Activities will include masterclasses, ensemble work, concerts, and taster sessions fromindustry leaders and world-renowned performers
Lower Brass Days to be held in Edinburgh and Elgin, with each day free to attend.
Lower Brass Days to boost and encourage access to the trombone, euphonium, tenor and baritone horns, and tuba, through a day of presentations, masterclasses, ensemble work, and concerts from an array of leading performers and teachers.
St Mary’s Music School ‘Instrument Library’ for young musicians will also see its second phase come to fruition.
St Mary’s Music School – a specialist music school based in the heart of Edinburgh, with generous tuition funding available and admission based solely on musical promise – has partnered with leading UK brass players to bring an exciting series of Lower Brass Days to Edinburgh and Elgin aimed at encouraging young people to study thetrombone, euphonium, tenor and baritone horns, and tuba.
Taking place on Saturday 24 February in Edinburgh (The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Lothian Road) and Sunday 25 February in Elgin (Elgin Academy), the school hopes to expand local access to music within schools, and to raise the profile of, and interest in, lesser available brass instruments.
In addition to taster sessions with Buffet Crampon (a prominent market leader in the manufacturing of top of the range wind instruments), attendees will be welcomed to a day of presentations, masterclasses, ensemble work, and concerts – free to attend for all and open for participation to school aged pupils.
Buffet Crampon will supply instruments for Taster Sessions; whilst Martin Thomson, Danielle Price, John Kenny, Jonathan Gawn, Oren Marshall (Trinity Laban), Arlene Macfarlane, Emily White (British Trombone Society), and representatives from UK Conservatoires will lead an array of presentations and performances.
Euan Meikle, Sales Manager for Buffet Crampon in the UK and Ireland said:“The cultivation of new talent is both a core principle for me and Buffet Crampon, as well as crucial to the survival of our music industry.
“I look forward to presenting the Prodigy ‘Come and Play’ Experience, which aims to give attendees the opportunity to view a demonstration, play an instrument and even take a virtual reality tour of how instruments are made via Virtual Reality!”
As well as celebrating brass musicianship nationwide, it is hoped the Lower Brass Days will also see the second phase of St Mary’s Music School ‘Instrument Library’ come to fruition and further democratise access to quality musical instruments.
Launched in Autumn 2023, the Instrument Library has seen St Mary’s Music School invest in a small fleet of endangered instruments with the hopes of nourishing musical potential in the early years. Entrusted to specific teachers, instruments such as the oboe and bassoon can be loaned out for three years, with the possibility of extension to pupils who might otherwise find accessing these instruments financially prohibitive.
Director of Music John Cameron said: “We are excited to be working with leading brass professionals from across the UK in providing free access to days of activities to celebrate the world of lower brass.
“This is part of our active musical outreach programme which includes our ‘Instrument Library’, set up to give young musicians access to quality instruments at an early age.”
Amongst an exciting day of Lower Brass events, St Mary’s Music School is also running a Composition Competition for school age composers aged 10 – 18 across Scotland, with the chosen winning ‘Fanfare’ to be performed on both days by leading musicians.
Four runners up will also be invited to have their compositions ‘workshopped’ by the School – and all shortlisted entries will receive feedback from a panel of composers. Entry to the competition closes on 20 December 2023.
A group of young dancers from one of Scotland’s highest-regarded dance performance schools will travel to Blackpool next weekend to take part in a major UK and Ireland competition.
Pupils and instructors from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) will participate in the prestigious three-day Dance Inspirations event being held in the Northwest England town where they will be defending titles won at last year’s competition.
In 2023, EDA was named as the Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland for the second year running at the event with several of the school’s dancers also picking up accolades for their performances.
This included being awarded as Overall Winner for their contemporary piece “Shout” by Empara Mi with the EDA team taking home £1000 in prize money for their table-topping routine.
EDA instructor Jenni Inglis also won the Most Inspirational Choreography award in 2023 for the second year in a row while dancer Kiera Anderson was handed top prize for the Most Dedication, Passion and Talent award category.
The Dance Inspirations competition is set to feature more than 300 top level dance routines. These were selected from a total of 3000 acts from over 100 dance schools across the UK and Ireland which competed in regional heats ahead of this weekend’s final.
Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “We are so proud of what Jenni and our fantastic dancers achieved in Blackpool last year and we look forward to once again taking part in this extremely competitive event.
“While we are expecting an even higher level of competition from this year’s participants, we will do our best to bring further dance honours back to Scotland.”
Love Your Business networking club, which has welcomed 185 speakers and over 4000 attendees since it launched in 2018, celebrates its 6th anniversary with the announcement of this month’s speaker on the 25thJanuary as Ben Scott, former Scotland Men’s Rugby Wellbeing Coach, who worked with the team to help bridge the gap between wellbeing and performance.
The club, at Black Ivy in Edinburgh, was launched by Michelle Brown, founder of the eponymous PR agency which marks its 10th anniversary this year, to help businesses make connections and build relationships, exchange ideas, referrals and contacts, and hear from inspiring speakers every month, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and business insights.
These include Chris van der Kuyl CBE, Chairman and Co-Founder of 4J Studios, developers of the multi-award-winning Minecraft Console editions, former co-founder of Social Bite and business coach, Alice Thompson, California based environmental entrepreneur Paul Tasner, founder of PulpWorks and Michael Welch, OBE and CEO at Tirebuyer.com.
Also, Rachel Hanretty, founder of the award-winning Mademoiselle Macaron, which sells over 35,000 macarons a week, has a turnover of £1.2m and landed an order to send her meringue confections to the Barbie film set.
This month’s guest speaker, Ben Scott, specialises in health, wellbeing, performance and personal growth and was head-hunted to become Scotland’s Men’s Rugby Wellbeing Coach in 2021 to enhance the squads individual and collective wellbeing, on and off the field.
Having suffered from physical and mental challenges as a teenager, Ben embarked on a journey to discover the answers he needed to overcome them, which involved completing various courses, including a five-year master’s degree in Chiropractic, a three year postgraduate in Functional Neurology and a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
From January 2021 until April 2023, he worked with the team during a time that became one of their most successful performance periods, breaking many of their records, and seeing them rise two places in the World Rugby Rankings.
Ben, who continues to coach elite athletes in person and online, and also helps patients at Morningside Chiropractic, will be sharing the story of his career journey and the ‘4 Pillars of Wellbeing’ to help business owners get 2024 off to a positive start, professionally and personally.
Michelle said: “I’m delighted to welcome the wellbeing coach, Ben Scott, as the speaker at Love Your Business this month, whose advice on ‘purpose, potential and performance’ will help business owners to get 2024 off to a flying start.
“For the past six years so many speakers have given up their time to share their inspiring stories with us and learnings along the way and provide valuable advice for businesses which always leaves everyone in the room inspired and motivated.”
Ben said: “Being asked to speak at the Love Your Business networking event this month is a great opportunity for me to share insights on how our wellbeing effects our performances, both personally and professionally, and to highlight ways we can overcome our challenges, so that we are better able to fulfil our potential and reach our goals.”
“I’m really looking forward to celebrating the 6th anniversary of a club which has brought so many people and businesses together to share their knowledge and experiences, in what is such a fantastic achievement for Michelle.”
Over the years the networking club, has also supported various charities and social enterprises, including Make 2nds Count, Support in Mind Scotland, Invisible Cities, Epilepsy Scotland and Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh, FACE who have received proceeds from ticket sales and marketing support.
Love Your Business networking club runs on the last Thursday of every month, from 11am till 1pm. The first event of the year is on the 25th January.
A night of festive cheer aims to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Call for local community to join the festivities organised by Stagecoach Performing Arts
Helping to support groundbreaking research and life changing support
People in Glasgow and surrounding areas are invited to the Spirit of Christmas annual concert, an evening of uplifting performances, full of festive cheer, on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December.
The Spirit of Christmas annual concert will take place at Broom Parish Church, Newton Mearns, hosted by Stagecoach Performing Arts. This year will be full of festive songs brought to you by the students of Stagecoach Glasgow.
Gordon Smith, ex-professional footballer and Muscular Dystrophy UK’s ambassador, will be addressing the audience on the Saturday evening to sing with the children.
Jodie Whitham, Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Regional Development Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “The Spirit of Christmas always feels like the start of the festive season.
“What a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, with a night of uplifting music, in such beautiful surroundings.
