THEATRE
Plinth, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, tonight
The world premiere of this new work marks the return of acclaimed theatre maker Al Seed to the stage after a six-year absence. Made in collaboration with Vanishing Point, it is a reimagining of the story of Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur, which doubles as an examination of our relationship with statues. After Greenock the show goes on tour in Scotland with dates at Dundee Rep (October 24 & 25), Mull Theatre (October 31), Eden Court in Inverness (November 7) and Tramway in Glasgow on November 11, with more to follow next year.
Disciples, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Monday
Meanwhile in the capital, Stellar Quines present a new production which runs until Monday. Disciples is created by and performed by five deaf and disabled performers led by director Rachel Draek and playwright and performer Ellen Renton. It looks at themes of power, community, living with disability and joy.
CINEMA
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll &Mr Hyde, Dundee Contemporary Arts, tonight
What with Hallowe’en coming, there is no better time to catch up with film director Hope Dickson Leach’s stylish take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. Filmed largely within the historic Leith Theatre, this version, made in collaboration with National Theatre of Scotland, is being given a limited cinema run ahead of a screening on Sky Arts on October 30. Written by Dickson Leach and Vlad Butucea, and with a soundtrack composed by Hudson Mohawke and Hutch Demouilpied, the film stars Lorn Macdonald and Henry Pettigrew. It also screens at the Glasgow Film Theatre on October 22, the Cameo in Edinburgh on October 27 and both Eden Court, Inverness and the Hippodrome in Bo’ness on October 28.
MUSIC
Haircut 100, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Friday
Proof that the past is never truly past, Nick Heyward has reunited with his erstwhile band mates to celebrate 40 years of their debut album Pelican West via an autumn tour that arrives in Edinburgh on Friday. Pure pop for now people four decades on (to paraphrase Nick Lowe). Question though. Is your favourite shirt still on the bed? (We’re pretty sure you’re probably not doing somersaults on your head these days.)
John Douglas, Reveal Records, out now
Feeling a case of the post-summer blues? Yeah, us too. But at least we now have the perfect soundtrack for the mild melancholic mood we’re in. The titular debut solo album from Trashcan Sinatra John Douglas dives back into his band’s glorious back catalogue and also offers up new songs for your listening pleasure. There’s even a version of Prefab Sprout’s We Let the Stars Go that may bring a tear or two to the eye of men of a certain age. Douglas is on the road supporting Withered Hand later this month.
COMEDY
Leith Comedy Festival, today and tomorrow
The first Leith Comedy Festival is taking place in various venues this weekend, bringing together a host of Scottish comedians. Tomorrow night’s closing Gala Night show at the Biscuit Factory sees Jamie MacDonald headline, with Kathleen Hughes in support. For more details of all the weekend’s festival events visit leithcomedyfest.com
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