Whats on

Eventful Perthshire in March

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (1 February - 15 March)

From the Latin name meaning 'milk flower', these tiny green and white flowers are amongst the first blossoms to emerge in the new year. In the mid 19th century soldiers in the Crimean War brought them back from the battlefields to plant in their gardens. Today they thrive throughout Scotland, in gardens, damp woods and on river banks. VisitScotland has teamed up with gardens around the country to bring you the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. At locations throughout Scotland, you’ll find snowdrop after snowdrop, bringing brightness and magic to your day. For more information visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops

Beth Nielsen Chapman, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (1 March)

Renowned for her pure, powerful songs and clear voice, Beth is one of the pre-eminent singer-songwriters of her generation. She has written songs for artists such as Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson, including the Grammy-nominated, smash for Faith Hill, This Kiss. But it's the music she writes for herself that has quietly found a deep connection to so many people. Having lost her husband to cancer in 1994 and since survived the disease herself, her songs have a way of expressing hope and grace in the face of grief.

The Monday Night Thing - Graeme Stephen Sextet, Perth Theatre, Perth (1 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. One of the most eloquent and melodic voices in Scottish jazz, guitarist Graeme Stephen augments his fabulous sextet - Chris Stout (violin), Fraser Fifield (soprano sax/ kaval), Martin Kershaw (alto sax), Mario Caribe (bass) and Stuart Ritchie (drums) — with cellist Ben Davis, leader of the Mercury nominated Basquiat Strings to perform his acclaimed Vantage Points suite. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

Benny Gallagher, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (5 March)

With the release of his first-ever solo studio album, At The Edge Of The Wave, Benny makes a long overdue return to the spotlight in 2010 to perform the hits he penned for McGuinness Flint and Gallagher & Lyle, along with some great songs from his new album. Benny Gallagher toured the world as part of the duo Gallagher & Lyle performing songs from such critically acclaimed albums as Breakaway, which featured the hit singles I Wanna Stay With You, Heart On My Sleeve and, of course, Breakaway. The duo went their separate ways in 1979 and, since then, Benny has written and worked with many famous names such as Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Elkie Brooks, Sandy Denny, The Manfreds, Ralph McTell, Georgie Fame, Jim Diamond, Andy Fairweather-Low and Don Williams. Benny makes a welcome return to the Pitlochry stage, following a fantastic headline concert as part of the Perthshire Amber Festival in 2008.

Jane Eyre, Perth Theatre, Perth (5-20 March)

A classic coming-of-age story which remains a startlingly modern blend of passion, romance and suspense. As a child, the orphaned Jane Eyre is taught by a succession of severe guardians to stifle her natural exuberance. A part of herself is locked away, out of view of polite society... until she arrives at Rochester's house as a governess to his young child. Soon Rochester's passionate nature reawakens Jane's hidden self, but darker secrets are stirring in the attic... Polly Teale's critically acclaimed adaptation distills the powerful forces at play in Bronte's passionate novel to create an intense theatrical tour de force which bursts from page to stage with an almost dangerous life of its own.

St Johnstone v Motherwell, McDiarmid Park, Perth (6 March)

SPL side St Johnstone play their home games at the 10,673 capacity all-seater McDiarmid Park in Perth. In March, Saints have three home league games against Motherwell (6 March), Aberdeen (16 March) and Falkirk (23 March).

Mairearad Green and Anna Massie, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (6 March)

Multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green (accordion and small pipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, fiddle and banjo) have been captivating audiences with their dazzling technique and high octane energy. Besides playing together, Anna and Mairearad also perform with the likes of The Poozies, Blazin Fiddles, Karen Matheson, Box Club, Eddi Reader and with Scotland's one and only Celtic big band, The Unusual Suspects. Anna has recorded with the likes of Michael McGoldrick and Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, whilst Mairearad is a prolific composer, as well as performer, and has even had one of her compositions recorded by Eddi Reader. Scottish music at its absolute best - don't miss!

New York, New York, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (6 March)

Broadway glitz, hits and razzmatazz! New York, New York is a huge show presenting some twenty musical numbers over two hours, celebrating an era of memorable music associated with the likes of Sinatra and Gershwin and features classics such as Mack The Knife, All The Way, Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and, of course, New York, New York. With an experienced West End cast of five costumed singer-dancers and six musicians, this will be an exhilarating night packed with Broadway glamour and razzmatazz, featuring the greatest hits from the American songbook.

Perth Farmers Market, King Edward Street, Perth (6 March)

At Perth Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month there is an abundance of fresh ingredients and quality products. From slabs of fresh red meat and slippery oysters to green, leafy veg to homemade cakes, pies and wines - you will find everything you need to create delicious meals. If you're not sure what you're after, need to be inspired or want to know more about what you are eating, have a chat with our stallholders who can advise on ideas, cooking methods and traceability. From favourite comfort foods for the family to new and exciting recipe trends for dinner parties and friends, with Perth Farmers' Market, you really can make a meal of it.

The Monday Night Thing - James Grant, Perth Theatre, Perth (8 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. Widely regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters and performers around, ex Love And Money frontman James Grant plays material from all his critically acclaimed solo albums and a smattering of old favourites in a solo acoustic setting. This is a show not to be missed; raw, heart-rending and uplifting. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

Perth 800 - Perform in Perth - Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival, Perth Concert Hall & St Leonard's in the Fields Church, Perth (8-20 March)

86th Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival - incorporating music, dance and speech.

Perth Chamber Music Concert, Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth (9 March)

Latvian pianist Arta Arnicane will perform pieces by Beethoven, Franck, Schumann and Debussy.

Perth 800 - Home and Away: Samaagam Concert, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (10 March)

Samaagam is a dynamic fusion of Indian and Western music traditions and instruments, devised and performed by Amjad Ali Khan and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO). The piece of music focuses on Indian ragas (Indian melody) and was created in 2008. Home and Away will work with SCO and Amjad Ali Khan to bring the music to Perth. In the lead up to this event, people will have the opportunity to take part in a series of dance and music workshops to be led by Dance Ihayami and the SCO. The workshops will culminate in a performance which will be premiered during the Samaagan Concert in Perth Concert Hall.

Dara O’Briain, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (11 March)

Following 2008's sold out national tour, best selling DVD Dara O Briain Talks Funny and his debut book Tickling The English, award-winning stand up comedian Dara O Briain hits the road again in 2010. While not hosting BBC2's Mock The Week, Dara is the star of Three Men and a Boat, has appeared on Live From The Apollo, QI and Friday Night With Jonathan Ross and is also a Guardian sports columnist. Recommended age 14+.

Perth 800 - Joint British Isles Bowling and Home International Series for 2010, Dewars Centre, Perth (11-19 March)

The event is split into three separate tournaments starting with the men’s Home International Series with Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales playing against each other for the Home International Title. The Joint British Isles Championships start on Sunday 14 March 2010 with the winners of the Ladies and Gents Indoor Bowling Championships in Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and Channel Islands participating in Junior Singles and Singles Play, Pairs, Triples, Rinks and Men’s Senior Fours with the British final of all eleven events taking place on the Tuesday. This is then followed by the Ladies Home International Series with Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales playing against each other for the Home International Title.

Milnathort Folk Festival, Milnathort (12-14 March)

Ceilidhs and concerts in Milnathort featuring local artistes and guests including Gaberlunzie, Steve Tilston, Tich Frier, Cairdeas, Wildfire, John Watt, Iain Anderson, Colin Ramage, Neil Paterson and The Lomond Ceilidh Band who will be kicking things off with the Friday Ceilidh in the Town Hall.

Mr McFall’s Chamber, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (13 March)

Mr McFall's Chamber is a music ensemble which plays a range of music from tango through jazz and rock to contemporary classical, taking in quite a lot besides. It consists of string quartet, bass, piano, percussion and sometimes vocals - and more as required.

Rock the Catwalk, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (13 March)

In aid of the charity Help for Heroes (raising money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country), this will be an unforgettable evening of entertainment for all ages. With live music from the in-house rock band, dancers, drummers, kilted pipers and of course the latest, most wearable, most desirable, most fabulous clothes.

The Scottish Bead Fair, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (14 March)

Scotland's original and largest bead and jewellery making event is back with a huge array of the finest jewellery making supplies for sale, along with all new jewellery making classes, and demonstrations throughout the day. Watch award winning artists demonstrate many different techniques and shop till you drop with the finest sellers in the UK.

Barbara Dickson, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (15 March)

Barbara Dickson's singing career started in the folk scene around her native Fife in the sixties. Talent-spotted by a young Willy Russell, she sang in his award-winning musical, John, Paul, George, Ringo... and Bert. A guest residency on The Two Ronnies, and hit singles such as Answer Me, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, The Caravan Song and January, February soon followed. In 1982, her duet with Elaine Paige, I Know Him So Well, spent several weeks at number one in the UK charts. Conferred with an O.B.E. in 2002, Barbara continues to pursue a successful acting career and recently enjoyed great success with her best of album, The Platinum Collection.

Lunchtime Concert - Soloists of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (15 March)

Soloists from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra return to our lunchtime series with a neat pair of works — Mozart looking very much to the future, while Dohnanyi reflects on the past.

The Monday Night Thing - Richard Herring: Hitler Moustache, Perth Theatre, Perth (15 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. Reclaiming Chaplin’s moustache for comedy, the star of The Headmaster’s Son and 90s double act Lee and Herring muses on iconography, whether racists are closer than Liberals to believing that all people are the same and why an innocent square inch of facial hair has taken the blame for Nazism. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

Sara Sheridan Talk, AK Bell Library, Perth (16 March)

Author Sara Sheridan will visit Perth's AK Bell Library to discuss her latest book. The Secret Mandarin took eight years to write and is a story based on the real-life travels of botanist Robert Fortune. The book is a successful blend of fact and fiction that combines what we know about the Victorian botanist and his adventures in China with an exciting spy tale. Sara used The Pitlochry Explorers Garden as a research base for her book. This unique garden celebrates the fascinating lives of the group of Victorian pioneering botanists known as the Plant Hunters, and their amazing contribution to the way our gardens look today. As well as being botanists, the Plant Hunters were adventurers and explorers. They had to be tough to survive the conditions they faced in far-flung corners of the world, surviving shipwrecks, sieges and slavery and battling with pirates, escaped convicts and hostile natives. Syd House, forester and author, will be in conversation with Sara during the evening, discussing the plants that Fortune brought back to this country. Syd will also discuss his area of expertise, famous Plant Hunter David Douglas. Join us for what promises to be an informative, interesting and entertaining evening.

Perth & Kinross Council Central Groups Concerts, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (17-18 March)

As part of Perth 800 celebrations, Cultural and Community Services present two showcase concerts highlighting the talent of young musicians. Wed 17: including Perth & Kinross Elementary and Senior String Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Wind Band and Wind Orchestra Thu 18: including Perth & Kinross Choir, Junior and Senior Brass Band and Concert Band.

End of the Line, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (18 March)

A special screening of a major documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing based upon a book by Charles Clover.

Fascinating Aida, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (19 March)

Imagine Absolutely Fabulous sung by the Andrews Sisters. Think Edith Piaf but with better frocks, Marlene with cellulite, Emma Thompson with rhythm... Fascinating Aida is a sassy show, full of sex, surgery and hot flushes. Oh, and it’s about science, survival and modern art. Actually, it’s about life, love and how men are basically quite nice, really. And you’ll learn how to keep a stiff upper lip in true British style whilst laughing like a drain. Britain’s top female comedy trio are 25 years old (having performed in five continents, had six West End runs, recorded six albums and received five award nominations (three Olivier, one Drama Desk, one Perrier)). Well, actually, they’re older than that, but the girls have decided their Silver Jubilee can be celebrated for a few more years at least. For those of you who thought they’d retired, this isn’t a comeback; it’s a chance for you to help them celebrate this auspicious birthday. They’re doing it for the fun, not the money, which will soon be worthless anyway!