“It’s truly joyful, with so many people giving their time to help us raise awareness and vital funds for people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions. Make sure you don’t miss out on these magical nights!”
Tickets will be available to purchase on the door on each of the evenings.
Adult: £10
Child or concession £5
Family (two adults and two children) £25
For more information on Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Thurs 10am – 2pm).
Adapted from the memoir by Damian Barr Directed by Suba Das
Opening at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, and touring to Eden Court, Inverness; Perth Theatre; Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld; Dundee Rep Theatre and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, with full tour dates and venues to be announced.
Opening performance at the Tron Theatre on Thursday 9 May 2024.
Maggie & Me, Damian Barr’s award-winning and darkly witty memoir about growing up gay in Thatcher’s Britain is coming to Scottish stages, in a bold and explosive new production.
Damian Barr is adapting his memoir for the stage, teaming up with Scottish playwright James Ley and directed by Suba Das.
This new production from National Theatre of Scotland premieres at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow in May 2024 before touring to Inverness, Perth, Cumbernauld, Dundee and Edinburgh.
“Don’t you worry. I’ll always love you. Love doesn’t run out. It’s not like the gas meter. I’ll find extra love.”
It’s October 12, 1984 – the Brighton bombing. Maggie Thatcher emerges from the rubble, dusty but defiant and somehow in the living room of 8-year-old Damian Barr in Newarthill, North Lanarkshire.
No time for turning, so buckle up for a surreal yet so-real rollercoaster ride through Damian’s painful past rediscovering who he really is. From the furnaces of the Ravenscraig Steelworks to the sanctuary of Carfin Grotto, there’s pain and joy, coming of age and coming out. And Saint Dolly Parton.
It’s about finding your voice and telling your story. Before you can move on, you have to look back…
Published in 2013, Maggie & Me was named Sunday Times Memoir of the Year, awarded Paddy Power Political Satire Award and Barr was named Stonewall Writer of the Year.
The National Theatre of Scotland will be collaborating with film and video students from New College Lanarkshire to create a short documentary about the making of the production.
Damian Barr, co-writer and author of Maggie & Me, said: “National Theatre of Scotland has given me some of my most memorable nights in the theatre so it’s a great honour to be bringing Maggie & Me to life on stage with them.
“Maggie & Me is not just my story – it’s about the community that survived Thatcher, so I’m delighted we are working with New College Lanarkshire – based on the site of the Craig where my dad worked.
“I’m a huge fan of James Ley’s plays and especially what they say about identity – writing with him has been a joy and I’ve learned so much about making the shift from page to stage.
“Director Suba Das is one of the most exciting theatre makers in the UK so I am thrilled he’s lending us his unique and uniquely engaging vision. I’m dedicating this play to my family, to my family of choice and to everyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.”
James Ley, co-writer, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the team reimagining Damian’s joyous, funny, heartbreaking memoir for the stage. The chance to get to work with Damian, Suba and National Theatre of Scotland is a dream come true.
“The play is so much more than a memoir, it’s a vital check-in with the nation about what’s important to us, who we are and how we make sense of everything that’s thrown at us in life.
“Going on this journey with Damian has been as moving, hilarious and uplifting as I hope and believe the play will be when it gets in front of audiences next Spring. I can’t wait!”
Suba Das, director, said: “I’m honoured that National Theatre Scotland have stretched the border a pinch to invite a Geordie director – proudly queer and working-class – up to Glasgow to help create the world premiere of Maggie & Me.
“Damian’s account of survival and the quest for community, joy and voice resonates for any of us who know what it is to negotiate boundaries of sexuality and class. In a world that remains hostile to difference, I’m so moved to have Damian and James’s trust to now lead the creation of a production that holds hope and healing at its heart – for me, for us, and for every audience member we’ll meet on the great big adventure ahead.”
Maggie & Mewas high acclaimed upon publication and established itself as a classic Scottish memoir. This is the first time it has been adapted for the stage:
‘Funny, tender, and heartbreaking.’ The Independent
‘Certain memoirs catch a moment and seem to define it, bottle it… Hugely entertaining.’ The Sunday Times
‘A memoir which is both personally moving and a valuable historical document.’ Literary Review
Born in Bellshill and now living in Brighton, Damian Barr is an award-winning writer and broadcaster.
