From laughs with Scotland’s first family to stripping steel workers, ballet and opera, Eden Court’s new season has something for all.
For regular film and theatregoers in the Highlands, the launch of the new Eden Court brochure is always a night to look forward to. On hand are a host of local experts in different fields such as theatre, film, dance and classes to talk about some of the shows coming up and shine a spotlight on some that perhaps initially you may not have fancied – until you hear about them first-hand.
For those who have never gone along before, take note. It’s an excellent event to attend as it costs just £5, but for that you not only get to hear in detail much more about what’s coming up, but also a complimentary glass of wine, tea/coffee – and a voucher entitling you to £5 off the price of a show, which makes it a free night out with a glass of vino thrown in!
So what’s been getting the team at Eden Court excited about the next season?
For Paul Taylor, cinema programmer, there are several films audiences must see including the blockbuster Swallows and Amazons and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Set in New Zealand, the latter tells the story of how a national manhunt gets under way to find a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the bush, a movie Paul says is the funniest film he’s seen all year. As he sees hundreds of films each year, that makes it one for the diary.
Other cinema highlights include a screening of The Adventures of Prince Achmed, which is considered to be the first full-length animated film and loosely based on the Arabian Nights, which will be shown on September 8. On September 13, there’s a real treat in store when The Thief of Baghdad, starring handsome Hollywood star Douglas Fairbanks, is shown, while well-known pianist Forrester Pyke provides piano accompaniment. The 14th Inverness Film Festival will take place again this year, running from November 9-13 – look out in Your Weekend for further details nearer the time.
For theatre fans, there’s also plenty to whet the appetite including a rare chance to see The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil, which theatre programmer Roz Bell described as “the most important play in Scottish history”. Presented by Dundee Rep, this five-star sell-out production plays in Inverness from October 11-15 and includes a post-show discussion on October 12.
This is said to be an excellent production, one that’s just as good as the original which first took the country by storm when it was presented more than 40 years ago. Presented as a Highland ceilidh with lots of song, drama and humour, it tells the story of the many dark periods of Scotland’s history, from the ruthless eviction of Highland crofters to make way for sheep, to the North Sea oil boom of the 1970s.
But help ma boab, if it’s Scottish humour you’re after then spending an evening in the company of Scotland’s first and favourite family, The Broons, is a must. The gang will be making their way from Glebe Street to Eden Court from October 3. In this brand-new adventure, said to be based on a previously unpublished comic script, glamorpuss Maggie is getting married and the family want to give her the wedding of her dreams.
What could possibly go wrong? Knowing the Broons and their frequent misunderstandings, quite a lot! A lively, fast-paced show, it stars Aberdeen’s own Joyce Falconer as Maw Broon, Kern Falconer as Granpaw and Still Game’s Paul Riley as Paw Broon.
While seeing any of The Broons family strip off might make you shudder, there is no shortage of fans lining up to see six out-of-work steel workers cast off their clothes. Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy has adapted his smash-hit film The Full Monty into a play that’s both packed with humour and emotion and been getting standing ovations every night. The stage show visits Eden Court on October 17 and tickets are selling fast.
As always with Eden Court, there’s an eclectic mix of shows so there’s bound to be something to suit all tastes whether it’s the Gaelic Youth Theatre Festival in October, visits from Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, or laugh-out-loud comedy with shows such as The Boy With Tape on His Face, Jerry Sadowitz, Mark Steel and Seann Walsh.
For full details contact Eden Court on 01463 234234 or www.eden-court.co.uk