FTH: Apr-Oct 2015

music drama dance family comedy + more...

April - October 2015 Falkirk Town Hall

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Hello, We’re welcoming new faces to FTH this season. The fantastic Ruby Wax brings her insightful thoughtful yet still funny one woman therapy session Sane World to FTH in May. Talking of Funny - Daily Record columnist, panel show pundit and stand up favourite Des Clarke makes a welcome return.

We’ve lots to do for families including a very special performance for 0-24 months and their parents and carers. Hup! is a feast of classical music by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra with puppets and storytelling especially created for babes. Following on from the success of Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Big Ears and Little Ears Concert for babies this is sure to be the hottest ticket in town for little ones.

For older fans of the classics don’t miss Anatomy of A Piano – as composer, musician and raconteur Will Pickvance literally dissects a piano live on stage, exploring the relationship between instrument and pianist in this quirky concert.

Remember that all our events and performances are available to book online just go to www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/ arts or call our lovely Booking Team on 01324 506850.

See you soon!

Julia Harkness Venues Manager Don’t miss a thing! Join our free mailing list for updates and offers.

Send your name, email and / or postal address to arts@falkirkcommunitytrust.org or call the Steeple Box Office (01324) 506850. @FalkirkCultural Falkirk Arts 2

venue@falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Families Theatre Comedy Music Dance School Holiday Fun Local Talent

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Contents 4 - 11 12 - 14 15 16 25 10 - 11 26

Highlights Food & Drink Weekend

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Ruby Wax: Sane New World

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Starcatchers: Hup 16 Anatomy of a Piano

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The Cavern Beatles

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remember you can book at www.falkirkcommunitytrust.ticketsource.co.uk

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cult families comedy

Puppet Animation Festival 2015

Animated Short Films

Family Treats Wednesday 8 April • 11am (65 minutes) For the first time the Puppet Animation Festival presents a programme of seven funny, delightful short animated films especially for children and their families at FTH.

Come along and enjoy some musical seals singing for their supper, a delicate friendship between a rabbit and a deer, a cat and dog who fight in a very unusual way, and a workaholic whose dream holiday is interrupted by some very ancient animals! ÂŁ3.50 all tickets

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Willie the Wicked Wolf

cult families comedy

Over the Top Puppet Company present

Friday 10 April • 2pm

Willie is an outrageous but loveable rogue whose interests include food, motorbikes and rock ‘n’ roll.

He plans to eat Granny and Red Riding Hood but fails miserably because of his unreliable motorbike. Luckily Granny is a good mechanic. Unluckily she is not a good driver…..how will it end?

A riotous show which breathes wild new life into traditional seaside booth puppetry.

Ages 6-9 years £6/ £6.50 adult with babe in arms/ £18 Family

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families

Starcatchers with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra presents

Hup! created by Hazel Darwin Edwards and Abigail Sinar Saturday 2 May 10.30am & 1.30pm Discover two violins, one cello, one raccoon, and the story of a very important tree. The violin was carved from this tree and this tree is conjured by the music of the violin: this is the tree’s sonata.

Hup! is a beautiful new piece created for babies, and has a relaxed and comfortable performance style with the chance to stay and play afterwards. Blending puppetry and a live classical score composed specifically for the production, Hup! is the perfect way to bond with your baby and explore the music together.

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Adult and Baby Ticket £9, Additional adults / children £8 Ages 0-24mths

The Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015 celebrates the country’s outstanding natural larder and produce.

Enjoy brilliant moments packed with regional delights and discover the landscapes, people and culture that

families

Food and Drink Weekend make our food heritage so unique.

Come and experience it and taste the very best Scotland has to offer. Here in Falkirk we love our cake. Spend a weekend with us to celebrate!

The Edibles Grinagog Theatre presents

Friday 12 June • 10.30am & 1.30pm Three are busy making a specially ordered cake. But when a hungry mouse sneaks in, their plans go out of the window with their cakes! A madcap show full of magical ingredients for 3-7 years and children with additional support needs.

Nominated for a CATS Award for Best Production for Children and Young People 2014.

Ages 3-7 years £6.50 / £5.50 Family £22

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families

Tea with Teddy Saturday 13 June • 11.30am – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea and stories with your favourite teddy in the Callendar House Tearoom. Does Teddy love cake? Course he does!

Adults Freshly homemade scone served with preserve and fresh cream with tea and coffee.

Children Round sandwiches, homemade shortbread, selection of cakes, fruit kebabs and juice.

Adults: £4.95 / Children: £5.95

The Callendar House

Cake Challenge Sunday 14 June • 2pm

Can you bake like Berry? Would Paul Hollywood swoon at your macaroon? Calling all budding bakers - create an extraordinary cake and bring it along to the Callendar House Cake Challenge.

In true Bake Off style our judges will be checking soggy bottoms and the Callendar House Heritage Team will show you the Georgian take on the bake when they didn’t have mixers and fan ovens.

There’s a selection of teas to taste as you discover the history of our favourite cuppa and the judges will announce the Star Baker.

Open to junior bakers (under 16) and older master bakers – on your marks, get set, bake!

Free

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families

Funbox presents

Pirates and Princesses Saturday 26 September 1pm & 3.30pm Setting sail on an all new adventure for 2015; ‘Pirates and Princesses’ is the brand new show from Anya, Kevin and Gary (formerly of the Singing Kettle).

Together they are Funbox.

Our magical Funbox contains everything you need to sing a song and have an adventure, but it won’t open until you can find the special keys to open it up. But all the Funbox keys have been lost at sea…

Dress up and join in the fun, come as a pirate, or a princess or a pirate princess! Who knows you may even get the chance to help us on stage.

Get ready to find those keys, unlock the box and release the fun!

All tickets £12.50 Family Ticket £46 Groups £10.50 Ages 0-7

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Music and Dance for Little Ones

Baby Bees and Ballet Bees Thursdays: 2 April – 25 June Baby Bees: 0-18 months 9.45 – 10.15am | £3.75 / £22.50 (7 week term) Wee ones and their grown-ups join Jennifer in an interactive play park with songs and dance, exploring colour, shape and rhyme together.

Ballet Bees: 18 months – 3 years 10.15 – 11am | £4 / £24 (7 week term) This fun and imaginative Parent/Toddler ballet class introduces children to the wonderful world of ballet. Through favourite nursery rhymes and the use of fun props we sing and dance, while encouraging wee ones to develop confidence, imagination and co-ordination.

The People’s Theatre Company presents

How the Koala Learnt to Hug

By Steven Lee Wednesday 14 October • 2pm

Based on the popular children’s story which was written especially for families to enjoy together, How the Koala Learnt to Hug is a charming tale about the magic of family and, of course, the importance of a nice warm hug!

So join our jolly bushman and a host of wild animals including Natascha the Witch, the Reggae Beavers, and Karen the Koala for stories, sing along songs, games and first class hugging!

All you need are your ears. (And your arms!)

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£8 / £7 Family £28 Ages 4+

Red

cult comedy

FTH Summer Schools Ready, Steady, Show!

Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 10am - 4pm daily If you go down to the woods today…

What happened to that little girl in a red cloak and the witches from that well known Scottish play? All will be revealed in this new piece of musical theatre featuring lots of familiar characters in not so familiar settings.

Working with a Director, Choreographer and Musical Director, you’ll act, sing and dance the week away, then perform on stage at FTH on the Friday evening. This is a great way to learn musical theatre skills. No previous experience required - just energy and enthusiasm! £75 | Ages 7-18 years Performance Friday evening at 7pm Performance £5 / £3

Play in a Week

James and the Giant Peach Monday 10 – Friday 14 August 10am - 4pm daily Grab a slice of the action in this scrumptious adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic. Working with a Director and Musical Director you’ll spend the week creating the crazy tale of James and his fantastical friends as they escape from his evil aunties. On Friday evening you’ll perform the finished play on stage at FTH. A peachy way to round off your summer holidays! £75 | Ages 7-18 years Performance Friday evening at 7pm | £5 / £3 Book for both Summer Schools for £130 a saving of £20.

