If variety is the spice of life, then the new Horsecross programme has something to tickle everybody's taste buds in 2009.
Scotland's year of Homecoming at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre features a host of home-grown acts, visiting stars, legends of stage, screen and sport, and virtuoso performers all heading for the Fair City.
2009 kicks off with award winning writer and director Gerry Mulgrew's fast and furious adaptation of the classic Burns tale Tam O'Shanter at Perth Theatre.
The only new professional theatre production celebrating Burns in his 250th anniversary year, Mulgrew's Tam O'Shanter is a bold musical romp that, as well as retelling the tale of the much loved ‘drunken blellum', explores the relationship between Tam and the long-suffering Kate and recreates elements of the world that Burns was writing in during the 1790's.
The new season's programme of events at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre is detailed in the Horsecross Jan to Apr 2009 brochure.
Carrying on the Homecoming theme, the Scottish Tides - Polish Spring festival at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre celebrates hundreds of years of connections between Scotland and Poland. With top Polish bands, Chopin recitals, orchestral exchanges, talks, events, musical associations, comedy and new media art, this promises to be an unforgettable sharing of cultural similarities and appreciation of historical links. A highlight of Polish Spring will be a show featuring performances by pioneering Scots folk fusionists Peatbog Faeries and traditional trailblazers Warsaw Village Band. An official Homecoming Scotland 2009 event, Polish Spring is supported by Perth and Kinross Council.
Events to look forward to at Perth Theatre include an outstanding new adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's Booker Prize nominated book Be Near Me, created by Ian McDiarmid who takes the central role in this story of love, morality and regret. Emmerdale star Lisa Riley is joined by Abi Titmus and other stars of the small screen for pole dancing antics in The Naked Truth. Fast paced and furious, The Mystery of Irma Vep sees Horsecross team up with Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh for a hilarious send up of theatre and film styles featuring quick-changes and both role and gender swapping hilarity.
Scottish Opera presents a Gala Night in Perth Concert Hall. Joined by stunning soloists Sally Silver and Peter Auty, the performance features memorable moments from a range of well-know operas.
Ross Noble, voted one of the top ten greatest stand ups by Channel 4 viewers, brings his free wheeling observational comedy to Perth Concert Hall.
Children of all ages will be blinded by science when famous TV show Brainiac Live takes to the Perth Concert Hall stage hosted by kids' favourite, ‘Brainiac Joe', aka television presenter Joe Rowntree. Young visitors will be entertained by a Puppet and Animation Festival in Perth Concert Hall Norie-Miller studio.
Toyah Willcox is the special guest in exciting rock spectacular Vampires Rock at Perth Concert Hall, and Abba fever will descend on the Fair City as Björn Again performs at Perth Concert Hall as part of the 20th Anniversary tour. Further musical magic will be provided by The Hollies, Elaine Paige and Midge Ure and the last chance to see Errol Brown on stage on his farewell tour.
Scotland's top orchestras are showcased in a dedicated series of performances. The RSNO, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble will all appear on the Perth Concert Hall stage.
Once again, local talent will be on show with concerts from Perth Symphony Orchestra, Perth Chamber Music Society and Perth Youth Orchestra. Young musicians will continue to impress with their skills in the Perth & Kinross Central Groups Concert. Perth Youth Theatre is bringing its exciting act back to Perth Theatre Redrooms after sell-out performances in 2007 and 2008.
Sports fans, too, are catered for with exhibition playing from legends of the green baize, Steve Davis and Jimmy White and dazzling displays from darting celebrity Eric Bristow and friends.
The popular lunchtime concerts continue at Perth Concert Hall and, in the intimate environment of Perth Theatre Redrooms, The Monday Night Thing resumes, promoting the best of comedy, jazz, folk and song writing.
And with Horsecross Players drama group kicking off in February, there is a chance for everyone to play a part in the new season at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre!
The new season brochures are available from Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. Full listings information is also available from the Horsecross website. For tickets, call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk