The Eastgate - w/c 10 April 2008

Thu 10th 7.30pm
Brian Friel’s Winners & Losers
Theatre Crave & Emotional Tramps Theatre with two one-act plays by Brian Friel. Winners: a couple discussing their marriage, education, family and lives as parents-to-be. Losers: a couple with an overbearing, bedridden catholic mother, a nosy neighbour and St Philomena.

Fri 11th 7.30pm
Karine Polwart
The multiple BBC Folk Award winning songwriter, and new mum, comes to the Eastgate to let us hear her stunning musical and song-writing talents. This show is sold out.

Sat 12th 7.30pm
Abba-Cadabra
Re-live the magic of ABBA with the UK’s number one ABBA-tribute show. Join in and enjoy all of your favourites including: Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Thank You For The Music, Dancing Queen, Winner Takes It All, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme... and many more!!!

Sun 13th
Film Sunday
Underdog (U)
2.30pm 1hr 24mins
A bomb-sniffing beagle is fired from the mayor's office for a faux pas. That night a mad scientist dognaps him and injects him with an elixir. The dog escapes, but now has superpowers. He's adopted by a security guard - an ex-cop, who's a widower with a moody teen son, Jack. The boy discovers that the dog, named Shoeshine by dad, has super powers, but it's their little secret. While Underdog saves people in distress, the mad scientist and his underling continue their plot to catch him and take over the city. There's also a girl Jack likes who has a dog that Shoeshine takes a shine to. Will every dog have his day?

No Country For Old Men (15)
7.30pm 2hrs
“No Country for Old Men” tells the story of a drug deal gone wrong and the ensuing cat-and-mouse drama, as three men crisscross each other's paths in the desert landscape of 1980West Texas. The film melds the themes of fate and circumstance the Coens have previously used in Blood Simple and Fargo with the novel's motifs of chance, free-will, and determinism.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun – Times called it "as good a film as the Coen brothers... have ever made A Guardian journalist said the film proved "that the Coens' technical abilities, and their feel for a landscape-based Western classicism reminiscent of Anthony Mann and Sam Peckinpah, are matched by few living directors. The film was honored with numerous awards, garnering four Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay), three British Academy of Film Awards

Tue 15th 4pm
Heelie-Go-Leerie (Head Over Heels)
Where have we come from and where are we going: to the moon, the stars even? What will we find: dragons in the dustbin, fishes on the roof? An exuberant show for families, with bagpipes, drumming, dancing, games and songs. Free materials down-loadable from www.licketyspit.com

Thu 17th 7.30pm
Johnson & Boswell – Late But Live
Written by TV Comedian Stewart Lee this side-splitting show features Balimory Star Miles Jupp and star of comedy at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Simon Munnery. This show is a superb opportunity to see quality comedy outside of the Fringe and in the Borders. “Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young.” (Samuel Johnson). “In England you have better horses, and in Scotland we have better men.” (James Boswell). A combination of stand-up and storytelling - “this is a spellbinding, giggle-engendering hour”. The Scotsman.

Fri 18th 7.30 pm
The Borders Strathspey & Reel Society
A special concert in aid of Scottish HART, who provide screening and defibrillators for detection of early heart disease. Tickets for this event will be in short supply and high demand; early booking recommended.

Tontine Hotel Spring Offer

Kate from the Tontine Hotel in Peebles tells me that they have a special last minute offer from now until the 10th April (last booking date) offering a rate of £45 per person including dinner, bed and breakfast (minimum stay 2 nights based on sharing a twin or double room) from Sunday to Thursday.

The Eastgate - w/c 3rd April 2008

Fri 4th April 7.30pm
Simon Thacker and Camerata Ritmata
Simon Thacker (classical guitar) with three jazz musicians: Paul Kirby (piano), Mario Caribé da Rocha (bass) and Stuart Brown (percussion). The programme will include works from their repertoire in the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, completed by the sultry and evocative sounds of Brazil.

Tue 8th April 12.30 and 3.30pm
The Tin Soldier
A little boy is given a present of 12 tin soldiers. One soldier is very different from the rest. So begins the story of a very special toy, and his extraordinary journey. This production from Storybox Theatre retains all the beauty and magic of one of Hans Christian Andersen’s best-loved tales.

Thu 10th April 7.30pm
Brian Friel's Winners & Losers
Theatre Crave & Emotional Tramps Theatre with two one-act plays by Brian Friel. Winners: a couple discussing their marriage, education, family and lives as parents-to-be. Losers: a couple with an overbearing, bedridden catholic mother, a nosy neighbour and St Philomena.