Both Summer Schools must be booked at the same time.

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theatre

The Devil Wears Primark Rubber Ear Productions presents

Thursday 9 April • 7.30pm Did you hear the one about the mother-in-law that worked as a radio show sex therapist and got awarded an MBE for services to the entertainment industry?

From the team behind the awardwinning ‘Sex, Chips and Ouzo’ and ‘Check Your Coupon’ comes their latest comedy show about a highly dysfunctional family brought together to “celebrate” the imminent MBE award for their controlling wife and mother, whose questionable radio sex therapy advice to the UK listeners extends to her own family – whether they want it to or not. £15 / £14 | Ages 16+ Contains Strong Language 12

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theatre

The C Word Hipshot Theatre presents

By Des Dillon Friday 28 August • 7.30pm Danni, a past her sell by date nervous breakdown survivor, has been charged with contempt for using the C word in Glasgow Sheriff Court. Back home researching the origin of the C word she unwittingly conjures up an ebullient African Goddess who helps her overcome a bullying sister, a know all psychiatrist, a patronising Judge, a paedophile and a violent ned in a wheely bin.

Danni emerges from the chaos having reclaimed the C word for the sisterhood and transformed herself into a confident contemporary feminist.

Des Dillon’s hilarious black comedy asks who made the C word bad and who must pay for it. £12.50 / £11.50 Ages 16+ Contains Strong Language

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theatre

Isosceles in association with Useful Idiots present

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Wednesday 30 September • 7.30pm All human beings are ….commingled out of good and evil. Edward Hyde alone, in the ranks of mankind was pure evil.

An experiment to separate virtue from wickedness in his own nature results in the respectable Dr Jekyll releasing the demon within; a malevolent force which will eventually possess him body and soul.

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Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale has fascinated the world for more than a hundred years. Perhaps because a Mr Hyde lurks deep within us all, watching… and waiting… £14 / £12.50

cult comedy

Lakin McCarthy presents

Des Clarke The Trouble with Being Des Friday 1 May • 8pm Des is at a crossroads in life and has some things he needs to get off his chest. This time it’s personal.

Des hosted the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow which was watched by a world-wide TV audience of millions. Host of Scotland’s Capital Breakfast Show,

Des is an award winning comedian whofirst appeared at the Fringe as a teenager. Since then, he has travelled the world with his warm and offbeat brand of humour and become a familiar face on TV. There have been some major bumps in the road though. All part of the Trouble With Being Des. £14/ £12 | Ages 16+

Daily Record***** Edinburgh Evening News**** The List**** Chortle****

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comedy

Ruby Wax: Sane New World Lakin McCarthy presents

Friday 8 May • 8pm

She might not be sane herself but she does a pretty good imitation…

Ruby Wax’s new stage show is about anxiety, rehab and the finer points of neuroscience but is still guaranteed to make you laugh in the way only Ruby Wax knows how!

As well as a much loved US born comedian, actor and writer based in the UK, Ruby Wax has also become a mental health campaigner, has gained a Masters degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University and has written a critically acclaimed book “Sane New World”.

Based on her book, the stage show will help you rewire your thinking to find calm in a frenetic world and how to become the master, not the slave, of our own minds. This show is your passport to saner living. £18 /£16 Ages 16+

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music

Foster & Allen

Friday 17 April • 7.30pm For over 30 years Irish singing legends Foster and Allen have been entertaining audiences all over the world and we’re delighted to welcome the boys back to Falkirk with their easy listening sounds. Playing classic hits including ‘A Bunch of Thyme’, ‘Maggie’, ‘Old Flames’ and ‘I Will Love You All My Life’, this duo are a fantastic, laid-back evening of entertainment. £20/£18.50 17 17

music

MacFloyd Wish You Were Here Live 40th Anniversary Saturday 11 April • 8pm MacFloyd, the phenomenal Scottish Pink Floyd tribute act, bring their latest show to Falkirk in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Floyd’s classic album ‘Wish You Were Here’, and sees them perform the masterpiece in its entirety alongside other classic hits such as ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘The Wall’.

