The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (12A)
Afrost-bitten new instalment of the supernaturally comedic franchise is dedicated to the memory of Ivan Reitman, director of the original Ghostbusters and its sequel, who died in 2022 following the release of the rollicking series reboot Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
His son Jason passes the directorial baton to co-writer Gil Kenan for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire to thaw out a motherlode of nostalgia.
The Ecto-1 Cadillac ambulance convertible weaves through city streets, surviving main cast of the 1984 film (minus Sigourney Weaver) reprise their roles, miniature Stay Pufts run amok and Paul Rudd’s goofy science teacher quotes lyrics from Ray Parker Jr’s theme song.
Slimer continues to leave his ectoplasmic mark, the New York Public Library witnesses more wanton destruction and original antagonist – Environmental Protection Agency inspector Walter Peck (William Atherton) – is still a thorn in the team’s side.
Only now, he wields power as New York’s embittered mayor, who pledges to reduce the iconic firehouse to “a pile of bricks”.
Bustin’ ghosts feels good 40 years after that first paranormal investigation, but new additions – including James Acaster’s kooky parabiologist and a horned demon which freezes people in fright – evaporate surprisingly quickly from the memory.
Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and seismologist boyfriend Gary Grooberson (Rudd) proudly continue the family tradition of capturing phantoms using proton packs and ghost traps from the Ghostbusters firehouse in New York.
A fast-paced pursuit of the Hell’s Kitchen Sewer Dragon results in considerable damage to city property and 15-yearold Phoebe is banned from participating in call-outs.
The crestfallen teenager seeks comfort in a burgeoning friendship with a spectre in limbo named Melody (Emily Alyn Lind).
Soon after, slacker
Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) unwittingly ushers in a new ice age when he sells his grandmother’s possessions to Dr Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd).
Among the trinkets is a brass orb encrusted with hieroglyphs, which imprisons demon Garraka.
This fearsome adversary wields a devastating power known as “the death chill” and the old gang comprising Raymond, Winston (Ernie Hudson), Peter (Bill Murray) and Janine (Annie Potts) answer the ghostbusting call to arms in mankind’s darkest and coldest hour.
When special effectsladen destruction a la Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic The Day After Tomorrow finally arrives, it’s spectacular but improbably tame.
Lead characters stave off a deathly chill in boiler suits and none of the giant ice spears, which erupt from the ground as Manhattan freezes over, are shown to impale a scurrying New Yorker.
Perhaps it’s global warming, but we’re witnessing a nice age.
Delve
The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT, 01224 641122, until Sat March 23, Fri-Sat, various times and prices. Delve is an eclectic weekend of music and spoken word performances, workshops and discussions, chosen by this year’s guest curator, the poet, film and theatre maker Leyla Josephine. The theme is The End Of The World – As We Know It! aberdeenperformingarts. com
Artist Gathering
An Lanntair, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS, 01851 708480. Fri March 22, 6-8pm, free. An Lanntair’s Artist Gatherings are monthly social events for island artists of all disciplines, from music, film and theatre to visual art and design. You don’t need to be established or a professional to come along. This month’s guests are singer-songwriter Scott C Park and novelist GR Jordan, both from the Isle of Lewis. lanntair.com
Comic Con
P&J Live, East Burn Road, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, 01224 824824, until Sun March 24, Sat-Sun, 9am (early entry) 11am (standard entry), £19.50 (children £8; under 4s free). Event drawing the comic book and film fan community together to share their passion for heroes and villains. Explore stands, meet and greet film favourites, see film props up close, and more. Featuring appearances from the likes of Karen Gillan, Jessie T Usher, Laz Alonso, James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Rose McGowan, Shannen Doherty and Michael Biehn. pandjlive. com
Love Beer
The Rockfield Centre, Hill Street, Oban, PA34 5DE. Sat March 23, 1-6pm, £10.
