Guild of Players presents Hansel & Gretel by Alan P.Frayn
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
Fri 29th November - Sat 14th December 2024 - various times
Join the Guild of Players for their 2024 annual pantomime... Hansel & Gretel by Alan P.Frayn!
Can Bluebell, the Fairy of the Forest, manage to rescue Hansel and Gretel before they are eaten by Nightshade, the Wicked Witch of the Woods, who is determined to turn the tables this time and finally get her way? Meanwhile, the comic twosome, Nut-Meg and Basil, add to the turmoil when they try to sell all sorts of foolish food and fake fare foraged from the forest!
Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn't get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something 'perfect', just in time for Christmas Eve.
From the author of the well-loved children's book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it's LIVE! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift!
Sure, to be one Christmas present children and parents alike will never forget. The perfect family show that will be enjoyed by all this Festive Season.
Inspired by her love of the festive season and the dark, supernatural past of Dumfries and Galloway, award-winning storyteller Kathleen Cronie will present A Flicker of Fear, at one of the oldest continuously inhabitied tower houses in Scotland - Closeburn Castle
Kathleen has handpicked a collection of local tales to immerse guests in different lives and realities, drifting between distant past and modern day accounts, she will guide you across the veil into a place where the otherworldy is always close at hand...
The tours will reveal some of the fascinating characters and events associated with The Crichton from its earliest beginnings, including an insight into the life of Elizabeth Crichton and the history of Easterbrook Hall.
From there, guests will have a unique opportunity to explore The Crichton Memorial Church, Crypt and Undercroft, where they will discover the story of this beautiful building, view historical artefacts and hear a collection of ghostly tales and legends connected with The Crichton.
Regular Music presents Tide Lines plus special guests
Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, DG1 4TA
Sun 8th December 2024 7.30pm
Glasgow-based folk pop quartet Tide Lines are thrilled to announce their Homeward Bound Tour, a 12-date run this November and December, marking their biggest Scottish headline tour to date. The tour will see the band returning to beloved venues and exploring new locations across Scotland for the first time. The tour announcement follows the release of their uplifting new single Cherry Blossom Sunset. Released on their own imprint, Tide Lines Music, the track features sing-along lyrics that evoke the red night sky and the terracotta glow of Glasgow's iconic tenements. Recorded in their studio on the Isle of Mull, the single showcases Robertson's beautiful vocals and upbeat, alt-pop-inspired melodies.
Robert Robertson, of Tide Lines, comments: "This is the largest, most extensive Scottish tour we've ever done so we really can't wait. It's actually our only full scale tour at home in Scotland this year. It's going to feel amazing to be back playing some of our favourite venues whilst also getting to play parts of the country that are new to us."
Formed in the heart of the inspiring Scottish Highlands, the popular band - comprising Robert Robertson on vocals and guitar, keyboardist Ross Wilson, drummer Fergus Munro, and Alasdair Turner on electric guitar and bagpipes. Known for their warm, vibrant genre-bending take on indie-folk, which is set to win them even more dedicated fans as they are also set to embark on a massive summer with an impressive run of festival dates across the UK and their Elements (Stripped Back) tour this September.
Fresh off the back of their spring tour, which took them to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, and culminated in three sold out nights at Glasgow's renowned Barrowland Ballroom, the group are quickly becoming one of the country's rising stars, having enjoyed well-deserved chart success with their 2023 album, An Ocean Full of Islands, which hit #13 in the UK and #1 in Scotland. At their heart, Tide Lines are a rock band inspired by the geography and culture that formed them, and having been compared to The Waterboys, Frightened Rabbit, and Snow Patrol, they are on track to continue their runaway success.
Half the fun of a pantomime is knowing what comes next. ("Oh no it isn't!"—"Oh yes it is!") But where did pantomime come from? What's its peculiar history? Dames (who aren't women), principal boys (who are), pantomime horses, audience participation songs, double entendres galore—there's nothing like the riotous anarchy that's a pantomime. Profession pantomime artiste Ian Gledhill takes us on an affectionate exploration of its colourful history from Italian commedia dell'arte via C19th music hall to the family shows loved by millions today.
Ian Gledhill's varied career has taken him from designing underground railways as an engineer for London Transport, to appearing in pantomime with Julian Clary. In between he has worked in travel and tourism, music publishing, television, and especially the theatre, where he has been an actor, director, set designer, stage manager and opera translator. His main interests include architecture, history, transport and classical music, especially opera and operetta.
Thu 12 December 2024 7.30pm ( Please note the change of date)
Teemed with jovial anecdotes, modern and traditional Christmas music and exquisite musicianship that will tug at ones heartstrings, it is indeed "the perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank" The Scotsman.
Phil will be joined by some of the finest musicians on the Scottish folk scene including: Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire along with a special guest Brass Band. What can you say about Phil Cunningham, a superb innovative instrumentalist, with not simply the fastest fingers in the West but some of the most sensitive ones, too! He is fondly remembered from his days with Silly Wizard and Relativity and as witty musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain. Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, he has been involved in some of the seminal programmes that have enabled Scottish music to walk tall, a true ambassador for traditional music. Also a humourist, his breezy banter can have a 2000-seat hall falling about in the aisles.