With a laser show and special effects, producing a real display of 70s psychedelia, this is arguably the best Floyd tribute around. £15/£13.50

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The Galway Boy Mike Denver

music

Pinetree Productions present

With special guest Caitlin

Sunday 26 April • 7.30pm Falkirk’s favourite Mike Denver, affectionately known as The Galway Boy after his home county, makes a welcome return to FTH. With his first big hit “The Galway Girl, Mike is one of Ireland’s top three singers.

With his five piece band, join Mike in an evening of Country, Irish and Popular music featuring new hits like “Tommy Kay the DJ” and “Morning Sun & Memories”.

Mike’s special guest is Caitlin from County Down with hits including “Heaven Won’t Be Heaven” and “The Conemara Ring”. £18 / £16 (Back Balcony) 19 19

cult comedy music

Will Pickvance

Anatomy of a Piano Thursday 30 April • 7.30pm Following critical acclaim and sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 and his hugely successful 2014 Australian tour, British composer, pianist and all round entertainer Will Pickvance, takes his Anatomy of the Piano show on the road.

Where exactly is the heart of the piano?

Part piano recital, part fantasy lecture, part taking a piano to bits, Will presents an hour long exploration of the physical, emotional and spiritual anatomy of the piano, with stories about, songs around, the playing on and dissection of, a piano. £12 / £10.50

“man, I wish I had my guitar with me…” – Nile Rodgers “Brilliant pianist, charming host” The Scotsman

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“A lot of fun, underpinned by a serious talent” The List

cult comedy music

The Kilkennys Saturday 13 June • 8pm The list of outstanding traditional Irish singers and musicians is endless, well now there is a new name to add to the list…..

If you haven’t heard of them yet, then you are in for a very pleasant surprise!

These four talented school friends have taken their love of traditional Irish music and reinvigorated it, enabling them to tour the world and present it to a whole new generation, whilst also winning the hearts of the mores seasoned traditional music lovers.

Their love of music from their homeland can now be witnessed in their original material, in which they highlight the strong connection between music and words that is the heartbeat of great Irish ballads. £18

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The Cavern Beatles Thursday 17 September • 7.30pm

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On February 9th 1961, The Beatles made the first of their 292 appearances at the now legendary Cavern Club in Mathew Street, Liverpool. Exactly 50 years on, the band fully endorsed and licensed as ambassadors of “The most famous club in the world”, The Cavern Beatles began with a new cast to once again bring to the stage the music that has now influenced three generations.

Drawing on an extensive repertoire of hits and album tracks, the Cavern Beatles perform completely live, using no backing tracks, and with genuine 1960’s instruments and equipment that the Beatles would have used.

The band’s members, as well as being talented instrumentalists and singers, are hugely dedicated Beatle fans, intent on recreating their individual characters with meticulous accuracy.

£18.50 / £16.50

The Cavern Beatles are as being as close to the real thing as they you’re ever likely to see - don’t miss it!

cult comedy music

The Absolute Elvis Show Saturday 5 September • 8pm FTH sees the return of The Absolute Elvis Show for another night of classic Elvis songs that the king of rock n roll performed during the concert years in Las Vegas. £18 / £14 Child £8 4 tickets for £60 Family ticket £36

Pinetree Productions present

Nathan Carter With special guests The Haley Sisters Thursday 24 September 7.30pm One of Ireland’s top three singing stars, Nathan, backed by a four man band of musicians returns to FTH with an evening of country, Irish, and popular songs. £22 / £20 (Back Balcony)

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Classic Music Live! Falkirk present

Recital and AGM Friday 21 August • 7.30pm The AGM of CML!F will be preceded by a 45 minute recital and complimentary refreshments.