This beer lovers’ event perfectly reflects the magic of small, independent Scottish brewing. It brings together brewers from all around the Highlands, islands, Lochaber and Glasgow. Pair your beers with some fantastic food offerings and enjoy some tunes and chat. obanbeerseller.com
Farm to Fork Walk
Logie Steading, Dunphail, IV36 2QN, 01667 458900. Mon March 25, 11am, free but booking required. As part of the Visit Moray Speyside Farm to Fork Week, take a trip to Logie Steading where you will be greeted by Panny Laing, part of the family who own the estate. Panny will take you on a walk to see the pedigree herd of Longhorn Cattle and you’ll hear their history, before rounding off your walk and talk with a visit to the cafe. logie.co.uk/steading
ART Gordon Art Exhibition & Artist Showcase
Garioch Heritage Centre, Loco Works Road, Inverurie, AB51 4SR, 01467 621855, until Sun March 24, 10am-4pm, free. The Gordon Art Exhibition returns, along with its popular artist showcasing element, where selected artists demonstrate their skills and visitors can watch them at work, ask questions and even have a go. It’s also a great opportunity to see original art displayed in the Garioch Heritage Centre, in an exhibition which combines the work of professional and amateur artists with that of schoolchildren. All are welcome. gordonartexhibition.co.uk
Patch, Erien Withouck + 122 Young Artists
Mareel, Shetland Arts Development Agency, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WQ, 01595 743843, until
Sun March 31, Tue-Sun 9am-11pm, free. Erien Withouck is a Belgian visual artist based in Brussels. Last year, Erien spent a week in Shetland, delivering workshops in Mareel and six primary schools. The young artists explored natural plant dyes and produced printed textile patches using oak gall ink made by Erien. After the workshops, Erien made wall hangings from the patches. Available to view in Mareel’s upper cafe bar during normal opening hours. shetlandarts.org
Artist Rooms: Louise Bourgeois
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sun June 9, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.
Sun 11am-4pm, free. Aberdeen Art Gallery launches its 2024 exhibition programme with the only Scottish showing of work by the French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, who is widely recognised as one of the most important and influential figures in modern and contemporary art. This exhibition focuses on works produced during the last two decades of her life, a period of extraordinary creativity, during which Bourgeois re-examined many of her lifelong concerns to create a body of new work exploring identity, gender, childhood, family and memory. aberdeencity. gov.uk/AAGM
Scotland’s Photograph Album
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Ireland Road, Stennes, Orkney, KW16 3LB, 01856 761606, until Sun June 16, daily 10am4pm, included in admission price (£10; concessions £8; children free-£7). This touring exhibition from the National Library of Scotland transports people back to a period of changing rural communities, growing cities and enduring historic sites. The panels explain the connection between social and photographic history and give a unique glimpse into the real lives of Scottish people. historic-scotland. gov.uk
Sir William Gillies and the Scottish Landscape
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293, until Sun November 10, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.
Sun 11am-4pm, free. Exhibition celebrating Scottish artist Sir William Gillies and his colourful depictions of Scotland’s rural landscape. The display showcases a rich selection of oil and
watercolour paintings which depict rolling countryside, trees and coastal scenes. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
Analogous: The MAC Takeover Show
Moray Art Centre, The Park, Findhorn, IV36 3TA, 01309 692426, until Sun March 31, Fri-Sun 10am-4pm, free. Analogous is a collective exhibition which has invited emerging artists, students and graduates to submit their work, celebrating the similarities, differences and connections between them. morayartcentre.org
JMW Turner’s Illustrations for The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell
Duff House, Banff, AB45 3SX, 01261 813004, until Sun March 24, FriSun 1-4pm, included in admission: £10 (£8; children free-£6). The National Galleries of Scotland hold the only complete set of Turner’s finished vignette illustrations that remain in the same collection: 20 watercolours for 1837’s The Poetical Works Of Thomas Campbell. This is the first time these illustrations have been shown together for more than two decades. They will be accompanied by portrait drawings of Turner and Campbell, as well as bound volumes of the poetry collection and Samuel Rogers’ Italy. historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/places/duffhouse
We Move As a Murmuration
Timespan, Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale, KW8 6JA, 01431 821327, until Wed September 4, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm, free. Drawing inspiration from bird flocks, We Move As a Murmuration looks at the oppression, domination and alienation of nature under capitalist, colonial and modernist forces, addressing
environmental and social justice. timespan.org.uk
Open Valuation Day with Lyon & Turnbull
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, 03000 200293. Sat March 23, 12-4pm, free but donations welcome. Come and have your family treasures valued for free by experts from Lyon & Turnbull. Specialists from across their departments will be on hand to value a wide variety of hand-carry items, including books, jewellery and paintings. aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
COMEDY Stewart Mitchell
Breakneck Comedy Club, 28 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX, 07702 305532, until Sat March 23, FriSat 7.30-9.30pm, £14.99. Stuart is a comedian known for his warmth, honesty, clever wordplay and sharp one-liners. He is the longest running panellist on BBC Radio Scotland’s Breaking the News and has written for BBC1’s Mock the Week and BBC Radio 4’s Newsquiz. Supported by Peter Wood and Gita Blaze. breakneckcomedy.co.uk
Gareth Mutch: Belter
Breakneck Comedy Club, 28 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX, 07702 305532. Sat March 23, 6-7pm, £12. Join this Scottish powerhouse who will be reflecting on millennials and what his generation have been up to – vaping, mostly. Hear stories of misplaced tattoos, random encounters, and being fatshamed by his own clothes. breakneckcomedy.co.uk
Ed Gamble: Hot Diggity Dog
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122.
