Ali Mac is back with his banjo
What the Dickens as Ken performs A Christmas Carol solo
It’s a a long- awaited return to Ayr Gaiety for ‘ An Evening with Alistair McDonald’ on October 22.
And the performer from Netherlee in East Renfrewshire said: “It’s what I do, I love it, and I’m blessed to still be able to do it!”
Alastair McDonald makes it all seem so simple and straightforward when asked the question on why he continues to spend much of his time playing gigs the length and breadth of Scotland.
The legendary folkie ( and jazz performer) thrives on the opportunity to play all over the country from concert halls to community centres.
And he’s delighted to be returning to Ayr Gaiety.
He transitions from Scottish historical ballad to a music hall ditty to a vibrant American gospel song to anti- war, pro- humanity numbers, delivered in his inimitable warm and infectious style.
With a nod to geography, Alastair said: “An Alistair McDonald show without a Burns’ song is a very rare beastie, so it goes without saying that the great man will be represented at my Gaiety show. I may even include Lugton in the repertoire. I love performing in front of an audience, sharing a connection and an experience. I never do the same show twice, so I am always happy to take requests and gauge audience reaction.
“I like to bring old favourites and great new songs to the stage, and I will be privileged to do that for the honest folks of Ayr and surrounding areas.”
Alastair is a unique bridge to many Scottish and international legendary folk singers, comedians, actors and entertainers and may well share a number of fascinating insights and stories of these great characters at the Gaiety.
The details - Tuesday October 22, 7.30pm, tickets £ 15-£ 20are £ 15 - £ 20 and can be purchased from The Gaiety Box Office on 01292 288235 or online at www. thegaiety. co. uk He shot to prominence when his production company put on “The Price of a Fish Supper” which had a two- year run.
Now Prestwick actor Ken O’Hara is back - playing Charles Dickens.
He will transform himself into the great man and perform ‘ A Christmas Carol’ and is seeking some backing from Ayrshire.
Ken said: “I will be performing as
Dickens himself with full costume and make up including beard and wigs .
“The piece runs to over an hour long and is quite an undertaking for any actor to learn this length of work.
“It is in Dickens’ original language and
I will be on the stage on my own. “
He performs at the
Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine on Friday and
Saturday November 29 and 30.
Then the show will go on a short rural tour of the hinterlands.
Ken added: “This is especially exciting as it’s a one- manshow based on Charles Dickens’ American tour of 1867.
“There are many Dickens fans in Ayrshire and beyond and I would love to see them.”
Tickets for the 7.30pm shows are £ 8 and £ 10 from 01292 274059 or online at TicketSource.