Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Brochure 2016

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

FESTIVAL

20 ARTS 16

www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

20-29 May 2016

CONTENTS | Funders, Sponsors & Supporters 2 Highlights 4

Welcome / Festival Board

5

Main Programme

35 Fringe Events

Funders

High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN info@catstrand.com • www.catstrand.com Tel: 01644 420374

44 How to Book 45 Location Guide

The CatStrand is an operating name of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust Ltd, a Registered Scottish Charity, No. SC032050

46 Events Diary

Sponsors & Supporters Festival Administration Office Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ Tel: 01387 259627 Email: info@dgartsfestival.org.uk Charity Reg. No. SC000236 Company Reg. No. SC176020 Published by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, February 2016 Printed by Alba Printers Ltd. 1 St. Michael Street, Dumfries DG1 2QD, T: 01387 266992

www.dgartsfestival.org.uk 2

South West Scotland DFAS

The Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival is a wholly independent charitable company limited by guarantee, which works in partnership with local organisations and communities in the delivery of the annual Festival programme. All details correct at the time of going to print. Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival reserves the right to alter programme details in exceptional circumstances if necessary.

All Tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

See Four!

Get a great deal and make the most of the Festival.

For £50 you can have your pick of four shows from our main programme, or for £30 choose from a diverse selection of theatre shows.

See Four! Main Programme Four shows for £50

Choose four from the Main Programme found on pages 5-34.

A weekend pass for Inside Out (p14) counts as two shows in your allocation.

Offer excludes Eddi Reader at the Buccleuch Centre (p7) and does not apply to the Fringe programme (p 35-37).

See Four! Theatre Programme Four shows for £30

Choose four from the following shows.

Bad Babes (p 12), Leaf by Niggle( p17), The Banker Who Cared (P21), Land of the Dragon (p26), Innocence (p32), Robert Burns: Rough Cut (p32), Litvinenko Project (p33), Ventoux (p33), Black is the Color of My Voice (p34) See Four! Offer is not available online. Tickets are available from the Midsteeple Dumfries, 01387 253383, Midsteeple@dumgal.gov.uk.

If emailing please specify the shows you wish to book for and a call back number for payment.

Specific shows must be selected at the time of booking, tickets will be issued for these shows. Tickets are for one named person to see multiple shows.

The offer cannot be used to buy multiple tickets for a single show.

Offer Ends 14 May

All Tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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WELCOME | The 37th Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival Welcome to the 37th Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival.

This year’s Festival will be the largest and the most diverse in our history, with 85 performances taking place in 48 venues throughout Dumfries and Galloway. Last year’s Festival was by far the most successful to date.

Audiences grew by 47% with ticket income growing by a massive 60% this was a direct result of our strategy to work more closely with promoters, venue managers and performing artists across the region.

This year we welcome back Opera A La Carte who will be performing La Boheme in the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries.

Also making a welcome return is the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band who will once again create an energetic and fun event for all the family. This time they will be performing across the region in Dumfries, Annan and Wigtown. In addition to bringing a wide range of top class performing artists to the region, we are featuring many of the region’s best performing artists including: Oceanallover, performing in Thornhill; Café Largo performing in Wigtown; and The Cairn Chorus community Chair Ken Gouge Hon. Treasurer Danny MacGrain Company Secretary Will Adam

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Board Members Wendy Bailey, Robin Baird, Anne Barclay, Godfrey Bedford, Winnie Cooper, Rebecca Davis, Alan Hall, Lee Medd, Annette Rogers, Robyn Stapleton, Andrea Thompson

choir from Moniaive performing as part of Songs of Separation. Playing to sell out audiences and gaining rave reviews at this year’s Celtic Connections, it is wonderful to bring this to local audiences.

During last year’s Festival around 500 young people attended shows and took part in workshops and master classes run by visiting performing artists. Several events across the region were planned and promoted by young people too. This was made possible through the generous support of the Holywood Trust. Continued support from the Holywood Trust means we are able to offer similar opportunities to young people throughout this year’s Festival.

Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival could not exist without the continued and valued support from our major funders and a large number of smaller grants from charitable trusts, our patrons and members. We thank you all. Large and small, every contribution counts.

Enjoy your time at the Festival and please join us as a patron, member or arts ambassador. Become part of our ambitious plans to enhance the performing arts across the region. Information on how you can contribute to the development of the Festival is available on our website www.dgartsFestival.org.uk Programme Director Peter Renwick Festival Producer Louise Davies Communications Manager Sara Bain

As ever, a heartfelt and personal thank you to the Festival staff, the Festival board and Arts Ambassadors that contribute so much to this year’s Festival.

As you can see the Arts Festival goes from strength to strength and now we are delighted to announce support from Creative Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council (through DG Unlimited), enabling us to extend the work of the Festival throughout the year. This is a one-year pilot programme, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Live bringing you a year round programme, built on the successful model developed for the Festival. If we are successful with our fundraising, we hope that it will become permanent. Our first event of this new programme will be The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart which will be playing in: McMillan Town Hall, Newton Stewart, Tuesday 7 June.

Lockerbie Town Hall, Lockerbie, Wednesday 8 June.

Sanquhar Town Hall, Sanquhar, Thursday 9 June.

Ken Gouge FRSA Chair Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

Congratulations to everyone involved in the preparation of the 2016 Festival programme. Once again we have an inspired, exciting, diverse and deeply tempting list of events right round the region. Last year saw record attendances and I am confident that this year we will do even better.

Come and join us!

Dame Barbara Kelly CBE DL Honorary President

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

20 ARTS 16

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

FESTIVAL

OPENING NIGHT

OPERA A LA CARTE LA BOHÈME

Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA

£22

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

The Bohemian romance set to a ravishing musical score has attracted millions of opera fans to the world’s concert halls since La Bohème first took to the Turin stage in 1896. Since then Puccini’s much loved masterpiece has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the world’s most frequently performed operas. Renowned for bringing affordable opera of outstanding quality, Opera A La Carte returns to Dumfries and Galloway to open the 2016 festival. La Boheme is presented in the round with a company of 17 taking to the Easterbrook Stage Festival says: Opera A La Carte have a superb track record with the Festival, with performances tailor-made for the Easterbrook Hall. Their performances staged in the round combine the grandeur, spectacle and sense of occasion with intimate and moving presentation.

Sponsored by South West Scotland Decorative and Fine Arts Society

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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DANIEL SLOSS Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

The Corner House Hotel, High Street, Annan DG12 6DL

£12

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: The Corner House Hotel, Annan 01461 202754

One-line wunderkind of comedy, Daniel Sloss has sold out seven consecutive Edinburgh Fringe seasons and has made TV appearances including Sunday Night at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News and starred in controversial internet sitcom M.U.F.F. The award-winning Scottish comedian with the baby face has held his audiences captive since he first hit the stage in his teens. Since then he has garnered a massive international following, both on the world’s stages and on TV with his no-holds-barred shows that have been described as “nothing short of hilarious.” This Work in Progress will be a preview of some new material and some of Daniel’s greatest hits.

“Brilliantly dark” Sunday Times. “Brilliant” Mail on Sunday.

“Genuinely funny!” Time Out “Funny, intelligent, charming” Edinburgh Evening News Festival says: Young talented Scottish comedian, Fringe hit and TV regular, Daniel Sloss, brings his frank and controversial views to the good folks of Annan.

ADVISORY 16+ CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND ADULT CONTENT. NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED.

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

EDDI READER Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

Millennium Centre, 75 George Street, Stranraer DG9 7JP

£18

Local Ticket Outlet: Millennium Centre, Sugar Rush Sweet Shop, Charlotte Street, Stranraer

Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm

The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW

£20

Local Ticket Outlet: www.buccleuchcentre.com Box Office 013873 81196

With a career spanning over three decades, Scottish singer songwriter Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.

The Perfect star’s jump from lead vocals for Fairground Attraction to a successful and enduring solo career, collecting an armful of awards and number one hits along the way, has made her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music. Eddi’s 10th solo venture, Vagabond, is a captivating, deeply personal, yet universal sounding recording. Produced

by Eddi herself, it features a cast of well-chosen musicians and long-term musical collaborators.

Festival says: Eddi is one of Scotland’s most recognisable voices and a unique and hugely respected musician. Her concerts promise to provide big nights to remember in the east and west of our region.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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EMMA’S IMAGINATION PLUS GUESTS

RAB NOAKES AND FRASER SPIERS

Friday 20 May, 7.00pm

Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

The CATSTRAND, HIGH STREET, NEW GALLOWAY DG7 3RN

£4

Moffat Town Hall, High Street, Moffat DG10 9HF

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

£12

A seasoned performer for over a decade, folk-pop singer/songwriter Emma’s Imagination became an overnight success after winning the first series of Sky 1’s antidote to The X Factor, Must Be the Music. Emma will be joined by some of Galloway’s freshest new talent in support.

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Local Ticket Outlet: Moffat Bookshop, 5 Well Street, Moffat 01683 478088

Rab Noakes has been described as a force to be reckoned with in the world of music in Scotland and beyond. Primarily a solo performer, Rab has a long-standing connection with harmonica-ace Fraser Speirs. The combination of Rab with Fraser is unique in repertoire and performance. The wide range covered by Rab’s songs, combined with Fraser’s virtuosity, makes them an exciting vocal and musical event. On this show they will perform a mix of Noakes-penned songs and the pick of six decades of classy pop.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

SEEING STARS

LADY MAISERY

Friday 20 May, 8.00pm

Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

Broughton House, 12 High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JX

£12

Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur Community, Beeswing, Dumfries DG2 8JQ

Local Ticket Outlet: Broughton House 01557 330437

A tale of love overcoming despair as our hero, ground down by the tedium of his dreary job, is introduced to Galloway’s dark skies by a lovely young astronomer. Based around a new story by Pippa Goldschimdt, Seeing Stars is a multidisciplinary science fiction show featuring the music of Painted Ocean, the poetry of Russell Jones and others and dramatised readings of short stories from the pages of the magazine Shoreline of Infinity.

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: Loch Arthur Farm shop, Beeswing.

01387 259669

Inspired by folk singing traditions of the UK and northern Europe, Lady Maisery sing songs and ballads both unaccompanied, and with backing from accordion, harp and fiddle. Forged from the voices of Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans, this ground-breaking trio explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect, through their fresh interpretations of songs and ballads. Whether singing acapella, or with backing from their combined instrumental talents on accordion, harp and fiddle, be prepared to be enchanted by rich harmonies and sumptuous clashes.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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SONGS OF SEPARATION

SUPPORTED BY THE CAIRN CHORUS Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm

The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries DG1 1BZ

£18

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries

Songs of Separation brought together ten female folk musicians from Scotland and England to the Isle of Eigg, to create a programme, which reflects on the issue of “separation” in its many forms, through traditional song, celebrating the similarities and differences in our musical, linguistic and cultural heritage.

The Dumfries concert features eight of the initial group supported by acclaimed performance choir, the Cairn Chorus. The group includes Karine Polwart one of the UK’s most celebrated voices; Mary MacMaster and Kate Young, two boundary-breaking Scots; Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans, from the award-winning English ensemble Lady Maisery; Jenn Butterworth and Jenny Hill, brilliant backline players who have worked in both English and Scottish trad scenes.

“Newly-minted political song writing of the highest order *****” The Herald “Joyous, thought-provoking, passionate, stirring, charming and beauteous, but it had an edge too *****” The Guardian Festival Says: This extraordinary project inspired, but not dominated by, the referendum has brought together an incredible group of musicians. In this unique and very special concert, they are joined by the Cairn Chorus, who led by Kate Howard ,have developed their own response to the separation theme.

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Photo credit: Brian Hartley

OCEANALLOVER NOT TO SCALE: SOLAR FLARES

Saturday 21 May, 3.00pm

Meet at Thomas Tosh, 19 East Morton Street, Thornhill DG3 5AG

FREE Theatrical dance troupe Oceanallover’s latest work takes inspiration from The Giant and the Mite, a story by Eleanor Farjeon. This is an allegory examining self-awareness and responsibility for one’s actions. The smallest of creatures with the biggest of minds enters through the ear and into the head of a thoughtless giant.

The resulting combination is an explosion of possibilities that endangers all things.

The performance takes place in the area surrounding Thomas Tosh and in the village of Thornhill www.thomastosh.com Supported by Creative Scotland.

SAMSON SOUNDS MUSIC BEATS

Young singers, songwriters, musicians and bands are invited to take part in two specially commissioned workshops and a live gig performance in Thornhill.

LIVE GIG : SATURDAY 21 MAY, 2.00PM - 4.00pm

Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, 112 DRUMLANRIG STREET, THORNHILL DG3 5LU

Saturday 21 May, 9.00pm Thornhill Community Centre, Back Lane, Thornhill DG3 5LH

£5

Local Ticket Outlet: Owen Docherty 07518 581977

Samson Sounds are a five-piece live electronic act. The large dub influence on their sound incorporates musical elements SONGWRITING WORKSHOP: SATURDAY 7TH MAY, 11.00AM-2.00PM from jazz, African highlife and blues to FREE MUSIC INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: SATURDAY 14TH MAY, 11.00AM-2.00PM Kwaito and Steppas. The grooves played PODIATRY PLUS SHOP, 66 DRUMLANRIG STREET, THORNHILL DG3 5LY are tight, solid and never fail to bring warm Celebrated trad musicians Emily Smith and Jamie McClennan lead a special concert happy vibes to any event. by some of the region’s most talented young musicians. In words and song, Jamie and Emily will introduce the young performers of Music Beats, who will give a live showcase The band is formed by three Dumfries of their music. Led by musician and Smart Indie record producer, Robert Maitland, and Galloway musicians: Anders Rigg, some of these young songwriters will be given the chance to embark on a real music production, Roger Marsh, trombone and business venture in one-to-one workshops, culminating in the commercial release of Owen Docherty, vocals. Wales’ Duncan completed projects. The workshops and concert are part of the on-going Burnsong Horne, saxophone, and Aberdeen’s Willie project and will provide a legacy of songs for the participants. The concert is a chance Greensmith, guitar, complete the quintet. to hear the rich quality of fresh new talent being produced in Dumfries and Galloway.

£5

Local Ticket Outlet: Robert Maitland 07967 328913

For more information contact: Robert t034maitland@yahoo.com or 07967 328913

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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ANNETTE BADLAND: BAD BABES Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm

The Ryan Centre, Fairhurst Road, Stranraer DG9 7AP

£10

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: The Ryan Centre Box Office 01776 703535

Sunday 22 May, 3.00pm

The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries DG1 1BZ

£10

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Award-winning, well-loved British film, TV, theatre and radio actor Annette Badland (queen of mean) has drawn on her experience of playing a string of wicked women, from Hazel Woolley in The Archers to Aunt Babe Smith in EastEnders and Slitheen Margaret Blaine in Doctor Who, for her one-woman show, Bad Babes.

Literature has been rife with so-called wicked women since Eve, from the maligned and the mischievous to the downright wicked. Annette brilliantly brings to life literature’s best bad girls from Fanny Hill to Myra Hindley, Lizzie Borden to Madame Defarge, touching on everything from horror to hilarity, men to the menopause.

This event is presented in partnership with the Bakehouse.

Festival says: It is great to welcome Olivier award-winning actor Annette Badland to the region with her vital, engaging one-woman show.

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Scottish Opera THEATRE ON WHEELS Saturday 21 May

Dock Park, Dumfries DG1 2RY

11.00am A Little Bit of Northern Light 1.00pm A Little Bit of Mikado 3.00pm A Little Bit of Barber

Sunday 22 May

Logan Botanic Gardens, Port Logan, Stranraer DG9 9ND

11.00am A Little Bit of Northern Light 1.00pm A Little Bit of Mikado 3.00pm A Little Bit of Barber

ÂŁ6

under 26s

Monday 23 May

Riverside Car park Newton Stewart DG8 6NQ

4.30pm A Little Bit of Northern Light 6.00pm A Little Bit of Mikado 7.00pm A Little Bit of Barber

Tuesday 24 May

Harbour Square CaR Park, St Cuthbert Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4YL

4.30pm A Little Bit of Northern Light 6.00pm A Little Bit of Mikado 7.00pm A Little Bit of Barber

Local Ticket Outlet: See www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

half price

Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing three pop-up operas out on the road to Dumfries and Galloway. Performed by a storyteller, singers and instrumentalists, and supported by a set of colourful illustrations, each show gives a fantastic introduction to opera. A Little Bit of Barber and A Little Bit of Mikado are cleverly re-written versions of the full operas and are suitable for all ages, while A Little Bit of Northern Light tells the story of one lonely little lighthouse standing firm against the storms of the North Atlantic tide.

Specifically created for four to nine-year-olds.

Festival says: An unmissable unique festival experience: Scottish Opera has created tiny but perfect versions of classic operas performed to small audiences in the back of a truck magically transformed into a miniscule Theatre Royal Glasgow.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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INSIDE OUT CLASSICAL MUSIC WEEKEND Saturday 21 May to Sunday 22 May Various venues across Moniaive weekend ticket

£30*

* Under 16s FREE. Individual show tickets also available Local Ticket Outlet: Craigdarroch Arms Hotel, Moniaive.

01848 200205

Ten of Scotland’s leading musicians will reveal the process of creating a classical performance in a two-day event, which will end in a unique series of chamber music concerts. On Saturday, there will be open rehearsals, which the audience can attend followed by informal classical sessions in the evening at the Craigdarroch Hotel. On Sunday, there will be concerts featuring the rehearsed works in venues throughout Moniaive.

One ticket gives access to both days, events and tickets for individual shows will also be made available. The programme includes works such as: Schubert String Quintet, Shostakovich 4th Quartet, Mozart Viola Quintet, Schumann Piano Quintet, Arvo Part, Solo Bach Cello suite and Mendelssohn Octet.

For full programme details see www.craigdarrocharmshotel.co.uk Festival says: This is a superb project developed by two Moniaive residents, Greg Lawson (BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Moishe’s Bagel) and Pete Garnett ( Moishe’s Bagel) and will provide a fascinating opportunity to look into the world of some of the UK’s most accomplished musicians.