Free

Opera Bohemia presents

Puccini’s Madam Butterfly Friday 18 Sept • 7.30pm

Opera Bohemia presents Puccini’s, Madam Butterfly .Based in Japan, the story tells of a tragic love affair between a young Japanese girl and an American naval officer.

The ending is one of the most heartrending in the world of opera.

Opera Bohemia is a young talented touring opera group based in Scotland. The performance will be performed with English sur-titles.

Cast Cio Cio San Catriona Clark B F Pinkerton Alistair Digges Sharpless Whitaker Mills Suzuki Cheryl Cree Piano Gordon Cree Violin Feargus Hetherington £14 / £12 - Students £3

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Aurea String Quartet Friday 16 October • 7.30pm Gongbo Jiang and Wen Wang (violins), Christine Anderson (viola) and Abby Hayward (cello).

Programme Brahms String Quartet Op. 51 No. 2 Haydn String Quartet Op. 55 No. 1 Schumann String Quartet Op. 41 No. 3 This Glasgow based string quartet was awarded the EMS residency for 2014-16 and have been finalists in major competitions. During their first year performing together, they achieved joint first prize at the 2011 Cavatina Intercollegiate Quartet Competition in London, and won all of the chamber music prizes at the RCS. They gave their Wigmore Hall debut in February 2012. £14 / £12 - Students £3

dance

Afternoon Dance with John Findlay Wednesdays: 2pm 22nd April, 6 May, 17 June, 19 August, 16 September Take your partner for a waltz or foxtrot or just relax and enjoy the music with friends. A welcome cuppa and baking is available from the café £4 | Studio

Ballroom Dances Fridays: 8pm • 10 April, 12 June 7 August, 4th September Take a swish across the FTH dance floor to live sounds from John Findlay. Bar open throughout and snacks on sale to keep you dancing till dusk. £6

Sing Forth in Concert with special guests

The Robyn Stapleton Band Thursday 25 June • 7.30pm Local choir ‘Sing Forth’ perform alongside celebrated musician Robyn Stapleton and her band in a magical evening of music and song. BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Robyn performs traditional songs of her Scottish and Irish heritage, in Scots, English and Gaelic and is regarded as having one of the finest voices in Scottish music. Sing Forth Choir led by Dougie Flower perform harmonious songs from a wide range of musical genres and will accompany Robyn and her band.

Tickets £8/£5 concession

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local talent

Falkirk & District Arts & Civic Council present

FTH Café bar

Falkirk Tryst Festival Sun 10 - Sun 24 May FTH and venues throughout the district.

Look out for the brochure available from April 1st.

Falkirk Operatic Society presents

The Slipper and the Rose The Musical Story of Cinderella Tues 21 - Sat 25 April • 7.30pm £14 / £10

Saturday Matinee • 2pm Family ticket (Tues – Fri only) £40 Sat Matinee £10 Sat Evening £14

Falkirk Caledonia Choir

Spring Concert

Wednesday 29 April • 7.30pm £10 / £8

Falkirk Tryst Orchestra Autumn Concert Friday 9 October • 7.30pm £9 / £7 / Child £3

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Decorated in a contemporary and relaxing style and with more tables and comfortable seating, the Café bar is open from one hour before the performance, at the interval (unless stated) and at the end of the show.

Remember - avoid those queues and order your interval drinks before the show. Just ask a member of the Team.

Exhibitions FTH Gallery is a free space for local artists to exhibit and is generally open from 10am – 4pm Monday - Friday and before performances and events. If you would like to exhibit please contact: 01324 506174.

Train Grahamston Station 5 mins Falkirk High 15 mins Bus Firstbus 1,2 Whiteline or 4 Redline Car Glasgow & West: M80 / M876 Jct 1 Edinburgh & East: M9 Jct 5 follow signs for Camelon

Access: • 5 disabled parking spaces •A ccessible toilets café bar and upper level • Induction Loop •S paces for wheelchairs and companions in front rows. Please advise Box Office at the time of booking.

