Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hamptons celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge and directed by Caitrona McLaughlin Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins anna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synges riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flahertys life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that hes killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitrona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

The Barn is delighted to welcome musicians Jonny Hardie and Pete MacCallum for an evening of the very best of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk music. Renowned fiddler and founder member of the Old Blind Dogs, Jonny Hardie, and talented singer and guitarist, Pete MacCallum, will perform traditional tunes and folk songs, plus many original compositions. With more than a hint of the "Bothy Jazz" underpinning their work they’ll have you bouncing oot yer seats and singing a few mighty choruses along the way. Jonny & Pete will take you on a musical journey around Scotland exploring some beautiful traditional melodies, wild jigs and reels and songs both old and new. This will be an evening of fun and laughter wi a puckle o’fine stories and comic turns in for good measure.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Fred MacAulay was required to cancel his 2025 Edinburgh Fringe performances and his planned Autumn Tour. He is now preparing to return to touring in 2026 with his show “GOOD EVENING!” Now entering his fourth decade in comedy, Fred MacAulay remains committed to stand-up performance, the career he pursued after moving from corporate work and into entertainment. His career has included extensive work in television and radio in the UK and internationally. Despite this wider media presence, MacAulay continues to regard stand-up as the central focus of his professional life. In “GOOD EVENING!” audiences can expect MacAulay to reflect on current events and personal experiences. With nearly 18 years as a frequent guest on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, he brings long-standing experience in topical humour. As a family man, he also anticipates discussing the latest developments in his personal life, including becoming a grandparent. Over the years, MacAulay has appeared on several well-known television programmes, including Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity MasterChef. Although he is often associated with “celebrity” formats, he remains primarily recognised for his stand-up work. For publicity, MacAulay offered this light-hearted remark: “I really hope that a lot of people come out to see this tour. I think it’s the best show I’ve done since the last one.” He looks forward to welcoming audiences back in 2026.”

Iris Trio is a three-piece composition made up of clarinettist Christine Carter, violist Zoë Martin-Doike, and pianist Anna Petrova. Known for their imaginative programming and powerhouse performances, their debut at the German Consulate in New York City was met by a sold-out audience. The Trio subsequently gave the world premiere of Christof Weiß’s Conversation Among Friends at the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Residence Palace and were featured in Michael Wende & Andreea Varga’s documentary, MozartLabor. Project Earth is the trio’s response to the enormous crisis currently facing our planet. Through chamber music and poetry, they illuminate the impact of human behaviour on the environment, addressing issues of climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. The aim is not to create a doomsday picture but rather highlight the immense beauty and wonder found in nature, and rouse a sense of hope and shared responsibility. Project Earth is a three chapter project and the Barn is proud to host the trio for their Green Chapter, including two vital new works by Canadian poets and composers. The integration of poetry and music provide an inter-arts lens for audiences to explore the environmental crises taking place and the beauty that is worth protecting. Project Earth strives to provide audiences with powerful experiences that connect with place, people, and the storytelling that unites the two. It also offers a positive experience for exploring contemporary arts creation.

Celebrating the start of the Deeside Cello Project Festival week, Rebecca Gilliver will present a fantastic programme including both the extraordinary Kodaly sonata for solo cello and together with Dina Duisen, the Kodaly sonata for cello and piano. The programme will also feature works by Delius, Moeran and Frank Bridge. Rebecca Gilliver is Principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra, and has played guest principal with orchestras around the world, including the Philharmonia, New Sinfonietta Amsterdam and the World Orchestra for Peace. She has played extensively as a recitalist, including at the Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Weill Hall. As a chamber musician, Rebecca has played and recorded with major artists such as the Nash Ensemble, and is a regular participant at IMS Prussia Cove. Kazakh-British pianist Dina Duisen was born into a family of musicians in Almaty, Kazakhstan. She completed her Master of Arts in Performance at the Royal Academy of Music and graduating with distinction. She is a major prize-winner at many piano competitions, including the 29th International Piano Competition in Senigallia, the Shabyt International Competition, the National Competition of Kazakhstan and the International Musician of the 21st Century Competition.

This year the three cellos Philip Higham, Rebecca Gilliver and James Halsey will be joined by Joshua Lynch, cello, in the first half, and Sally Halsey, piano, in the second half.  Their programme will feature, amongst other things, operatic gems by Strauss, Puccini,Bizetand Mozart! An enormous treat for fans of the cello, the three cellos will indulge their love of chamber playing and take the audience on a memorable journey for the evening.  Entertaining and friendly introductions complement the wonderful music-making and this special concert is guaranteed to leave the audience with smiles on their faces!

Kathleen Jamie is a poet, essayist and Scotland's fourth Makar and Karen Solie is a celebrated Canadian poet who teaches Creative Writing half-time at the University of St Andrews. The italicised is the title of Kathleen's essay published in the LRB in 2022, in which she writes, "It's been a while since we have been able to turn to the natural world for reassurance . . . the feeling of being imperilled is now constant: the sense that something is cracking like a parched field, the veneer of our hitherto secure lives." In this workshop they will discuss the role of poetry amid climate crisis, read poems that address environmental precarity from the perspective of the local, and engage in generative writing experiments that might reveal the seeds of new work and suggest ways forward for ourselves and our communities. Kathleen Jamie’s poetry collections include The Overhaul, which won the 2012 Costa Poetry Prize, and The Tree House, which won the Forward prize. Her non-fiction includes the highly regarded Findings trilogy (Findings, Sightlines, and Surfacing), all regarded as important contributions to the 'new nature writing'. The Bonniest Companie appeared in 2015, and won the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year Award.  The Keeliehawk – Poems in Scots appeared in 2024. From 2021-24, Kathleen served as Scotland’s Makar, or National Poet. Karen Solie is the author of six collections of poems. Her most recent, _Wellwater (_2025), won the Forward Prize for Best Collection, the T.S. Eliot Prize, and the Canadian Governor General's Award for Poetry. She was a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow, and has been awarded a 2026 Windham-Campbell Prize. Karen teaches in the autumn semesters for the University of St Andrews, and spends the rest of the year in Canada.

Join us in Banchory for an exceptional evening at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention celebrating some of the finest fiddle and dance traditions from across the North Atlantic. Four on the Floor is Cape Breton powerhouse Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy with their children Mary Frances and Michael in an electrifying family performance packed with world-class musicianship, step dance and energy. We have world-renowned duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, whose spellbinding partnership between fiddle and cello has captivated audiences for over 25 years. From Cork, The Flannery Sisters share the vibrant sounds of the Sliabh Luachra tradition, and the newly crowned Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year 2026 showcases the next generation of outstanding fiddle talent. It’s a concert you simply do not want to miss!

One of Scotland’s best-known names in contemporary folk music, Peatbog Faeries presents a rip-roaring display of musical wizardry with their fiddles, bagpipes, whistles, drums, guitars, sax, keyboard, and vocals. Thrilling audiences and electrifying festival stages wherever they go. Rooted in traditional melodies yet driven by infectious rhythms and unexpected twists, their performances are both electrifying and spine-tingling. Peatbog Faeries have become firm favourites at festivals and venues across the UK and have toured the world with their inventive and unique brand of music never failing to fill the floor and delight crowds. From the moment they take to the stage, the mood is set for a no-nonsense feel-good atmosphere, each number sounding like an encore itself.

Ryan Young brings new and exciting ideas to traditional Scottish music, receiving international praise for his spell-binding interpretations on the fiddle. His debut album was recorded with four time GRAMMY winner Jesse Lewis (who has worked with the likes of Bela Fleck and YoYoMa) and launched at Feakle Traditional Music Festival in County Clare, accompanied by renowned guitarist, Dennis Cahill (Martin Hayes; The Gloaming). Ryan was nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2024 MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards; Live Act Of The Year at the 2023 Awards, and Musician of the Year at the 2022 Awards. Ryan brings new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. He sings through the fiddle and his playing is often described as poetry without words. Ryan’s music is brimming with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision. His sound is very distinctive and takes the listener on an emotional and adventurous journey in any performance. He holds both a first class honours and a Masters degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, was twice a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, and twice a finalist in the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year. He was awarded ‘Up And Coming Artist Of The Year’ at the Scots Trad Awards in, nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and awarded.

When a prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only chance to break the spell is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can the beautiful village girl, Belle, see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast? Bringing you a fairytale story beloved by generations young and old, with hilarious jokes, catchy songs, and panto joy aplenty, this charming pantomime promises to be a festive treat for the whole family! Get your tickets now as it would be beastly to miss out! Casting to be announced soon!

When a family moves to the countryside, the children are reluctant to embrace their new lives until they discover an enchanted wood full of eccentric characters in this fantasy adventure film. Based on the book by Enid Blyton.

Having grown up in the West Coast Coigach peninsula of the Scottish Highlands – an area steeped in culture and local traditions –Mairearad was introduced to folk music at an early age. Renowned for her deft and lyrical accordion style, as well as her dextrous piping, and haunting vocals, Mairearad is in great demand as a performer and composer. To celebrate the launch of her new album, Tìm, Mairearad will be joined by multi-instrumentalist, Mike Vass for a special live performance.

Multi-talented Michael Pedersen is one of Scotland’s most exciting contemporary authors, and the current Makar/Poet Laureate for Edinburgh. After huge acclaim for poetry (The Cat Prince) and non-fiction (Boy Friends), his first novel Muckle Flugga came out in 2025 to rave reviews. He joins us at the Barn to discuss his work, read from Muckle Flugga, and answer your questions.

