Who Needs the Oscars When You Can Have The Alberts? HELEN SLATER braves the paparazzi and gets into the swing of things as Arts in Motion hand out the glittering prizes.

Town Hall, Lerwick, Thursday 9 December 2004

CATRIONA PAUL at the Movies. IF YOU ARE in need of a charming, off-beat romance then Garden State is the perfect time-out this blustery, grey December. Written and directed by Zach Braff, star of Channel 4’s Scrubs, this American indie debut has done wonders for the actor’s credibility, moving audiences both here and stateside.    […]

Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Saturday 4 December 2004

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Friday 3 December 2004

CATRIONA PAUL at the Movies. LET’S JUST get it out the way – I have not seen the 1962 original. So don’t expect worthy, insightful comparisons. Taking 2004’s The Manchurian Candidate at face value, you have a political thriller with X-files overtones. A disturbing, conspiracy theory film that despite strong performances from Denzel Washington, Meryl […]

CATRIONA PAUL at the Movies. HERE’S A COMEDY with bite starring Billy Bob Thornton as the alcoholic, foul-mouthed Santa from a parent’s worst nightmare. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, the idea for Bad Santa originated with the Coen brothers, who stayed on board to produce the film. The result is a surprise feel-good film, crass but […]

Strathpeffer Pavilion, Saturday 27 November 2004

CATRIONA PAUL at the movies. FOR A truly awkward viewing experience, go see Birth. It’s an uncomfortable chiller, verging on the supernatural, set in New York. Nicole Kidman stars as a widow who becomes convinced her dead husband has been reborn. She gives a flawless performance, and Lauren Bacall makes a rare outing playing Kidman’s […]

KENNY MATHIESON hears the Inverness Choral tackle Puccini’s unconventional Stabat Mater.