Get those 2023 diaries out: there is no shortage of theatrical and musical treats in store for visitors to Perth Theatre and Concert Hall next year.
The launch of the January to June brochure puts the focus on the important impact of live performance on people’s lives, heralds some of the highlights as well as offering patrons the opportunity to invest in a season subscription.
The popular Perth Theatre Season Subscription has been revived, meaning that loyal theatre fans will have the chance to make savings on a range of shows. The more shows they book, the bigger the rewards.
As Nick Williams, the chief executive of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall points out; “The performing arts bring wide-ranging benefits in terms of creating life affirming, shared experiences that ignite the imagination and improve wellbeing.
“In the difficult times that we are all facing, we are grateful to everyone who buys a ticket for a theatre show, comes along to a music gig, takes part in one of our workshops or supports friends and family on our stages.
“With our new Theatre Season Subscription, we have responded to audience demand for a new approach to programming, providing a value for money option that rewards loyal theatregoers.”
The 2023 programme aims to bring Perth exclusives and popular touring shows to the Fair City. According to a recent economic impact report, Perth Theatre and Concert Hall directly contributed £13.4 million to the Scottish economy between October 2021 and 2022. This was achieved despite further Covid-related closures and cancellations and according to Nick, reveals, “the vital role we play in the city of Perth and beyond.”
World class theatre
Productions due to be included in the season subscription will include Educating Rita directed by Martin McCormick and the National Theatre of Scotland’s Kidnapped (featuring music by Isobel McArthur) and the 70th anniversary tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party and Runrig-inspired musical The Stamping Ground.
Other theatrical highlights for next year are: Mairi Campbell’s Auld Lang Syne, the Byre Theatre and Perth Theatre co-production The Man in the Submarine by Laila Noble and National Theatre of Scotland’s Dear Billy, a love letter to the Big Yin.
There will also be a production from Perth Youth Theatre entitled Brainstorm, which promises to provide, “a unique theatrical investigation into the intricate workings of the teenage mind.”
Musical highlights
Perth Concert Hall is delighted to have attracted some of the biggest names in classical music, who will take part in the new Classical Stars series of concerts. World-leading cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, saxophonist Jess Gillam, brilliant guitarist Miloš Karadaglić and inspirational pianist Paul Lewis are some of the musical talents making the journey to Perth next year.
The popular series of lunchtime concerts will also continue with music from Scotland’s Maxwell String Quartet, Red Note Ensemble, Hebrides Ensemble, BBC Young Musician horn finalist Ben Goldscheider, to name but a few. And opera lovers won’t be neglected – theycan look forward to a performance of Verdi’s Aïda by Ukrainian National Opera, and Scottish Opera present an intimate performance of repertoire favourites and rare gems in their Opera Highlights show.
Traditional and contemporary music will also be well represented on the 2023 programme, with Scottish folk, global roots music and reggae all on the agenda. Look out for performances from Skerryvore, Duncan Chisholm and Michael McGoldrick.
The concert hall will also be visited by Mike & The Mechanics, Rhiannon Giddons, and the Tubular Bells Celebration Band.
Just for laughs
Not to be outshone by the stars of music and theatre, a healthy helping of comedy shows are also on the agenda. Choose from Janey Godley’s new show Not Dead Yet or check in with Jack Dee, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans, Miles Jupp and Marcus Brigstocke who visit with BBC Radio’s award-winning I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.
Visit the Perth Theatre and Concert Hall website for a full line-up of the January to June 2023 performances and find out more about the new Theatre Season Subscription, workshops, tribute shows and much more.
