Last updated at 15:31, Thursday, 18 March 2010

Dumfries & Galloway Life Guide To What's On

EXHIBITIONS
Until Fri Mar 19
WHY DOESN’T GUCCI MAKE ZIMMER FRAMES?
Thomas Tosh, East Morton Street, Thornhill
Artist Jo Hodges spends two weeks creating and exhibiting work in a variety of media exploring how
society regards ageing and older people, and how things made for them are purely functional rather
than beautiful as well. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission free
Tel: 01848 331553
www.thomastosh.com

Until Sat Mar 20
A DECADE SEWN UP
Thomas Tosh, East Morton Street, Thornhill
Featuring the Millennium Cabinet and the Thornhill
textile wall hanging created as part of the Stitch in Time project involving local volunteers and school children at the end of the last century, showing a map of the
centre of the village as it was at the end of the 12th century. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission free
Tel: 01848 331553
www.thomastosh.com

Sun Mar 28-Thur Apr 22
LISA HOOPER
The CatStrand, New Galloway
Printmaker Lisa lives in Port William on the Machars peninsula and uses a variety of print techniques including lino and woodcut, collagraph and etching to produce images inspired by the natural world, particularly birds and landscape.
Tel: 01644 420374
www.catstrand.com

Wed Mar 31-Sat May 15
EMMA GRAY
Thomas Tosh, East Morton Street, Thornhill
Emma’s striking paintings of Dumfriesshire bridges are inspired by themes of structure and belonging. This is her first solo exhibition in Dumfries and Galloway. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission free
Tel: 01848 331553
www.thomastosh.com

Mon Apr 5-Sat Apr 17
SPRING EXHIBITION
Threave Garden, Castle Douglas
At the National Trust Visitors’ Centre, local artists Jessica Bigham and Carol Whiting are exhibiting acrylics and watercolours on local landscapes, abstracts, birds and animals.
www.nts.org.uk/Property/61/

Fri Apr 9-Sun Oct 31
MARRIAGE IN THE MOVIES
National Museum of Costume, Shambellie House,
New Abbey
The exhibition presents memorable wedding moments captured on film and features wedding dresses worn by Keira Knightley, Helena Bonham-Carter and Meryl Streep. It explores the history of the wedding gown and its symbolism and traditions. Museum admission £4 (£3; 12 and under free)
Tel: 0131 247 4030
www.nms.ac.uk

Until Sat Apr 10
GUIDING IN DUMFRIESSHIRE
Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road
2010 is the centenary of Girlguiding, and Girlguiding Dumfriesshire presents this fascinating exhibition as part of the celebrations. Admission free. See our
feature page 40.
Tel: 01387 253374
www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Until Sat Apr 17
CHICKEN CITY
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
An interactive exhibition showcasing the work of artist Christian Barnes and landscape architect John Kennedy, a culmination of sculpture and bespoke
product design highlighting the relationship between humans and animals and other issues. Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission free
Tel: 01387 262084
www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield

SPECIAL EVENTS
Sat Mar 13-Sat May 8
SPRING FLING TASTER EXHIBITION
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
The eighth annual open studios event takes place in across the region in May and this exhibition offers a taster of the work available to view and buy from participating artist and maker studios, with art and craft workshops too. Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Admission free
Tel: 01387 262084
www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield

Sun Mar 21, 10am-4pm
ANNANDALE MODEL EXHIBITION
Richard Greenhow Centre, Central Avenue, Gretna
The fourth show features more than 20 displays of
models of all ages as well as sales tables including models, toys and local crafts. Tickets £3 (£1.50)
Tel: 01387 710656
Email: kbeeton20@aol.com

Fri Mar 26-Sun Mar 28
HAWICK REIVERS FESTIVAL
Various venues throughout Hawick
Step back in time to the 16th century through drama, song, poetry and re-enactments. The programme includes demonstrations of falconry, archery, horsemanship and crafts, plus exhibitions, talks, markets and fireworks. Celebrations kick off with a concert by Scocha, giants of the Borders music scene, with their own brand of “Folk ‘n’ Roll” followed during the
weekend by local bands and musicians who are at the forefront of the area’s traditional music scene.
Tel: 01450 375263
www.hawickreivers.com

Thur Apr 8, 2pm-4pm
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW CENTRE
Eskrigg Centre, Lockerbie
After years of fundraising by the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust, the new centre is officially opened by Sir
Rupert Buchanan-Jardine. Followed by evening opening 6pm-8pm
Tel: 01576 203314
Email jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk

Sat Apr 17-Sun Apr 18
THE MIDDLE EASTERN FILM FESTIVAL
The CatStrand, New Galloway, and Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Films include Eye of the Sun – a look at modern-day Ein Shams, one of the poorest and most neglected areas of Cairo – and Pomegranates and Myrhh, a
powerful story of love under pressure set within the Palestinian territories. See www.catstrand.com and www.rbcft.co.uk