Photo Credit: Nigel Bewley

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

EDINBURGH THE EARLY MUSIC FORUM OF SCOTLAND GRADUATE THEATRE DROP-IN DAY OF EARLY MUSIC GROUP PERFORMANCES FOR ALL WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm Birchvale Theatre, Southwick Road, Dalbeattie DG5 4HR

£8

Local Ticket Outlet: www.egtg.co.uk/tickets or David Grimes 07738 953349

Highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group brings Edward Albee’s classic to Dalbeattie for one night only. Don’t miss joining George, Martha, Nick and Honey for a wicked night of fun and games, guaranteed to change them all.

Saturday 21 May, 12.00pm to 5.00pm Old St John’s Church, 1 Abercromby Road, Castle Douglas DG7 1AY

FREE

Saturday 28 May, 11.00am to 3.00pm

St George’s Church Hall, George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EJ

£20*

No Tickets Required

The Early Music Forum of Scotland presents a drop-in day of performance by several of Scotland’s early music groups.

Stop by for five minutes, 50 minutes or all five hours to enjoy a rolling programme of music that demonstrates the diversity and vitality of music, mostly from the 15th-17th centuries. A family friendly educational day during which audiences are encouraged to examine instruments and music and talk to players.

* Conc. £18 EMFS Members, £7 Students and Low Income Tickets only available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

The Early Music Forum of Scotland with Alan and Rebecca Taverner of Cappella Nova (Scotland’s premier choral ensemble) offer Early Music for All, a relaxed day of introduction to a variety of short pieces from the medieval and renaissance periods, open to singers with at least basic sight-reading skills. Details and application forms can be downloaded from chairperson@emfscotland.org.uk Booking is essential for planning purposes as music will be circulated beforehand.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

THE GALLOWAY CONSORT “…..JUST BEFORE DAWN” Sunday 22 May, 3.00pm Elshieshields Tower, Lochmaben DG11 ILY

£8

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

“…just before dawn” a much-requested sequel to their 2014 programme that employed renaissance music and song to illuminate an imagined exchange of lovers letters at the court of Mary Queen of Scots.

The consort follows the lovers’ quest for happiness among turbulent events of the Scottish court and beyond as the Stewart Queen enters the uncertain hospitality of the Tudor Queen. The performance features readings and music from both courts on renaissance viols, recorders, plucked strings and voice.

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JEFF AND ANNE BARNHART IVORY AND GOLD SUNDAY 22 May, 7.30pm

The Queen’s Hotel, Old Annan Road, Lockerbie DG11 2RB

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: Marilyn Elliot 07885 444120

From the USA, two voices, comedy and song with an evening of stride jazz piano and voice or flute accompaniment comes to the Festival as part of Ivory and Gold’s 2016 UK tour. Jeff plays stride style piano and Anne sings and plays the flute, giving a lively event for the audience.

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CLAUDIA WOOD, ANDREW RANDALL, AND GUY MURGATROYD AN EVENING OF MUSIC SUNDAY 22 May, 7.00pm

st john’s church, 6 newall terrace, dumfries dg1 1LW

£12

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk Tickets also available on the door

Birmingham Conservatoire postgraduate students Claudia Wood, soprano, Andrew Randall, baritone and pianist, Guy Murgatroyd, will perform an evening of song and operatic repertoire. The evening includes works by Brahms, Faure and Barber, as well as operatic repertoire

by Puccini, Mozart and Britten.

FIRELIGHT SHOW TUESDAY 24 May, 7.30pm

BRIGEND THEATRE, HOWGATE STREET MARKET PLACE, DUMFRIES DG2 7AE

£10

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

The Firelight Show is Murray the Magician and Fearchara’s re-imagining of Dustbowl era North American entertainment. Expect mind reading, illusion, lifethreatening stunts and escapes, including their all new shooting a playing card from the hand whilst blindfolded.

All done in the name of vintage family entertainment.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

PUPPET STATE THEATRE COMPANY LEAF BY NIGGLE BY JRR TOLKEIN wednesday 25 May, 7.30pm

Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH

£12

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

The CatStrand, High Street. New Galloway DG7 3RN

£12

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

Niggle is a painter. Not a very successful one, partly because he has so many other things to do. For some time, he has been obsessed with one particular canvas - a curious picture of a tree with a vast landscape stretching out behind it. The painting keeps getting bigger and bigger, but Niggle has a journey to make. He doesn’t want to go, but he cannot get out of it.

Surrounded by ladders, bicycles, easels and heirlooms, Richard Medrington (Jean from The Man Who Planted Trees) recounts Tolkien’s miniature masterpiece, with music specially composed by Karine Polwart. Suitable for everyone aged 10 and over.

Festival says: New work by the highly respected Puppet State Theatre with a sound track by Karine Polwart, makes this a show not to miss.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE EN RÊVE Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

Re-defining the string orchestra The Scottish Ensemble inspires audiences in the UK and beyond with vibrant performances which are powerful, challenging and rewarding experiences.

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival are hosting the Scottish Ensemble for a four day residency, a fantastic programme of public concerts, collaborations, masterclasses, school sessions, and intimate concerts.

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Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH

£20

under 26s

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE TEA DANCE

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT WITH ROBYN STAPLETON

Wednesday 25 May, 4.00pm

thursdAY 26 May, 7.30pm

The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries DG1 1B

£5

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Scottish Ensemble performs palm court favourites from the golden age of ballroom, featuring a wide range of classics from Cheek to Cheek to Tea for Two. Everyone is welcome, whether you want to dance the afternoon away or just sit back and listen to the glorious music. There’ll be a pause for refreshments when The Usual Place team will serve up tea, coffee and delicious baked treats.

McMillan Hall, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ

£10

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

In a special collaboration, Scottish Ensemble musicians perform alongside singer Robyn Stapleton, multi-instrumentalist Mike Vass and pianist Alistair Paterson in this concert of folk music and song, including newly arranged songs inspired by 1780’s Dumfriesshire musician and collector Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe - otherwise known as C#.

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Ravel Petite symphonie à cordes [arr. Barshai] Debussy String Quartet [arr. Morton] Debussy Six Epigraphes Antiques [arr. Paillard] Plus a collection of short evocative gems by French composers Join the UK’s leading string orchestra for an evening of turn-of-the-century French music.

Performing standing up, Scottish Ensemble is known for its dynamic, energising performances and intriguing programmes - and this evening will be no different.

If the music of Debussy and Ravel is known for its liberating historical leap into a freer, more nuanced palette of sound, the string orchestra Robyn is one of Scotland’s most sought-after folk arrangements of some of singers. She was awarded the BBC Radio Scotland’s their most well-known pieces Young Traditional Musician of 2014 award and has add yet another layer. The since performed at BBC Proms at the Park and been natural expressiveness of invited to record for Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. strings, from the low, rich timbre of the double bass to

the suspended shimmer of the violin’s highest register, provides a fascinating canvas upon which we can open up the heady impressionism of the two composers.

Debussy’s only String Quartet is followed by the exotic, pagan-tinged story-telling of his Epigraphes, originally written for piano. Barshai’s arrangement of Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, commissioned by SE, is matched with an array of his shorter works to create a beautiful patchwork of textures and colours.

Festival says: Quite simply a concert that will prove to be nothing less than extraordinary.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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JENN BUTTERWORTH AND LAURA-BETH SALTER

ORPHANED LIMBS COLLECTIVE Orphaned Limbs Collective will bring their unique multi-arts performance, when in roam, which tells stories about displacement, belonging and the endless search for the ever-elusive home base. The Scotland-based artist group will be working with local artists and the Dumfries and Galloway community throughout the week to gather stories exploring notions of home.

Wednesday 25 May, 7.30pm MUSICAL PASSPORT WORKSHOP County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH

£7.50

Local Ticket Outlet: Beltie Books & Café, 6 Bank Street, Wigtown.

01988 402730 or 07722114518

Brought up in the Machars, Jenn moved to Glasgow to study music. She has become a lynchpin of the Glasgow folk acoustic scene, which was where she met and formed a duo with Laura-Beth Salter.

Their individual musical backgrounds and their style of progressive folk music blend beautifully in an enchanting evening of traditional folk.

Wednesday 25 May, 5.30pm-7.00pm

Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

The Stove, 100 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BN

The Stove, 100 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BN

Youth-focused workshop on sound recording. Come along to record and digitally transform material using state-of-the-art audio technology. Participants will get the opportunity to have their recordings incorporated into the musical score for when in roam.

No experience in the arts necessary. Booking essential. (14+)

Scottish composer Ross Whyte will be playing a live set featuring tracks from his new album Kaidan, produced by Scottish record label Comprende Records. “A thing of great beauty and intrigue which gives you something new on each listen.” Scots Whay Hae!

WORKSHOP IN ROAM

WHEN IN ROAM

Thursday 26 May, 10.00am to 11.30am

Friday 27 May, 7.00pm

The Stove, 100 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BN

Be part of the roaming project. Orphaned Limbs Collective will be working with the community to creatively explore the home or roam experience through movement and music. Come along to help create this roaming installation about notions of belonging across Scotland. No experience in the arts necessary. Booking essential. (16+)

FREE 20

ROSS WHYTE, LIVE MUSIC SET

Performance and Post-Show Discussion The Stove, 100 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BN

when in roam is a new work by Orphaned Limbs Collective which interweaves dance, physical theatre, original musical composition and video projection to tell stories about displacement, belonging and the endless search for the everelusive home base. It relates stories of migration and the impact of living as a roaming being.

All events listed are FREE, booking essential on some events Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

THE BANKER WHO CARED

Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

Castle Douglas Town Hall, St Andrew Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1DB

£16*

RUTHWELL PARISH CHURCH, RUTHWELL, DUMFRIES DG1 4NN

* Conc. £14, 65+, Disabled (accompanying carers go free), £6 U26 Student, Unemployed, Free U16 (when accompanied by a full paying adult) Local Ticket Outlet: www.sco.org.uk

Performance details: MENDELSSOHN The Fair Melusine, op 32 STRAUSS Duet Concertino MENDELSSOHN Symphony No 1 Pablo González, Conductor. Maximiliano Martín, Clarinet. Peter Whelan, Bassoon This is a concert brimming with fantasies, myths, dance and comedy! Martín and Whelan are two soloists who know how to entertain and thrill. Here, they tell the

story of a dancing princess (the clarinet) and the strange cavorting of a bear (the bassoon) in Strauss’ Duet Concertino.

Mendelssohn considered his concert overture about the legendary figure of Melusine, a mermaid-like water sprite, to be the “most intimate” thing he ever produced, while his first symphony bristles with drama and jaw-dropping creative energy.

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: Dave Dewar dave@cultural-connections.co.uk 07765 573240

FRIDAY 27 May, 7.30pm

THE CATSTRAND, HIGH STREET, NEW GALLOWAY DG7 3RN

£10

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

The fascinating story of the Dumfriesshire minister and social reformer Reverend Henry Duncan of Ruthwell. In 1810, he opened the world’s first public savings bank in a small cottage in Ruthwell.

Depositors at that time needed £10 to open an account with the established banks, outwith the realms of poor people.

At the new Ruthwell bank, depositors could open a four per cent interest bearing account with only six pence.

This was immediately popular with the

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

locals and heralded the beginning of a worldwide savings bank movement.

Four actors / musicians, Alan Reid, Wendy Weatherby, Dave Dewar and Arthur Black play Henry Duncan, his wife, the narrator and other parts.

Festival says: Dave Dewar has established Cultural Connections as a Festival mainstay. His brand of theatre uses drama and folk song to brilliantly tell the story of some of the big figures in D&G’s history.

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TASHI LHUNPO MONKS THE POWER OF COMPASSION: SACRED SOUNDS FROM TIBET thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

Lockerbie Town Hall, High Street, Lockerbie DG11 2ES

£8

Local Ticket outlet: See www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

under 26s

half price

The sacred world of Tibet is filled with the chanting of Buddhist texts, the recitation of mantras, the ringing of bells, the blowing of trumpets and the beating of drums. Eight Tibetan monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in India offer a dramatic presentation of their unique sacred dances, music and prayers, with colourful traditional costumes and ceremonial masks. The performance offers a rare opportunity to witness a unique and endangered culture.

Festival says: A chance to witness the extraordinary richness of this ancient and deeply moving culture.

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THE RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH

£12

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: Wigtown Festival Company 01988 402036

Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

The Corner House, High Street, Annan DG12 6DL

£12

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: The Corner House Hotel, Annan 01461 202754

Eight musicians from the villages surrounding Jaipur, Rajasthan’s renowned Pink City, make up the brass core of this rousing brass ensemble on trumpet, saxophone, tuba, sousaphone and trombone, supplemented with clarinet and keyboard against an insistent background of percussion on side, bass and dhol drums. Dancing to this uplifting music is unavoidable and is represented in two unique styles - Kalbelia, or Sapera, and Bollywood. Completing the scene are the gravitydefying feats of the amazing fakir.

Festival says: The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band put on a show like no other. A huge sound, unreserved showmanship, too many people to fit onto one stage. Dancing expected.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SÉANCE thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

Brigend Theatre, Howgate Street, Market Place, Dumfries DG2 7AE

£10

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Murray the Magician and Fearchara’s stage presentation takes the form of the famous 1923 Hamilton House Séances of Winnipeg, Canada, attended by the creator of Sherlock Holmes. It utilises the fraudulent methods of the era. Will ectoplasm flow, spirits manifest or messages come from beyond when the theatre is plunged into complete darkness? Come along and see.

GUITAR STRINGS: ELIA DAVIDSON AND KATE KYLE thursdAY 26 May, 7.30pm

The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries DG1 1BZ

£3

Local Ticket Outlet: Lorrie Kyle 07859 939895

An intimate musical gathering, featuring two of Dumfries’ own, young acoustic singer/songwriters - Elia Davidson and Kate Kyle. Armed with their guitars, the musicians will perform a 45-minute set each including a selection of their own original material along with a few popular covers, showcasing their own unique voices and talent. A lovely evening of music for audiences of all ages.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Nathan Grisdale Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

Oasis Youth Centre, Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW

£3

Local Ticket Outlet: Oasis Youth Centre Tickets also available on the door

Two years ago, when Nathan Grisdale posted videos to Facebook of himself singing in the bathroom, he had no idea he would take the British music industry by storm. The 21-year-old singer songwriter from Blackburn was immediately snapped up for a record deal with Boxx Records and his debut single Smile soared up the iTunes charts. His alternative pop/acoustic songs have captured the imagination and the hearts of hundreds of thousands of fans across the UK and beyond. The internet sensation’s inspiring words have struck a chord with young people throughout the world and his performances are selling out across the country. This is Nathan’s second visit to Dumfries, having had last year’s YouthBeatz audience screaming for more.

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Dallahan thursday 26 May, 7.30pm

COLVEND PUBLIC HALL, DALBEATTIE DG5 4QD

£12

Local Ticket Outlet: Colvend Shop, Colvend or Stuart King 01387 780605

Since launching the band in December 2013, Dallahan have exploded onto the traditional music scene. Their unique arrangements of original music and traditional Irish tunes and songs have secured their presence at such prestigious international events as Milwaukee Irish Festival in the USA, Copenhagen Irish Festival and Celtic Connections.

“Truly something special...Dallahan call on their mixed Irish, Scottish and Hungarian heritage to create a unique and seamless musical montage that is as exciting as it gets.” Folk Radio UK

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MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE

£8

Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm Local Ticket Outlet: Moffat TIC, 9 High Street, Moffat. 01683 221210 Old Well Theatre Old Well Road, info@moffattic.info Moffat DG10 9AP

presented by the swallow theatre association

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: www.swallowtheatre.com 01988 850368

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: www.swallowtheatre.com 01988 850368

Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

The Swallow Theatre, Moss Park, Ravenstone, Whithorn DG8 8DR

Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

The Swallow Theatre, Moss Park, Ravenstone, Whithorn DG8 8DR

In this brilliantly observed one-woman West End hit by Irish playwright Geraldine Aron, middle-aged Angela attempts to find a new life when husband Max leaves her for a younger woman. Using a wonderful mixture of comedy and pathos, she recounts her journey back to happiness.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

SAM LEE & FRIENDS Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

The usual place, academy street, Dumfries DG1 1BZ

£15

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Mercury Prize nominated, Sam Lee’s folk compositions are timeless hypnotic and fresh. The former Burlesque dancer, professional forager, folk singer, song collector, club promoter, teacher and radio host has toured the world and last year produced his second, acclaimed album. Comprised of songs learned first-hand from the gypsy and traveller community, this latest recording reflects Sam’s unique artistic journey. Winner of the 2011 Arts Foundation Award and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee for Folk Singer of the Year, Sam is a new pioneer who is helping to define and energise the sound of folk song for today.

“Well it feels like it’s been a long time coming but here at last is somebody doing really creative things with traditional English folk song.” Verity Sharp Radio 3 Late Junction “You will be dumbfounded by Sam Lee with duck-egg eyes, a horseshoe smile and an honest, confiding baritone” The Guardian Festival says: Sam is our first Mercury prize nominee. We are delighted to host such an inspiring and original artist.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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PUPPETSOUP THEATRE LAND OF THE DRAGON friday 27 May. 7.00pm

Wigtown Primary School, New Road, Wigtown DG8 9JE

£8*

under 26s

half price

* Family ticket 2 adults, 2 children £20 Local Ticket Outlet: Wigtown Festival Company 01988 402036

Saturday 28 May, 1.00pm

Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH

£8*

under 26s

half price

* Family ticket 2 adults, 2 children £20 Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

A visually and emotionally arresting piece of theatre for young and old alike.

These are puppets, but not as you know them. Lose yourself on an enchanting puppetry adventure through time, landscapes and legends into the world of the Welsh Dragon!

Encounter magical creatures, mythical stories and spellbinding tales from Wales in this exciting new piece of puppet theatre inspired by folklore, legends and ancient stories from the Welsh book of fairy tales, The Mabinogion. For children (five plus), families and kids of all ages.

Festival says: This is an epic tale for children and adults alike, told by an awardwinning Welsh puppetry group. A Five Star Fringe hit.

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

THE BEARDED DUG COMEDY CLUB

GILLEBRÌDE MACMILLAN

Friday 27 May, 7.00pm

Gatehouse Community Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2JX

The King’s Arms Hotel, 29 High Street, Lockerbie DG11 2JL

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: The King’s Arms Hotel, 01576 202410 or Berry Promotions 07557 414581

A “smorgasbord” of stand-up comedy from five well-known and up-and-coming comedians from the Scottish and north of England comedy circuits. The infamous Scott Agnew and John Lebbon are joined by the no-holds barred Pablo Serski, the cheeky Joe McSloy and the witty Michael Hollingworth. This is not just comedy, it’s Bearded Dug comedy.

Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: Franca Bruno, Rutherford Hall, High Street, Gatehouse 07803 228497 (Franca) 07890 915238 (Liz)

Gillebrìde MacMillan is one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers. He has performed many times at Celtic Connections and is gaining fans that are new to the language through his performance as Gwyllyn the Bard in the Starz television production of Outlander, based on the popular Diana Gabaldon novel.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

TRY STRICTLY WITH CAFÉ LARGO Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH

£7.50

Local Ticket Outlet: Wigtown Festival Office. 01988 403222. SCADS, Biggest Little Store, 30 North Main Street, Wigtown. Or email cafelargomusic@gmail.co.uk

Dress up and dance the night away with Café Largo in an evening of live popular music, dance and visual media from the last nine decades. This ticketed event will be open to all to come and enjoy easy listening. There will be demonstration dances from local dance clubs and members of the audience will be invited to pair-up with a dance club member to try out the basic steps.

No experience necessary - a bar will be provided.

27

CRAIG HILL

Playing with My Selfie!

Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW

£13.50 CONC. £12

Local Ticket Outlet: Buccleuch Centre Booking Office 013873 81196

Get snap happy with Scotland’s favourite kilted treasure for an evening of gloriously camp, no-holds-barred comedy … live and unleashed. Hot on the heels of last year’s hysterically funny, sold out national tour, don’t miss the chance to see Craig flashing his kilt pins, striking a pose and calling for lights, camera...and, most definitely, action!

The Independent has raved that Craig was ”Riotously funny…. he’s that rare thing, a naturally funny comedian” and we absolutely agree.

Book early for this deliciously wicked evening of pure, unadulterated fun.

Bring your Auntie…, Bring your Hubby.., Bring your Selfie!

OVER 16 ONLY - CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE

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All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

THE FESTIVAL AT THE PLAINSTANES FREE

Saturday 28 May, 1.00pm to 4.00pm The Midsteeple Plainstanes, High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BH

Some treats from this year’s Festival take to Dumfries High Street.

Expect some big noise and dance moves and a few surprises, a selection reflecting the diversity of acts visiting D&G. Acts include:

• The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band (P22) • The Scottish Ensemble and Robyn Stapleton (P18) • Ian Sherwood (P30) sharing the stage with local musicians Elia Davidson, Kate Kyle (P23) and dancers.

Grab a deck chair and keep your fingers crossed for sun!

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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THEATRE ROYAL COMEDY NIGHT:

Dead Sheep Comedy Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH

£10

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

The Theatre Royal Dumfries and Dead Sheep Comedy, present a lively evening of stand-up comedy.

Full line up to be announced on www.theatreroyaldumfries.co.uk Not for the easily offended.

Recommended for ages 16+

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IAN SHERWOOD SATURDAY 28 May, 7.30pm Ecclefechan village Hall, Ecclefechan DG11 3DR

£8

Local Ticket Outlet: Jill Callander 07515 190595 or Tennant House Store, High Street, Ecclefechan

Sunday 29 May, 5.00pm

Kings Coffee Shop, 12 Queensberry St, Dumfries DG1 1EX

£8

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

STEVEN MCINTYRE ORGAN RECITAL Saturday 28 May, 3.30pm

St John’s Church, 6 Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW

£10

Local Ticket Outlet: St John’s Church Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 9am to 5pm

Assistant organist at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Glasgow, teacher of music for Falkirk Council and choral accompanist, Steven McIntyre will perform a programme which journeys through a variety of centuries and countries, highlighting the range of colours available on the organ.

Musician, storyteller and “constant creator”, Ian Sherwood, is no stranger to UK shores, having performed at the festival in 2014 and at Arts Out West events in Lamplugh, Cumbria, last year. The popular Canadian singer/ songwriter has won numerous awards and is a regularly featured artist on CBC radio in his home country.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

ORKESTRA DEL SOL

WITH SUPPORT FROM OCEANALLOVER AND RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND SATURDAY 28 May, 7.00pm

The usual place, academy street, Dumfries DG1 1BZ

£16

* Standing tickets only Tickets available from the half price* Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk under 26s

Photo credit: Brian Hartley

The penultimate and liveliest night of the festival, a night of huge brass headlined

by Orkestra Del Sol, supported by the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band (P22) and rudely interrupted by physical theatre group Oceanallover (P11) Globally inspired but distilled in Scotland. Orkestra Del Sol’s explosive reinvention of global brass band music has captured imaginations, set pulses racing and left a trail of pummelled dance floors across continents. Ska, porro, Balkan brass, klezmer and funk combine to create a living, breathing, polka-ing, pogo-ing honkstep for the 21st century, their legendary live shows bursting with anarchic humour, wildly skilful musical arrangements and a roguish sense of theatre.

This year, the Edinburgh nine-piece will be touring a joyous selection of tunes from their critically acclaimed albums, The Moveable Feast and Lung Capacity, as well as several new compositions, which the band are bursting to try out on audiences in 2016. The swagger of a Balkan wedding band and the rebellious energy of Latin carnival are ever-present, as well as flavours from Bollywood to Havana to the sassy street bands of New Orleans - all put into the mix with a host of colourful characters and given the exuberant Orkestra Del Sol treatment.

“Magnificent!” The Independent, “Brilliant musicians” Time Out, “Utterly captivating” Songlines “The genius of the Orkestra is the way they hide serious musicianship inside tongue-in-cheek humour. It’s a winning combination” - The Scotsman Oceanallover are supported by Creative Scotland.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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INNOCENCE BY FLEUR DARKIN

ROBERT BURNS: ROUGH CUT

SATURDAY 28 May, 2.00pm

saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN

£8*

under 26s

half price

Children under 5 £1 Two under 5s per adult max Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

A magical theatrical journey led by Scottish Dance Theatre’s dancers, with live music, songs, giggles and animal noises by Paul Bradley. This is a beautiful and engaging dance experience for age 3+ accompanied by an adult.

“Believe me, in the tree, I saw the world burn bright, starlight.

Mama, there were angels...”

William Blake This playroom performance invites little ones to explore poet William Blake’s imagination and enter a realm of mystery, fun and adventure.

“Positively perfect introduction to dance” **** The Scotsman “Fleur Darkin has conjured a show that captures all ages” ***** The Sunday Express

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The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN

£10

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

SUNDAY 29 May, 7.30pm

The Swallow Theatre, Moss Park, Whithorn DG8 8DR

£10

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.swallowtheatre.com 01988 850368

Meet the real edgy Bard: in crisis and contradiction but at full creative stretch. Rough Cut Robin Productions brings Burns in the raw to the 21st Century. This intimate portrait of Burns premièred on the 2010 Fringe to critical acclaim. Based on Donald Smith’s controversial novel, Between Ourselves, the play focuses on the pivotal crisis of the life and career of Burns (played by Gavin Paul) during his stay in Edinburgh. Recreating his lost (or unwritten) diaries, we meet Edinburgh’s high and low through Burns’ eyes - encountering the familiar and unexpected. It’s the man behind the myth, but one who wears many masks.

“Gavin Paul hits the mark brilliantly” Evening News “Gavin Paul effortlessly carries the show” The List “raw, punchy and a universe away from shortbread tins” The List All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

2MAGPIES THEATRE: LITVINENKO PROJECT

2MAGPIES THEATRE: VENTOUX

SUNDAY 29 May, 3.00pm

SUNDAY 29 May, 5.00pm

The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN

£8

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

Nine years after Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko fatally drank poisoned tea in London, an inquiry thrust him back in to the spotlight. When this show was first made 2Magpies knew little more than what he liked to eat, what he liked to drink and how he liked to dance. Now they know a little more - probably...

Join 2Magpies in the CatStrand Café as they piece together the day Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned in an ever-evolving aromatic blend of actuality, possibility, fact and fiction. They will even provide the tea.

The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN

£10

under 26s

half price

Local Ticket Outlet: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374

Ventoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France.

It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani, whose drug-fuelled race back in 2000 was the greatest the world of cycling had ever seen. Ventoux charts the parallel lives of these champions who overcame great adversity in tandem, and the mountain that cast them in opposing directions.

Join 2Magpies as they restage the race using breathtaking video accompaniment and a pair of road bikes, asking the question - how far will we go to succeed?

“You can’t help but feel by being a part of this performance you have gained access to a secret file that draws all of the known information together” British Theatre Guide.

“This study of the pair’s brief but perfectly synchronised rivalry and its aftermath is touching and elegantly controlled” The Scotsman

“The Litvinenko Project is a smart and provocative hour” Broadway Baby

“If you don’t know much about Marco Pantani, you must see this show. Once you do, you”ll shift an emotional gear or two - or three” Fringe Guru

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

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A TASTE OF ABSOLUTE CLASSICS

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE sunday 29 May, 8.00pm

THEATRE ROYAL, SHAKESPEARE STREET, DUMFRIES DG1 2JH

£12

under 26s

half price

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Written and performed by Apphia Campbell Directed by Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs

Noriko Ogawa, Piano

Samantha Ward, Piano

Sunday 29 May, 11.30am

Sunday 29 May, 3.30pm

Annan Academy Performing ArtS centre, St Johns Road, Annan DG12 6AP

Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel, 112, Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill DG3 5LU

FREE*

under 26s

Local Ticket Outlet: www.absoluteclassics.co.uk

£10 FREE

* Donations for “Jamies Concert” in Aid of Autistic Children

Local Ticket Outlet: www.absoluteclassics.co.uk

Award-winning Blüthner artist Samantha Ward has been described as an ambitious and exciting pianist who brings vivid personality to her performances. She will perform music by Scarlatti, Brahms and Schumann.

