Arts News

Easton view

SHEENA Easton has been starring in London’s West End in the classic musical 42nd Street. Now, the lady from Bellshill is the subject of a new radio show, Sheena Easton in Conversation

Grammy award-winning singer Easton has sold over 20 million records, appeared on Broadway and is in the Las Vegas hall of fame.

This radio documentary explores the latest challenge in the life of the singer.

Billy Differ talks to the pop legend and hears how she spends her time between appearances in 42nd Street, family life and how her singing ambitions began in Bellshill.

* New Year’s Day, BBC Radio Scotland, 6.30pm

Youth Seizes It’s Chance

SCOTTISH Youth Theatre have been shortlisted in the Best School Category by The Stage magazine for it’s annual industry awards.

In a category usually populated by drama schools, the School of the Year award, features two youth theatres and a mainstream secondary school.

Glasgow-based Scottish Youth Theatre will be competing alongside the Royal Exchange Young Company and Sandringham School for the title.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on 26th January at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.

SYT’s Chief Executive, Jacky Hardacre said; “Win or lose, we will continue to be committed to unlocking the creative energies of young people in Scotland through theatre.”

Relaxed Cinders

FOLLOWING the success of the Relaxed Performance last panto season, the King’s Theatre in Glasgow will again be hosting a theatre experience specifically designed to welcome people with autism, learning difficulties or other sensory and communication needs.

Ruaraidh Berry met with stars of the show Elaine C Smith (Fairy Bella Houston) and Johnny Mac (Muddles) to launch the programme, backed by the National Autistic Society Scotland.

A spokesman detailed the special performance; “There will be a less formal atmosphere in the auditorium with a relaxed attitude to noise, and house lights will be kept on low.

“Lighting, sound and special effects will be softened to reduce anxiety. Audience members are free to move around and can use the designated chill out areas to relax.”

The National Autistic Society Scotland provided dedicated training for cast, crew and front of house staff to help tailor the customer experience and ensure families and school groups feel at ease.

Spanish passion

THE SCOTS who went off to fight in the Spanish Civil War are to be remembered in a new theatre play staged at the Citizens’ Theatre in Glasgow.

549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War features it’s story in villages, towns and cities across Scotland, as 549 lives are gradually intertwined.

People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions are spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom.

They will come to form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade.

This true story follows four miners from the streets of East Lothian to the valleys of Spain. They gave up everything they knew: for a land they did not know; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they knew little about.

The play, with songs and storytelling, is described as “a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts.”

*The Citizens’ Theatre, February 13 – 17.