Garioch Theatre Festival

02/07/2022

Tonight! Hopeville Social Club! Tickets available on the door.
The Moira Monologues and (More) Moira Monologues double-bill
Written and Performed by Alan Bissett
Winner Fringe First 2017 – Shortlisted Best New Play Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2018
Meet the hardest woman in Falkirk! The ‘most charismatic character to appear on a Scottish stage in a decade’ (*****The Scotsman) Moira Bell is the rip-roaring, chain-smoking, nae-messin’ heroine from Alan Bissett’s original and classic ‘one-woman show’. Moira’s a single mum and a cleaner, who can’t wait to light a fag and tell her bestie Babs all about the teacher she fancies, cleaning posh folks’ hooses, her thoughts on Brexit, and, of course, how she protects her darlin’ dug, Pepe, from Diesel the rottweiler. No-one ever forgets Moira!
“This is brilliant stuff, an exhilaratingly fresh take on the whole business of class and culture in Scotland.” – 4**** The Scotsman
“Bissett writes with eagle-eyed vim and not a word is wasted.” – 4**** The Independent
"A near-perfect series of new monologues, both howlingly funny and unnervingly sharp and poetic." - 5***** The Scotsman
Suitable age 14 and above

29/06/2022

Tomorrow night at 7.30pm, Acorn Centre, Inverurie! Tickets on door

Swingify with Dan Greavey
Dan is a crooner from Inverurie who has worked in London’s West End and touring professional Musical Theatre. He currently works as a singer and actor with local events company ‘Right Here Productions’, and is one third of well known Rat Pack trio, ‘Ocean’s 3’. Join Dan for a medley of swing and easy listening songs made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more recently, Michael Bublé.
Dan is in the process of recording his first album, which will be released soon.

Acorn Centre, Inverurie Thursday 30 June 7.30pm Tickets £8/6

28/06/2022

27/06/2022

Shakespeare’s Fool this Wednesday (29 June) at the Acorn Centre, Inverurie at 7.30pm. Tickets available on the door, Tickets £10/7

Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London's finest clown, until...he fell out with Will 'git-face' Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty-stricken, not very far from the original Globe Theatre, of which he was an original shareholder and faded into obscurity; a world away from his former life having supposedly originated some of literature's best-known characters, including Bottom, Dogberry, and Falstaff.
A bittersweet tale, told by an idiot.

BROADWAYBABY.COM
“SHAKESPEARE’S FOOL IS AN ECONOMIC, CLASSY PIECE DIRECTED ROBUSTLY BY BEN HUMPHREY AND BROUGHT TO LIFE BY A MULTI-FACETED LEETHAM WHO EMBRACES THE TEARS OF THE CLOWN...”
★★★★
THEREVIEWSHUB.COM
“ROBIN LEETHAM RETURNS KEMPE TO VIVID LIFE...ENTIRELY BELIEVABLE AND LIKEABLE.”

27/06/2022

Cancellation of tonight's show due to illness! Many apologies.

Unfortunately tonight's performance of MaMa in Inverurie is cancelled due to illness! Many apologies!

