Whats on

Eventful Perthshire in February

Proof, Perth Theatre, Perth (29 January - 13 February)

A compelling and compassionate mystery, Proof won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony award for best play in 2001. It has since become a major film but this delicate study of a fragile life in the balance is perfectly formed for the intimacy and immediacy of live theatre. It is Catherine's 25th birthday. Her adult life has been devoted to the love and care of her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, Catherine knows that she needs to set a new course for herself. Over the long weekend that follows she faces the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind.

Perth 800 - Winter Words Festival, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (29 January - 7 February)

Get together with great minds at this literary Festival which celebrates words - both written and spoken - over two weekends in the glorious, wintry Highland Perthshire landscape. Now in its 6th year, the Winter Words Festival brings a wide variety of authors, wordsmiths and entertainers together with audiences at the famous Pitlochry Festival Theatre and other unusual venues such as Dewar’s World Of Whisky and Blair Castle, for a series of events designed to engage, entertain and stimulate. Together with book signings, book fairs, workshops and events for younger visitors and families, this is ‘where Scotland’s literary year gets into gear' (The Scotsman). As thousands of literature lovers and personalities have discovered, this Festival is a feast of wit and wisdom, guaranteed to get your new year off to an inspiring start!

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (1 February - 15 March)

From the Latin name meaning 'milk flower', these tiny green and white flowers are amongst the first blossoms to emerge in the new year. In the mid 19th century soldiers in the Crimean War brought them back from the battlefields to plant in their gardens. Today they thrive throughout Scotland, in gardens, damp woods and on river banks. VisitScotland has teamed up with gardens around the country to bring you the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. At locations throughout Scotland, you’ll find snowdrop after snowdrop, bringing brightness and magic to your day. For more information visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops

Beethoven - A Life in 8 Chapters, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (2 February and dates throughout the year)

The piano sonata lies at the heart of Beethoven’s life’s work: the first was completed in 1795, the last in 1822 — just five years before his death. Through these 32 pieces you can trace his progress from brilliant young man to the unquestioned genius of his age. The sonatas hold some of Beethoven's boldest, most profound and personal music. In Llŷr Williams they find an ideal interpreter: a musician of deep insight, commanding presence and formidable technique. Over the course of 2010 Williams will undertake the complete cycle of Beethoven’s sonatas, beginning at the beginning and continuing (mostly) chronologically through to the last works. The first chapter is entitled "First Thoughts" featuring Sonatas No 1, No 2, No 3, No 19, and No 20.

Paul Carrack, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (4 February)

After a highly successful summer as special guest for The Eagles at arenas across the UK and Europe, the Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics is back on tour in the autumn to promote his acclaimed new album I Know That Name. The album has received heavy airplay on BBC Radio 2 and the single I Don't Want to Hear Any More featuring Don Henley and fellow Eagle Timothy B. Schmit on backing vocals, has been recorded and released as a single by The Eagles too. With a back catalogue of hits including How Long, Tempted and The Living Years, Paul's marvellously soulful voice is known to millions around the world; he is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history.

Scottish Ensemble - Toby Spence sings Jacques Brel, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (5 February)

This spring the Ensemble welcomes back Toby Spence, a member of our extended 'Ensemble family' in a programme that is dear to our hearts. Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton, grew up in Belgium listening to the music of Jacques Brel, and when Toby suggested performing some of his songs, he leapt at the idea. Brel's Songs, accompanied by accordion, piano, percussion and strings, are complemented by Satie's "delicious and shocking" Parade, and Kurt Schwertsik's tango-inspired Adieu Satie, written for strings and accordion.

Perth 800 - Yonex Scottish Senior National Badminton Championships, Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth (5-7 February)

A three day event featuring men's singles, ladies singles and mixed doubles.

Perth Farmers Market, King Edward Street, Perth (6 February)

At Perth Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month there is an abundance of fresh ingredients and quality products. From slabs of fresh red meat and slippery oysters to green, leafy veg to home made cakes, pies and wines - you will find everything you need to create delicious meals. If you're not sure what you're after, need to be inspired or want to know more about what you are eating, have a chat with our stallholders who can advise on ideas, cooking methods and traceability. From favourite comfort foods for the family to new and exciting recipe trends for dinner parties and friends, with Perth Farmers' Market, you really can make a meal of it.

