Read our run-down on the best things to do in Scotland over the next seven days.
1. Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Mon to Sat. In Agatha Christie’s first play, we’re introduced to a character who went become the most famous detective of all time, Hercule Poirot, as an English country estate is thrown into chaos following the murder of an eccentric inventor.
Jason Durr from ITV’s Heartbeat stars as the Belgian sleuth.
He’s joined by Gary Mavers (Peak Practice), Ben Nealon (Soldier, Soldier), Deborah Grant, (Not Going Out) Coronation Street’s Oliver Mellor and Georgina Leonidas, who played Katie Bell in the last two Harry Potter movies.
2. Dundee Literary Festival Bonar Hall, Wednesday to Sunday.
There’s something for everyone at the festival, including a comics day.
Among the guest speakers are Radio Scotland’s Richard Gordon, who’ll talk about his book, Scotland ’74, which recalls another ill-fated World Cup campaign. Michel Faber, author of Under the Skin, which was adapted for the big screen in a movie starring Scarlett Johansson this year, reads from his new novel.
The Sunday Post features, as our centenary is marked with a wander down memory lane in the company of production editor and words blogger Steve Finan.
3. Barnum Edinburgh Playhouse, Oct 28Nov 1, His Majesty’s Aberdeen Nov 1822, Glasgow’s King’s next spring. In the words of the show’s leading star Brian Conley: “I’m doing stilt walking, juggling, fire eating and then there’s the walk across a wire eight feet up with no net.”
Barnum is an all-action production that’s going to have everyone talking about it.
4. Sunset Song, King’s Theatre Glasgow, Tuesday to Saturday.
Recently voted Scotland’s most popular novel of all time, Sunset Song, presented by Sell A Door Theatre Company, is a revival of Alastair Cording’s faithful adaptation of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s classic story.
Set in a farming community in the north east of Scotland, Sunset Song charts Chris’s struggle to adapt to her new world and hold together her fragile family. Her survival depends solely on her belief that, beyond the sunset, lies hope.
Rebecca Elise stars as Chris Guthrie, alongside Alan McHugh and Claire Waugh.
5. Macbeth various venues and dates.
Featuring David Stephenson in the title role, this Scottish Opera production is inspired by the war-ravaged Balkans of the late 20th Century.
Scottish Opera staff will deliver workshops for young people on each tour stop and six children from each will be selected to play parts in the production when it’s performed in their local venue.
Venues being visited this week are Macphail Theatre, Ullapool, Ann Lanntair in Stornoway, Aros Centre, Portree and Langholm’s Buccleuch Centre.
6. The Manfreds, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday, Aberdeen Music Hall, Wednesday.
The all-time great British R&B band are back on the road, playing hits such as 5-4-3-2-1 and Do Wah Diddy Diddy.
Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness plus Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie, are joined by former member Mike d’Abo, for what promises to be a terrific occasion.
And for this tour it’s not just the one but both of the original singers live on stage Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo.
7. Fury In cinemas from Wednesday.
Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, and Jason Isaacs star in this explosive Second World War drama set during the last month of the conflict in Europe.
As the Allies make their final push into Nazi Germany, a battle-hardened U.S. Army sergeant (Pitt) commands Fury, a Sherman tank, and its five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines.
Seizing a key strategic post, the crew are faced with overwhelming odds in the face of the final frantic throw of Hitler’s war machine.
Fury is in cinemas from Wednesday.
8. Crafts for Christmas SECC, Glasgow, Thursday to Sunday.
The popular Crafts for Christmas show offers visitors a relaxed way of Christmas shopping.
Here you can avoid the hassle of the high street and find something a bit different for your family and friends from over 200 exhibitors.
With exhibitors bringing such a wide range of products, from leather goods, jewellery and board games to art, ceramics and shoes, you will be inspired by the choice, quality and ingenuity of what’s on offer.
Among the attractions are demonstrations, a festive food and drink area and gift wrapping.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles out now.
Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians.
The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back and with stunt-reliant Transformers director Michael Bay as executive producer it’s unlikely to be a discreet return for Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Donatello.
Here’s a taster:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=nCjsWpM9zFU
10. Big Reunion Boy Band Tour Hydro, Glasgow, Saturday. ITV’s hit show goes on the road, gathering seven boy bands from both series Five, Blue, 911, A1, Damage, 3T and the recently formed 5th Story featuring Gareth Gates, Dane Bowers, Adam Rickitt, Kavana and Kenzie.
Adam Rickitt, of 5th Story, said: “The exciting thing is for all of us it’s going to be a real laugh. And for everyone who comes to see this show, it’s like seeing a ‘Best Of’ album live on stage.”
The tour also visits Manchester, Aberdeen and Newcastle later in the month.
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