His debut novel, You Will Be Safe Here, was Book of the Year in the Observer, Guardian and Mail. He has written several plays for radio, with Maggie & Me marking his first stage play. In 2019, Damian brought books back to television with the BBC’s Big Scottish Book Club, now in its fifth series.
James Ley is an award-winning writer living in Glasgow.
‘One of Scotland’s most exciting, early-career writers.’ Exeunt
He wrote and directed Ode to Joy (How Gordon got to go to the nasty pig party), winner of a Scotsman Fringe First in 2022 and nominated for a Critics Award for Theatre Scotland Award 2023 for Best New Play which will tour next year.
His other plays include Wilf (Traverse Theatre) and Love Song to Lavender Menace (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Summerhall, SoHo Playhouse, New York). James is currently under commission with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and is an alumnus of the BBC Writersroom Scottish Voices 2022/2023 and Edinburgh Film Festival Talent Lab.
Suba Dasis an award-winning theatre maker from the North East of England. Previously Creative Director at the Liverpool Everyman; and Artistic Director/CEO of the internationally acclaimed new writing company HighTide; Suba trained at Cambridge and on the prestigious Birkbeck MFA in Theatre Directing. He is a 2023 graduate of the National Film and Television School’s Director’s Series.
His directing credits include major revivals of Top Girls (Liverpool Everyman), East Is East (Northern Stage and Nottingham Playhouse) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Bolton Octagon); in addition to the world premieres of Ravi Shankar’s Sukanya (with The Royal Opera and London Philharmonic Orchestra), Pink Sari Revolution by Purva Naresh, and Wipers by Ishy Din (all as Associate Director at Leicester Curve). This is his first time working with the National Theatre of Scotland.
Touring to Tron Theatre, Glasgow (previews Wed 8 May) Thurs 9 May – Sat 11 May; One Touch, Eden Court Tues 14 May – Wed 15 May; Perth Theatre Fri 17 May – Sat 18 May; Cumbernauld Theatre Thurs 23 May – Sat 25 May; Dundee Rep Theatre Thurs 30 May – Sat 1 June; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Tues 11 June – Sat 15 June
The National Theatre of Scotland’s popular Theatre for a Fiver scheme will be available for 14 to 16 year-olds and those on Universal Credit.
Full tour information and creative biogs to date here.
Scottish Ensemble presents the first of two specially-commissioned performance films with Glasgow production company Forest of Black: Anna Meredith’s “Tull”
The musical score comes alive when a forest of pink plinths – each with their own independent character – grows homogeneously in response to the music.
Scottish Ensemble musicians – as if museum objects on display – balance precariously on top, whilst performing Anna Meredith’s gripping piece with laser focus.
Released in partnership with Delphian Records, Tull joins Scottish Ensemble’s growing catalogue of visually-striking music videos, from Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3, to a gripping excerpt from Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, the second film of their partnership with Forest of Black which will be released in Spring 2024.
“Through creative video techniques, carefully styled set design, and compelling performances, I sought to introduce the audience to a whole new way of experiencing a Scottish Ensemble performance.
“The music’s rich interplay of light and shadow, as well as a sense of spontaneity and playfulness, played a pivotal role in shaping the overall creative direction of the video.
“The final product is a testament to the creative collaboration and dedication of the entire team. Considering the high level of ambition and the numerous technical challenges we faced, I am really pleased that we successfully brought this concept to life!” – AINS Director, Forest of Black
Key Dates:
NOW – single pre-add links live across 20+ streaming services: https://orcd.co/tull
17 November 2023 – Single and Music Video released on Scottish Ensemble YT channel and becomes widely available
Produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland
Theatre in Schools Scotland brings MESS by Tenterhooks to ASN schools in Scotland as part of its touring schools programme of live dance and theatre productions
MESS is visiting ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen in September and October 2023 with a first performance at Oaklands School in North Edinburghon Monday (25 September 2023).
Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS), the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project is, for the first time, touring a show exclusively to ASN schools in Scotland, as part of its new 23/24 schools programme.
TiSS is bringing the playful, bold show, MESS by Scottish company Tenterhooks, to schools for young people with complex additional support needs in September and October 2023. The show will be touring to ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen. Following the tour to schools as part of TiSS, Tenterhooks will bring MESS to CHAS children’s hospices Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
Created by Tenterhooks and produced by Scottish Theatre Producers, MESS is a bold, playful and emotionally engaging theatre performance made especially for young audiences (age 5-18) with complex additional support needs. In the performance, an ordinary day in the life of a team of caretakers turns unpredictable when, for the first time ever, they attempt to clean a space which has people in it. MESS features comedy, surprise, celebration and mild peril!
Tenterhooks is led by Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, and Fergus Dunnet, two theatre clowns and one visual artist putting audiences at the heart of their bold and playful performances. MESS was co-devised by the cast and creative team from an original idea by Ben Winger.
The MESS company includes performers/devisers: Ben Winger, Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, Kerry Cleland, Ronan McMahon, Carmen Pieraccini and Lucy McGreal.
A number of the MESS ensemble performers work together as Clowndoctors (Hearts & Minds) and their therapeutic clowning practice, which includes spontaneity, complicity and playfulness has informed the development of the performance.
Julian Almeida, Theatre in Schools Scotland Project Managersays: “We’re delighted to be touring our first ever show made especially for young people with complex additional learning needs, which will exclusively visit ASN schools.
“The opportunity for children to experience and participate in performances in their own school environment is invaluable, and TiSS is committed to creating and developing new relationships with schools and teachers throughout Scotland.”
Theatre in Schools Scotland, produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland brings inspiring live theatre and dance productions, made specially for children and young people, into schools and nurseries.
The new TiSS programme also sees the welcome return of Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen & Lewis Hetherington which had its original schools tour curtailed due to Covid-19 in 2020; and an extended second tour of Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley/Catherine Wheels Theatre Company which was first off the TiSS blocks to great acclaim in 2022.
TiSS is excited to be offering younger primary school pupils a brand new dance theatre performance, The Last Forecast, from Catherine Wheels Theatre Company/Bridie Gane.
The TiSS programme is available for schools to book anywhere in Scotland, offering performances in primary schools for all ages. TiSS continues to offer subsidised bookings to schools and create partnerships with local support organisations, ensuring live performances reach schools not only in cities and towns but in remote and rural communities.
Three former EDA pupils return to Edinburgh for UK tour of Romeo and Juliet
Three aspiring Edinburgh dancers who landed dream roles with the internationally-renowned New Adventures Dance Company are back in the capital this week as cast members of the group’s production of Romeo & Juliet.
The local performers, Rory McLeod, Carla Contini, and Leonardo McCorkindale, all former pupils of leading dance school Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA), are performing in the Scottish capital this week as part of the show’s international tour.
The Scottish trio have all been recruited by the iconic and ground-breaking New Adventures, set up by one of Britian’s most innovative choreographers, Sir Matthew Bourne.
22-year-old Rory joined the company in 2021 after attending Laine Theatre Arts dance school in Surrey and made his cameo appearance in New Adventure’s Nutcracker! in April last year.
Meanwhile, Leonardo, aged 20, and Carla (19) were taken on by the company earlier this year after graduating from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire. Their performance in Romeo and Juliet, which is currently on a UK tour before moving on to Europe and the US early next year, marks their New Adventures debut.
New Adventures has received numerous international awards and has won six Olivier Awards which recognise excellence in London’s professional theatre circuit. The company’s repertoire has inspired and thrilled millions of people worldwide.
During their five-day at the Festival Theatre, the three Edinburgh dancers were reunited with EDA’s Julie Mitchell and Jenny Inglis, both of whom were former dance teachers to the trio while they were growing up in the city.
Julie Mitchell said: “We are so delighted with the progress of our three former pupils, who are now part of this international production being staged by one of the world’s leading dance companies.
“While Rory, Carla, and Leonardo all developed their dance talent as youngsters, it has been their drive and commitment that has led them to becoming part of Matthew Bourne’s prestigious New Adventures company.
“We’ve very proud of all three and we wish them every success with their careers going forward.”
First look at the National Theatre of Scotland’s new production DRACULA: MINA’S RECKONING ahead of the show touring Scotland, Liverpool and Coventry in September and October 2023.