Phil often keeps high company and no less is true for this year's special Christmas gathering. A powerful mix of lead vocalists include the inimitable Eddi Reader, who has celebrated a career spanning over 3 decades and has effortlessly developed into one of popular music's most thrilling and affecting performers. With an MBE for outstanding contributions to the arts, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and 8 critically acclaimed solo albums, Eddi is considered to be "one of Scotland's greatest national treasures" The Scotsman. Karen Matheson OBE, is recognized the world over as the haunting lead vocalist of Celtic supergroup, Capercaillie and one of "the finest Gaelic singers alive today" Billboard Magazine. Kris Drever, BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2017. The Orcadian singer and guitarist is part of the backbone of today's contemporary roots scene and is widely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars, Lau. Also joining Phil are multi-instrumentalist, John McCusker, one of Scotland's most accomplished and versatile musicians in any genre who has worked with artists as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller and Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub and Billy Connolly; Ian Carr, who is known for his original and eclectic approach to traditional music guitar and has established an instantly recognisable sound that has influenced countless musicians and Kevin McGuire who is a highly sought after double bassist who has performed with the likes of Karine Polwart and Kate Rusby. Make sure to oil your vocal chords and bring the family!
To book a table at Easterbrook Bistro for food before the show - click here
Meet your ghostly guides in the atmospheric Artist's Town of Kirkcudbright, where a chilling new ghost tour lurks in the shadows. Immerse yourself in the town's hidden histories; from the dark stain of the witch trials to lives claimed by the hangman's rope, curious customs and legends of the sea to the ethereal other world of fairy lore.
Our strange and sinister accounts will keep you captivated, lingering long after the tour is over...
The Kirkcudbright Ghost Walk features a special evening visit to Stewartry Museum, where guests will have the opportunity to view intriguing objects in the collection linked to local history and folklore.
Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald in the Yuletide festivities with Holly at Christmas, the show that is now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies!
Holly's hits, other contemporary classics and some Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment to make the perfect gift for all the family.
Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: "I can't believe it's not Buddy!"
Mostly Ghostly presents Dark Tales for Winter Nights
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
18th December 7.30pm
Mostly Ghostly Presents... Dark Tales for Winter Nights
Ghost Stories from the South Of Scotland
Winter; season of frosty sparkle and cool, ethereal light; that, and ghost stories. Gather in the company of award-winning storytellers - Mostly Ghostly - who will present a collection of chilling tales, handpicked to evoke that delicious thrill of fear. The team will transport you on an uncanny journey to the eerie landscapes of Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, where the darkness feels almost omnipresent and eldritch beings drawcloser...
For those of you not familiar with the band, they've reach incredible heights over the last 15 years with their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call 'Bagrock'.
Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show so fierce it should carry a government health warning! The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are the most famous bagpipe band on the planet.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Mon 23rd December 2024 7.30pm
Join us over the festive period at the Cairndale Hotel for a delicious four-course dinner and a lively evening of music with High Dynamics, a fun-loving, all occasions, music duo from Cumbria with Live Vocals, Guitar & Sax.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Tue 24th December 2024 7.30pm
Scotty D's journey began at just 12 years old, playing guitar and vocals in his family gospel group, "The Imperial Gospel Singers." From there, he went on to join multiple bands across the globe, including the "Alabamas Soul Band" in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Spain and "Soul Connection" in Hamburg, Germany.
Returning to Tenerife, Scotty joined the "Temptations Show" in the Soul Suite, performing as a solo act and as a member of the "Temptations, Four Tops, and Drifters Shows." He also became a member of the Northern Soul act "Soul Sensation," performing at venues around the U.K.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Thu 26th December 2024 7.30pm
Are you looking for a fun and entertaining night out? Look no further than the Neil Diamond tribute act! You'll be treated to a night of live music, featuring all of Neil Diamond's greatest hits like Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Love on the Rocks, and Hello again. And to top it off, you'll enjoy a delicious four-course meal.
This is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for a night of good food, good music, and good company. Whether you're a die-hard Neil Diamond fan or just looking for a fun night out, this tribute act is sure to deliver.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Fri 27th December 2024 7.30pm
Join us at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries for a delicious four-course dinner and a lively evening of music with Ritz Duo. From pop to rock, soul to country, they'll be singing all your favourite hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. Whether you're a fan of classic tunes or modern chart-toppers, there's something for everyone at this event. So why not grab a group of friends and come on down for a night you won't forget.
Includes a four course dinner and live entertainment.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Sat 28th December 2024 7.30pm
Looking for a fun night out before Christmas? Look no further than the Beatles Tribute by Just John & Paul! These two brothers, Glen and Dean, are not just passionate about The Beatles, but they are immersed in the art of entertainment. You won't find any impersonations here, just the feel of The Beatles - the excitement, the attitude, the irreverent humour.
Glen and Dean are natural performers, and their stage presence is reminiscent of Lennon and McCartney themselves. And the sound! You won't believe your ears - it's as if a live four-piece band is right in front of you. Glen and Dean play and sing note-for-note what John and Paul played on stage and on record.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Sun 29th December 2024 7.30pm
Join us over the festive period in an all-action non-stop tribute show as Garry Pease performs all of the favourites from Rod Stewart's vast portfolio of songs - everything from the early Faces days through to the Old American Songbook.
Includes a four course dinner and live entertainment.
Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Mon 30th December 2024 7.30pm
Lisa Press presents Immortality - A Tribute to Celine Dion
Her powerful vocals, perfect mannerisms and uncanny resemblance to the megastar herself will make you believe you have been instantly transported to a sell-out concert of the Diva herself.
Performing all the hit songs such as 'My Heart Will Go On', 'I'm Alive' & 'Because you Loved Me' Using all of her performance experience, Lisa takes on the persona of Celine to create a night which you won't forget, for all the right reasons!
Lisa's tribute to Celine has taken her all over the world with various Cruises & overseas bookings. This tribute is certainly one not to be missed!