26/06/2022

24/06/2022

A pic of our cast, musicians and stage crew and a great report from Douglas Clark from NODA:
“A Monstrous Regiment of Women” is a specially commissioned piece by writer Alan Bissett telling the story of Caroline Phillips a young woman born and bred in Kintore, Aberdeenshire who in 1899 became the first female journalist on the Aberdeen Daily
Journal (one of only 66 in the United Kingdom) and a the leader of the Aberdeen Branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union from 1907-1909. She however disagreed with the Pankhurst’s “deeds not words” policy preferring to use political means to gain suffrage for women leading to her clashing with them and finally
leaving the party. In a first for me I was asked to leave the venue before the play began – not because of something I had done – but to join a demonstration outside in which some members of the cast gave speeches for and against votes of women.
We were then led back into an Old Time Music Hall setting by a group of “Votes for Women” placard waving women. On a very simple set we were then treated to an excellent evening of words and music in both English and Doric. The two white tie and tails clad MC’s (Imogen Watt and Jordan Abberley-Nicoll) got the audience into the era with a delightful medley of Music Hall favourites and then proceeded to introduce the characters of the piece with plenty of humour in their banter. EmmaThomson as the lead character of Caroline Phillips was excellent in her
portrayal of a young woman frustrated by the lack of opportunities given to her simply because of her gender and in her determination to do something about it. In this she was aided by Callie Birnie as suffragette Lady Agnes Ramsay in a strong, measured performance. Pamela Green as the formidable Emmeline Pankhurst owned the stage in her every appearance – definitely not a woman to be trifled with!
Her lead in the Act 1 finale of “You Don’t Own Me” was magnificent. Strong support was given by Alison Sandison and Stephen Henderson (Mr & Mrs Phillips), Mikey Nicolls (James Phillips, Caroline’s journalist brother), Lola Brown (Adela Pankhurst),
Millie Goodyear (Christabel Pankhurst) Freya H T Wilson(Sylvia Pankhurst) and Andrew Saunders (Mr Maxwell the Newspaper Editor). Mention too must be made of the Knitting Group ladies Jessie Martin, Katie Lister, Amy McIntosh and Eilidh
Swanston in their portrayal of ordinary working class “wifies”. The music chosen by Alisdair and Rhona reflected the theme of the piece beautifully ranging from “Marching All Over Scottish Land” (specially written lyrics to the traditional tune Bonnie Lass O’ Fyvie O’) to Abba’s “Winner Takes It All” and Adele’s “Chasing
pavements” to Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The singing, supported by a 3-piece band, by the principals and company alike was very strong and the harmonies in Alisdair’s arrangements came across well especially in the finale number “Quiet”. Movement was also first class as
has become expected from this talented group. Costuming by Liz Cork was spot on for the era with particular use made of the suffragette colours of green, purple and white. Congratulations to everyone involved for an entertaining and educational evening.

23/06/2022

Our band for 'A Monstrous Regiment of Women'. Mikey Innes on guitar, Lachlan Geddes on drums and Alisdair Sneden, Musical Director, on piano and accordion. Wonder if they'll still look as happy by Sunday!

22/06/2022

It's our opening night! So introducing Caroline Phillips, played by Emma Thomson and Lady Agnes Ramsay, played by Callie Birnie. Both were heavily involved in the Women's Social and Political Movement in Aberdeen.

21/06/2022

Your MC's , presiding over the music hall setting of 'A Monstrous Regiment of Women', hoping to amuse, inform and entertain you! Imogen Watt and Jordan Abberley-Nicoll.

20/06/2022

Meet the Phillips family! Emma Thomson as Caroline, Mikey Nicoll as her brother James, Stephen Henderson as Mr Phillips and Alison Sandison as Jane, his wife.

19/06/2022

The Pankhursts! All the way from England. Millie Goodyear as Christabel, Pamela Green as the famous Emmeline, Lola Brown as Adela and Freya Wilson as Sylvia. They play a major part in Caroline's journey as a suffragette.

18/06/2022

As all MSD classes end today (apart from our performance group) we introduce the journalists. Working at the Aberdeen Daily Journal are Cameron Lawson, Fraser Third, Mikey Nicoll (playing James Phillips) and Andrew Saunders (playing Maxwell, the Editor) in next week's 'Monstrous Regiment'. Jolly bunch!

17/06/2022

Introducing the first of our cast of 'A Monstrous Regiment of Women', at the Garioch Heritage Centre next week. Pictured are Katie Lister, Amy McIntosh, Jessie Martin, Nyla Robson and Amy Robson.

16/06/2022

Swingify with Dan Greavey
Dan is a crooner from Inverurie who has worked in London’s West End and touring professional Musical Theatre. He currently works as a singer and actor with local events company ‘Right Here Productions’, and is one third of well known Rat Pack trio, ‘Ocean’s 3’. Join Dan for a medley of swing and easy listening songs made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more recently, Michael Bublé.
Dan is in the process of recording his first album, which will be released soon.

Acorn Centre, Inverurie Thursday 30 June 7.30pm Tickets £8/6 Tickets from the Acorn Centre, or online at
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/AFahyNPxzBtD

15/06/2022

Shakespeare’s Fool -this one-actor show, starring Robin Leetham premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2021 and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London's finest clown, until...he fell out with Will 'git-face' Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty-stricken, not very far from the original Globe Theatre, of which he was an original shareholder and faded into obscurity; a world away from his former life having supposedly originated some of literature's best-known characters, including Bottom, Dogberry, and Falstaff.

Join ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe on the streets of London as he gives his final performance to an audience of a mouse and a marrote and tells the tale of his life, his rise to stardom and what really happened between him and William Shakespeare. A bittersweet tale, told by an idiot.
Tickets at the Acorn Centre on online https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT

14/06/2022

Wow - we are so pleased with the ticket sales for the Monstrous Regiment of Woman play - we have only got 3 tickets left for the Saturday afternoon performance. We have decided to put on an extra performance at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 22. Tickets are limited and are only available at the Centre during opening hours.

13/06/2022

Second show in this year's festival!
MaMa - Cosmic Dance
MaMa, directed and performed by Kirsten Newell and Oxana Banshikova,

A new Bharatanatyam based dance production on the themes of
pregnancy and early motherhood. Combining South Asian dance
vocabulary with a contemporary sensibility, two dancers explore,
compare, and share their journeys as mothers. The performance is
accompanied by originally composed music weaving together Celtic and Carnatic sounds. Acorn Centre, Inveurie Tickets available from the venue.

Monday 27 June – 7.30pm
Tickets £5, under 16s free

12/06/2022

First event in this year's Garioch Theatre Festival! Tickets are very limited. Message [email protected]

11/06/2022

Great article covering most of the shows in the upcoming Garioch Theatre Festival. Tickets from venues or by emailing [email protected]

07/06/2022

This is a must see!

Hi all, am performing The Moira Monologues and its sequel, More Moira Monologues, in Inverurie on Sat 2nd July. For anyone in the North East who hasn't seen these shows, this is as good a chance as any to catch them together. Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gariochtheatrefestival/t-kroyrpj

I will also be doing both shows in the The Three Churches - aka Garthland Arms pub in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, on Fri July 22nd. Tickets can be set aside by phoning the pub on 07540420798.

(the third part of the trilogy, Moira in Lockdown, is being premeried at the Edinburgh Fringe and tickets are going onsale later this week oooooh!) 😁

04/06/2022

Evening Express article from last night!

01/06/2022

Our top ten picks include a four-day book extravaganza and celebration of fabulous female footballers

02/05/2022

Mitchell School of Drama presents
A Monstrous Regiment of Women

by award-winning playwright Alan Bissett
Directed and choreographed by Rhona Mitchell
Musical Direction by Alisdair Sneden

This brand new play explores the life and work of inspirational Scottish suffragette and journalist, Caroline Phillips.
Born in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, Caroline was a true pioneer: honorary secretary of the Aberdeen branch of the Women's Social and Political Union, and a journalist at a time when there were only 66 female journalists in the UK. Performed in English and Doric dialect by a cast this will be a fabulous celebration of local history and language.
Join us in this celebration of one of the shire’s unsung heroines, in a rousing, comical and musical exploration of womanhood, politics and the personal cost of both in the early 20th Century. Produced by Garidge Theatre
This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Garioch Heritage Centre, Inverurie
Thursday 23 June – 7.30pm
Friday 24 June – 7.30pm
Saturday 25 June – 4.00pm & 8.00pm
Sunday 26 June – 4.00pm
Tickets £10/7

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-monstrous-regiment-of-women-by-alan-bissett-tickets-272605539507

02/05/2022

The Moira Monologues and (More) Moira Monologues double-bill
Written and Performed by Alan Bissett Directed by Sacha Kyle
Winner Fringe First 2017 – Shortlisted Best New Play Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2018
Meet the hardest woman in Falkirk! The ‘most charismatic character to appear on a Scottish stage in a decade’ (*****The Scotsman) Moira Bell is the rip-roaring, chain-smoking, nae-messin’ heroine from Alan Bissett’s original and classic ‘one-woman show’. Moira’s a single mum and a cleaner, who can’t wait to light a fag and tell her bestie Babs all about the teacher she fancies, cleaning posh folks’ hooses, her thoughts on Brexit, and, of course, how she protects her darlin’ dug, Pepe, from Diesel the rottweiler. No-one ever forgets Moira!
“This is brilliant stuff, an exhilaratingly fresh take on the whole business of class and culture in Scotland.” – 4**** The Scotsman
“Bissett writes with eagle-eyed vim and not a word is wasted.” – 4**** The Independent
"A near-perfect series of new monologues, both howlingly funny and unnervingly sharp and poetic." - 5***** The Scotsman
Suitable age 14 and above
Hopeville Social Club, Inverurie Saturday 2 July 7.30pm Tickets £10/8

https://neatshows.co.uk/event/the-moira-monologues-and-more-moira-monologues-double-bill/

02/05/2022

Swingify with Dan Greavey

Dan is a crooner from Inverurie who has worked in London’s West End and touring professional Musical Theatre. He currently works as a singer and actor with local events company ‘Right Here Productions’, and is one third of well known Rat Pack trio, ‘Ocean’s 3’. Join Dan for a medley of swing and easy listening songs made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more recently, Michael Bublé.
Dan is in the process of recording his first album, which will be released soon.

Acorn Centre, Inverurie Thursday 30 June 7.30pm Tickets £8/6

https://neatshows.co.uk/event/swingify-with-dan-greavey/

02/05/2022

Shakespeare’s Fool

Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London's finest clown, until...he fell out with Will 'git-face' Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty-stricken, not very far from the original Globe Theatre, of which he was an original shareholder and faded into obscurity; a world away from his former life having supposedly originated some of literature's best-known characters, including Bottom, Dogberry, and Falstaff.

Join ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe on the streets of London as he gives his final performance to an audience of a mouse and a marrote and tells the tale of his life, his rise to stardom and what really happened between him and William Shakespeare.

This one-actor show, starring Robin Leetham premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2021 and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

A bittersweet tale, told by an idiot.

BROADWAYBABY.COM
“SHAKESPEARE’S FOOL IS AN ECONOMIC, CLASSY PIECE DIRECTED ROBUSTLY BY BEN HUMPHREY AND BROUGHT TO LIFE BY A MULTI-FACETED LEETHAM WHO EMBRACES THE TEARS OF THE CLOWN...”
★★★★
THEREVIEWSHUB.COM
“ROBIN LEETHAM RETURNS KEMPE TO VIVID LIFE...ENTIRELY BELIEVABLE AND LIKEABLE.”

Acorn Centre, Inverurie Wednesday 29 June – 7.30pm Tickets £10/7
https://neatshows.co.uk/event/shakespeares-fool-2/

02/05/2022

MaMa - Cosmic Dance, directed and performed by Kirsten Newell and Oxana Banshikova,

A new Bharatanatyam based dance production on the themes of
pregnancy and early motherhood. Combining South Asian dance
vocabulary with a contemporary sensibility, two dancers explore,
compare, and share their journeys as mothers. The performance is
accompanied by originally composed music weaving together Celtic and Carnatic sounds.

Monday 27 June – 7.30pm
Tickets £5, under 16s free