ArtmagLive

Live art, theatre, drama, dance and music from around Scotland

Scottish Opera | Theatre Royal Glasgow | Hansel and Gretel

A succulent Wagnerian inspired orchestration with hints of folk songs and nursery rhymes drives this comic, stunning and touching Grimms fairy tale. Scottish Opera go to dark places as Hansel and Gretel are lost and terrified in the woods till they spot a house made of sweets, an easy set-up for the wicked witch. The traditional tale is directed by Bill Bankes-Jones with Humperdinck’s score promising to reclaim some rootsy vibes while revelling in sinister enchantment

4, 8, 10, 12, Feb 7.15pm | Matinee Sun 12th 4.00pm | Tickets £8.50 - £67 | www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Zach Braff | Kings Theatre Glasgow | All New People

It’s not often we get a bona fide Hollywood star treading the boards in Scottish theatres so fans of the zany hospital comedy Scrubs will be over the moon to see its leading man in person this month at the Kings Theatre. The massively talented Zach Braff who plays the hapless “JD" Dorian in the long running TV series is not only a writer and award winning film-maker, he also wrote the play All New People in which he takes the leading role. It’s the story of Charlie who sneaks off to hideaway in Long Island Beach to get away from his problems. Cue a series of interruptions by a motley parade of misfits to throw a spanner in the works.

It’s a UK acting debut for the star who received plaudits for his self written movie Garden State and also features Eve Myles from Torchwood and RSC actress Susannah Fielding (last seen in Much Ado About Nothing). It’s only here for a week before hitting the bright lights of London so get in ahead of the pack.

14 -18 Feb 7.30pm | Matinee Wed 15th 2.30pm | Tickets £12 - £29.50 | www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Glasgow Film Festival | GFT Glasgow | International Movie Festival

The ever popular Glasgow Film Festival stretches its programme and venues to incredible lengths this year as it inspires moviephiles of all ages to seize a warm blast of international culture as an antidote to a cold February.

This year, alongside the usual shorts, features and special events the team have compiled a series of strands which make it easier for those who want to specialise in genres or themes including (deep breath): Best of British, Crossing the Line, The Edge of the World, Fashion in Film, Fright Night, Gala, Gene Kelly, Strictly Song and Dance, Great Scots, It’s a Wonderful Life, Kapow, Out of the Past, Stranger Than Fiction, Weimarvellous, Welcome to Germany (Phew). There’s also some partner events running alongside or within the festival - Glasgow Music and Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival and the Glasgow Youth Film festival. There’s a nice visual arts crossover too with the Crossing the Line strand exploring modern artists who use film as part of their toolkit. A fabulous array of talent, culture and entertainment which deserves to be world famous

Glasgow Film Festival: 16-26 Feb | Glasgow Youth Festival: 5 -15 Feb | Glasgow Short Film Festival 9-12 Feb. Tickets and programme: www.glasgowfilm.org

Vox Motus | Citizens Theatre Glasgow | The Infamous Brothers Davenport

This is both a play and a recreation of a Victorian magic performance evoking an era of gaslight and superstition where where bodies seem to levitate and voices from the spirit world are evoked. The story explores the dark undercurrents of Victorian theatre as the brothers Willy and Ira contrast their illusions and mysterious exploits with a cruel and curious childhood. Written by Peter Arnott and directed by Candice Edmunds/Jamie Harrison the show promises to be an eerie and unsettling night out where the cast are asking the audience not to reveal their secrets after the show. A co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.

Kings Theatre Tour | Kings Theatre Glasgow | Footlights, Ghosts and Greasepaint

- And speaking of creepy, how about a snoop backstage at one of Scotland’s most historic and best loved theatres to find how the complex machinery of an evening’s entertainment and the ancient art of stagecraft are put together. Hear about the famous names that have tread the boards, see the stunning costume department and find out how the traps and rigging work. There’s even mention of a few ghosts. Spaces are limited and can be booked by calling 0844 871 7648. Please note – there’s stairs involved so be prepared.

Saturday 4th Feb and Sat 17th March | 10.30 – 11.45am | Adults £10, Children (8-16) £5 | www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Malcolm McGonigle, Performing Arts Editor
malcmcgonigle@tiscali.co.uk