A new programme of live events run for and by young people takes to the region’s stages from 26 May.
STAGE iT, a region-wide programme of theatre, music and performing arts events run by a young promoters group with the backing of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, will take place across the 2018 Year of Young People.
The project will host a number of quality live performances throughout 2018, kicking-off with an al fresco High Street Takeover on Saturday, 26 May at Dumfries Plainstanes.
This launch event will include Block – a daring spectacle of aero-acrobatics from NoFitState Circus and Motionhouse; remarkable dance theatre from Janis Claxton’s pop-up duets; a showcase from local young musicians; a set from the exciting Tinderbox Orchestra; and a few treats from this year’s festival.
Supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, and the Holywood Trust, STAGE iT provides opportunities for young people aged 16 to 26 to put on live events for their own community.
There are a number of STAGE iT events taking place during the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival as part of its 2018 programme, which include world class music, theatre and comedy as well as concerts by the region’s young rising stars of music.
Winners of the 2017 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Folk Band of The Year, 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Young Folk Award and the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Horizon Award, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands on the UK folk scene in recent years. They come to the Ryan Centre, Stranraer, on 1 June and will be supported on the evening by Stranraer trad singer Robyn Stapleton and popular local band The Cl’yholers.
From the creator of the hit show Black Is the Color of My Voice comes a new story about the 20th-century African-American experience. Against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, two women 42 years apart become involved in the struggle for civil rights. Apphia Campbell gives another masterful performance in Woke and comes to the Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas, on 2 June and the Theatre Royal, Dumfries, on 3 June.
Returning to the region for another year is young experimental ensemble of Scottish musicians, Tinderbox Orchestra, who take to the stage at the Usual Place, Dumfries, on 26 May and Performer Amy Conway brings her inspiring performance Super Awesome World, for adults, teenagers and anyone who has ever battled with darkness inside, to Wigtown County Buildings on 31May.
Lovers of comedy will enjoy the banter of comedian Carina MacLeod as she gives an hilarious spin on her health issues in Fibro My Arth at Twynholm Village Hall on 27 May. In the afternoon of that day, Carina will teach the tricks and techniques of her trade in a comedy workshop for women at the Stove, Dumfries. In the afternoon of 2 June, Norwegian comedian Sofie Hagen will bring her Made of Human Podcast to the Theatre Royal Studio for a live recording with special guest Apphia Campbell.
STAGE iT events also provide opportunities for the region’s rising musical stars to showcase their talent to the public.
Events involving the region’s young musicians include a concert with Mary Ann Kennedy in the Gordon Memorial Hall, Castle Douglas on 31 May. Mary Ann will be supported by STAGE iT young promoter Catrìona McGhie. In the programme also are concerts by Darcy DaSilva on 3 June at Thomas Tosh, Thornhill; Dumfries group Taagan at the Live Lounge, Dumfries, on 1 June; and Elia Davidson, Eve Watson and Ailsa Black will perform Three in One at the Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, Thornhill on 3 June.
Programmes are available online from www.dgartsfestival.org.uk or from local outlets across the region. Tickets are on sale now from the Midsteeple Box Office, 01387 253383; the Wigtown Festival Company 01988 403222; or online from www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