International pianist and cultural ambassador to the National Autistic society Noriko Ogawa will present a Jamie’s Concert in aid of the charity. Her performance includes music from Schumann, Takemitsu and Liszt.

Direct from sell-out performances in Shanghai, New York and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Apphia Campbell embarks on her debut UK tour.

Johannes Goritzki, Cello, John Thwaites, Piano

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, ‘Black Is The Color Of My Voice’ follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

Sunday 29, 7.30pm

‘Campbell may wear Simone’s trademark head wrap but her performance goes beyond impersonation.’ **** The Times ‘Apphia Campbell is nothing short of sensational… she will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears’ ***** Broadway Baby Age recommendation 12 plus.

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Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel, 112, Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill DG3 5LU

£12

under 26s FREE

Local Ticket Outlet: www.absoluteclassics.co.uk

International maestro of Cello, Johannes Goritzki is regarded as one of the most significant cellists of his generation. His musical career has included concert dates at major international festivals and concert halls; an extensive discography and list of professorships. He will perform a programme with music by Beethoven and Reger.

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

FESTIVAL FRINGE THE STÉPHANE GRAPPELLI STORY

Sunday 22 May, 7.30pm The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW £14 Conc. £12 Local ticket outlet: Buccleuch Centre Booking Office 01387 381196 The Stéphane Grappelli Story featuring the Andy Lawrenson Trio makes a bold and adventurous tribute to the life and music of the great musician. With interplay between Violin, Double Bass and Guitar, expect to hear such greats as Minor Swing and Sweet Georgia Brown, Grappelli’s unique arrangements of It Had to be You and Honeysuckle Rose.

CLAN BLUES

Sunday 22 May, 3.00pm to 5.00pm Coach and Horses Inn, 66 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS FREE Popular Moffat-based Clan Blues are Dave Dick, Jamie McClelland and Ian Cole, a trio of guitarists/singers who play a fantastic mix of acoustic, Americana, folk and blues. The band covers a great range of material from sources such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson and a wide repertoire of more traditional blues and folk material.

JUAN MARTIN FLAMENCO TRIO ARTE FLAMENCO PURO

Monday 23 May, 7.30pm The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN £15 Conc. £13 Local ticket outlet: www.catstrand.com Box Office: 01644 420374 Juan Martín, a truly awe-inspiring guitarist, composer and all-encompassing musician comes to the region on his tour of the UK with a new flamenco programme of music, song and dance direct from Spain. The show features flamenco dancer Carmen Moncada and singer Antonio Aparecida. Both have toured with Juan throughout many countries and have performed together at flamenco festivals across Southern Spain.

MOSTLY GHOSTLY DUMFRIES TOWN TOUR: HEROES OF THE TITANIC

Wednesday 25 May, 7.30pm Robert Burns Statue, Church Place, Dumfries DG1 1BW £10 Conc. £8 Local ticket outlet: Midsteeple Box Office 01387 253383

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

John Law Hume and Thomas Mullin: two Dumfries lads lost on the ill-fated White Star Liner - Titanic. Mostly Ghostly Tours remember their sacrifice and celebrate their lives with a new walking tour - Heroes of the Titanic.

With a focus on Jock Hume, the team will guide its audience to pivotal locations around Dumfries and reveal powerful accounts of life before and after the sinking.

Following the tour, everyone will gather for a fascinating talk by Erica Johnson on the subject of William McMaster Murdoch, a native of Dalbeattie who ascended to the rank of First Officer on Titanic.

TWELFTH NICHT

Thursday 26, Friday 27, Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm The Fullarton, Lochside Road, Castle Douglas DG7 1EU £8.00 Local ticket outlet: www.fullarton.co.uk Box Office 01556 504506 The team that brought you a Midsimmer Nicht’s Dream last year are back with a sparkling new version of one of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies. Twelfth Nicht has been adapted into Scots by John Burns. Though it is 400 years since the death of The Bard, his universal theme of love in all its forms is still brand new. Join us in celebration, but book quickly - it sold out last year.

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THE SEARCHERS JOHN MCNALLY, FRANK ALLEN, SPENCER JAMES, SCOTT OTTAWAY

Thursday 26 May, 7.30pm The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW £20 Local ticket outlet: Buccleuch Centre Booking Office 013873 81196 Welcome back to The Buccleuch! Their special “solo” concert is a highly entertaining show and has been enthusiastically and warmly received throughout the world. Combined with anecdotes and reminiscences, this fully self-contained concert includes all their famous hits, plus many album recordings. Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk In The Room.

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS

Friday 27 May, 7.30pm The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW £14 Conc £12 Local ticket outlet: Buccleuch Centre Booking Office 013873 81196

One of Scotland’s top traditional musical collectives, The Tannahill Weavers have blazed the trail for Scottish music over the decades and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes.

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WagTongues Pop-Up Bookshop and Mini Literary Festival

Friday 27 May 11.00am to 6.00pm Saturday 28 May 11.00am to 5.00pm John Low (former newsagents) 44, King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1AD FREE Local books by local authors, that’s what WagTongues is all about. The Dumfries and Galloway writers’ collective runs pop-up bookshops and mini literary festivals across the region and beyond. Their popular mini festival involves readings, interviews and interactive events with the writers, plus the chance to buy books direct from the region’s authors and publishers.

Artist Website: wagtongues.wordpress.com Organiser contact details: JoAnne McKay email: wagtongues@aol.com tel: 07562 363439

SCOTTISH OPERA THE LITTLE WHITE TOWN OF NEVER WEARY

Saturday 28 May, 10.30am and 2.00pm Kirkcudbright Parish Hall, St Mary’s Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4DN £7 £5 child Local ticket outlet: Midsteeple Box Office 01387 253383 In a small town in Scotland, the vibrations from the old bell tower are making the buildings crumble. Can you help save them before the next hour strikes? Inspired by the book by Jessie M King, this musical performance for five to eight-year-olds encourages kids to think about the world around them and the buildings that they love.

EDWARD HOLLIS ON BUILDING STORIES THE PETER PAN MOAT BRAE LECTURE SERIES

Saturday 28 May, 7.00pm Moat Brae House, George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EA £6 Free U25, students and unemployed.

Local ticket outlet: Wigtown Festival Company, County Buildings, Wigtown.

01988 403222. Online: www.wigtownbookfestival.com The Peter Pan Moat Brae Lecture Series, in association with Wigtown Festival Company, presents Edward Hollis, author of the acclaimed The Memory Palace: A Book of Lost Interiors and The Secret Lives of Buildings. Edward describes the way buildings change over time, shaped by and shaping those who inhabit them.

He argues that the built environment is as eloquent as any storyteller and that the homes we live in are always more than bricks and mortar. Nowhere has this been more evident than at Moat Brae House, the childhood inspiration for JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. This is the first in a series of events co-hosted by Wigtown Festival Company and the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust to mark the renovation of the house and the creation of a national centre for children’s literature and storytelling.

Further information from www.peterpanmoatbrae.org

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

CAIRN CHORUS AND FRIENDS SPRING CONCERT

LES IMPROMPTUES

Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm Glencairn Memorial Institute, Chapel Street, Moniaive DG3 4EJ £8 Conc. Children FREE. Local ticket outlet: John and Pat Stonell 01556 650480 or available on the door.

Join Cairn Chorus and acclaimed local musicians, on a journey through the ages and continents, to explore the theme of Separation. This talented local performance choir will share heart-warming songs and musical reflections under the accomplished international musical direction of Kate Howard. Delicious treats will also be served.

arts live - performing arts

Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 May Various locations and times along Purple and Pink Routes of Spring Fling FREE Dance Company Les Impromptues perform at various locations on the Purple and Pink Routes of Spring Fling. Three bathers from the 1930s discover the contemporary world through dance. Choreographed

by Chantal Breavoine (Association de Margaret Morris Movement France) with dancers Nichola Finch and Sara Lockwood. For times and locations visit www. springfling.co.uk

TOMMY SMITH AND BRIAN KELLOCK

Sunday 29 May, 7.30pm The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW £14 Conc. £12 Local ticket outlet: Buccleuch Centre Booking Office 013873 81196 Saxophonist Tommy Smith and pianist Brian Kellock are Scotland’s international jazz ambassadors, having worked with jazz’s leading players and wowed audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Recently acclaimed as “world class” by Jazz Journal, they are master musicians who spin classic songs into creative gold.

year round

THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART TUESDAY 7 JUNE 7.30PM

McMillan Town Hall, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE 7.30PM Lockerbie Town Hall, High Street Lockerbie DG11 2ES

THURSDAY 9 JUNE 7.30PM

Sanquhar Town Hall, Church road, Sanquhar DG4 6DF

£13.50

Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Created by David Greig (writer) and Wils Wilson (director).

there. Inspired by the border ballads - and delivered in a riotous romp of rhyming couplets, devilish encounters An incredibly inventive and entertaining and wild karaoke - Prudencia’s dreampiece of anarchic theatre, live music and like journey of self-discovery unfolds strange goings-on… among and around the audience. The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is One wintry morning Prudencia Hart, the lock-in to end all lock-ins. an uptight academic, sets off to attend Recommended age guide - 14+ a conference in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her

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WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL 23RD SEPTEMBER - 2ND OCTOBER 2016

MORE THAN 2OO EVENTS FOR ADULTS, YOUNG PEOPLE & CHILDREN WWW.WIGTOWNBOOKFESTIVAL.COM SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND O1988 4O3222

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Charity No. SCO37984

XXX BCTPMVUFDMBTTJDT DP VL

A 10-day festival of world class classical music in Dumfries & Galloway

"6(645 UP BVHVTU

Your ticket to the

greatest shows on earth

Experience live screenings of world-class theatre, opera and ballet from the comfort of the Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre in Dumfries.

Lose yourself in the action at some of the world’s most acclaimed shows and marvel at the greatest performers on the planet. Acclaimed actors.

Brilliant ballerinas. Operatic legends.

We bring you every pitch-perfect note. Every beat-perfect step. Every word-perfect scene.

www.rbcft.co.uk | 01387 264808 | Mill Road, Dumfries, DG2 7BE

Robert Burns Centre

FILM THEATRE 39

the Buccleuch Centre

LANGHOLM

s 2016 t h g i l h g i H Spring MARCH 13th-19th......L.A.O.D.S. presents “Sunshine on Leith” Sun 20th.......The FUREYS in Concert Mon 21st..... .BORIS GODUNOV from ROH Wed 23rd......THE BACHELORS - Matinée Fri 25th.........SHOWADDYWADDY APRIL Wed 6th ........GISELLE - Ballet from ROH Fri 8th...........BIG O & THE WILBURYS Tribute Sat 9th..........MOONLIGHT SERENADE Tue 12th .......The MAGIC FLUTE from ENO Wed 13th ......JERRY HARMON Sat 16th........LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Wed 20th ......THE RAILSPLITTERS Sat 23rd........DESPERADO - Heart of The Eagles Mon 25th ......LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR from ROH Thu 28th.......‘WOOL from the HILLS’

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MAY Sun 1st.........TOTALLY TINA! Fri 6th...........WESTROCK Thu 12th.......OH CAROL! Wed 18th ......IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Sat 21st ........EDDI READER in Concert Sun 22nd......The STÉPHANE GRAPPELLI Story Thu 26th.......The SEARCHERS Fri 27th.........The TANNAHILL WEAVERS Sat 28th........CRAIG HILL - Playing with my Selfie!

Sun 29th.......TOMMY SMITH & BRIAN KELLOCK JUNE Thu 2nd........MICK FLAVIN in Concert Sun 5th.........BLAKE in Concert Wed 8th ........A NIGHT of DIRTY DANCING Fri 10th.........RAVE ON! Fri 24th.........STEPHEN SMYTH and his Band

BOX OFFICE TELEPHONE - 013873 www.buccleuchcentre.com

81196

Upland Arts Development CIC presents

EVERY YEAR, IT’S A BRAND NEW ADVENTURE • 94 artists & makers • Evening openings • Rural mural • Bus tours • Showcase exhibition 01387 213 218 www.spring-fling.co.uk /springflingopenstudios @spring_fling #SF2016 springfling

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Gracefield Arts Centre VISUAL ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITIONS | CONTEMPORARY CRAFT SHOP | CAFE GRACEFIELD ARTS CENTRE

28 Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries DG1 1JQ Tel: 01387 262084 www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield Updates on Facebook (Gracefield Arts Centre) and Twitter (@gracefieldarts) Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm Café closes 4pm Craft shop open Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm and Saturday, 10am-5pm

ADMISSION FREE

Monthly changing exhibitions by local, national and international artists and makers plus selected exhibitions from the Gracefield Permanent Collection of Scottish Art • Art and craft workshops and classes for adults and kids • Craft Shop featuring jewellery, textiles, ceramics, postcards, hand-made cards and much more at prices to suit all pockets • Printmaking studio open to both members and non-members

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HOW TO BOOK | Booking Opens 15th March 2016 TICKET OFFICE The Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BH 01387 253383 Open: Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 1.30pm ONLINE 24 hour booking www.dgartsfestival.org.uk Ticketweb 24 hour hotline 08444 771000 - Booking fees apply

Honorary President Dame Barbara Kelly CBE, DL Honorary Vice-President Mrs Beryl Jago MBE Life Members Mrs Jill Hardy, Mr Bill Cunningham, Mr Douglas Dawson The Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the following Patrons: Dr & Mrs G Bedford Colin Bell John and Serena Campbell Anthony and Bronwen Cohen Captain R Cunningham-Jardine CVO Duke & Duchess of Buccleuch Mrs Jill Hardy Barbara Kelly Sir David Landale KCVO & Lady Landale Hal McGhie Sir Neil & Lady McIntosh

Ruari McNeill MA M.Phil Zara and Iain Milligan Lady Mary Herries Mrs Lynn Otty Pam and Matthew Pumphrey Jennifer Taylor John & Jocelyn Walker Weatherall Family Together with other valued Patrons and generous donors

Tickets for all events other than Fringe events will be sold at the Midsteeple Box Office.

Note: Tickets for performances may also be available locally please check our brochure or online www.dgartsfestival.org.uk for further details.

(Please see page 3 for our See Four ticket offers) Terms & Conditions • Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded except where the performance is cancelled.

• All rights are reserved by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival to refuse admission or to alter the advertised programme.

• Latecomers will only be admitted when and if there is an appropriate break in the performance.

• Look out for our under 26s half price ticket offers. Proof of ID may be required.

• The use of photographic/video equipment is prohibited.

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SUPPORT... Become a Patron or Member • • • • • •

Be first to receive our brochure Priority Booking Invitation to Festival Opening Personal invitation to Special Events FREE ticket to an event of your choice* Annual subscription Patrons from £100 Members £30

Arts Festival Legacy - Leaving us a gift in your will is a great way to support our work and sustain the continued growth of the Festival for future years. We’re thankful for any gifts you leave us in your Will, however big or small.

For more information,

call Louise

01387 259627

info@dgartsfestival.org.uk or visit www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

*Patrons Only conditions may apply

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

DG4

LOCATION GUIDE

DG10

DG3

DG13 DG1

DG2

DG7

DG11

DG12

DG5

DG9

DG8 B7085

DG6

101

DG1 Robert Burns Statue, Church Place, Dumfries DG1 1BW The Usual Place, Academy Street , Dumfries DG1 1BZ Moat Brae House George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EA St George’s Church Hall George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EJ Kings Coffee Shop 12 Queensberry Street Dumfries DG1 1EX Oasis Youth Centre Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW St John’s Church 6 Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW The Midsteeple High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BH The Stove 100 High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BN Theatre Royal Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH Coach & Horses Inn 66 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS Dock Park, Dumfries, DG1 2RY Ruthwell Parish Church Ruthwell, Dumfries DG1 4NN Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton , Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA DG2 Brigend Theatre Howgate Street, Market Place Dumfries DG2 7AE Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur Community, Beeswing , Dumfries DG2 8EE DG3 Glencairn Memorial Institute Chapel Street, Moniaive DG3 4EJ Thomas Tosh , 19 East Morton Street, Thornhill DG3 5AG

Thornhill Community Centre, Back Lane, Thornhill DG3 5LH Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, 112 Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill DG3 5LU DG4 Sanquhar Town Hall, Church Road, Sanquhar DG4 6DF

DG5 Birchvale Theatre, Southwick Road, Dalbeattie DG5 4AR Colvend Public Hall, Dalbeattie, DG5 4QD

DG6 Kirkcudbright Parish Hall, St Mary’s Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4DN Broughton House, 12 High Street , Kirkcudbright DG6 4JX Harbour Square Car Park, St Cuthbert Street , Kirkcudbright DG6 4YL

DG7 John Low(former newsagents), 44 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1AD Old St John’s Church, 1 Abercromby Road, Castle Douglas DG7 1AY Castle Douglas Town Hall, St Andrew Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DB The Fullarton, Lochside Road, Castle Douglas DG7 1EU Gatehouse Community Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2JX The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

DG8 McMillan Hall, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ Riverside Car park, Newton Stewart, DG8 6NQ The Swallow Theatre, Moss Park, Ravenstone Whithorn DG8 8DR Wigtown Primary School, New Road, Wigtown DG8 9JE County Buildings, Wigtown, DG8 9JH

DG9 The Ryan Centre, Fairhurst Road, Stranraer DG9 7AP Millennium Centre, 75 George Street , Stranraer DG9 7JP Logan Botanic Gardens, Port Logan, Stranraer DG9 9ND

DG10 Old Well Theatre, Well Road, Moffat DG10 9AP Moffat Town Hall, High Street , Moffat DG10 9HF

