Completion of the multi-million pound refurbishment of Perth Theatre has paved the way for the return of a popular musical showcase.
Local talent and well-known names from the world of indie, folk, blues, Scottish traditional, Americana and jazz music are set to brighten up Monday nights in Perth Theatre throughout February, March and April.
The Monday Night Thing, formerly a regular feature in Perth Theatre Redrooms, starts on Monday February 5 in the theatre’s Joan Knight Studio with up-and-coming local talent Beth Malcolm and one of Scotland’s finest songwriters Blue Rose Code, aka Ross Wilson.
Andy Shearer, creative director for contemporary music for Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, said: “It’s been a long time coming but we’re delighted to be able to bring the Monday Night Thing back to Perth Theatre.
“It was a very popular part of our programme in Redrooms in the old building and the new Joan Knight Studio, while still a very intimate space, has twice the capacity so has allowed us to book an even stronger lineup of award-winning headline artists, including many genuinely world-class musicians.
“At the same time, it’s the perfect platform to showcase some of the amazing talent we have in Perthshire to a wider audience, both as headline and supporting acts.
“As well as the sheer quality on offer, the diversity of styles from these local performers is really pleasing — people will hear some great pop-influenced songs from Beth Malcolm, superb indie folk from Laurie Cameron, left-field Americana from Aberfeldy’s Star Wheel Press, avant-garde torch songs from Bankfoot-based Pumajaw, a great singer-songwriter in Lisa Rigby, one of Scotland’s best blues bands Wang Dang Delta and two of the UK’s most exciting traditional musicians and composers, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton.
“The long-term plan is for the Joan Knight Studio to be a key venue on the Scottish music circuit and the place for discerning music fans to see some incredible music on a regular basis and this launch series of gigs is a huge first step in that direction.”
