DIRECTED BY CAL MCCRYSTAL
If you love Yes Minister, The New Statesman and The Now Show, you'll love The Joy of Politics - an irreverent romp through the corridors of power and the cul-de-sacs of Quango.
From the Magna Carta to this morning's headlines we pledge to deliver a manifesto of mirth that's guaranteed to bring down the house, updated daily with topical jokes and satirical sketches - so 'ORDER! ORDER!' YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Joseph Swensen conductor Polina Leschenko piano
Chopin and Mendelssohn both visited Scotland in the 1830s and ’40s, and this programme unites them in performances by the sparkling team of Leschenko and Swensen. Leschenko’s Chopin is especially fine, and the slow movement of this concerto holds some of the most bewitching music the great composer ever wrote. Swensen rounds off the evening with the Mendelssohn symphony he has made his own with the SCO.
by Tim Nunn Directed by Katherine Morley
View a trailer of Funny here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEQJCpVn7Y
'Funny' is a terrifying and shocking story based on real reports from secret places, and the closer it gets to the truth the less you're going to believe it. You shouldn't be here. You don't want to be here. But you are here. Your body aches and your eyes water. This is interrogation.
by Polly Stenham Directed by Alanya Noquet Assistant Directed by Helen Bohan Produced by Kathryn Noonan Assistant Produced by Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie Designed by Helen Dwork Stage Managed by Cordula Schnuer Assistant Stage Managed by Emma Corcoran
Under the regime of boarding-school princess, Izzy, Mia finds herself facing expulsion; Henry has dropped out of art college and now spends all of his time at home; whilst Martha, their mother is off the rails. When daddy Hugh comes home to pick up the pieces, he enters into a topsy-turvy world, in which his children have become parents to their parents.
Enjoy the famous Cambo Snowdrops as never seen before!
For more information and disabled access restrictions please visit www.camboestate.com.
General Information: Please be aware that Snowdrops by Starlight is an outdoor event and as such certain health and safety guidelines will apply. Please keep to the official path for your own safety. Please do not touch any lighting or electrical equipment while on the walk as some of it may be very hot. Please feel free to bring a small torch but we would ask that you only use it in the event of an emergency as to not spoil anyone else’s enjoyment. Stewards will be situated around the site should any help or information be required. Snowdrops by Starlight is an outdoor event following forest paths. It is strongly recommended that visitors wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. Event guides will be available at the coach pick up point to help you plan your walk. Limited disabled access throughout site. Onsite parking at Cambo is available for disabled guests, please notify us at time of booking so spaces can be allocated. Access is only via coaches provided,
Singin' I'm No a Billy He's a Tim is a hilarious and often poignant snapshot of the pervasive sectarian divide which still exists in the west of Scotland.
Des Dillon`s entertaining comedy highlights the nature of bigotry and sectarianism within the West of Scotland. The play also takes our two protagonists on a journey of self discovery.
"One of the shortest and most gripping two-hour shows in current Scottish theatre, far more vividly connected to the real life of Scotland than most of the work I review" - Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman
Adapted from the novel by Lewis Carroll.
Suitable for all ages.
Celebrate the life and music of Hollywood’s most adorable star!
Find out the story of the real Doris Day, who she was, where she came from and how she became a huge international star! Don’t miss out on singing along with Doris backed by her Rhythm Boys, a live band of talented top UK jazz musicians.
“All the complex subtleties of tone of Day at her best [are] there, together with that ability to throw a tune around with joyous abandon.” Scotsman
Maggie Brodie thought she'd left teaching behind her. Retired twice, once with a dishonourable discharge, she's been drafted back for a day's cover at her local primary school in London. It's going to be a tough shift. A day of battles with her thirst for booze; with the soft soap headmaster and lastly with Rosie. Rosie is six and a new intake. Tough enough. But made tougher by the fact that Rosie is from Somalia and refusing to speak. She will not speak. But to Maggie's surprise silent Rosie stirs something in her long forgotten. Something about her past, her family, her ego.
Written by Douglas Maxwell Directed by Johnny McKnight Performed by Joanna Tope Produced by Julie Brown Composer – Karen MacIver Set & Costume Design – Lisa Sangster Lighting Design – Dave Shea AV Design – Tim Reid
Directed by Kate Mason.
Boasting some of the best performers on the dance-theatre touring circuit 'Such is Life' is experimental, with imaginative use of set and jam-packed with personal revelations and interaction. It will make ou smile, remeber that you are not so different from everyone else and it's intellignet and high-energy choreography wil most definately impress.
Suitable for 11+
by Giuliano Crispini
Based on true events, this ‘gem of a play’ is a ‘fascinating examination of how relationships and personalities change in the quest for survival’.
With Britain currently occupying two countries, Lotty’s war is a relevant and fresh look at the dilemmas faced by British people under occupation in Guernsey, in their own very recent history.
by Frank Loesser.
by William Shakespeare.
Set in the contemporary Glasgow underworld, Hamlet is caught between the idealistic world of his university and the world of terror and death that his criminal family represent. When his father dies and his ghost confronts him, Hamlet has to choose between family lies and world truths, the past and the future, life and death. Hamlet, the original young rebel, is a story that will reach across the generations.
Modern music, innovative iconography and faithfulness to this great play, will make Rapture’s production an unmissable event for fans of the bard from 12 years old to 102 years old This production will be directed by Michael Emans, designed by Lyn McAndrew and will feature some of Scotland’s leading performers bringing this dazzling play to life.
Lionel Bart’s masterpiece is brought to life by the St Andrews Amateur Operatic Society.
Featuring favourite songs such as, ‘Food, Glorious Food’, Where is Love?’, ‘Who Will buy?’ and 'As long as he Needs Me' to name just a few, 'Oliver!' is not to be missed!
A playful introduction to dance, Telling Tales takes a fresh look at two well-loved children’s stories, alongside two new dance pieces. Look out for a mischievous version of the famous Hare and The Tortoise story; a dressing-up game involving a squabble over the biggest overcoat you’ve ever seen; and a speed version of The Golden Goose involving only 2 dancers but a cast of thousands. In the finale, Sea of Clothes, shirts and skirts take on a dancing life of their own!
50 minutes including question and answer with dancers.
Suitable for ages 4+
by Bill Naughton Directed by Adrian McDougall
Alfie combines great comedy and genuine pathos, as well as live 60s music, as it tells the story of a cockney ‘Don Juan’ who swaggers and philosophises his way from conquest to conquest, carefully rejecting anyone or anything that might touch him too deeply.
“One of the most innovative and critically acclaimed theatre companies on the touring circuit today” The Stage
by William Shakespeare. Directed by Owen Horsley.
In the long hot summer they pray for time to be alone - away from the blistering passions of masculine honour and the vicious cycle of violence brought on by their families ongoing feud. In this cruel adult world of pride, envy and greed, youth and innocence have no place, the lovers must take desperate measures to be together.
This modern dress adaptation is Owen Horsleys directorial debut for the company after 3 years with Cheek by Jowl.
The acrobatic tail of an ordinary mouse dangles deliciously before us...
With music by international children's composer Paul Rissmann and a beautiful accompanying e-book illustrated by Helen Nunn. The e-book and music from the show are available as a download from www.reelingwrithing.com.
‘If I was a Mouse...’ is suitable for everyone aged 3-6 (and over)! Duration 45 mins.
Shelagh Delaney was just nineteen when she wrote 'A Taste of Honey', first performed by Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop in 1958, transferred to the west end in 1959 and filmed in 1961.
An evening of Irish songs and music with Scottish stovies.
StAnza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival returns bringing a dazzling line-up of international poets, writers, artists and musicians. With 65 events and a dozen free exhibitions, installations, projections and screenings and numerous cross arts collaborations, there’s something here for everyone, from Breakfast panel discussions over coffee and pastries to late night open mic lively sessions, also lectures, workshops and strands of readings to suit all tastes and interests, including a children’s programme.
Olari Elts conductor Karen Cargill mezzo soprano
If there were a league table of Romantic composers, these three would never be out of the top six. Between them they created and evolved the musical language with which to express the quintessential Romantic bond with nature as a spiritual force, developing one of the most expressive and fertile art forms imaginable. The marvellous Scottish mezzo Karen Cargill performs Wagner’s passionate love songs.
Have you ever thought of cheating the D.S.S?
"O what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive."
Major Mustard’s Travelling Show
A regular and very welcome visitor to the Festival, Major Mustard presents another of his entertaining shows for all the family in his own unique way...a travelling show extraordinaire!
Ages 3+
In her tattered once-wedding dress, the vampire Countess turns over a tarot card. Never before has she drawn Les Amoureux. Her keeper and shadows bear witness to the arrival of the handsome soldier...
“a deadly and erotically charged tale” The Herald ****
“spookily atmospheric” Metro ****
East meets west as thrillingly theatrical Japanese percussion combines with jazz creativity in this spectacular collaboration by the hugely acclaimed Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers and the internationally lauded Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.