Character images of Mina Murray and Dracula released, alongside a glimpse into the rehearsal room with director Sally Cookson
Bram Stoker’s classic novel has been reimagined by writer Morna Pearson, set in the North-East of Scotland and brought to life by an all-female and non-binary ensemble
World Premiere
National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen Performing Arts in association with Belgrade Theatre, Coventry present
DRACULA: MINA’S RECKONING
Conceived by Morna Pearson and Sally Cookson
Story by Morna Pearson, Sally Cookson and Rosie Kellagher
Additional material devised by The Company
Written by Morna Pearson after Bram Stoker
Directed by Sally Cookson
Full cast: Natalie Arle-Toyne, Maggie Bain, Ailsa Davidson, Catriona Faint, Danielle Jam, Liz Kettle, Anne Lacey and Ros Watt.
Set and Costume Designer – Kenneth MacLeod, Composer – Benji Bower, Movement Director – Vicki Manderson, Lighting Designer – Aideen Malone, Video Designer – Lewis den Hertog, Casting Directors – Simone Pereira Hind CDG and Anna Dawson. BSL Performance interpreters Catherine King and Yvonne Strain.
Corporate Sponsor: Pinsent Masons
Touring the UK from Saturday 2 September to Saturday 28 October 2023,
Opening at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen and touring to Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling; Eden Court, Inverness; Dundee Rep; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry and Liverpool Playhouse from September to October 2023.
Opening Performance at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen on Thursday 7 September 2023.
“Protect your loved ains fae the claws o’ a beast.”
A thrilling new adaptation of Dracula by acclaimed Scottish playwright Morna Pearson, directed by Sally Cookson, is brought to stages across Scotland and England by the National Theatre of Scotland in a co-production with Aberdeen Performing Arts in association with Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.
Sally Cookson’s sweeping, atmospheric production of Morna Pearson’s bold new adaptation is relocated to Aberdeenshire and the wild beauty of North-East Scotland, acknowledging the area’s recently reported inspiration for Bram Stoker’s classic novel. To mark this, Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning opens at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen in September 2023 before touring to Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness, Dundee, Edinburgh, Coventry and Liverpool.
Set in a psychiatric hospital in Aberdeenshire in 1897, this unique Scottish adaptation places the character of Mina Murray at the centre of the action.
Mina seeks refuge at the hospital to escape the horrors she has experienced, retelling her encounters with the most terrifying of beasts: Dracula. Mina is joined by the patients, an all-women and non-binary ensemble, and together they tell a unique version of Bram Stoker’s legendary tale.
We are transported to a world where immortality and ultimate power is possible, even for women – but with terrible consequences.
The lead character of Mina is played by Danielle Jam, who recently toured with Kidnapped (National Theatre of Scotland) and James IV: Queen of the Fight, (Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with National Theatre of Scotland) and appeared in Wings Around Dundee (Dundee Rep) and is known to TV audiences for her roles in Scot Squad (BBC) and Molly and Mack (CBeebies).
She will be joined by Ailsa Davidson (Lucy and Elsie). Ailsa has performed in Heathers the Musical (Bill Kenwright & Paul Taylor-Mills) in London’s West End, Lipsync at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Cumbernauld Theatre), Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens (Union Theatre) and Grease (UK & International Tour).
Liz Kettle takes on the role of Dracula, she was most recently seen on Scottish stages in Macbeth – An Undoing (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh) and has appeared in numerous roles on TV including Unforgotten IV, The Secret Life of Mrs Beeton, Doctors (BBC), Fracture (20th Century Digital / Disney), Honoria Glossop in Jeeves & Wooster, Inspector Morse, Rosemary & Thyme and Poirot.
They are joined by Natalie Arle-Toyne (Van Helsing and Titchy). Natalie’s recent theatre work includes Mrs Puntila and Her Man Matti, Arabian Nights, Rhinoceros (CATS Ensemble Award) at the Lyceum Theatre and The Lost Lending Library (Punch Drunk/Imaginate). Maggie Bain (Dr Seward and Georgina) has appeared in roles in theatre, TV, film and radio most recently on stage in Linck & Mülhahn (Hampstead Theatre), We’ll Meet in Moscow (Traverse Theatre), Dream (RSC) and on TV in I Hate Suzie (Sky) and Luther: The Fallen Sun (Netflix).