Fri 11th April7.30pm
Karine Polwart
The multiple BBC Folk Award winning songwriter, and new mum, comes to the Eastgate to let us hear her stunning musical and songwriting talents. This show has almost completely sold out…severely restricted view seats only... we did warn you!

Outdoor Show 2008 Video Update

Spring Offer from Caddon View

During April, if you are visiting Innerleithen, Traquair, Glentress or Peebles, why not spend 3 nights at Caddon View for the price of 2 nights?

Please quote Spring Offer on booking.

Note: there is no availability on April 4th, 28th or 29th April.

The Eastgate - w/c 27th March 2008

THU 27th March 7.30pm
Skin
Using captivating physical expression to discover what makes us function as a human being, ACE Dance explores the invisible signals we give out and the force and flow of feelings running through our veins. From the outside we look different, but underneath, aren't we all the same?

FRI 28th March 7.30pm
Preston Reed
"Spectacular... the best one-man show this reviewer has seen since Bruce Springsteen... A terrific performer" The Irish Independent.
"Widely thought of as the world's most gifted guitarist”" Total Guitar.
"Amazing... hypnotic" The Scotsman.
Returning to Peebles with his dazzling technique.

SAT 29th March 7.30pm
Richard Digance
Appealing to all ages and a regular on TV's Countdown, Richard is one of Britain's top comedy and music attractions. He is a rare performer - respected by comedians for his original material and by musicians for being one of Britain's top acoustic guitarists.

SUN 30th March 2.30 and 7.30pm
FILM SUNDAY
The Water Horse (PG)
2.30pm 1hr 51min
A 2007 fantasy film directed by Jay Russell. An adaption of Dick King-Smith's children's novel The Water Horse. It stars Alex Etel as a young boy who discovers a mysterious egg and cares for what hatches of it: a 'water horse' that becomes the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin and David Morrissey also star.

The Bucket List (12A)
7.30pm 1hr 37mins
Blue-collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and billionaire hospital magnate Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) meet for the first time in the hospital after both have been diagnosed with cancer. They become friends as they undergo their respective treatments. Both are diagnosed with a year or less to live. Carter begins writing a "bucket list," or things to do before "he kicks the bucket." While not a serious list of intentions, he is goaded into going through with it when Cole discovers the list. Cole pushes Carter, and promises to pay for everything. Despite the protests of his wife, Virginia (Beverly Todd), Carter agrees. The pair then begin an around-the-world vacation, embarking on everything from race car driving to sky diving to climbing the Pyramids to hunting lion Safari in Africa. Along the way they discuss faith and family, and learn from each other.

MON 31st March 12.30 and 3.30pm
The Man Who Planted Trees
This show sold out last time round... Puppet State Theatre Company bring a magical, comical, multi-sensory adaptation of Jean Giono's well-loved children's story. Accompanied by his faithful dog, a French shepherd sets out to plant a forest and revive a barren and desolate land.

FRI 4th April 7.30pm
Simon Thacker and Camerata Ritmata
Simon Thacker (classical guitar) with three jazz musicians: Paul Kirby (piano), Mario Caribé da Rocha (bass) and Stuart Brown (percussion). The programme will include works from their repertoire in the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, completed by the sultry and evocative sounds of Brazil.

The Eastgate - w/c 20th March 2008

FRI 21st & SAT 22nd 7.30pm
Hostage, by Tweed Theatre
World premiere. The late 15th century saw Muslim fundamentalist jihad in North Africa and Andalus, and the determination of Christian rulers to extend their power.. At the Holy Cross in Peebles, the Trinitarian Order is devoted to the redemption of the Christian captives of the Moors...

TUE 25th 7.30pm
Schools Outreach Halyrude
In the Eastgate’s fifth school project our Outreach Worker Mandy Durkin has turned Halyrude’s P3s and P4s into Jumblies! Come and see them set sail in a sieve and explore new lands, in this classic poem by Edward Lear.

WED 26th 7.30pm
Mr McFall’s Chamber
An adventurous group of classically-trained musicians who break down barriers – mixing genres, bridging different musical traditions and different art forms. They’re joined by Fraser Fifield, Tom Bancroft and James Mackintosh, in a celebration of the late, great Martyn Bennett.

THU 27th 7.30pm
Skin
Using captivating physical expression to discover what makes us function as a human being, ACE Dance explores the invisible signals we give out and the force and flow of feelings running through our veins. From the outside we look different, but underneath, aren't we all the same?

