That’s Fife Festival returns to the Kingdom in April 2017 with an eclectic programme of comedy, theatre, spoken word, magic and family entertainment.
Fife Cultural Trust and The Gilded Balloon have today (08-03-17) unveiled a stunning programme of entertainment for That’s Fife Festival 2017. The eclectic mix of comedy, theatre, spoken word, magic and family centred shows will be staged at venues across the Kingdom from Saturday 1 to Friday 28 April 2016, with Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, the central Hub of the festival.
From the masters of stand up and comedy entertainment on stage, TV and radio to the UK’s most spectacular touring magic show – The Champions of Magic – to shows from Fun Box for younger kids, theatre and the spoken word, there is something to entertain every member of the family at That’s Fife.
After three years That’s Fife has firmly established itself on the UK’s arts festival calendar enticing the giants of the entertainment world north of the Forth. Comedy big guns including Alan Davies, Russell Kane and Chris Ramsey are just a few of the names that should be on everyone’s must see wish list. They join the super stars of Scottish comedy and entertainment, Elaine C Smith and Fred MacAulay; together with the hottest up-and-coming talents including Scott Gibson, the Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer 2017, Chris Forbes, star of BBC’s Scot Squad, Mark Nelson and Scott Agnew who are all bringing their acclaimed Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 solo shows to the Kingdom.
It’s not all about stand up at That’s Fife Festival 2017. The acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter, Horse McDonald, stars in her award-winning autobiographical play, Careful; and Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochhead, performs a mix of poems and monologues old and new in Somethings Old, Somethings New. Former Forth 1 DJ Grant Stott will perform his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe hit solo show, Tales From Behind The Mic, that lifts the lid on his 27-year journey in radio, TV and panto.
Gayle Telfer Stevens (River City) and Louise McCarthy (Only an Excuse?) bring their hilarious alter egos, The Dolls, Scotland’s filthiest Scrubbers, to Glenrothes in their new show, The Doll’s Abroad. Another fantastic double act, Robert Florence & Iain Connell (BBC‘s Burnistoun), will be visiting St Andrews with their new creation, The Uncles, who deliver big laughs and foul-mouthed guidance, as they know all the answers to everything.
For the 2017 That’s Fife, Fife Cultural Trust have again joined forces with the Gilded Balloon, who have been programming comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for more than 30 years, to deliver the most expansive and inclusive programme yet; with events across Fife’s main cultural hubs. Rothes Halls, at the heart of Fife in Glenrothes, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy and The Byre Theatre, St Andrews will all be serving up top quality entertainment.
Go Glenrothes and Fife Council’s Strategic Events Programme have contributed greatly to That’s Fife; essential to the production of an entertainment line up of such stature in the region.
Evan Henderson, Fife Cultural Trust’s ‘That’s Fife’ Festival’s Director said: “It’s really exciting to launch this brilliant festival line up. The 2017 festival is a real celebration of the arts and has something for everyone whether you like comedy, theatre, spoken word, magic or a good fun family show, the ‘That’s Fife Festival’ guarantees a great night out in the Kingdom of Fife. Of course none of this could have been possible without the imaginative financial support of Go Glenrothes and Fife Council’s Strategic Events Investment Programme in securing unique events like this that bring laughter and fun to the Kingdom.”
Karen Koren, Artistic Director of the Gilded Balloon, said: “Gilded Balloon are once again delighted to be bringing some brilliant shows to Fife this April from the best in Scottish entertainment to kids, magic and musical shows, Fife is the place to be this Easter holidays.”
Norman Laird, Area Manager Glenrothes Area, said: “This is exactly the kind of event that should be happening in Glenrothes. The Gilded Balloon’s reputation has helped bring some very high profile acts to an exciting festival. I’m delighted to see that the opening Gala event is being held in Glenrothes and I’m sure all the shows will be sell outs. I’m really happy to see Go Glenrothes working in partnership with Glided Balloon. Thanks to the energy and commitment of Go Glenrothes this is the first of a wide range of events which will encourage locals and visitors to the area and support local businesses.”
Mike Mowat, Chair Go Glenrothes, said: “As Chair of Go Glenrothes I’m really excited to be working in partnership with Gilded Balloon in bringing That’s Fife Comedy Festival about. We are delighted to see the quality of shows that we have helped bring to Glenrothes as part of the festival. Glenrothes has so much to offer and the comedy festival is just the start of an exciting year of events for Glenrothes. Go Glenrothes wants to help put Glenrothes on the map and the quality of this event and the others planned will really help with this.”
That’s Fife Festival information can be found at: http://www.onfife.com/fifecomedy. Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from £8 to £25. Please check individual performance information at the four venues for prices. Full Box Office details can be found below the Your Guide to That’s Fife Festival 2017.
Images of Elaine C Smith and Grant Stott launching the That’s Fife Festival programme can be downloaded from Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fkg1o57gqbjzyo1/AABT58XeYKFUV029pINBJu2Ma?dl=0. Please credit David Cheskin, where possible.
