Packed programme has something for everyone

Jan 13 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE new season’s programme of events at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre is detailed in the Horsecross January to April 2009 brochure.

Included in the programme of theatre, comedy, classical and contemporary music and community event is an official Homecoming Scotland 2009 event, the Scottish Tides – Polish Spring festival.

Polish Spring, supported by Perth and Kinross Council, at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre celebrates hundreds of years of connections between Scotland and Poland.

With top Polish bands, Chopin recitals, orchestral exchanges, talks, events, musical associations, comedy and new media art, this promises to be an unforgettable sharing of cultural similarities and appreciation of historical links.

A highlight of Polish Spring will be a show featuring performances by pioneering Scots folk fusionists Peatbog Faeries and traditional trailblazers Warsaw Village Band.

Events to look forward to at Perth Theatre include the National Theatre of Scotland and Donmar Warehouse touring production of Be Near Me – an adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s Booker Prize nominated book, created by Ian McDiarmid who takes the central role in this story of love, morality and regret. Emmerdale star Lisa Riley is joined by Abi Titmus and other stars of the small screen for pole dancing antics in The Naked Truth. Fast paced and furious, The Mystery of Irma Vep sees Horsecross team up with the Royal Lyceum Theatre for what promises to be an hilarious send up of theatre and film styles featuring quick-changes and both role and gender swapping hilarity.

Scottish Opera presents a Gala Night in Perth Concert Hall. Joined by soloists Sally Silver and Peter Auty, the performance features moments from a range of well-know operas.

Ross Noble, voted one of the top 10 greatest stand ups by Channel 4 viewers, brings his free wheeling observational comedy to Perth Concert Hall on March 19.

Children of all ages will be blinded by science when famous TV show Brainiac Live takes to the Perth Concert Hall stage hosted by youngsters’ favourite, ‘Brainiac Joe’, aka television presenter Joe Rowntree. Young visitors will be entertained by a Puppet and Animation Festival in Perth Concert Hall Norie-Miller studio.

Toyah Willcox is the special guest in rock spectacular Vampires Rock at Perth Concert Hall, and Abba fever will descend on the Fair City as Björn Again performs at Perth Concert Hall as part of the 20th Anniversary tour. Further music will be provided by The Hollies, Elaine Paige and Midge Ure, plus the final chance to see Errol Brown on stage on his farewell tour.

Scotland’s top orchestras are showcased in a dedicated series of performances. The RSNO, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble will all appear on the Perth Concert Hall stage.

Once again, local talent will be on show with concerts from Perth Symphony Orchestra, Perth Chamber Music Society and Perth Youth Orchestra. Young musicians will continue to impress with their skills in the Perth and Kinross Central Groups Concert. Perth Youth Theatre is also bringing its exciting act back to Perth Theatre Redrooms following sell-out performances in 2007 and 2008.

Sports fans, too, are catered for with exhibition playing from legends of the green baize, Steve Davis and Jimmy White, and there will be displays from darting celebrity Eric Bristow and friends.

The popular lunchtime concerts continue at Perth Concert Hall and, in the intimate environment of Perth Theatre Redrooms, The Monday Night Thing resumes, promoting quality comedy, jazz, folk and song writing.

The new season brochures are available from Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. Full listings information is also available from the Horsecross website. For tickets, call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk