HOGMANAY REEL IN THE
P H O T O : I
M A G N A R I
Welcoming 2018 isn’t just about popping prosecco and hugging strangers. As our list of Hogmanay highlights shows, there are plenty opportunities to get into the seasonal spirit
SAT 30 DEC HOGMANY
GLASGOW
EDINBURGH GLASGOW
ONE MORE SLEEP ’TIL CHRISTMAS EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland presents festive fun for 3–6 year olds and their families. ■ Citizen’s Theatre, Wed–Sun from Thu 7–Sun 31 Dec, 11am & 2pm. HOOTFEST! Scotland’s best comedy club hosts its annual Hogmanay gigs. This year’s lineup features Gary Little, Ian Coppinger, Ashley Storrie, Gary Meikle and host Billy Kirkwood. ■ The Stand, Wed 27–Sun 31 Dec, 9pm.
MASSAOKE Karaoke en masse. There’s a live band, the words on giant screens and everyone sings together. ■ O2 ABC, 7pm.
MAMMA MIA The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA continues to storm the UK. ■ Theatre Royal, Thu 5–Sat 30 Dec, 7.30pm.
Edinburgh is transformed once again by its Christmas markets, rides, ice rinks and much more. Plus, there’s festive entertainment in the form of Shark in the Park and La Clique Noel. ■ Various venues, Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan.
MAGICFEST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: THE SECRET GIFT
A festive magic show production from the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. ■ Traverse Theatre, Wed 27–Sat 30 Dec, 2pm & 7pm.
Panto fun for the whole family with Greg McHugh (Gary: Tank Commander) starring as Jack. Only An Excuse’s Louise McCarthy and River City’s Gayle Telfer-Stevens) join him as ‘The Dolls’, Jack’s naughty aunties. The SEC panto boasts 3D effects, so pop on your glasses and disappear into the depths of the forest with the Trot family. ■ SEC, Sat 16 Dec–Sun 7 Jan, times vary.
SLEEPING BEAUTY This year’s King’s panto features Elaine C Smith, Johnny Mac and Juliet Cadzow. ■ King’s Theatre, Sat 2 Dec–Sun 7 Jan, times vary.
SCOTTISH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Peter Darrell’s magical world of The Nutcracker has been reimagined by Olivier Award-winning designer Lez Brotherston, bringing a new sheen to this classical 40-year-old adaptation. ■ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 9–Sun 30 Dec, times vary; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 13 Jan.
CLUB NOIR Swansong for the great burlesque club, which promises to go out with a bang. Tonight’s theme is Moulin Noir: expect a vintage retro and modern soundtrack, with dressing up distinctly encouraged. ■ O2 ABC, 9pm.
SUB CLUB XXX
TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION OPTIMO HOGMANAY
Iconic Glaswegian institution Sub Club turned 30 this year. This Hogmanay warm-up bash features The Black Madonna. See feature, page 98. ■ Sub Club, 11pm.
Folk in their thousands, led by massed pipes and drums, carry a torch from George IV Bridge to Calton Hill and witness a spectacular i reworks i nale. To mark the launch of Scotland’s Year of Young People in 2018, the climax of this year’s procession sees torches spell out one word chosen by the young people of Scotland answering the question ‘what makes you most proud to live in Scotland?’ ■ Old Town, 7pm. JD Twitch and JG Wilkes host their annual extravaganza, rounding off Optimo’s 20th anniversary year. ■ The Art School, 10pm.
54 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018