Perth 800 - The Niel Gow Festival, Dunkeld & Birnam (19-21 March)

The 7th Niel Gow festival will feature some of Scotland's finest fiddlers as well as other top Scottish musicians. For programme details visit www.niel-gow.co.uk

Hardeep Singh Kohli, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (20 March)

Grab a seat and chow down in the company of broadcaster, raconteur, writer and cook Hardeep Singh Kohli, who combines stand-up comedy with inventive cuisine in a wonderfully funny, laid back evening’s entertainment. Just think Ready Steady Cook but with great cooking (Hardeep was runner-up on the first series of Celebrity Masterchef) and funny anecdotes, all delivered by Glaswegian Hardeep in his own unique, articulate and utterly charming way. Having debuted at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where the show played to sell-out audiences, this is an extended, two-course version of The Nearly Naked Chef, combining more of Hardeep’s winning talents and recipes.

Perth 800 - Grand Master Chess Display, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (20 March)

As part of the Perth 800 celebrations Grand Master Jonathan Rowson, three times British Champion and top international player will play 24 players simultaneously in an open display within the foyer. The players will all be prize winners from the Perth International Chess Festival held in January and will range from Primary School Champions to top Scottish players. Come along and watch an amazing display of chess.

The Monday Night Thing - Michael Marra, Perth Theatre, Perth (22 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. A rare chance to see one of Scotland’s genuine musical giants perform in an intimate setting. Addressing universal themes with a broad Dundee accent and a piano style rooted in New Orleans, he combines great humour, pathos, intelligence and empathy to create songs and stories that are totally unique. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

We’ll Meet Again, Perth Theatre, Perth (23 March)

Audiences can relive the spirit of the Forties in a wonderful afternoon performance of Hits from the Blitz, with lots of singalong tunes that will bring back many warm memories. The celebration show pays tribute to the legendary stars of the war years, Vera Lynn, Donald Peers, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Bing Crosby, and famous comedians Max Miller and Tessie O'Shea with a hugely talented cast with live musical backing from the Martyn St James Sound.

An Evening with Pam Eyres, Perth Theatre, Perth (26 March)

Pam returns to Perth Theatre thirty-five years after she first appeared on the Britains Got Talent of its day, Opportunity Knocks. Her current show includes material from her bestselling books, Surgically Enhanced, With These Hands and The Works, along with new poems and stories.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra - Runnicles conducts Mahler, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (26 March)

Donald Runnicles and the BBC SSO turn to the 'lightest' of Mahler's symphonies, with the young Korean soprano Ji Young Yang. The lush, late romantic sound of Webern's early In the Summer Wind is a long way from what we normally associate with him, whilst Britten's Violin Concerto is one of its composer's finest works. To play it, Canadian virtuoso James Ehnes makes a welcome return to Scotland.

Behind the Bamboo Curtain, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry (26 March)

Did you know that 30% of our garden plants, like clematis, lilies and primulas, originated from China? And do you know who discovered and introduced those sumptuous magnolias, sweet scented buddleia and other exotic shrubs into the UK? Join broadcaster and lecturer David Mitchell, a curator at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, as he recounts the extraordinary history of botanical exploration in China. In this fascinating illustrated talk, David will examine the lives and recount the adventures of the intrepid individuals who went plant hunting and the botanists they worked with. You’ll discover the roles the Russians, Italians, Americans and the British (especially the Scots) played and learn what happened to them as they explored this vast region, so rich in biodiversity. You’ll also hear about the plants they discovered and the huge numbers of specimens they brought home. This fascinating evening is a rare opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the origins of your garden. If you’re a gardener who talks to their plants, you may need to think about learning Mandarin!

Black Dyke Band, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (27 March)

Yorkshire's Black Dyke Band are arguably the best known - and the best - brass band in the world. Always innovative in terms of recordings, touring and collaborations while remaining the benchmark for brass band technique and repertoire, their concert performances cover a huge variety of music as befits an ensemble who have collaborated with Paul McCartney and Wings, Evelyn Glennie, Peter Gabriel, Tori Amos, The Beautiful South, Elton John and The Beatles among many others.

Ryan Quigley Big Band with Justin Currie, Perth Theatre, Perth (27 March)

Del Amitri singer-songwriter Justin Currie gets the blazing backing band of his dreams as he joins the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra's lead trumpeter Ryan Quigley with his superb 16-strong big band. With a well earned reputation for fiery musicianship, Quigley brings all the punch and dyanism of his acclaimed sextet to his orchestral arrangements and guarantees Currie a dream team of hot soloing talents. Nothing ever happens? Don't you believe it!

The Shankly Show, Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam (27 March)

One actor, 45 minutes each way — first half in black and white with half time oranges, then second half in colour - set in the infamous boot room at Anfield — a live television event in a theatre. It’s a new piece of interactive multimedia documentary theatre, using digital recording technology and giant projection screens — a cross between a personal audience with Bill Shankly, the legend and the myth — an in depth documentary about Liverpool and Match of the Day.

Perth 800 - World Rotary Curling Championships, Dewars Centre, Perth (28 March - 2 April)

This bi-annual event features countries competing for the coveted, Jack MacKimmie - Silver Bell Trophy and the title World Rotary Curling Champions.

Atholl Estates - Children’s Castle Tours, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl (28 March - 18 April)

There will be daily Children's tours of Blair Castle throughout the Easter holidays. Marvel at the amazing exhibits and find out some fascinating facts on a Children's tour of Blair Castle. See Viscount "Bonnie" Dundee's breastplate, the actual armour he wore in battle! He was killed in his moment of victory over government forces at the Battle of Killiecrankie, three miles south of Blair Atholl in 1689. The breastplate has a bullet hole. But is it a real bullet hole or just a clever fake? Blair Castle was famously the last castle to be held under seige in 1746 during the Jacobite uprising. The castle was bombarded with cannon balls and several of them remain here to this day. Find out how they cooled down the red hot cannon balls that blasted through the walls. You may find the answer very surprising... There will be two tours per day and times will vary. Tour duration is approximately 30 minutes and aimed at children aged 5 and above. Children must be accompanied by an adult and numbers are limited.

Atholl Estates - Behind Closed Doors, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl (from 28 March until October)

Discover the secrets of Blair Castle’s attics. Hidden from view in the maze of attic rooms and corridors are many strange, wonderful and interesting artefacts. Uncover the strange and fascinating collection of objects in Baron Maule’s room, look through some of our historic estate records and marvel at the eclectic collections of family paintings, walking sticks, weaponry and period costume. The tour culminates in a climb to the castle rooftops for breathtaking panoramic views of the castle grounds. Please note: This tour involves several flights of spiral stairs, the occasional tight space and heights and is only suitable for the fully able. Tours take place on 28 March; 4, 11, 18 and 25 April; 2, 9, 16, and 23 May; 6, 13, 20 and 27 June; 4, 11, 18 and 25 July; 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August; 5, 12, 19 and 26 September; and 3, 10, 17 and 24 October. Numbers restricted to 10 people per tour.

Jethro Tull in Concert, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (29 March)

Early in 1968, a group of young British musicians gathered together in Luton, North of London and released their first album, This Was, later that year. Benefit, Aqualung, and Thick As A Brick followed and the band's success grew internationally, establishing themselves as one of the world's top live acts throughout the 70's. After over forty years at the bottom, at the top and various points in between, Ian Anderson and Martin Barre remain at the centre of a group of sometimes changing but always excellent musicians who continue the legacy of Tull's music wherever fans, young and old, want to hear rock, folk, jazz and classical-inspired music for grown-ups.

The Monday Night Thing - Bobby Wellins, Perth Theatre, Perth (29 March)

The Monday Night Thing is a series of intimate weekly performances in the lush surroundings of Redrooms in Perth Theatre and the perfect venue to see some superb acts up close and personal. Recently honoured with a lifetime recognition award at the 2009 Scottish Jazz Awards, Bobby is one of our greatest jazz musicians. His contribution to the Stan Tracey album Under Milk Wood is one of the seminal moments in British jazz and his festival appearances are legendary. All Monday Night Shows are for ages 14+.

Frankie Boyle, Perth Concert Hall, Perth (30 March)

Following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008, Frankie Boyle, star of BBC2's Mock the Week and one of the hottest and most controversial comedians of the moment, is back on the road in 2010 with an all new live show.