children.  In 2017 she decided to return to the stage and landed the leading role of Marlene in Caryl Churchill’s classic 1982 play Top Girls which had a successful run at Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre.  Recently she performed a piece she’d written for the London-based theatre company Bee In My Beanie.  “I’m so excited about joining the cast of Hormonal Housewives,” says Josephine.  “It’s my first theatrical tour and I’m really looking forward to working with Vicki and Julie and going to different theatres around the country.  My character is well into keeping fit and tries to get the other two involved! I have a physical fitness background and I’m training to be a personal trainer – Vicki’s and Julie’s characters are definitely not on the same page as my character when it comes to going to the gym!”

David Janson has directed numerous pantomimes, plays and children’s theatre productions.  He started his career as an actor at the age of 9 appearing in the West End production of Oliver!, the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night, and in the RSC season at Stratford.  He spent three years in one of TV’s first soap operas, The Newcomers, and gained acclaim in Get Some In, Don’t Rock the Boat and Grundy. He played Herr Flick in the last series of ‘Allo ‘Allo.

David’s directing credits include Ray Cooney’s Tom Dick & Harry, Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends and The Other Side of Chris Barrie.  He was a member of the creative team for Bloodbath – The Musical featuring Antony Costa, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2009.  David’s extensive pantomime credits include Dick Whittington, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Peter Pan and he has worked with many household names including Gareth Gates, Bobby Davro, Matthew Kelly, Sue Hodge, Toyah Willcox, Lorraine Chase, John Altman, Kerry Ellis.

David is also an established voiceover artist and director and was UK voice director for the Disney Corporation on My Friends Tigger & Pooh, Pooh Halloween and The Heffalump Movie. 

 

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