For more than four decades, Cape Breton-based family group
The Barra MacNeils has been thrilling audiences of all ages, near and far, with their sparkling repertoire, vocals, instrumental prowess and vibrant showmanship.
Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, the Barra MacNeils are widely regarded as one of the greatest live acts in the Celtic world. Since their 1986 debut, siblings Lucy, Boyd, Stewart, Kyle, and Sheumas have forged a four-decade legacy as Canada’s premier musical ambassadors, deeply rooted in the dance, language, and storytelling of their heritage.
Their performances are a masterclass in versatility, featuring seamless sibling harmonies and extraordinary proficiency on a wide array of acoustic, stringed, and wind instruments. From haunting Gaelic ballads to high-energy step dancing, they transform every concert into a captivating journey through an ancient culture.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026, the group is marking this milestone with special tour dates all year long, from coast to coast. This year ’ s performances offer an intimate, heartfelt reflection on their career, featuring hidden gems from their 17 critically acclaimed recordings. Whether performing original compositions or time-honoured standards, the Barra MacNeils remain steadfast in their mission to provide worldclass family entertainment that carries the heart of Cape Breton to the world.
Their multi-award-winning recordings have covered the span of their entire career, as well as live concerts reflecting the musical course of their career, from humble family beginnings to worldwide acclaim. Visit the store to see what’s offered.
From headlining major festivals and concerts from coast to coast and overseas, to television appearances (Rita MacNeil’s CTV Christmas Special, The Chieftains), film and television placement (Men with Brooms soundtrack, Racket In The Attic), and their annual East Coast Christmas tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. Their Christmas television specials (2000, 2007) continue to be broadcast on Country Music Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) networks and will no doubt remain a fixture of holiday broadcasting for years to come.
Kyle MacNeil
Vocals,guitar,violin,mandolin
Kyle MacNeil loves his job. A founding member of the Barra MacNeils, music has been a focal point in Kyle’s life for as long as he can remember.
The MacNeil children were encouraged at an early age to play music and to this day associate it with good times and being surrounded by relatives and friends. It is a feeling the Barra MacNeils bring with them each time they take the stage. Kyle started playing guitar at age seven and soon after
switched to violin, on which he was classically trained at Mount Allison University. The pinnacle of his impressive musical career includes sharing the stage with international superstar Celine Dion when the Barra MacNeils opened her sell-out “The Colour of My Love” tour. Playing sold out stadiums was an experience Kyle will never forget, but regardless if they are playing in front of college kids, soccer moms or retirees, the Barra MacNeils’ engaging performances are always something special for the audience and performers alike.
Kyle currently teaches a Cape Breton fiddle course at Cape Breton University, and also offers private lessons in both the Cape Breton and the classical violin styles. When not on the road, Kyle regularly hits the ice for a game of hockey or perfects his swing on the golf course.
King’s Theatre is honoured to be on the ancestral and unceded territory of L’nu, also known as the Mi’kmaq Peoples, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial. We honour the Peace and Friendship Treaties and acknowledge that we are all treaty people.
The Fog Machine may be in use tonight. It is a non-toxic water-based mist
Phones/Cameras:
We ask that you turn ringers off and refrain from taking photos or videos during shows.
For the comfort of our patrons, King’s Theatre strives to be Scent-Free environment.
Please refrain from wearing scented products to events.
Please return the Reusable Cups to concession! They are available for purchase if you would like to take one home.
COMING SOON
FRIDAY MAY 29 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 7:00 PM
SATURDAY MAY 30 @ 7:30 PM
SUNDAY MAY 31 @ 3:00 PM
FRIDAY JUNE 5 6:00 PM
SATURDAY JUNE 6 7:30 PM
SUNDAY JUNE 7
7:00 PM
FRIDAY
JUNE 12
7:00 PM
SATURDAY JUNE 27 7:00 PM
SATURDAY JUNE 13
6:00 PM
THURSDAY JUNE 18 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 7:00 PM
THURSDAY JUNE 25 7:30 PM
SUNDAY JUNE 28 3:00 PM
FILMPASS FILMPASS
KING’STHEATRE
King's Theatre was built in 1921 by Arthur M. King, and has been at the heart of Annapolis Royal’s cultural community for over 100 years. In recent years we have completed more than $2 million in facility upgrades that includes new lighting, cinema projection, video capture, and sound -- you can expect crystal clear audio for both live shows and movies.
King’s Theatre’s mandate is to be a catalyst for creativity, social connection, learning, and excellence. Presenting live performances yearround, we offer all genres of music, theatre, contemporary dance, comedy, and spoken word. On screen there’s every kind of cinema, from blockbusters and indies to stage-toscreens. We offer workshops and opportunities for local residents to experience performing on stage, with a special emphasis on youth. With more than 200 events a year, King’s Theatre is one of the busiest small theatres in Canada.
Tue-Fri: 10am-3pm
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tracy Summerville, Chair
Alison Warwick, Vice Chair
Kerrie Picken, Treasurer
Margo Tait, Secretary
Betsy Akin
Thea Boyanowsky
Bob Buchanan
Maggie Cotreau
Caroline Hancock
Phil Hartling
Lesley MacDonald
Michael Westcott
STAFF
Janet Larkman, Executive Director
Tracey Harnish, Bookkeeper
Devin Fraser, Technical Director
Jessica Scott, Box Office & Operations Manager
Gregory Muszkie, House Manager
Jamie Alcorn, Sound Technican
Brynja Bachem-Jennings, Box Office and House Support
