Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

I Spy Mrs Peery: 6 February, macrobert, 7.30pm

The MsFits present their Edinburgh Fringe award winning show I Spy Mrs Peery, written by the multi-award winning BAFTA nominated playwright Rona Munro and presented by the award winning comedy actress Fiona Knowles. A story of mystery, intrigue and suspense, more violent than a crash diet, more spine chilling than ice cubes down the back of yer nightie! Mrs Peery sees it all from behind her net curtains, she never crosses her own door step but she's plenty to say about the state of her neighbors. What would she do if the big bad world got in through her nets?! A thought-provoking slice of life focusing on three female neighbors.

Splinters: Throughout the Beginning of February, The Line Gallery, Linlithgow

Lino cuts by Linda Farquharson along with Philippa Swann, Alyson Morrison, Penny Kennedy, Ruth Atkinson and Becky Cooper showing engravings made under the Splinters banner, but also work in their more familiar media.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Swan Lake: 1 February, macrobert, 7.30pm

Using Tchaikovsky's stirring score and a moving adaptation of the original choreography, the dancers of Ballet West tell the story of the love of a young man for the cursed Odette, who is destined to spend her life as a swan, unless true love can release her from the spell of the evil Von Rothbart. Ballet West is a Scottish company that works with professional dancers alongside students about to begin their careers. Over recent years, the company has developed a significant reputation in producing high quality, classical ballet, which has developed loyal audiences in venues throughout Scotland and the World.

Magical Mozart by Candlelight: 6 February, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, 7.30pm

The European Baroque Ensemble and Singers and the European Spirit Ensemble perform some of the composer's most memorable pieces.

Hamish Stuart Band: 7 February, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, 8pm

As one of the members of the classic line-up of the Average White Band, Hamish Stuart helped demonstrate that a bunch of pink-faced Scottish guys could bring the funk as good as anyone – James Brown's JB's were so impressed that they cut a reply record.

The Winter Tradition: 7 February, Tolbooth, 7pm

“Woolly jumpers, catchy choruses and the tightest live show around. What is there not to like about The Winter Tradition?” This grizzly comforting hybrid from Edinburgh rattle off arena sized stadium hooks so effortlessly, you wonder why every band doesn’t do it. Their atmospheric brand of alternative indie rock is capable of filling any grand edifice in the land and will leave you feeling like you must experience it before they outgrow the local venues they’ve been gracing since the release of their long play debut – Gradients (July 2012). With previous opening slots for Hundred Reasons, Enter Shikari, The Xcerts, Nine Black Alps and The Boxer Rebellion, as well as sold out hometown shows at The Liquid Room and The Voodoo Rooms under their belt, 2014 promises to be the best year to date for the band. "It's only after you've experienced The Winter Tradition’s full set up in a sold out venue that the big musical “O” occurs — and when it does, it’s glorious." (K. Creighton - Popdose).

Watt Nicoll: 8 February, Tolbooth, 8pm

Winner of Best Motivational Speaker in the World, Nicoll goes back to his musical roots with a night of folky goodness.

Craig Hill: Tartan About: 8 February, macrobert, 7.30pm

Kilty as charged!!! Hot on the heels of last year's hysterically funny, sold out national tour, don't miss the chance to see Scotland's favorite Craig Hill's new show Tartan About! - live and unleashed! The Scotsman said that "Hill live is a revelation" and we absolutely agree - it's a wickedly delicious evening of pure, unadulterated fun. "This is one Highland Fling you'll never regret... or forget" **** 1/2 ADELAIDE ADVERTISER "Funny as hell" SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY "High-octane. Irresistible. A laugh-out-loud performance from beginning to end. A cracking show!"

Pauline Alexander and Edwin Gallacher: 12 February, Dunfermline Folk Club, 7.30

Original material and song interpretation from the folk and easy listening Glasgow duo.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Kari Herbert: Heart of the Hero: 12 February, Logie Lecture Theatre, 7.30pm

Kati Herbert, author, speaker and explorer, speaks about how women have influenced some of the best-known explorers.