Theatre HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
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Christmas Shows The festive season is upon us (oh yes it is!) with the usual mix of trad pantos, musicals and spectacles. Highlights include Jo Clifford’s Tree of Knowledge at the Traverse, Rudolph at the Arches (pictured) and the Citizens’ Hansel and Gretel as well as a plethora of shows for very young kids. See feature, page 112 and the Christmas Guide for details.
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South Pacific Classic musical set in a US naval base during World War II, with enjoyable performances and stirring renditions of the classic songs. See review, page 113. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Sat 19 Nov. Phoenix Dance Theatre: Declarations Phoenix Dance’s 30th anniversary programme captures the history of this well-loved company. See preview, page 114. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 25 Nov.
The Shoogle Project Joint dance and music show by Plan B and Shooglenifty that aims to get you up on the floor. See Stage Whispers, right. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov.
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker Bourne’s witty and glamorous production of the popular Tchaikovsky ballet returns to Scotland. See interview, page 114. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 29 Nov–Sat 3 Dec. The King and I Ramon Tikaram stars in this lavish new version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical about the relationship between a governess and the King of Siam. See preview, page 113. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 14 Dec–Sat 7 Jan.
Pass the Spoon Premiere of artist David Shrigley’s first opera, about a collection of cutlery and foodstuffs, created in collaboration with Magnetic North and Red Note Ensemble. Tramway, Glasgow, Thu 17–Sat 19 Nov.
Blackbird Revival of David Harrower’s controversial play about the sexual relationship between a middle-aged man and a teenage girl, with George Costigan in the lead role. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, until Sat 19 Nov.
Little Match Girl Passion Theatre Cryptic create a multimedia version of David Lang’s choral work, including live music, dance and film. See review, page 113. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 22 & Wed 23 Nov.
Nowwhatnow? Dance Base creates a playful new work poking gentle fun at the dance profession, which features four acts from Scotland and overseas. See preview, page 114. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 24 Nov.
Stage WHISPERS
FRANK MCCONNELL OF PLAN B TALKS ABOUT THE SHOOGLE PROJECT
How did the Shoogle Project come about, and who is involved? I went to see Shooglenifty at a gig in Cromarty about three years ago and just loved their great dance music. When I put the idea of doing a show jointly they were unequivocal in a resounding ‘yes’. It’s taken quite a while to raise the funding but it’s been worth the wait. Quee MacArthur and myself have collaborated together on a few other projects but this is the first time both band and company have joined forces. There are six regular members in the band who play fiddle, guitar, drums, bass, banjo and mandolin – and Plan B has six dancers on stage.
What can people expect from the Shoogle Project experience? To hear some great music; be moved by it and want to get up on the floor. But we’re just as happy for people to listen and watch the fabulous dancers in the performance pieces. It’s a very easy atmosphere created by the band and the dancers, and the audience feel very much included. What are the hopes and aspirations of Plan B – and how does the Shoogle Project fit into that? Essentially Plan B wants people to move and to be moved. In that respect it’s a perfect combination with Shooglenifty who have spent 20 years inspiring people to dance to their music. As a combined ensemble we all feel a great connection to the material and the audiences who attend – we won’t get bored of it soon and we’d love it to continue for a few years yet. ■ The Shoogle Project, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov.
17 Nov–15 Dec 2011 THE LIST 111