Susan Welsh takes a look at an eclectic selection of events taking place in Inverness over the next few days
Unlike some theatres which can have the same show running for weeks on end, at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, there’s always something new and exciting happening on a weekly basis.
There’s no better example of this than the programme on offer for the next few days as it really does have something to suit all tastes. There’s science and loud bangs, vampires and rock music, choral music that may have you reflecting on the current political scene, haunting folk music highlighting the spirit of World War I – and an art show featuring works crated by inspirational youngsters.
After 12 years and more than a million tickets sold, Steve Steinman returns tonight as Barron Von Rockula in the all-new Vampires Rock Saga, The Ghost Train. This sure-fire sell-out show is regarded as a classic rock spectacular and is packed with some of the greatest-ever classic rock anthems including We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Sweet Child Of Mine, Total Eclipse of the Heart and many more. The show is here for one night only and starts at 8pm tonight, Thursday, November 19.
Tomorrow, on Friday, November 20, there’s a visit from the creative team behind Brainiac Live and a whole load of other explosive science shows. Ministry of Science Live promises to be educational, anarchic, entertaining and explosive as it’s not your everyday science show but one which comes with several loud bangs, bells and whistles.
Subjects touched on during the show range from liquid-nitrogen frozen flowers and hydrogen bottle rockets to astronaut Buzz Aldrin and the invention of the battery. During the show, the talented team of presents who taken an anarchic and fun approach to science while looking at the inventors and engineers who have shaped our world, will build a hovercraft on stage – and fire a human cannon too. Performances take place at 1pm and 7pm tomorrow, Friday, November 20.
On Saturday, it’s the turn of Inverness Choral to present what promises to be an uplifting and inspirational concert when the choir presents David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus. From its opening drum beats, African Sanctus is a choral work with a difference. War drums, tribal dances and chanting mix with the Latin Mass in an exciting and memorable work which includes performances by soprana Maureen Brathwaite, who has sung the work all over the world, and renowned percussion quartet BackBeat will add their distinctive sound to the evening’s programme which starts at 7.30pm.
Fran Tilbook, from the choir, said: “This work reflects Fanshawe’s belief in the unity between people, their faiths and, above all, their music. He captures the eternal and spiritual soul of music, celebrating its power and energy, using recordings of music from Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, including the Muslim Call to Prayer, fusing these with a setting of the Latin Mass. For Fanshawe, there were no musical barriers and I can’t think of a more appropriate time for the Inverness Choral Society to be performing this work.”
Also being performed is Misa Criolla by Argentinean composer Ariel Ramirez.
On Wednesday, November 25, there’s a not-to-be-missed chance to see Far, Far From Ypres. Written and directed by Ian McCalman, this evocative production was a complete sell-out when it first performed at the 2012 Celtic Connections Festival and was described by festival director Donald Shaw as overwhelming and a show to be seen by everyone.
A cast of top folk performers including Ian Bruce, Fiona Fobes, Dick Gaughan and Ian McCalman to name but a few will perform trenchy, marching and popular music-hall songs from the time of World War I, set against the backdrop of large screen projections. This alongside Ian Anderson’s narration of the symbolic story of Jimmy MacDonald (and his journey to the Somme and back) creates a wonderfully poignant performance that is powerfully emotive but also has stories of humour and joy too.
Last but not least, while at the theatre, make sure to swing by the Art in Transition exhibition, which showcases a range of stunning artwork created by local young people with autism through an art therapy programme at Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Cheshire House in Inverness. Now in its second year, the programme supports 16 young people aged 18-25, using art to increase their confidence, self-esteem and enable them to communicate with the world around them.
The artwork on display ranges from striking painted canvases to contemporary sculpture and photography. Art therapy has proven to be an effective way of encouraging individuals with autism to imagine and think symbolically, and improve their ability to recognise and respond to facial expressions, as well as helping them to develop better relationships.
According to the service manager, Freda Murray, the project has seen the young people involved gain greater independence, improve their social skills and develop better relationships with other young people and their family, friends and carers.
The project has been primarily funded by The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation and the exhibition also includes a selection of artwork from the late Ena Baxter’s own portfolio. The exhibition is running throughout November and is free to visit.
For tickets for all shows at Eden Court call the box office on 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk