message from julie Our ‘cover girl’ larger than life welcome from Chick Whittington’s Dame, Alice Fitzwarren-Whittington sets the tone for a cracking, fun filled journey, from October right through to Hogmanay. Before Christmas calls you back to Stirling Stella there is great entertainment for you, whatever your age, and lots of events to get the whole family together for a really good time. Children’s choices invite you; to join Snigel the snail and friends in the magical world under the leafy canopy; to play fetch with The Little Gentleman’s dog; to journey back to the Western Isles in 1934 to help unite the world; celebrate growing up and grandparents in W-Hat About; and get down at a gig with Sprog Rock. We have more top quality musical theatre than ever before starting with All or Nothing, evoking Stirling University’s 50th Anniversary founding year, in the story of the Small Faces - live hits to sing along to include Itchy Coo Park, Lazy Sunday Afternoon and Sha-La-La-La-Lee. Later in the season we have a new Scottish musical The Sunshine Ghost, inspired by a Highland haunting, and our musical grand finale is the side splitting Scottish classic -The Steamie. I can’t think of a better Conversation Starter for our season than Gary Clarke’s Coal. It is a brilliant revisiting of the life of ordinary people in a time of great change and will inspire us all to reflect on our history and how it influences our communities still. There’s high quality drama, dance and music going right through the season, as well as insights into the brilliant work of wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan and physical anthropologist Alice Roberts. And how else would we finish our year than with the best of Christmas entertainment? Eric the Elf’s Chaotic Christmas will need everyone 5 and under to help save Christmas. Whereas Chick Whittington takes us in a time machine back 50 years from Christmas eve in Stirling Stellar to ‘The Summer of Love’ in 1967. With songs from now and then we’re in for a time travelling treat. Whatever you choose, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to Macrobert Arts Centre. See you soon!
Julie
Julie Ellen, Artistic Director
CONTENTS P1 – P4 P5 – P9 P10 – P20 P21 – P25 P26 P27 – P30 P31 P32
Autumn Conversation Starter September Events October Events Christmas Coming in 2018 Get Involved: Classes & Opportunities Access & Family Friendly Booking & tickets