The Fiddle Tree present the Birnam Quartet, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (6 February)

The Fiddle Tree and the Birnam Quartet join forces for a very special event at Birnam Arts Centre when the Birnam Quartet will officially launch their new CD "The Music of Burns" and the Fiddle Tree will unveil details of the first half of their 2010 concert series.

St Johnstone v Dundee United, McDiarmid Park, Perth (6 February)

SPL side St Johnstone play their home games at the 10,673 capacity all-seater McDiarmid Park in Perth. In February, Saints have a home Active Nation Scottish Cup Fifth Round game against Dundee United (6 February) and two home league games against Hibernian (17 February) and Rangers (20 February).

Lunchtime Concert - Soloists of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (8 February)

A jazz-influenced hour of music from the old world and the new with Elizabeth Layton (violin), Yann Ghiro (clarinet) and Scott Mitchell (piano).

Snow White on Ice, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (11-14 February)

The Russian Ice Stars give a dazzling performance of Snow White on Ice as the Perth Concert Hall stage is transformed into a frozen wonderland. The story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial aerobatics to create a spell-binding ice show.

Alvin Stardust with his Band, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (12 February)

We are delighted to welcome the legendary Alvin Stardust and his band to Pitlochry for one night only. And what a night it promises to be... This concert celebrates the Rockabilly roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with songs from the 50s and 60s, before moving on through the decades, right up to the present day. The show will include Alvin’s own array of unforgettable hits from the 70s and 80s, as well as classics by Elvis, Buddy Holly, Joe Brown, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, Eddie Cochrane, Gene Vincent, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Make sure you don’t miss this great night out with the Godfather of Rock ‘n’ Roll!

A Tribute to Ella and Oscar, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (13 February)

Featuring Joni Keen and The Euan Stevenson Trio. A romantic, musical celebration for Valentine’s weekend, with one of Scotland’s finest stars of the British Jazz scene performing her tribute to the songs of Ella Fitzgerald and the late, great Oscar Peterson. Joni’s voice has been thrilling audiences and critics alike this year, with her live festival and radio performances promoting her acclaimed album Fragile. Her sultry, accomplished range beautifully resonates with the jazz heroines of yesteryear. Joining her onstage will be the Euan Stevenson Trio. Euan is a talented and charismatic piano player and composer, much in demand as a sideman for many of Scotland’s finest jazz musicians. Euan’s reputation as a skillful and sensitive vocal accompanist is also growing rapidly. Together with Andy Sharkey on bass and Jim Drummond on drums, they provide the perfect accompaniment to Joni’s voice. To enhance the mood, why not join us earlier in the evening for a special Valentine’s dinner in the intimate atmosphere of the River Room Restaurant?

Wonderful Day, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (13 February)

Celebrate the life and music of Hollywood’s most adorable star! Remember Que Sera Sera, the Deadwood Stage and Sentimental Journey? Reminisce and rediscover with great songs from Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk, Young at Heart, Love Me or Leave Me and The Pyjama Game. Enjoy this stylish musical cabaret tribute to Doris with glitz, glamour, songs, stories, laughter and anecdotes from her life. Find out the story of the real Doris Day, who she was, where she came from and how she became a huge international star! Don’t miss out on singing along with Doris backed by her Rhythm Boys, a live band of talented top UK jazz musicians.

Music in Blair Atholl, Lude House, Blair Atholl (13-14 February)

A series of delightful chamber concerts given in informal surroundings at Strathgarry - todays music is performed by members of The Yehudi Menuhin School of Music.

Lunchtime Concert - Alasdair Beatson and Pekka Kuusisto, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (15 February)

Violinist Pekka Kuusisto last appeared in this hall as the inspirational soloist with the Scottish Ensemble. He has his own festival in Finland at which Alasdair (piano) is a regular guest. Expect the unexpected in an hour of thrilling duo playing which the pair will announce from the stage.

Rhod Gilbert, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (15 February)

Following last year's sell-out tour and sensational performances on The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, the Welsh Wonder is back on the road with a brand new show. Stung by accusations that he over-reacts, this year Rhod sets out on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey to discover the truth. Is he, as he believes, a visionary in a sea of closed minds, or has he, as everyone else believes, got anger-management problems?