Catriona Faint (Jonathan and Annie) most recently performed in Enough of Him (National Theatre of Scotland). Anne Lacey (Mr Swails and Bella), who has worked extensively in theatre, film, TV and radio was recently on stage in Medea (National Theatre of Scotland at the Edinburgh International Festival), and Earthquakes In London (National Theatre); and on TV in Shetland (ITV). Ros Watt’s (Renfield and Katherine) previous includes Godot is a Woman (Silent Faces) at the Pleasance, Edinburgh.
Dracula is dripping with Morna Pearson’s trademark humour, theatricality, and her taste for the strange, the shocking and the grotesque. The production celebrates the novel’s gothic horror origins while, in a radical twist, it allows audiences to view the story through the eyes of Mina and the patients. Elements of the piece will be devised by the company.
The production features atmospheric, Gothic-inspired set and costumes designed by Kenneth MacLeod with video design by Lewis den Hertog, a dark, distinctive score from composer Benji Bower and visceral movement from Vicki Manderson.
Writer Morna Pearson said: “I was excited to adapt Dracula and place it in the familiar setting of the North-East, the place where my writing feels at home. I wanted to examine themes of our times – fear, trauma, and powerlessness – in ways the horror genre lends itself to.
With Stoker drawing influence from Cruden Bay, it felt appropriate to relocate the narrative to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, exploring the area and characters I find most inspirational.
There is room for more horror and stories from the North-East in theatre, so I am thrilled that my first large scale production is a bold retelling of Dracula set there.”
Morna Pearson was born in the North-East of Scotland, in Elgin, and is an award-winning Edinburgh-based playwright and screenwriter. Morna’s work for National Theatre of Scotland includes Darklands written as part of Interference trilogy and Clearing for Scenes for Survival. Other theatre work includes Let’s Inherit the Earth (Dogstar/Profilteatern); How to Disappear (Traverse) and Dr Stirlingshire’s Discovery (Lung Ha/Grid Iron). She was a recipient of the Meyer-Whitworth Award and her first short film, I Was Here, gained BAFTA Scotland and EIFF nominations for Best Short Film.
“One of the freshest, most fearless and taboo-busting voices to be heard anywhere right now” The Herald on The Artist Man and the Mother Woman
Sally Cookson is an Olivier award-winning director (A Monster Calls), an associate director at Bristol Old Vic and a collaborator with Travelling Light Theatre Company. Her theatre credits include Wonder Boy (Bristol Old Vic); A Monster Calls (The Old Vic/UK tour); The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse/Bridge Theatre/UK Tour/Gillian Lynne) and Jane Eyre and Peter Pan (Bristol Old Vic/National Theatre).
“Audaciously inventive” *****The Guardian on Wonder Boy
Bram Stoker’s Dracula was first published in 1897 and has since been adapted into numerous films and plays. Stoker himself wrote the first theatrical adaptation, which was presented at London’s Lyceum Theatre on 18 May 1897 under the title Dracula, or The Undead. For years Dracula has been associated with Whitby and Transylvania, but recent research suggests that Aberdeenshire played a significant part in shaping the novel, and in particular Slains Castle which features an octagonal room like the one described by Stoker in Dracula’s Castle.
Touring from September to October 2023 to His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (previews Sat 2, Tues 5, Wed 6 Sept) Thurs 7 – Sat 9 Sept; Theatre Royal, Glasgow Wed 13 – Sat 16 Sept; Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling Thurs 21 – Sat 23 Sept; Eden Court, Inverness Thurs 28 – Sat 30 Sept; Dundee Rep Thurs 5 – Sat 7 Oct; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Wed 11 – Sat 14 Oct, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (18 to 21 October) and Liverpool Playhouse (24 to 28 October).
Full tour information and creative credits and biogs here.
The cobbled streets of Edinburgh have been brought to life by the colour and vibrancy of The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.
The Orchestra are creating a carnival atmosphere each night with their performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and did the same at Victoria Street, wowing passersby with their spectacular outfits.
Set against the colour of the iconic Edinburgh street, the performers gave locals and tourists alike a glimpse of the colour of their performance at this year’s Tattoo Show, Stories.
The Tattoo is running until 26 August 2023 and tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
