5 feelgood things to do in Inverness this weekend
A couple of must-see movies, harp music exploring migration themes, classic 70s great night out and out-o- town highlights – drama in Dingwall and the circus!
1 Movies not to miss ...
For those in need of an adrenalin boost, how about tracking down Fast X (12A)? If you listen closely to the sound design of of the film, beneath the insistent roar of engines, screeching of tyres and composer Brian Tyler’s cacophonous score you’ll be able to discern a thud-thud-splutter on repeat, our reviewer warns: "That is the unmistakable sound of a turbo-charged action franchise running on exhaust fumes." But if you've loved the series, you will probably be heading there anyway, just to see the spectacular action set-pieces, a demolition derby through the streets of Rome and how street racer Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and pals deal with a deranged supervillain. Cameos from stars in earlier instalments are there too – and an ending you might need your hanky for! But hot top is, keep your seatbelts buckled until the end credits have fully rolled! And those who like to keep up with what everyone's favourite Outlander Sam Heughan is doing with his spare time, there are still screenings of Love Again (12A) at Eden Court Cinema until Thursday, May 25 and it is also at Vue. This rom-com asks – can a text message lead to love for reporter Rob (Sam Heughan)? He gets Celine Dion (in her first film role) to help him get closer to the possible love of his life (Priyanka Chopra Jonas).
2 Harp music
On Friday, May 19, Music Nairn plays host to harpist Ruth Wall at Nairn Arts & Community Centre at 7.30pm. The Highlands’ own internationally-renowned musician Ruth Wall is making her first visit to Nairn for the last Music Nairn concert of the season. Ruth is being joined by composer Graham Fitkin – who will introduce the evening's music – and the two musicians will present a programme exploring stories of migration.They take old Gaelic songs and tunes from bagpipe and fiddle books to make ‘creative transcriptions’ for Ruth’s three harps – the sitar-like Renaissance bray harp, the beautiful medieval Gaelic wire harp (clàrsach) and the Scottish lever harp. Ruth’s long-term research into the pibroch piping technique – a highly ornamental style underpinned by a drone – influences her playing style. The musician will conjure up "mesmerising and intricate patterns" on her unique instruments, while composer Graham will introduce the evening and discuss the stories of migration connected to the music.
TICKETS: Advance tickets for the performance at 7.30pm on Friday are available from Nairn Community & Arts Centre: in person, by phoning (01667 453476), or on www.nairncc.co.uk Tickets for Under-25s are discounted to £3. Tickets will also be available on the day.
3 The circus is in town ...
Get ready for Big Kid Circus from Wednesday, May 24 to Monday, May 29 at the Black Isle Showground. It was founded in 2005 by trapeze artists Biliana and Kiril Kirilov who have set up their UK company to promote traditional British circus culture which they share with audiences here and in South East Asia. Now their three children are following in their footsteps. They spent the pandemic time unable to go home but were made welcome in Morecambe in England. Now they are out on tour again and about to arrive at Muir Of Ord.
4 Night out watching the ultimate night in?
Classic 70s on stage drama that became TV historic treasure Abigail’s Party as a Play For Today event on the BBC back then, is now recreated from film director Mike Leigh's original devised play for the stage. It's on tour and here at Eden Court until Saturday, May 20 (performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm). The blackest of black comedies gets darker as a lovely social evening round at Beverly and Laurence's sees the alcohol flowing, ‘nibbles’ handed round and things starting to go a little bit wrong ... A record 16 million people watched it when it was first on TV. Can you miss it?
5 Drama in Dingwall...
As part of Dingwwall's Word On The Street festival, on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20 there's the chance to see a special version of huge theatre hit Every Brilliant Thing. In the play by Duncan Macmillan, a young girl tries to ease her mother's depression by creating a list of all the best things in the world. Everything worth living for. Through adulthood, as the list grows and grows, she learns the deep significance it has on her own life. Every Brilliant Thing is a hilarious and heart-wrenching play about depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. Usually for one actor, the play by Dingwall Players has special permission – from playwright Duncan Macmillan himself – to perform it with a bigger cast and it will be on both nights at 7.30pm in Dingwall Town Hall.
HEADS UP
For music fans who fancy a blast of local talent, these three acts on Thursday, May 25 at the Tooth & Claw – Lucille, The Dihydro and Danny Mortimer – will gladden your heart and make your ears happy! From 7.30pm. And don't miss the start of Scottish Opera's return to Eden Court from Tuesday (May 23) at 7.15pm where they present their new production set in 70s Spain of Carmen.