The Monday Night Thing - Russell Kane: Human Dressage, Perth Theatre, Perth (15 February)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. Fresh from his sell-out 2009 tour Gaping Flaws and one month residency at the prestigious Melbourne comedy festival, Russell returns with his highly anticipated new show. Preening, posing, prancing. Why do we? How do we? Join the double if.comedy nominee and star of Live at the Apollo for an evening of fast-paced, tub-thumping merriment. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

Best Selling Crime Writer Craig Russell, AK Bell Library, Perth (16 February)

Craig Russell is the author of the best-selling and critically acclaimed Jan Fabel thrillers set in Hamburg and the Lennox thrillers set in 1950s Glasgow. Scottish-born Craig has worked as a police officer, copywriter and creative director. In 2007 he was awarded the highly prestigious Polizeistern (Police Star) by the Polizei Hamburg, the only non-German to receive this award. He was nominated for the 2007 Crime Writers Association Duncan Lawrie Golden Dagger, the world’s biggest literary award for crime writers, as well as the SNCF Prix Polar in France. Craig is also the winner of the 2008 CWA Dagger in the Library. His novels have a huge following and the Fabel thrillers have been published in 23 languages around the world. Valkyrie Song, published in 2009, is the fifth in the series. Craig is an exciting new voice in crime writing. He successfully combines the gritty with a dark sense of humour leading to a most compelling read. Join us for what promises to be a popular evening.

When Harry Met Sally, Perth Theatre, Perth (16-20 February)

The first time they met they hated each other. The second time they met, he didn’t remember her and she hated him. The third time they met, they became friends and they were friends for a long time. Then they weren’t. Then they fell in love - and it only took twelve years and three months. Featuring a soundtrack from jazz sensation Jamie Cullum and his brother Ben, When Harry Met Sally is the ultimate in feel-good theatre, adapted for the stage from one of the best romantic comedy films of all time.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra - Jarvi conducts Tristan and Isolde, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (18 February)

The legendary Maestro Neeme Järvi conducts two tragic tales of doomed love. Follow the plaintive cor anglais solo of Mélisande as it weaves through Sibelius' haunting and melancholic textures. Then Henk de Vlieger's eagerly anticipated Tristan and Isolde: An Orchestral Passion, an incredible opera compressed to the length of a symphony without losing any of its sumptuously emotional impact.

Bjorn Again, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (19 February)

Mamma Mia they're back! Grab your fellow Dancing Queens for a great night of all your Abba favourites.

Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society Concert, AK Bell Library, Perth (20 February)

An evening of traditional Scottish music and entertainment with guest artistes Anna Auchterlonie and Joe Aitken.

The Monday Night Thing - Malinky, Perth Theatre, Perth (22 February)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. Without question one of our very finest folk groups, Malinky stand out due to their concentration on Scots traditional song. A newly revamped line-up sees founding members Steve Byrne (vocals/bouzouki/ guitar) and Mark Dunlop (vocals/whistles/bodhrán) joined by Fiona Hunter (vocals/cello), Dave Wood (guitar/bouzouki) and Mike Vass (fiddle). All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

SCDA Festival, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (24-27 February)

The Scottish Community Drama Festival is coming to Birnam Arts, and will present a mix of one act plays from adult and youth drama groups throughout the Perthshire district. Saturday 27th February is when the competition winners will be announced but each night each play is given an adjudication by Alasdair Hawthorn, a highly respected director and adjudicator.

Alasdair Beatson in Recital, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (25 February)

A cracking programme which offers Beatson the chance to show off some virtuosic fireworks as well as his poetic side. A web of personal and musical relationships binds these composers and pieces together across nigh on the full span of the Romantic Era.

Perth Chamber Music Concert, Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth (25 February)

Performance by the Carducci String Quartet playing music by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Jane McDonald, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (26 February)

A magical evening of music and laughter with Britain's best loved diva, international recording artiste and television star, the incomparable Jane McDonald. Featuring many of the best loved songs from Jane's fabulous repertoire, this warm and compelling evening's entertainment is proving a smash hit throughout the UK. Jane, together with her brilliant musicians and backing singers, brings the audience to their feet night after night.

Nightmare Songs, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (26 February)

The infamous patter songs of Gilbert & Sullivan — all to be learned in one, panic stricken night... On a rainy night in a town in the north of England, the patter man’s understudy in the famous D’Oyly Carte Opera company is given a day’s notice that he is ‘on’! A sleepless night ensues and, in the dingy bedroom of his theatrical digs, he tries to rehearse his role — helped, but often hindered by one of the other residents of the house, an itinerant variety performer. As the night progresses, their discussion takes on a more disturbing tone as the understudy’s rehearsal begins to turn into a true nightmare. Opera Della Luna create new and innovative productions of musical theatre, comic opera and operetta in English. In this performance, Simon Butterkiss, renowned master of the ‘patter roles’, is joined by Jeff Clarke, artistic director of Opera Della Luna, as his musical adversary. This new theatre-music piece contains most of the G&S patter songs within a play that is, by turn, hilariously funny and surprisingly moving.

RNLI Fire Walk, Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth (26 February)

Want to stick to your New Years resolution of trying something new in 2010? Walk on fire for our Biggest Fundraising day - RNLI SOS! Have you ever wondered what walking a fire walk really feels like? Now you have the chance to take part and raise vital funds for our volunteer lifeboat crews. Join in the ultimate adrenaline challenge of the year in front of your friends and family. This event is for anybody and everybody, as anyone from 18 to 108 can take part. From the moment you arrive you'll be given expert training with over 2 hours of training by our fire walk experts. Along with your fellow fire walkers, your trainers will be with you from the start to finish making sure your experience is fun, safe and enjoyable. Sign up today, and your friends and family can come along to support you all the way. Whilst you are being trained for your unique experience, they will be entertained with fire performers, magicians, facepainters and a samba band, ensuring they are part of our biggest fundraising day and your special experience. Once you're ready to "Strut Our Stuff" on the hot coals, your friends and family will join you to cheer you on and witness/video/photograph you at this one of a kind event. We'll be there at the end to say well done and ask if you want to do it again!

Galloway Antiques Fair, Scone Palace, by Perth (26-28 February)

Nationally known antiques and fine art dealers displaying items for sale to include furniture, porcelain, glass, silver, jewellery, mirrors, sculpture, oriental rugs and carpets and much more from early Georgian through to the 1930's.

Perth 800 - Perth Symphony Orchestra, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (27 February)

Gala Concert of ‘Kashif’s Queen Symphony’ with invited musicians from Perth Symphony Orchestra and singers from the Perthshire community. The Queen Symphony is the brainchild of composer, conductor and arranger Tolga Kashif. Four years in the making, it is an explosive new work for orchestra and choir celebrating the enormous musical legacy of rock legends Queen. It is an opportunity to hear their most famous tunes as you have never heard them before.

The Sorcerer, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (27 February)

Opera Della Luna return for a second night in succession, with a brand new production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s first full length, successful operetta. The story is relocated from its quaint Victorian setting to sleepy rural Britain in the 1970s. John Wellington Wells, the celebrated dealer in ‘magic and spells’ spreads chaos and havoc in an unsuspecting country village, when he places a powerful aphrodisiac in the village hall tea-pot. The resulting revelations and numerous comic twists are indeed “a marvellous illusion, a terrible surprise!” Touring the UK for over ten years, Opera Della Luna have earned themselves a matchless reputation with acclaimed productions of Gilbert & Sullivan, Offenbach and Johann Strauss. We welcome them to PFT for the first time in what promises to be a great evening’s entertainment!

Beth Nielsen Chapman, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (1 March)

Renowned for her pure, powerful songs and clear voice, Beth is one of the pre-eminent singer-songwriters of her generation. She has written songs for artists such as Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson, including the Grammy-nominated, smash for Faith Hill, This Kiss. But it's the music she writes for herself that has quietly found a deep connection to so many people. Having lost her husband to cancer in 1994 and since survived the disease herself, her songs have a way of expressing hope and grace in the face of grief.

The Monday Night Thing - Graeme Stephen Sextet, Perth Theatre, Perth (1 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. One of the most eloquent and melodic voices in Scottish jazz, guitarist Graeme Stephen augments his fabulous sextet - Chris Stout (violin), Fraser Fifield (soprano sax/ kaval), Martin Kershaw (alto sax), Mario Caribe (bass) and Stuart Ritchie (drums) — with cellist Ben Davis, leader of the Mercury nominated Basquiat Strings to perform his acclaimed Vantage Points suite. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.