Please note: A pdf version of the That’s Fife brochure can be downloaded from Dropbbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hicfpp5gxpoqgyh/ThatsFife2017_Programme_Press.pdf?dl=0
Twitter (#That’sFife)
https://twitter.com/Gildedballoon
On Fife Theatres – https://www.facebook.com/onfife/
Gilded Balloon – https://www.facebook.com/Gildedballoon
Media Contact:
For further information on That’s Fife Festival, for images or to arrange interviews please contact: Paddy Cuthbert | Littlehouse Media | E: [email protected] / M: 07913 951717 / T: 0131 526 3980
Your Guide to That’s Fife Comedy Festival 2017
That’s Fife Festival Gala
That’s Fife Festival’s opening event returns to Rothes Halls with a galaxy of stars to whet your appetite for the month of entertainment ahead! Featuring the incredible Elaine C Smith – fresh from her highly successful TV productions Two Doors Down (BBC) and Burdz Eye View (STV), the Edinburgh Comedy Award winner and rising star, Scott Gibson and telly favourite Patrick Monahan (BBC, ITV, Sky, C5). Rothes Halls, Glenrothes – 1 April
Scotland’s finest grace the Kingdom
Local legends of stage, screen and radio will be out in force at That’s Fife in 2017.
Fred MacAulay
‘Him off the radio’ and Scottish stand up comedy legend, returns to the Byre Theatre stage with a brand new solo stand-up show. After almost 18 years hosting BBC Radio Scotland’s morning programme, Fred is back where he loves working most – onstage with a ‘live’ audience. From the early days as ‘the rising star of Scottish Comedy’ to ‘legend’ has been quite a journey for the one-time accountant and audiences can expect a mix of politics, observational humour and maybe even a couple of fart gags! Byre Theatre, St Andrews – 9 April.
The Dolls Abroad
Starring Gayle Telfer Stevens (River City) and Louise McCarthy (Only an Excuse?), The Dolls Abroad is the must see comedy for 2017.
For this year’s summer holiday a donner doon Dunoon promenade just ain’t gonnae cut the mustard! Fasten your seatbelts as The Dolls take you on the gutter budget trip of a lifetime to Greece, with comedy banter, sing-alongs and all the fun that fans have come to expect from Scotland’s favourite Scrubbers. Rothes Halls, Glenrothes – 22 April
Robert Florence & Iain Connell: Uncles
Robert Florence and Iain Connell, creators of hit BBC sketch show Burnistoun, will be visiting Fife with their hilarious new live show Uncles. These uncles deliver big laughs and foul-mouthed guidance, as they know all the answers to everything. “The partnership of Iain Connell and Robert Florence is one of the gifts from the comedy cosmos” – Herald. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy – 14 April.
Grant Stott: Tales From Behind The Mic
With a beautifully crafted mix of funny, awkward and embarrassing stories, outrageous radio clips, video, offensive reactions on social media and his own cult songs, Grant Stott lifts the lid on his 27 year journey in radio, TV and panto; from the moment he left Lothian and Borders Police, pounding the beat as PC Stott 35G, to treading the boards as a King’s Theatre Panto baddie! And how did THAT song about Fife that has become an internet sensation actually come about? Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy – 15 April & Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline – 28 April.
Scott Gibson: Life After Death
One summer, Scott Gibson returned from a friend’s stag weekend in Blackpool and his brain exploded – he had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage. Life After Death, the critically acclaimed show that won Scott Gibson the Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer 2017, tells the story of the three weeks that changed Scott’s life forever. From Blackpool to Glasgow to the Neurology Capital of Europe (…Govan), Scott Gibson’s debut is at once a darkly hysterical and inspiring show, delivered with the trademark filthy charisma that Scott has rapidly become renowned for. Life After Death is a tale of love and pain, and fear and hope. It’s about overcoming insurmountable odds, and how comedy can bring you back to life. Byre Theatre Studio, St Andrews – 21 April.
Chris Forbes: Tall Needy Mutant
Have you ever wondered what people really think of you? Of course you have. People worry about it at the time, especially the ones who pretend they don’t. Through the medium of social networks, Chris, star of BBC’s Scot Squad, asked his friends, family and acquaintances how they would honestly describe him in one word. TALL. NEEDY. MUTANT is the result. Join Chris as he explores their meaning. Byre Theatre Studio, St Andrews – 22 April.
Mark Nelson: Smiley Face
Scottish Comedian of the Year, Mark Nelson, explores happiness in a self-obsessed world and tells you to stick your emojis up your (!). Bringing his dark humour, cutting observations and disarming brand of no-nonsense stand-up the show promises to make you laugh at things you know you shouldn’t, before you even realise you are doing it. Byre Theatre Studio, St Andrews – 15 April.
Scott Agnew: I’ve Snapped My Banjo String, Let’s Just Talk
Hailed as a master story-teller, Scott Agnew offers a snap shot of hardcore, working class gay life, touching on mental health, sexual health and general misadventure. The former Scottish Comedian of the Year’s language and imagery is bold and brash – the stories deeply personal.