• Guide dogs welcome

How To Book There are four convenient ways to book tickets for our events in Falkirk:

Additional Information Booking Fees there is a £1 booking fee per transaction if you would like tickets posted to you.

Reservations Must be paid for and uplifted within 7 days.

Online Ticket Sales Are subject to booking fees levied by the secure third party contracted to administer these sales on behalf of Falkirk Community Trust.

Concessions Concession tickets are available to children under 16 years, students, Falkirk Community Trust GO! Card Holders and over 60s. Proof of concession eligibility must be shown at time of purchase.

For more information on the benefits of the FCT GO Card visit www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org/fitness/go-card Refunds Tickets will not be exchanged or money refunded after purchase except in the event of cancellation by Falkirk Community Trust.

Telephone 01324 506850 Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 9.45am – 4.45pm

Your Data Under the Data Protection Act. We are required by law to obtain your consent to use your personal contact details.

In Person The Steeple Box Office in Falkirk High Street, opposite the Howgate, is open from Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.45pm closed from 12pm – 1pm

Hire FTH

FTH 45 minutes to prior to the start of the performance Online www.falkirkcommunitytrust. ticketsource.co.uk

find us

Find Us

If you would like information regarding the hire of FTH please contact the Venue Supervisors on 01324 506177 or e-mail: venue@falkirkcommunitytrust.org.

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April Wed 8 Thu 9 Thu 10 Fri 10 Sat 11 Fri 17 Tue 21 – Fri 24 Wed 22 Sat 25 Sun 26 Wed 29 Thu 30 May Fri 1 Sat 2 Wed 6 Fri 8 Sun 10 – Sun 24 June Fri 12 Fri 12 Sat 13 Wed 17 Thu 25 July Mon 20 –Fri 24 Fri 24 August Fri 7 Mon 10 –Fri 14 Fri 14 Wed 19 Fri 21 Fri 28 Sept Fri 4 Sat 5 Wed 16 Thur 17 Fri 18 Thur 24 Sat 26 Wed 30 Oct Fri 9 Wed 14 Fri 16

Family Treats 11am The Devil Wears Primark 7.30pm Willie the Wicked Wolf 2pm Ballroom Dance 8pm MacFloyd 8pm Foster & Allan 7.30pm The Slipper & the Rose 7.30pm Afternoon Dance 2pm The Slipper & the Rose 2pm & 7.30pm Mike Denver 7.30pm Falkirk Caledonia Choir Spring Concert 7.30pm Anatomy of a Piano 7.30pm Des Clarke: The Trouble with Being Des 8pm Hup! 10.30am & 1.30pm Afternoon Dance 2pm Ruby Wax: Sane New World 8pm Falkirk Tryst Festival Various The Edibles Ballroom Dance The Kilkennys Afternoon Dance Sing Forth in Concert

10.30am &1.30pm 8pm 8pm 2pm 7.30pm

Ready Steady Show Ready Steady Show performance Ballroom Dance James & the Giant Peach James & the Giant Peach performance Afternoon Dance CML!F AGM & Recital The C Word

10am 7pm 8pm 10am 7pm 2pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Ballroom Dance 8pm The Elvis Story 8pm Afternoon Dance 2pm The Cavern Beatles 7.30pm CML!F Puccini’s Madam Butterfly 7.30pm Nathan Carter 7.30pm Funbox – Pirates & Princesses 1pm & 3.30pm The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 7.30pm Falkirk Tryst Orchestra Autumn Concert How the Koala Learnt to Hug CML!F Aurea String Quartet

7.30pm 2pm 7.30pm

Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council

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FTH. West Bridge Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS Box Office: 01324 506850 • www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Design: Communication Unit • Corporate & Neighbourhood • Falkirk Council • Printed on 100% Recycled Paper