DG11 Elshieshields Tower, Lochmaben, DG11 1LY Lockerbie Town Hall, High Street, Lockerbie DG11 2ES The King’s Arm Hotel, 29 High Street, Lockerbie DG11 2JL The Queen’s Hotel, Old Annan Road, Lockerbie DG11 2RB Ecclefechan Village Hall, Ecclefechan, DG11 3DR

DG12 Annan Academy Performing Arts Centre, St Johns Road, Annan DG12 6AP The Corner House Hotel, High Street , Annan DG12 6DL

DG13 The Buccleuch Centre, Buccleuch Square, Langholm DG13 0AW

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EVENT DIARY Friday 20 May - page 5

Saturday 21 May - page 11

Sunday 22 May - page 13

Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries

Thomas Tosh, Thornhill

Logan Botanic Gardens, Stranraer

OPERA A LA CARTE

OCEANALLOVER

Friday 20 May - page 6

Saturday 21 May - page 11

Corner House Hotel, Annan

Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, Thornhill

DANIEL SLOSS

Friday 20 May - page 7

EDDI READER

Millennium Centre, Stranraer Friday 20 May - page 8

EMMA’S IMAGINATION The CatStrand, New Galloway Friday 20 May - page 8

MUSIC BEATS

Tuesday 24 May - page 16

Community Centre, Thornhill

Elshieshields Tower, Lochmaben

Brigend Theatre, Dumfries

SAMSON SOUNDS

Saturday 21 May - page 12

ANNETTE BADLAND The Ryan Centre, Stranraer

SCOTTISH OPERA Dock Park, Dumfries

INSIDE OUT CLASSICAL MUSIC WEEKEND Various locations in Moniaive

Various locations in Moniaive

THE GALLOWAY CONSORT

The Stove, Dumfries

The Queen’s Hotel, Lockerbie

Theatre Royal, Dumfries

Sunday 22 May - page 16

CLAUDIA WOOD, ANDREW RANDALL AND GUY MURGATROYD St John’s Church, Dumfries

Sunday 22 May - page - 35

Birchvale Theatre, Dalbeattie

Sunday 22 May - page - 35

Saturday 21 May - page 15

Coach & Horses, Dumfries

Saturday 21 May - page 10

SONGS OF SEPERATION The Usual Place, Dumfries

THE EARLY MUSIC FORUM OF SCOTLAND Old St John’s Church, Castle Douglas Sunday 22 May - page 12

ANNETTE BADLAND

The CatStrand, New Galloway

Wednesday 25 May - page 17

JEFF AND ANNE BARNHART

Saturday 21 May - page 7 The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm

PUPPET STATE THEATRE COMPANY

Sunday 22 May - page 16

Saturday 21 May - page 15

EDDI READER

Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright

Thursday 26 May - page 17

Thursday 26 May - page 20

LADY MAISERY

EDINBURGH GRADUATE THEATRE GROUP

SCOTTISH OPERA

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE WITH ROBYN STAPLETON

FIRELIGHT SHOW

THE STEPHANE GRAPELLI STORY

Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur, Beeswing

McMillan Hall, Newton Stewart

Sunday 22 May - page 15

Saturday 21 May - page 14

Friday 20 May - page 9

The CatStrand, New Galloway

Saturday 21 May - page 11

Friday 20 May - page 9 Broughton House, Kirkcudbright

Thursday 26 May - page 18

JUAN MARTIN FLAMENCO TRIO Tuesday 24 May - page 13

Saturday 21 May - page 13

SEEING STARS

Sunday 22 May - page 14

Monday 23 May - page - 35

INSIDE OUT CLASSICAL MUSIC WEEKEND

RAB NOAKES AND FRASER SPIERS Town Hall, Moffat

SCOTTISH OPERA

The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm

PUPPET STATE THEATRE COMPANY Wednesday 25 May - page 18

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE TEA DANCE The Usual Place, Dumfries

Wednesday 25 May - page 20

Thursday 26 May - page 21

THE BANKER WHO CARED Ruthwell Parish Church, Ruthwell Thursday 26 May - page 21

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Town Hall, Castle Douglas

JENN BUTTERWORTH & LAURA-BETH SALTER

Thursday 26 May - page 22

Wednesday 25 May - page 20

Thursday 26 May - page 22

The Stove, Dumfries

County Buildings, Wigtown

County Buildings, Wigtown

CLAN BLUES

ORPHANED LIMBS COLLECTIVE

Monday 23 May - page 13

Wednesday 25 May - page 35

Riverside Car Park, Newton Stewart

Burns Statue, Church Place, Dumfries

SCOTTISH OPERA

ORPHANED LIMBS COLLECTIVE

HEROES OF THE TITANIC

TASHI LHUNPO MONKS Town Hall, Lockerbie

THE RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND Thursday 26 May - page 23

SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SÉANCE Brigend Theatre, Dumfries

The Usual Place, Dumfries 46

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

EVENT DIARY Thursday 26 May - page 23

GUITAR STRINGS

The Usual Place, Dumfries Thursday 26 May - page 23

NATHAN GRISDALE

Oasis Youth Centre, Dumfries Thursday 26 May - page 24

MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE Old Well Theatre, Moffat

Thursday 26 May - page 24

DALLAHAN

Friday 27 May - page 22

THE RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND The Cornerhouse Hotel, Annan Friday 27 May - page 24

MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn Friday 27 May - page 25

SAM LEE & FRIENDS The Usual Place, Dumfries Friday 27 May - page 26

Colvend Public Hall, Dalbeattie

PUPPETSOUP THEATRE

Thursday 26 May - page 35

Friday 27 May - page 27

TWELFTH NICHT

The Fullarton, Castle Douglas Thursday 26 May - page 36

THE SEARCHERS

The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm Friday 27 May - page 18

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE Theatre Royal, Dumfries

Friday 27 May - page 21

THE BANKER WHO CARED

Primary School, Wigtown

GILLEBRIDE MACMILLAN

Community Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet Friday 27 May - page 27

TRY STRICTLY WITH CAFÉ LARGO County Buildings, Wigtown Friday 27 May - page 27

THE BEARDED DUG COMEDY CLUB

The King’s Arms Hotel, Lockerbie

The CatStrand, New Galloway

Friday 27 May - page 35

Friday 27 May - page 20

The Fullarton, Castle Douglas

ORPHANED LIMBS COLLECTIVE The Stove, Dumfries

TWELFTH NICHT

Friday 27 May - page 36

WAGTONGUES POP-UP BOOK SHOP John Low (former Newsagents) Castle Douglas

Friday 27 May - page 36

Saturday 28 May - page 32

The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm

The CatStrand, Dumfries

Saturday 28 May - page 24

Saturday 28 May - page 32

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS Innocence

MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn Saturday 28 May - page 26

PUPPETSOUP THEATRE Theatre Royal, Dumfries

Saturday 28 May - page 28

Saturday 28 May - page 35

Sunday 29 May - page 32

The CatStrand, Dumfries

TWELFTH NICHT

The Fullarton, Castle Douglas

Saturday 28 May - page 29

John Low (former Newsagents) Castle Douglas

WAGTONGUES POP-UP BOOK SHOP

The Midsteeple Plainstanes, Dumfries

Saturday 28 May - page 36

Saturday 28 May - page 30

Kirkcudbright Parish Church, Kirkcudbright

THEATRE ROYAL COMEDY NIGHT

SCOTTISH OPERA

Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries

Saturday 28 May - page 36

Saturday 28 May - page 30

Moat Brae House, Dumfries

IAN SHERWOOD

Ecclefechan Village Hall, Ecclefechan Saturday 28 May - page 30

STEVEN MCINTYRE St John’s Church, Dumfries

Saturday 28 May - page 31

ORKESTRA DEL SOL The Usual Place, Dumfries

All tickets available from Midsteeple Box Office, Dumfries T: 01387 253383. W: www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

St George’s Church Hall, Dumfries Sunday 29 May - page 30

Saturday 28 May - page 36

THE FESTIVAL AT THE PLAINSTANES

THE EARLY MUSIC FORUM OF SCOTLAND

ROBERT BURNS: ROUGH CUT

CRAIG HILL

The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm

Saturday 28 May page 15

IAN SHERWOOD

Kings Coffee Shop, Dumfries

ROBERT BURNS: ROUGH CUT The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn Sunday 29 May - page 34

A TASTE OF ABSOLUTE CLASSICS

Annan Academy Performing Arts Centre, Annan, and the Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, Thornhill Sunday 29 May - page 33

LITVINENKO PROJECT The CatStrand, New Galloway

EDWARD HOLLIS ON BUILDINGS STORIES

Sunday 29 May - page 33

Saturday 28 May - page 37

Sunday 29 May - page 34

CAIRN CHORUS & FRIENDS Glencairn Memorial Institute, Moniaive Saturday 28 May - page 37

LES IMPROMPTUES Various locations

VENTOUX

The CatStrand, New Galloway

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE Theatre Royal, Dumfries

Sunday 29 May - page 37

TOMMY SMITH & BRIAN KELLOCK The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm

47

Dumfries & Galloway Life The region’s favourite magazine Every month featuring the best of local food & drink, culture, business, homes & gardens, sports, style, arts and wildlife

Pay just £12 for your first 6 issues! call 01228 612760 or see www.dumfriesandgallowaylife.co.uk Proud to be media sponsors of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 2016 SCOTTISH MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR, 2009 SCOTTISH CONSUMER MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR, 2011