Leave your judgement and faint heart at the door, it’s Scott’s life – you only have to listen to it. Byre Theatre Studio, St Andrews – 14 April.
Award winning stage-craft from a Scottish singer songwriter
Horse: Careful
There are times in life when you need to be careful…
Growing up gay in Lanark in the 1970’s; When the reward is half a pack of fruit pastilles; When the lady on the train tells you about the doctor you should meet … but you’ll always be saved if you use your voice.
Horse takes to the stage as an admirably frank and engaging teller of her own touching story of survival, from wearing two-tone velvet loons to becoming one of Scotland’s most celebrated singers; painting a vivid and powerful picture of those times when she had to be… Careful. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy – 201 April.
Solo Spoken Word from a master wordsmith
Liz Lochhead: Somethings Old, Somethings New
Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochhead, performs a mix of poems and monologues old and new in Somethings Old, Somethings New. From the bittersweet to the rude and raunchy she weaves a spellbinding and beguiling show, mixing poems, monologues and music. Accompanied by the soulful sax of STEVE KETTLEY she presents an intoxicating mix of some of her best work over the past 45 years. “brilliant, raucous and scabrously funny” (Sunday Times) Byre Theatre, St Andrews – 23 April.
A Host of Household Names
From the headliners of stand up shows and the stars of sit coms to the best scene-stealing quiz show panelists, That’s Fife 2017 will see a host of the UK’s household favourites stepping out of the small screen and onto the live stage.
Alan Davies with support from Scott Gibson
From one comedy legend to another, Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer, Scott Gibson introduces a unique set from Alan Davies in this ONE NIGHT ONLY performance at That’s Fife Festival 2017!
A raconteur who firmly identifies as ‘a comic but the acting helps sell tickets for gigs’ (Match of the Day Magazine), we’re not going to bother telling you about his extensive television career because, quite frankly, if you’re not here to see Alan in his comedy element then you’re better off staying at home to watch Jonathan Creek on Netflix and leave the tickets for us comedy nerds to fight over! Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline – 14 April.
Chris Ramsey: Is That Chris Ramsey
A brand new stand-up show for 2017 from the comedian you’ve seen on The Royal Variety Performance, Celebrity Juice, Hebburn, Live At The Apollo and various newspapers when he was wrongly arrested in a hotel in his underpants.
Is that Chris Ramsey? Yes it is. On his biggest UK tour yet. Get tickets while you can. Rothes Halls, Glenrothes – 19 April.
Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age
Are you 16-years-old, yet feel 21? Are you 40, but tragically faking 25? Or maybe you’re full-on 80 years, with the heart of three oxen and the sex drive of a bonobo chimp. Don’t worry: this is normal. No one is ever the ‘right’ age – it’s is the beauty and the curse of being a real person. In this brand new show, Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly-funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up, growing down, and why farts will always be funny.
Russell was nominated four times for prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards before winning Best Show in 2010. He then went onto make history as the first comedian to win both the Edinburgh Award and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year. Rothes Halls, Glenrothes – 6 April.
Magical Family Entertainment
The Champions of Magic
Champions Of Magic, the UK’s largest touring magic show, features 5 of the world’s finest magicians, including Fay Presto, the Queen of close-up magic, Alex McAleer, the master mentalist, Edward Hilsum, The International Stage Magician of the Year, and Young and Strange, spectacular stage illusionsists.
Direct from a hit season in London’s West End Champions of Magic delivers a spectacular night of mystery and surprises that’ll keep you guessing for a long time to come. Witness the impossible, including disappearances, teleportation and a heart-stopping finale, all presented with lighting and pyrotechnics to rival the biggest arena productions. Rothes Halls, Glenrothes – 13 April.
FUNBOX: Underwater Adventure
Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin (formerly the stars of The Singing Kettle) for their all new show for 2017 – UNDERWATER ADVENTURE where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. And of course everyone’s favourite salty sea dog; Bonzo will be joining the aquatic action – but has he packed his trunks, snorkel and rubber ring?
Packed with familiar favourites UNDERWATER ADVENTURE is the perfect swimalong singalong treat for kids of all ages – from nought to ninety! You may even get to help on stage! Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy – 7, 8, 9 April
Booking Info
Ticket Prices range from £8 to £25. Please check individual performance information for prices.
Rothes Halls, Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes KY7 5NX
T: 01592 611101 / W: www.onfife.com/fifecomedy
Adam Smith Theatre, Bennochy Road, Kirkcaldy KY1 1ET
T: 01592 583302 / W: www.onfife.com/fifecomedy
Carnegie Hall, East Port, Dunfermline KY12 7JA
T: 01383 602302 / W: www.onfife.com/fifecomedy
The Byre Theatre, University of St Andrews, Abbey Street, St Andrews KY16 9LA
T: 01334 475000 / W: www.byretheatre.com