Thur Apr 22, 8pm
KEVIN BRIDGES LIVE
DG One, Dumfries
Fresh from a 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nomination for best newcomer, the young Glaswegian delivers his unique brand of social commentary, astute observations and sharp one-liners. Tickets £15
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Sat Apr 24, 7.30pm
QUIZ NIGHT
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Quizmaster George Davidson introduces an entertaining evening of questions, conundrums and general ignorance. Tickets £6 (£4)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

MUSIC
Every Fri, 7.30pm-11pm
OPEN MIC SESSION
Black Swan Hotel, Kelso
Run by Peter Fry and friends in the upstairs room, free admission. Sometimes followed by live music from special guests from 9pm, such as Lyra Celtica Trio on Fri Mar 26, Allan Taylor on Fri Apr 30
Tickets £5 (£3) on the door
www.kelsofolk.co.uk

Sat Mar 20, 8pm
MARTYN JOSEPH
The Wynd Theatre, Melrose
Welsh singer-songwriter Martyn has a strong lyrical narrative and a career spanning 25 years, touring with the likes of Clannad, Chris De Burgh, Art Garfunkel and Jools Holland. His most recent album was chosen by Mojo as Folk Album of the Month. Tickets £14
Tel: 01896 820028
www.thewynd.com

Fri Mar 26, 7.30pm
SHARONA JOSHUA AND THOMAS GUTHRIE
St John’s Episcopal Church, Lovers Walk, Dumfries
Sharona Joshua on the piano accompanied by baritone Thomas Guthrie performing music of the Romantic period. Sharona also performs on Sat Mar 27. Tickets £11 (£3; children free)
Tel: 01387 820501
www.dumfriesmusicclub.co.uk

Fri Mar 26, 7.30pm
GLENTROOLIGANS
Swallow Theatre, near Whithorn
A concert of songs and traditional music by a local band, featuring banjo, melodeon, concertina, guitar, spoons, bodhran and dancing dolls. Tickets £8
Tel: 01988 850368

Sat Mar 27, 7pm
SOLWAY SINFONIA
Ryan Centre, Stranraer
The programme includes Mendelssohn, Schumann, Butterworth and Haydn. Tickets £10 (£2 children)
Tel: 01776 703535

Mon Mar 29, 7.30pm
ABBAMANIA
Ryan Centre, Stranraer
Abba tribute group with an eight-piece live band who relive the catchy songs, fantastic harmonies and memorable lyrics of the supergroup. Tickets £14 (£12)
Tel: 01776 703535

Wed Mar 31, 7pm for 7.30pm
OPEN STAGE
So You Café, Dumfries
Dumfries’ favourite open mic event for poets and singer/songwriters with guest slots to be confirmed. Tickets £3 on the door
www.dgaa.net

Wed Mar 31, 7pm
PEEBLES YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
The young musicians of Peebles present a concert
of light classical and popular music arranged for orchestra. Tickets £5
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Tue Apr 6, 7.30pm
WOODY PINES
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Woody Pines is joined by Zack Pozebanchuk and Rennie Elliott for a night of American roots music, mixing rag-time, old-time and jug band tunes with country and blues. Tickets £12 (£10)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Fri Apr 9, 8pm
TALON – THE BEST OF THE EAGLES
Ryan Centre, Stranraer
The tribute group recreates the Hotel California album track by track, note by note, plus performs the best of the rest such as Take It Easy and Long Road Out Of Eden. Tickets £15 (£13.50)
Tel: 01776 703535

Sat Apr 10, 7.30pm
SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA-SPRING SERENADE
DG One, Dumfries
The programme features Haydn, Mozart and Brahms, skilfully conducted by Thierry Fischer with Baiba Skride on violin. Tickets £15 (£12, £7.50, £5)
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Sat Apr 10, 8pm
JAMES GRANT
The CatStrand, New Galloway
Ex-Love and Money frontman James Grant plays material from his solo albums and a smattering of old favourites in an uplifting solo acoustic setting. Tickets £10 (£8)
Tel: 01644 420374
www.catstrand.com

Sun Apr 11, 7.30pm
THE SOLDIERS
DGOne, Dumfries
Three serving soldiers, whose debut album Coming Home has dominated the charts. Tickets £29
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Fri Apr 16, 7.30pm
LIMEHOUSE LIZZY
Ryan Centre, Stranraer
The tribute group keeps alive the spirit of Celtic rock icon Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, performing their greatest hits with attention to detail, playful audience interaction and pyrotechnics. Tickets £15 (£13.50)
Tel: 01776 703535

Fri Apr 23, 7.30pm
DUMFRIES MALE VOICE CHOIR
DGOne, Dumfries
The ever-popular choir celebrates its 60th anniversary with this special concert featuring a varied programme, along with guests Caledon with their polished and lively repertoire. Tickets £12 (£8)
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Sat Apr 24, 7.30pm
SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL CONCERT
Swallow Theatre, near Whithorn
Traditional songs from Jimmy Hutchison of South Uist and lowland pipe music from highly regarded piper Hamish Moore of Edinburgh. Tickets £8
Tel: 01988 850368

Sat Apr 24-Sat May 1, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm Sun)
THE KING AND I
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
The Dumfries Musical Theatre Company presents this well-loved musical show, directed by Leslie Potter, with some wonderful singing and performances. Tickets £10 from Barnstorm Records.

Sun Apr 25, 7.30pm
THE KENYAN BOYS CHOIR
DGOne, Dumfries
The choir achieved international fame after performing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration. The repertoire includes a variety of popular chants and songs from across Africa. The boys dress in tribal costumes and perform choreographed dance routines. Tickets £16.50
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Fri Apr 30, 7.30pm
THE DANGLEBERRIES AND COMMON EMPIRE
DGOne, Dumfries
The Dangleberries add bagpipe influences into rock music with a unique blend of vocals, drums, guitars and tambourine, including covers from Katy Perry and Paulo Nutini. With Dumfries talent Common Empire as special guests. Tickets £10
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

THEATRE AND
PERFORMING ARTS

Wed Mar 17, 7.30pm
LES AMOUREUX
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Company Chordelia presents an acclaimed dance, opera and theatre performance based on an Angela Carter story of love, life and death; a twisted Sleeping Beauty with the faded opulent feel of a Gothic fantasy and a strong Eastern European quality. Tickets £12 (£5-£10)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Wed Mar 24-Sat Mar 27
THE LION IN WINTER
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
An amateur production presented by The Guild of Players. Tickets from D&G Arts Association at The Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries, £7 (£5 for members)
Tel: 01387 253383
www.theatreroyaldumfries.co.uk

Thur Mar 25-Sat Mar 27, 7.30pm
TWO
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Award-winning Jim Cartwright play in which Kath Mansfield and Keith Lomas inhabit the funny and mixed-up world of a pub where eccentric customers are served by a bickering couple. Tickets £10 (£8)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Sat Mar 27, 7.30pm
BUGSY MALONE
DGOne, Dumfries
This lively, funny show is the perfect way to celebrate the first anniversary of Stageface stage school in Lockerbie. The students have been through a rigorous training regime and are raring to make their debut in Bugsy Malone – an all-time favourite children’s musical based loosely on the exploits of gangsters in Chicago during the Prohibition era.
Tickets £10 (under 16s £5)
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

Fri Apr 2, 7.30pm
LAUREL AND HARDY
The CatStrand, New Galloway
A warm and affectionate look at the comedy greats who emerged from vaudeville music hall and early silent comedies to charm audiences for decades to come with their slapstick routines, music numbers and dance. This production is a tribute to the playwright Tom McGrath, one of Scotland’s finest, who died in 2009. tickets £7 (£5)
Tel: 01644 420374
www.catstrand.com

Mon Apr 5, 3pm
THE AM-A-ZING THING
The CatStrand, New Galloway
A family event from the Lempen Puppet Theatre Co, about an unusual journey that weaves its way through a medley of well-known Brother Grimms’ tales to finally unlock his imagination and free his stories. Tickets £3.50
Tel: 01644 420374
www.catstrand.com

Wed Apr 7, 7.30pm
THE RAPE OF LUCRECE
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
A tour-de-force solo performance of Shakespeare’s great narrative poem starring Olivier Award nominee Gerard Logan who won five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tickets £12 (£10)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Thur Apr 8, 3pm
OSCAR’S AMAZING SPACE ADVENTURE
The Wynd Theatre, Melrose
Mousetale Puppets bring to life the adventure of Oscar and his best friend Zimmy the mouse as they blast off into space to learn about planets and the solar system. Tickets £5 (£4)
Tel: 01896 820028
www.thewynd.com

Thur Apr 8, 2.30pm
THE UGLY DUCKLING
Ryan Centre, Stranraer
Family show based on the well-loved tale by Hans Andersen where you meet Mother Duck, the nasty hunters, Drumstick the Turkey and many more, with colourful costumes, music, comedy and surprises. Tickets £9.50 (£7.50); £29 for four
Tel: 01776 703535

Sat Apr 10, 7.30pm
JUST THE TICKET!
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Douglas Roberts presents another comic script performed by a group of young people who have spent a week working on every aspect of the production, from learning lines to designing lighting. Tickets £4
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Thur Apr 15-Fri Apr 16, 7.30pm
POP STAR! THE MUSICAL
DGOne, Dumfries
Feel-good comedy musical taking a hilarious
look at the phenomena of modern-day talent
shows, with a celebrity cast including Sam Kane,
Ciara Janson, John Altman and Sarah Jane Buckley. Tickets £18.50
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk
Thur Apr 15, 3pm
THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA
The Wynd Theatre, Melrose
A playful story of a prince in search of a real princess, a clever queen, a girl, a tower of mattresses and a tiny pea, brought to life by puppet animation. Tickets £5 (£4)
Tel: 01896 820028
www.thewynd.com

Sat Apr 17, 7.30pm
ONE UP ONE DOWN
Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles
Funny, topical work blending choreography, music and poetry, about three women struggling to maintain personal freedom and identity while surrounded by the have-it-all nature of consumer culture. Tickets £12 (£10)
Tel: 01721 725777
www.eastgatearts.com

Fri Apr 30, 7.30pm
SPUD FERRETT AND THE CASE OF THE STOLEN DIAMONDS
The CatStrand
This light-hearted spoof is a comedy whodunnit, almost like a game of Cluedo on stage, performed by the CatStrand Youth Players. Tickets £3 (£1)
Tel: 01644 420374
www.catstrand.com

Tue May 11, 7.30pm
AN EVENING WITH STRICTLY COME DANCING
DGOne, Dumfries
Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff, two stars of the hugely successful TV dance competition, bring to Dumfries their dazzling routines, dance workshops and the chance to ask them questions. Tickets £20
Tel: 01387 243550 or 08444 771000
or

Fri May 14, 7.30pm
DES TELLS TALL TALES
Theatre Royal, Dumfries
A side-splitting one-man show from the author of Singin’ I’m No A Billy He’s A Tim and Blue Hen. Tickets from D&G Arts Association at The Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries, £10. Read more on page 108.
Tel: 01387 253383
www.theatreroyaldumfries.co.uk
Also at The Wynd Theatre, Melrose, Sat May 15, 7.30pm, tickets £10 (£8), tel: 01896 820028, www.thewynd.com

WORKSHOPS
Fri Apr 2, 2pm-4pm and Fri Apr 16, 2pm-4pm
POND DIPPING
Eskrigg Centre, Lockerbie
Led by reserve manager Jim Rae, book in advance.
Tel: 01576 203314
Email jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk

Sun Apr 4, 11am-4pm
SPRING INTO EASTER
National Museum of Costume, Shambellie House, Dumfries
Discover the secrets of the mature Victorian garden in a woodland setting at Shambellie House, New Abbey, with Easter family craft workshops and egg trails through the house and grounds. Museum admission £4 (£3; 12 and under free)
Tel: 0131 247 4030
www.nms.ac.uk

Wed Apr 7, 10.30am-11.30am
NEST BUILDING
Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road
A family workshop with Nithsdale ranger Tom Henry challenging youngsters and adults to build a nest as well as birds can, and to find out more about why and where birds build their homes. Admission free but booking essential
Tel: 01387 253374
www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Tue Apr 13, 7pm
FINISHING
Community Centre, Cotton Street, Castle Douglas
A demonstration of techniques used to enhance your wood-turned projects. Tickets £2
Tel: 01556 610998
www.gallowaywoodturners.btik.com

Sat Apr 17, 7.30pm
BALLET CENTRAL
DGOne, Dumfries
Performance and workshops from the Central School of Ballet’s touring company. Tickets £15 (£10)
Tel: 01387 243550/08444 771000
www.dgone.co.uk

TALKS AND READINGS

Fri Apr 9, 10.30am-11.30am
GOING NUTTY
Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road
Find out why Scotland’s native red squirrel is being chased out by the American greys, why they can’t live together and what you can do to help the red squirrel survive. Admission free but booking essential
Tel: 01387 253374
www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Sat Apr 10, 7pm
YURI’S NIGHT
Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road
A joint event with Dumfries Astronomical Society featuring short talks, live music and refreshments. Free
Tel: 01387 253374
www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Wed Apr 14, 7.30pm
PIED FLYCATCHERS
Cumberland St Say Centre, Dumfries
An event by the Scottish Bird Club in Dumfries; a presentation by Brian Smith open to all. Admission free
Tel: 01556 630483

Tue Apr 13, 11am
ROME: ART AND EMPERORS
Easterbrooke Hall, Dumfries
A talk by Dr Paul Roberts from the British Museum
for the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts (NADFAS). The talk centres on Rome’s art and
architecture, sculpture, mosaics and wall-paintings, and their social context. Tickets for non-members £6
Tel: 01387 850378
 

First published at 11:11, Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Published by http://www.dgblife.co.uk