Host of big names bound for the Fair City.

arts: Take That star and outspoken comedian join varied programme for city’s theatres

A host of top acts have been lined up to perform in Perth over the forthcoming months including Take That’s Gary Barlow, outspoken comedian Russell Brand and Scottish act Belle and Sebastian.

The big names have been unveiled as part of the winter/spring programme for Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.

Also on the agenda is The Music of Star Wars, which will take place in February.

Meanwhile, the first performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III to be seen in Perth for nearly 100 years is scheduled for March at Perth Theatre.

Fans of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing will have an opportunity to see dancer Brendan Cole leading a cast of dancers at Perth Concert Hall in February.

Take That frontman Gary Barlow is one of the highlights of the new programme and his April show at Perth Concert Hall is already a sell-out.

Classical music aficionados will be looking forward to the visit of the London Mozart Players when they play Perth Concert Hall in February.

Controversial comedian Russell Brand is also sure to attract a sizeable crowd to his Re:Birth show in April.

And one of Scotland’s most influential bands, Belle and Sebastian, will play at the concert hall for the first time since 2005.

Also returning to Perth are the popular Celtic Sessions, which will include renowned singer Eddie Reader on a bill that also features musician and broadcaster John Spillane.

In addition, a host of tribute acts will play Perth, including A Tribute to George Michael in February.

The Bowie Experience and Stevie Wonder tribute, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, will both take place in March.

And music fans of the 1970s can take a trip back in time with productions of The Carpenters’ Story and Abbamania, celebrating 40 years of Abba music, both taking place on separate dates at Perth Concert Hall in May.

For ticket details, phone 01738 621031.

More information on the programme, which has been produced by Horsecross Arts, is available online at www.horsecross.co.uk.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Horsecross Arts staff in Star Wars dress with the new programme, from left, Jennie Baillie, Trixi MacAulay, Madalina Peiu, Linsey McArthur, Lisa Munro and Michael Sheldon.

Picture: PA. Gary Barlow will be performing at Perth Concert Hall in April and the show is already a sell-out.