Arran Theatre and Arts Trust are excited to announce the return of the McLellan Arts Festival for this summer!
This year's McLellan Festival will run from:
Friday 25th August – Saturday 9th September 2023
Yours Truly,
All at Arran Theatre and Arts Trust
Robert McLellan 1907 - 1985
2023 Festival Programme
Friday 25th August
Celebrating Robert McLellan
A two part evening of drama, poetry and film. The first part around the wonderful Scottish prose and poetry of Robert McLellan with our kenspeckle local talent John Sillars, Sheila Gilmore and Annie McKelvie.
The second part will be announcement of the McLellan Scottish Poetry Award with Hugh McMillan, the judge of this year’s contest. Our judge will announce and present the winning and commended entries in this year’s McLellan Scots Poetry competition. Those who are able to attend will be reading their winning entries in person, and Hugh will read the poems of those who are unable to attend; and will then entertain us with some of his own work and poems.
A rare chance to see and hear the talents of John Sillars and Sheila Gilmore and be richly entertained by their bringing to life both at times funny and beautiful Scots language of Robert McLellan as well as being regaled by Hugh McMillan , very amusing and pithy Scottish poet.
Corrie Hall 7.30pm: £12. Under 18s free.
Saturday 26th August
Children at McLellan: Poetry and Puppets
A celebration and performance of children’s poetry writing, the presentation of the prizes for the McLellan Children’s Poetry Competition and a performance of “Festival”, a delightful puppet show about a Chinese Circus in miniature with acclaimed puppeteer, Mark Whitaker.
Prizes will be presented by the poet, Simon Lamb.
Ormidale Pavilion 12.30pm: Free Event.
Saturday 26th August
Street Theatre Bonanza
Take part in free street theatre workshops at Brodick Hall, no experience necessary. All costumes/ props provided.
Contact karen@surge.scot to sign up.
Brodick Hall 10am - 4pm: Free Event. Age 13+.
Surge Theatre Company and local people perform for you in Brodick.
Brodick 2pm: Free Event.
Sunday 27th August
Poetry and Music at Corrie Hall
Join us for an entertaining and fun-packed evening of music and poetry from Arran musicians and poets and a host of poets from further afield.
Featuring:
-
Music and poetry by Arran’s own Tim Pomeroy
-
Guitar music from the talented Arran musician Steve Agnew
Poetry from local poets:
-
Cicely Gill
-
Nix Moretta
-
Stephen Sparshott
-
Eildhr How (Helen Carraigmhor)
-
Isla Blair
And a host of gorgeous readings from our fantastic visiting poets:
-
Lydia McMillan
-
Jasmine McMillan
-
our second prize-winner in this years’ Scots poetry competition Finola Scott
-
our Scots poetry judge Hugh McMillan
-
and the talented poet Simon Lamb (who will also be presenting the prizes at the Childrens’ Poetry Competition on Saturday in Brodick)
Simon Lamb is a poet, performer and storyteller on a passionate mission to entertain, ignite and inspire audiences of all ages. Simon is writer-in-residence at the Robert Burns birthplace and will be reading from his dazzling debut poetry collection "A Passing on of Shells", featuring fifty luminous poems, each written in exactly fifty words and illustrated by the much-loved former Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell.
Corrie Hall 7.30pm: Entry by voluntary donation.
Wednesday 30th August
Arran on Film
Arran's story in 100 archive photographs and film from 1850c - 1970s. Assembled from the photographic archive of the Arran Heritage Museum, the National Library of Scotland's Screen Archive, and private family.
Corrie Hall 7.30pm: Entry by donation.
Thursday 31st August
Courage in the Face of Evil: A Concert of Music by Suppressed Composers of WWII
Recital from acclaimed pianist Deborah Nemko. Sponsored by Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, Netherlee and Clarkston Charitable Trust and Arran Jewish Cultural Association.
Community Theatre, Lamlash 7.30pm: £12. Under 18s free.
Friday 1st September
Gallimaufry: An all Arran Miscellany
A delightful evening with Mark Whitaker’s puppets, new, humorous and touching duologues by John Inglis and music from our talented young people from the Arran Music School.
Corrie Hall 7.30pm: £10. Under 18s free.
Saturday 2nd September
Rant
A foot stomping traditional music night with this acclaimed band including our own Gillian Frame. Special appearance of Tim Pomeroy.
Brodick Hall 7.30pm: £12. Under 18s free. BYOB
Sunday 3rd September
The Faure Requiem
The Faure Requiem conducted by Andrew Nunn with soloists from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and an Arran Community Chorus.
Community Theatre, Lamlash 7.30pm: £12. Under 18s free.
Saturday 9th September
The String Quartet: A Blueprint
McLellan Arts Festival with Music Arran. Scottish Ensemble. The String Quartet: A Blueprint. Four exceptional musicians; an intimate performance; a deep connection.
Brodick Hall 7.30pm: £10 Full Price, £5 Concessions (Students, Unwaged, Under-30s, Disability Discount) Free (Under 16s, Carer/companions)
Tickets for all performances available online at Eventbrite or at the door on evening of performance.
BARGAIN! - Festival Season Ticket £40
Allows entry to all events except the poetry workshop and The String Quartet: A Blueprint, Scottish Ensemble.
