The arts in the Highlands
Those people fleeing from the South to the beautiful Highlands will be disappointed if they hope to enjoy a visit to the local theatre or arts centre. A list of theatres in the Highlands shows that they are in unison complying with the Scottish Government’s advice and closing their doors. Not only disappointing for theatre goers, but a devastating move for all artists, as they see their careers and livelihood taken away. Major orchestras rely on a core of freelance musicians, actors and dancers are on short contracts, hoping that the company will pay them every Friday, and folk and cabaret rely on the pubs and clubs to give them a living. Even the chance of dishing out coffee or waiting at tables is a no-goer.
Audiences can, however, still get their culture rush, providing they have a smart TV, Internet, a computer and don’t mind paying a small subscription. Suggestions are Marquee TV, Broadway HD, Globe Player and digital theatre. Its not the same as a live performance, but given the price of theatre tickets and the snacks and drinks bill perhaps this will become the way forward. After all, they are only going to stream the best and you might avoid seeing, God forbid, an understudy. But you will miss the foibles and fun of the live experience.
Living in a remote place has made me aware of different ways of enjoying the arts when I can’t drive 50 miles to the nearest theatre or show.
So to get you through, here are some suggestions:
Read a play, imagining yourself as the director along with your dream cast.
Dig down your old theatre, music and arts books and re-read.
Look through the collection of theatre programmes you have in the loft (don’t ask, I have them going back to the 60’s) and remind yourself of great or indifferent performances.
Take a look at Scottish Ballet’s digital performances.
Take out the digital piano gathering dust, and start again at Grade 1. Maybe you will make it to Grade 2 this time.
Follow ENB’s ballet classes online and practice your barre work.
Take down your Shakespeare collection and set yourself the target of reading a play a day. Or even write a play yourself!
Make a plan to improve your speech and diction and follow Cicely Berry’s guide.
Take a fiddle lesson with Paul Anderson online.
The Arts make society a civilised place, so ensure that artists and creativity survive by your ongoing support and love. We are relying on you!