FRI 28th 7.30pm
Preston Reed
“Spectacular... the best one-man show this reviewer has seen since Bruce Springsteen…A terrific performer” The Irish Independent. “Widely thought of as the world’s most gifted guitarist” Total Guitar. “Amazing... hypnotic” The Scotsman. Returning to Peebles with his dazzling technique.

The Eastgate - w/c 13th March 2008

THU 13th 7.30pm
Shining City
Rapture return with another exciting show. After leaving the priesthood, Ian sets himself up as a therapist in Dublin. One of his first clients is John who, following the tragic death of his wife in a car accident, has repeatedly seen her ghostly figure. But surely it must be his imagination!

FRI 14th 7.30pm
The Way Of The Drum
Book early for the return the amazing Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Powerful rhythms on huge drums are interwoven with delicate flutes, gentle bells and percussion in a visually spellbinding display of grace, choreography and athleticism.

SAT 15th 7.30pm
Lights Out By Nine
Lights Out By Nine's latest album has been hailed as a major breakthrough into the US market and follows the trail blazed by the Average White Band many years ago, in taking soul and rhythm and blues music back to the source. Let them blow your socks off!

SUN 16th 2.30pm
National Treasure: Book Of Secrets (PG)
At a Civil War seminar a black market dealer brings forth evidence that suggests Benjamin’s great-great-grandfather was directly involved in the conspiracy to kill President Lincoln. Ben is convinced his ancestor had a different motive altogether, but he must find the treasure to prove it.

SUN 16th 7.30pm
The Kite Runner (18)
This powerful film set in Afghanistan invites discussion on the nature and validity of redemption, loyalty and love. Amir is a little boy enjoying the last peaceful days of the Afghan monarchy. He witnesses the true meaning of selfless love and cannot bear the burden…will he redeem himself?

MON 17th - FRI 4th APRIL
The Evening Sky
An exhibition of paintings by Dr John Laidlaw - a distinguished physician and author, as well as an artist who has painted for more than half a century. His work is influenced by the well-known Scottish artist William Johnstone, and includes landscapes, townscapes and abstracts.

TUE 18th 7.30pm
Beck Sian
Ethereal, graceful and colourful, with waist-length red hair and Celtic tattoos, a striking presence. Beck interprets traditional songs with contemporary flair and plenty of emotion silencing audiences with her breath-taking voice singing of storms, nature, ghost stories and loves lost.

WED 19TH 7.30pm
Quiz Night
Brush up on trivia, make up a team (four to eight competitors), enjoy a (free) drink at the bar, and battle for prizes! An Eastgate fundraiser, organised by Friends of the Eastgate.

FRI 21st & SAT 22nd 7.30pm
Hostage, by Tweed Theatre
World premiere. The late 15th century saw Muslim fundamentalist jihad in North Africa and Andalus, and the determination of Christian rulers to extend their power... At the Holy Cross in Peebles, the Trinitarian Order is devoted to the redemption of the Christian captives of the Moors...

Members to Attend the Outdoors Show 2008

For 2008, the bike arena sees the return of the popular 7stanes mountain biking display team from Scotland, the MB7 have-a-go zone and a whole lot more. This year MB7 will be creating a 150 tonne dirt race track with huge jumps and loads of obstacles guaranteed to provide thrills and maybe the odd spill. The 7stanes team will be joined by the cream of Scottish mountain biking talent in elbow-to-elbow racing around the purpose-built track. In addition to this, the trials and dirt jump display riders will wow you with their balance and nerve on the extreme course.

Not only is the mountain biking display area bigger and better, but so is the have-a-go area. Back for another year is MB7's 'Timbertrail' - a series of narrow wooden platforms to pit your bike balancing skills against (suitable for all abilities from age 8+). In addition to this, Scotland's downhill mountain biking training specialists 'Dirtschool' will be running jump sessions on the race track and giving you the opportunity to fly! As if that wasn't enough, there will be bicycle trials skills sessions running for those looking to improve their advanced skills.

The Tweed Valley Tourist Consortia has a 8m x 3m stand with members manning the stand and handing material from TVTC businesses. If you want to see any more, go to www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk.

Snowdrops at Kailzie This Weekend

Kailzie Gardens are open this weekend as part of the second ever Scottish Snowdrop Festival. All funds raised will be divided between Scotland's Garden Scheme and Erskine, the charity which caters for ex-servicemen and women. The garden's special opening hours are between 11am to 5pm on Sunday 2nd March.