The magic of Christmas abounds at Macrobert Arts Centre as it throws open the doors to its main house for live performance again on Tuesday 30 November after 20 months without that joy.
Running from Sat 4 December – Fri 24 December and entertaining for all the family, All I Want For Christmas sees the best live entertainers celebrating all that is great about getting together for Christmas. Directed by Julie Ellen and Johnny McKnight, All I Want For Christmas contains popular seasonal songs to put audiences in the festive spirit with tales to tickle and warm hearts. Central to the show are the stories of two people, whether friends or family, and the thrills and spills of their Christmas gatherings, with a different talented twosome to entertain each week. Johnny McKnight has worked with the duos to reveal the secrets of what the festive period means to them in a musical sandwich which features everyone’s favourite tunes.
Is that you, Santa? is a magical new show all about the joy of Christmas. Filled with fun and fabulous new songs, Is That You, Santa? is the perfect Christmas treat for small people aged 5 and under and the big people in their families. It’s Christmas Eve and Small is feeling all full of beans. Which is a problem because Santa doesn’t come unless little ones are tucked up and sound asleep. Small hangs up a stocking and snuggles up in bed. Mum’s Sleepy Song helps to send them off to dreamland and everything is cosy and peaceful…And then there’s a noise…Will Small ever get to sleep!? Running from Tue 30 November – Fri 24 December, the show is written and directed by Jennifer Dick and contains music by Gary Cameron.
Is that You Santa? and All I want for Christmas are being funded by a grant from the second round of the Scottish Government Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund, administered by Creative Scotland.
Based on the original story by L. Frank Baum and written by Hannah Lavery, a screened performance of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s outdoor Christmas experience The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus will be showing on selected dates in December. It is Christmas Eve, and while most children are asleep, Alice has an idea to catch Santa Claus. Instead, she accidentally traps a Fairy in her bedroom who proceeds to tell Alice how Santa Claus came to be. There begins an incredible journey into the magical world of Wood Nymphs, Knooks, and Ryls. From the Forest of Burzee to the Laughing Valley and beyond. This wonder-filled Christmas adventure is a story for the ages, for all ages.
From 10 – 24 December cinema and musical fans alike will be able to witness Steven Spielberg’s brand new adaptation of West Side Story at Macrobert. An epic musical to delight all-ages this Christmas in Spielberg’s re-imagined version of this timeless classic, including all the favourite songs “Maria”, “America”, “Tonight”, “I Feel Pretty”, and the stunning “Somewhere”.
A family favourite at Christmas and one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet, Macrobert’s cinema space will present screenings of the Royal Opera House’s production of The Nutcracker, 9 – 12 December (excluding 10 Dec). The story of Clara, a girl on a magical Christmas Eve adventure, is accompanied by sparkling music and even dancing sweets! Watch the full company of The Royal Ballet in this much-loved ballet classic at the Macrobert Filmhouse.
Looking for a special gift this Christmas? Treat your family and friends or maybe even yourself at Handmade 2021. This annual exhibition of some of Scotland’s best makers and artists returns for 2021 1 December – 9 January. Entry is free and all items will be for sale.
Macrobert is committed to ensuring audiences are welcomed back in a safe and enjoyable way. A number of precautions such as 1-meter social distancing remain in place so audiences can feel secure about returning to the venue. For more information on how Macrobert is keeping visitors safe, please visit https://macrobertartscentre.org/about/box-office/welcome-back/
Julie Ellen, Artistic Director of Macrobert Arts Centre said: ‘Christmas is a magical time of the year at Macrobert and this year will be no exception. After the last eighteen months, it is wonderful to be inviting people of all ages back inside Macrobert Arts Centre to experience live performance. We love to hear the children in our foyer getting excited at the arrival of Santa and we really look forward to all of you enjoying the fantastic range of shows, films and other great experiences in our Festive offer 2021.’
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Julie and the Macrobert Team after the success of the Magic of Christmas last year and hope for many more collaborations in the future. We can’t wait to show The Life and adventures of Santa Claus to audiences in Stirling’
