Perth Festival Top Five Must See
Perth Festival Top Five Must See
Perth’s annual arts extravaganza, Perth Festival of the Arts, is back from 22nd May for 10 days, featuring other 40 events spanning venues and outdoor spaces around the city. From family events to comedy, music, theatre, art exhibitions and free community stages, there’s something for all ages and tastes.
Here are our top five ‘must see’ moments of this year’s Festival!
Stars of Stage and Screen
The Festival has hosted exciting ‘evenings with’ the great stars of stage and screen, and this year is no exception.
On Friday 23rd May, audiences can join actor and star of movies such as ‘I Claudius’ and ‘Gladiator’ Sir Derek Jacobi for a night of conversation with Richard Clifford, actor, producer and long time partner.
So, with Richard in the driving seat for the evening, there will be incredible insights, conversations around the joy of Shakespeare and so much more.
Book Sir Derek Jacobi tickets here>
The following Friday 30th May, Sir Lenny Henry takes to the stage in a triumphant return to comedy in a unique evening of stand-up and conversation hosted by Perth’s very own Fred MacAulay.
Book Sir Lenny Henry tickets here>
Drama takes centre stage
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The Festival spotlight on drama features three outstanding five-star plays, covering satirical comedy to the return of the nation’s favourite sitcom.
On Sunday 25th May, the voice of BBC Radio Scotland’s classical music, Jamie MacDougall performs his new show, Lauder, about the life and character of the great Scottish entertainer Harry Lauder.
Book Lauder tickets here>
On Monday 26th May, Dad’s Army Radio Show takes to the stage with two actors, two microphones and over twenty-five characters as three episodes of the popular sitcom are hilariously and lovingly enacted.
Book Dad's Army Radio Show tickets here>
Topping off the trio of plays on Thursday 29th May is CS Lewis’ classic The Screwtape Letters in an award-winning satirical comedy.
Book The Screwtape Letters tickets here>
World-class Concerts
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The Festival is known across the UK and beyond for its high-quality concert series and bringing big stars to Perth.
This May, audiences can expect to see the only Scottish performances of artists such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and award-winning ORA Singers.
Book Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra here>
Book ORA Singers here>
Opera also features in the festival!
Opera Bohemia, Scotland’s professional touring company work alongside Amicus Orchestra to deliver a heart rending performance of Puccini’s Suor Angelica in the sacred surrounds of St Ninian’s Cathedral.
Book Opera Bohemia here>
A special highlight is the Scottish debut of Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack with West End star Anna-Jane Casey - a spectacular orchestra performing the music of Hollywood’s greatest musicals and movies.
Book Mike Lovatt's brass pack here>
Under 18s tickets for the festival’s concerts are just £5 and encourage all ages to try the range of amazing new music on offer.
Pop-up art exhibition in the city centre
One of Scotland’s largest exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art, ArTay in partnership with Lindsays, returns from 22nd May for four days only.
This unmissable pop-up gallery in a large marquee beside Perth Concert Hall showcases the work of over 80 artists.
It’s free to attend and all artwork is for sale.
You can marvel at the huge range of paintings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and jewellery.
It is a fabulous opportunity to see some old favourites, and new, upcoming artists work and perhaps start your own collection.
Photo credit: Fraser Band Photography
More Info on ArTay here>
Free events celebrating emerging talent
The festival’s Scotland Trending series returns for two key events supporting emerging artists from across Scotland.
On Thursday 29th May, Perth Art Gallery features a new spoken word event, produced with poet Jim Macintosh, which celebrates new poetry by emerging writers and live music by some of Scotland’s top folk musicians.
And just when you thought the Festival was over, there’s a bonus event in the Twa Tams on Saturday 7th June that gives a platform to up-and-coming singer-songwriters and bands in Scotland. Both events are free.
Festival programme here>
The box office is now open and is based at Perth Theatre (open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm).
Also featuring: Community stages filled with free events
The Festival’s new community stages return for their second year featuring two full Saturdays of completely free events open to all.
Highlights include an outdoor pop-up concert in St Paul’s plaza by Perthshire Brass, a café cabaret concert at Perth Theatre café, and a series of shows by groups such as Perth Amateur Operatic Society, UHI music students and JGN Dance Attic.
Kids can also learn exciting circus skills with Adventure Circus or try out musical instruments with Make Music Tayside.