Discover the magic of cyanotype printing in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll create your own stunning blue and white prints inspired by nature. This historic photographic process uses sunlight and natural materials to produce beautiful, unique artworks. During the session, you’ll learn how to coat paper, arrange objects to create striking compositions, and develop your prints using just sunlight and water. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to explore a new creative technique, this relaxed and enjoyable workshop will give you the skills to continue experimenting at home. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring leaves, flowers, lace, or other textured objects to personalise your prints. Wear old clothes, as the process can get a little messy! Angela Macmillan is a mixed media artist based in Inverness working intuitively with a variety of mediums, including watercolour, ink, acrylic and cyanotype. The natural beauty of the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic culture deeply inspire her work. From stormy skies and wild seas to rugged hills and intricate patterns in flora, Angela finds endless inspiration in the world around her. Her art celebrates the often-overlooked beauty and energy in nature, encouraging a mindful appreciation of the landscapes we inhabit. Angela Macmillan is a mixed media artist based in Inverness working intuitively with a variety of mediums, including watercolour, ink, acrylic and cyanotype. The natural beauty of the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic culture deeply inspire her work. From stormy skies and wild seas to rugged hills and intricate patterns in flora, Angela finds endless inspiration in the world around her. Her art celebrates the often-overlooked beauty and energy in nature, encouraging a mindful appreciation of the landscapes we inhabit.

Discover the foundations of eco printing in this hands‑on introductory workshop with artist Kirsty MacDonald. Together we’ll explore how different natural fibres respond to plant colour, comparing the behaviour of wool and cotton and learning why each requires its own preparation, mordant, and handling. We’ll experiment with wrapping and bundling methods, discuss which plants give the clearest results, and consider thoughtful, ethical approaches to foraging. This workshop is designed to give you confidence, curiosity, and a strong technical foundation, whether you are completely new to eco printing or looking to deepen your material knowledge. You’ll leave with your own printed samples, practical skills, and inspiration for continuing your explorations. Kirsty MacDonald is an interdisciplinary artist based in Aberdeen whose work centres on plant colour and sustainable material practices. In 2024, she received the QEST Radcliffe Trust Emerging Maker Award, which allowed her to dedicate a full year to developing her skills in natural pigments, inks and dyes. She creates sculptural, paintings and installation-based work informed by research into Scottish culture, folklore and plant knowledge.

Delve into a joyful day of watercolours in nature with celebrated painter Susie Hunt. Participants will be guided through foundational and advanced techniques, including mark‑making, brush control, fine detail, and expressive gestural work. Suitable for both beginners and experienced painters as you are encouraged and build confidence throughout the day to create expressive landscapes. All materials are supplied and please bring a packed lunch for our mid-day break. Susie Hunt is a North-East based painter and tutor that has shown in many solo and group exhibitions, and in selected shows including the RWS at Bankside Gallery, London and the SSA at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh. She mainly works with water-based media on paper and combines location sketches with memories of landscape as subject. She has founded the award winning North-East Open Studios event in 2004 and has been an active council member of Aberdeen Artists Society for 15 years.

This workshop offers a practical introduction to lake pigments and the possibilities of working with plant colour. We’ll begin with a clear explanation of what a lake pigment is and how it’s made, walking through each stage of the process from extracting colour from plant material, exploring the alchemy of lake pigments. You’ll leave with your own handmade watercolour samples and a grounded understanding of how plant colour can be transformed into a usable, sustainable art material. No experience is required just an interest in natural materials and the pleasure of making. Kirsty MacDonald is an interdisciplinary artist based in Aberdeen whose work centres on plant colour and sustainable material practices. In 2024, she received the QEST Radcliffe Trust Emerging Maker Award, which allowed her to dedicate a full year to developing her skills in natural pigments, inks and dyes. She creates sculptural, paintings and installation-based work informed by research into Scottish culture, folklore and plant knowledge.

Join this teen-friendly workshop that will teach you traditional weaving techniques to create a sustainable, fat-ball-holding bird feeder. You will learn basic basketry techniques such as creating a round base, using a spiral or pairing weave, and forming hanging loops. Along the way,you’ll develop an understanding of working with willow - how to handle it, tension it, and read what the material wants to do. This course is open for teenagers aged 13-19 yrs old, with plenty of guided support throughout. The pace is steady and achievable and by the end of the session, you’ll take home a finished bird feeder. All materials and tools are provided. Martin Henretty is a basket weaver originally from Banchory now based near Forres, where he teaches on behalf of Naturally Useful.This small Scottish rural business offers hands-on learning opportunities, residencies and hosts their own willow field. Their ethos is to reconnect people to nature by making tactile functional things from materials that are naturally occurring and readily available, such as willow.

After catching the comedy bug writing sketches for the Young Farmers panto and making his comedy debut 5 years ago, Jim Smith is now one of Scotland's fastest rising comedy stars. Still a working farmer in Perthshire, Jim's unique insight into rural living coupled with his sharp observational humour, has allowed him to create hilarious shows from his day to day life. With 2 sell out Fringe runs under his belt, when he's not on the farm Jim is in demand as a performer all over Scotland. TV and radio credits include BBC Radio Scotland's Breaking The News, BBC Scotland's Scot Squad and BBC Short Stuff " The Farm Diaries. “He is nothing short of superb” The Scotsman