Featuring music specially researched and composed by SNJO director Tommy Smith, depicting the forces of nature in graphic dimensions, the World of the Gods presents a unique musical adventure by true masters of their respective arts.
Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Tommy Smith, Konrad Wiszniewski, Bill Fleming, Ryan Quigley, Cameron Jay, Richard Iles, Tom MacNiven, Chris Greive, Phil O'Malley, Michael Owers, Lorna McDonald, Steve Hamilton, Calum Gourlay, Alyn Cosker
Opera Della Luna’s brand new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s first success moves the story from its quaint Victorian setting to sleepy rural Britain in the 1970s.
Opera Della Luna have earned themselves a matchless reputation, now celebrating 15 years of acclaimed productions of Gilbert and Sullivan, Offenbach and Johann Strauss touring to theatres all over the UK. Their recent production of Die Fledermaus played to sell-out houses and gained rave reviews.
www.operadellaluna.org
Presented by the Yugen Puppet Company. Taken from our rich heritage of folk tales about the Loch Ness monster – or water kelpie – the most famous Scottish creature of all has its own special story to tell.
A new production from one of Scotland’s leading companies using soundscapes inspired by Gaelic song, gentle and engaging storytelling, beautifully created puppets and striking animation.
Duration 50 mins. Ages 5+.
The Wicked Wolf plans to have “Grannie for lunch and Little Rosie for afternoon tea!” Find out how Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse saves the day in this delightful show from one of Scotland’s most well known puppetry companies.
Presented by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre.
Please come with your horticultural questions!
Ballet Central is proud to bring their 25th anniversary tour to the Byre Theatre, offering a varied programme of ballet, contemporary and jazz from some of the world’s leading choreographers.
Ballet Central has been the performing company of Central School of Ballet since 1984. It is comprised of the School’s final year graduate students offering them a unique opportunity to experience ‘life on the road’ of a touring company.
* The company reserves the right to alter the programme, and the final repertoire will be confirmed on the day of the performance.
Presented by Banyan Theatre Company
Become a part of this playful and comic story of a prince in search of a real princess, a clever queen, a girl who is not as she first appears, a tower of mattresses, and of course...a tiny pea.
A charming adaptation of Hans Andersen’s bedtime story created by one of England’s leading companies among sheet and blankets, beautiful puppets and dreamlike projections.
Three royal brothers are ordered by their father, the King, to marry. Each prince must shoot an arrow high and far into the air, and must take as his bride whosoever finds and returns it. For the two eldest brothers their arrows are brought back by beautiful, perfect princesses.
‘Very impressed...the kids were talking about the show weeks later!’ Promoter, New Deer Village Hall
Putting the fun into fundraising - join the Byre Theatre board and guests for a fun filled auction with a range of special lots and items donated by our many patrons and supporters.
Donations welcome. Please email e.colingsworth@gmail.com regarding making a donation. Thank you.
The multi-award winning singer-songwriter, Radio 2 presenter and columnist brings her unique blend of humour and great music to The Byre for the very first time.
“Wonderful. Worth raving about.” - Sir Michael Parkinson
“The new Queen of Swing” - Mail on Sunday
On The Rocks is a week long Scottish and Student Arts Festival.
This year’s On The Rocks promises to be even better, featuring a wide variety of work from across Scotland. The programme will be announced just before Christmas and in the meantime you can keep up to date by having a look at the website – www.ontherocksfestival.com.
For more information contact ontherocks@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Robin Ticciati conductor Tom Poster piano
Ligeti Piano Concerto Beethoven Symphony No 6 ‘Pastoral’
Ticciati’s first Beethoven with the SCO shares the programme with Dvořák‘s immensely likeable Legends and a 20th century classic by one of the greatest composers of our time. Ligeti is very unusual in that he wears his sense of humour on his sleeve. Even in his weightiest work there is room for a clownish moment or quirky feature. Here he requires slide-whistle, ocarina and kazoo and sets the pianist one of the most virtuoso tests imaginable. Not to be missed.
The young, talented and war-weary Captain Stanhope is confronted with the fresh face of his past as an old schoolmate joins his platoon. As the offensive looms ever closer, Stanhope must inspire his men to make the ultimate sacrifice for a war he no longer understands and for a cause he no longer remembers.
All staged within Stanhope’s claustrophobic dugout, time creeps to a standstill as soldiers await their orders before racing to its heart wrenching climax as these young men face their ‘Journey’s End’.
Scotland’s only 5 Star Arts Attraction!
![]() |
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9LA. Box Office & Info Line - 01334 475000.