Communities in the highlands are working together to ensure live performances to the region are better routed and more sustainable, whilst connecting more meaningfully with local people.
The Touring Network (Highlands & Islands) is supporting the region’s first ‘micro-network’ with a view to growing collaborative networks across rural areas. Applecross Village Hall, Ardross Village Hall, Cromarty Arts Trust, Eden Court Highlands, Nairn Community Centre, and Resolis Community Arts have collaboratively booked theatre, music and dance performances, aided by £20,000 and advice from The Touring Network.
With mutually agreed dates and clear routes between venues, tours are more viable financially and environmentally. By joining forces, resources and expertise, arts venues and village halls can take risks and book and promote performances they might not normally programme. In addition, performers can spend more time in each area, allowing for engagement with schools and community groups, and contribute to the local economy.
Claire Mackay, Director of The Touring Network, said:
“An amazing live performance isn’t just something that happens in cities. Thanks to our network of 60+ venues and volunteers – all working tirelessly to make their communities better places to live, work and visit – we are seeing more and more wonderful live performances reach the nooks and crannies of Scotland.
We’re delighted to see that our first micro-network will support less ‘one-off’ dates, meaning a reduction in emissions, less admin/costs for performers and a supportive network for the people booking shows, who are often volunteers. Their programme selection had a common vision to diversify their audiences and get more young people through the doors. I have no doubt that the shows selected will offer everyone a brilliant cultural experience on their doorstep.”
The initiative is part of The Touring Network’s commitment to the Green Arts Charter, a collaborative charter designed for and by cultural organisations within the Green Arts Initiative. The charter sets out four core pledges around mitigation, adaptation, collaboration, community and advocating for change. A framework of actions has been developed to guide environmental action planning.
Artists Confirmed + Listings Info
Jasmin Vardimon: Alice in VR Wonderland
Step out of the ordinary and into the unexpected, fantastical, and fearless world of Alice – a multi-sensory virtual reality experience. This unique dance theatre VR experience is an imaginative adaptation of the timeless story Alice in Wonderland. Feel up close with the performers in a magical adventure and be completely immersed in a VR Wonderland.
Thursday 4 April – Eden Court
Friday 5 April – Applecross
Sat 6 April – Cromarty
Sun 7 April – Ardross
Mon 8 April – Nairn
Stafford & Collett Productions: Gold!
Fresh from a successful run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Gold! is a sharp new comedy, with a cracking soundtrack. Featuring Kate Stafford and Nicholas Collett as Julie and Dave, a middle-aged couple who find themselves in a very sticky situation. For four decades they have been hiding a secret behind their comfortable suburban lifestyle: a huge stash of gold bars, originating in an infamous heist. A comedy with a big heart, this is a fun night out at the theatre, with a huge dollop of nostalgia for anyone who was young in the 1980s.
Fri 3 May – Cromarty
Sat 4 May – Applecross
Tue 7 May – Eden Court
Thursday 9 May – Nairn
Saturday 11 May – Ardross
Frankie Morrow
Rocking guitars and electric bass lines from Scottish alt-rock band. The five-piece have moved away from the hazy indie-folk of their debut EP (Blue Parrot Backpackers Hotel, 2022) and will be ramping up the amps, bringing their emphatic sound and full live show to the highlands. Musicians Maz McMillan, James Smith, Duncan Carswell, Samuel Nicholson and Neev stormed Glastonbury last year and have received airplay from the likes of BBC Radio One.
Thurs 30 May – Nairn
Friday 31 May – Resolis
Sat 1 June – Applecross
Sun 2 June – Eden Court
Mon 3 June – Ardross