Sat March 23, 7.30pm, £29. Another “bracing flurry of
idiocy” from comedian Ed Gamble. Expect all your classic Gamble ranting, raving and spluttering. Ed is the host of The Traitors: Uncloaked, co-host of hit podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, a judge on The Great British Menu and a Taskmaster champion. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Tanyalee Davis
Boat of Garten New Community Hall, Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten, PH24 3BL.
Sat March 23, 7.30pm, £23.99; Kintore Public Hall, 12 School Road, Kintore, Inverurie, AB51 0UX. Sun March 24, 7.30pm, £23.99. Tanyalee Davis is a 3ft 6in Canadian American stand-up comedian. She has enlightened and entertained audiences at comedy clubs, colleges and festivals throughout North America, the
UK and more, with her unique perspective and racy brand of comedy. breakneckcomedy.co.uk
Auld Pals: An Evening with the Cast of Still Game
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122.
Sun March 24, 7pm, £34£59. Jane McCarry, Paul Riley, Mark Cox, Sanjeev Kohli and Gavin Mitchell, who played Isa, Winston, Tam, Naveed and Boaby the Barman in the hit comedy series Still Game, will be touring the UK. Expect an evening of fun and laughter, with an opportunity for the audience to ask anything they’ve ever wanted about the iconic show. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122.
Sun March 24, 7.30pm, £32. Comedy legend Frank Skinner returns with his critically acclaimed show, following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s West End. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Nick Helm’s Super Fun Good Time Show
The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT, 01224 641122. Tue March 26, 7pm, £18.15 (£16.50). After years of therapy, pills and personal growth, Nick Helm returns to the road to mesmerise with his brand new, box-fresh stand-up show. Nick has released two successful albums, played lead roles in hit TV sitcoms Uncle and Loaded and has twice been nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Awards. aberdeenperformingarts. com
DANCE Rambert: Death Trap
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122, until Wed March 27, Tue-Wed, 7.30pm, £19.50£37.50 (£7.50-£34.50). Following their knock-out Peaky Blinders tour, this is your chance to see Rambert’s daring dancers in two short pieces created for them by Ben Duke. In Cerberus you’ll enter a world where dance is a matter of life or death, while Goat is inspired by the music and spirit of Nina Simone. aberdeenperformingarts. com
FAMILY Song Writing with Adam Ross and Jenny Sturgeon (Young Music Makers)
Lyth Arts Centre, Lyth, KW1 4UD, 01955 641434, until Sun March 24, Sat-Sun, 10am-2pm, free but booking essential. Join musicians Jenny Sturgeon and Adam Ross for a weekend songwriting workshop for young people. Jenny and Adam will guide participants through the most important parts of songwriting, helping you to write lyrics and set them to chords and melodies. Participants will then make a recording of their song to keep forever. For ages 9-13. lytharts.org. uk
Twitawoo
Universal Hall Promotions, The Park, Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3TZ, 01309 691170. Sat March 23, 2pm, £7.70 (£6.60; children £5.50). Owl, Badger, Squirrel, Pine Marten and friends all live in the woods. They love it there and they especially love Gerry, the forest ranger. Gerry wants to win the tidiest forest in Scotland competition. Family puppet show Twitawoo brings to life a host of woodland creatures in a story featuring music and songs. Suitable for children aged 4-8 and their families. universalhall.co.uk
Artie’s Singing Kettle: Greatest Hits
Nevis Centre, An Aird, Fort William, PH33 6AN, 01397 700707.
Sun March 24, 11am & 1pm, £10. Artie brings the original Singing Kettles and a bunch of your favourite songs back to Fort William. Featuring singalongs and fun for the kids and some nostalgia for accompanying adults. singingkettle.com
Easter Bonnets Mini-Make
Balallan Village Hall, Lochs, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9PS. Wed March 27, 4-5pm, free. Make an Easter bonnet with Eleanor in this craft session, part of the Balallan Village Hall committee’s Easter celebrations. You can wear your bonnet to the Balallan Easter Fayre on Saturday March 30. Suitable for children age 5+ and their grown-up. lanntair.com
MUSIC Aberdeen Jazz Festival
Various venues, Aberdeen, until Sun March 24, various times and prices. A host of musicians and performers descend on the Granite City for more than a week of jazz and blues, featuring everything from jamming and workshops to late-night sessions and chilled out gigs on the green. jazzscotland.com
Songwriters’ Circle
An Lanntair, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS, 01851 708480. Thu March 21, 7-9pm, free but ticketed. Are you a songwriter, or aspiring to be? An Lanntair’s monthly songwriters’ circle is an opportunity to share
your music with other songwriters. You can try out new ideas, ask for feedback, and perhaps even find someone to collaborate with. Musicians at any stage in their creative development are welcome. lanntair.com
HEISK
Universal Hall Promotions, The Park, Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3TZ, 01309 691170. Thu March 21, 7pm, £17.60 (£15.40; children £6.60). HEISK, the vibrant and captivating six-piece folk band are united by a mission to amplify the voices of women and gender minorities in the traditional music scene. universalhall. co.uk
Jam for Climate Justice
The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT, 01224 641122. Thu March 21, 7pm, £12 (free-£8). A night of new songwriting featuring the creme de la creme of new musical talent from across Scotland. Six singersongwriters have been paired up and commissioned to create a new song. In addition, you’ll be treated to a solo set from each artist, and there will also be jam and scones on offer. The selected artists this year are Erin O’Callaghan, Finn McLean, Kai Swarvett, Robert Mercer, Roseanne Reid and Zoe Bestel.
aberdeenperformingarts. com
The George Michael Legacy Featuring Wayne Dilks
The Tivoli Theatre, 34-48 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB, 01224 641122. Thu March 21, 7.30pm, £22.50-£32.06 (essential companion £11.25-£16.03). International tribute artist Wayne Dilks and his band pay tribute to the late, great George Michael. Join them as they celebrate George’s fantastic 35-year career, with songs from his Wham! days right up to his final album, Symphonica. thetivolitheatre.com
RSNO: Benedetti Plays Simpson
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122.
Thu March 21, 7.30pm, £14-£32 (£6-£16). Trumpets ring out, crowds cheer and soldiers march. It’s all there in Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. This concert also features one of the nation’s favourite violinists, Nicola Benedetti, and a concerto written specially for her by Mark Simpson. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Roddy Woomble
Montrose Playhouse, The Mall, Montrose, DD10 8NN, 07395 071636.
Thu March 21, 7.30pm, £16.50 (£20 on the door). Roddy Woomble is a Scottish songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of Idlewild. He has also carved out a rich and varied career as a solo performer. Roddy’s 2024 tour dates will showcase his new album, Almost Nothing, alongside some old favourites. montroseplayhouse.co.uk
The ELO Tribute Show
Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS, 01224 641122.
Fri March 22, 7.30pm,
£32.50; Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA, 01463 234234.
Sat March 23, 7.30pm, £30. The ELO Tribute Show recreate the sound of the Electric Light Orchestra, a unique fusion of driving rock and classical strings. eloshow.com
Crooners
The Tivoli Theatre, 34-48 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB, 01224 641122. Fri March 22, 7.30pm, £22.50-£32.06. Packed with personality and humour, Crooners has been wowing audiences with its exhilarating show full of superb musical covers. Featuring silliness, tap dance and songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin. thetivolitheatre.com
The Chicago Blues Brothers
The Tivoli Theatre, 34-48 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB, 01224 641122. Sat March 23, 7.30pm, £31.50 (£18). This awardwinning show brings you the best in R&B, soul, country and Motown, with a few surprises and plenty of lunacy thrown in. thetivolitheatre.com
Absolute Weller
Cafe Drummond, 1 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JR, 01224 619930.
Sat March 23, 8-11.30pm, £11. Absolute Weller cover material from across Paul Weller’s career, from Style Council and Jam hits to his solo material. drummondsaberdeen.com
EXTC: XTC’s Terry Chambers and Friends
The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT, 01224 641122. Wed March 27, 7.30pm, £24.75. Witness the classic XTC songbook played live by XTC’s legendary drummer,
Terry Chambers, and his band EXTC. Expect all the hits from the post-punk and new-wave rockers. aberdeenperformingarts. com
THEATRE The Full Monty
His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL, 01224 641122, until Sat March 23. Thu 2pm & 7.30pm.
Fri 7.30pm.
Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £15£45. This new production of screenwriter Simon Beaufoy’s stage adaptation is a rollercoaster of laughs and heartbreak. Relive the music of the ’90s and have a great night out in the company of a group of lads as they work to put on the show of their lives. Starring Danny Hatchard, Jake Quickenden and Bill Ward. aberdeenperformingarts. com
Hans Rey: Mishaps and Mayhem
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA, 01463 234234.
Fri March 22, 7.30pm, £5.50-£19.50. Mountain bike pioneer and former Trials World Champion Hans “No Way” Rey reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his greatest stunts and adventures, discusses his career highlights, and shares some never-seenbefore footage and photos. eden-court.co.uk
The Journey Back: From Cowdenbeath to the Champions League
Elgin Town Hall, 1 Trinity Place, Elgin, IV30 1UL, 01343 619900.
Fri March 22, 7.30pm, £30. The Journey Back takes audiences through the turbulent past decade of Rangers Football Club, as it follows a father and son’s journey from the near extinction of their team, back to success and stability. elgintownhall.co.uk