WEEKLY DRAMA CLASSES

Following the success of the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Crime and thrillers weekend and in response to the positive feedback from the masterclass in February, theatre director Jon Palmer is leading a six-week course in improvisation techniques. Develop skills in spontaneity, freedom of expression and playfulness. Be part of an exciting and emerging arts group in Cromarty. Understand the principles of devised, physical theatre and create instant drama.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings in the Stables from 7.30-9.30pm (7th May – 11th June). Participants are asked to commit to attending all six sessions. The cost for the course is £30.

The group is open to anyone over the age of 18 years, with any level of interest or experience in performance.

To reserve your place, email jon@cromartycheese.com For further information call in at the Cheese House on Church Street, Cromarty or phone 01381 600724.

HANDBAGS! YOUR STORIES WANTED!

For the first time ever a selection of beautiful and diverse designer handbags by David Stanley Plampton is going to be available for the public to see. A young Cromarty resident, Eva Coutts, intrigued by his personal story, is now collaborating with the Cromarty Arts Trust and curating a two day exhibition to be held this summer at the Stables in July displaying the bags and the stories behind them.

Additionally, in an attempt to convey how highly the handbag is cherished across all generations, Eva would like to invite members of the public to submit their own thoughts, stories and soundbites, allowing them not only to enjoy David’s bags, which range from magnificent and extra ordinary crocodile-skin holdalls to delicate cigarette holders, but to participate in a unique way themselves.

Eva says, ‘I want your handbag stories/thoughts and photos for this exhibition which I’m curating. If you’re happy to share them with me, please contact me by telephone on 01381600357 or email evacoutts@googlemail.com Thank you thank you!’

JAZZ

So from the worlds of theatre and handbags, we slide easily into the world of Jazz with the astonishing talents of Colin Steele (trumpet) and Dave Milligan (piano) performing on Sunday May 19th at 4pm at the Stables.

Trumpeter and composer Colin Steele has been described as the Sibelius of Scotland. His music is a joyous celebration of Scottish melody and rhythm, liberated and enhanced by the spirit, sophistication and technique of jazz. His recordings and concerts are warm, life affirming, and thrilling in their effect. He disarms the most hardened jazz fan with the power and beauty of his music and his playing speaks strongly to audiences of all musical tastes. (Even those who insist they don’t like jazz!)

For those who love the work of his Quintet and Stramash, this concert is a rare treat

Dave Milligan has been part of Steele’s original music projects for over 10 years as a sideman and arranger, and the two have been playing together for over 15 years. Milligan is regarded as one of Scotland’s most individual jazz pianists, notably for his unique ability to flavour his music with Scottish folk and Celtic influences without losing the element of creative originality that makes his improvisations so engrossing.

Together they have produced award-winning albums and performed throughout Europe to critical acclaim. They started playing together in the 1990’s, and went on to collaborate on a wide variety of projects, including: Midnight Blue Band, Melting Pot, Colin Steele Quintet, Stramash, The Unusual Suspects, Bachue, The Edinburgh Festival Jazz Orchestra and ‘A Funny Valentine’ – a theatre show about the life and music of Chet Baker.

This duo was extremely popular when they last performed at the Stables in November 2011 so book your tickets early to make sure of getting a seat.

Tickets cost £10/£8 and £3 for children and we’ll send out more details nearer the time.

HAT!

Did anyone lose a hat at the Crime and Thrillers weekend? We have it in the office at 19 Bank Street if you’d like to pick it up

That’s all for now -hope to see you at the Stables soon.

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust