As Autumn gives way to Winter, the West End erupts with events to cheer young and old. Without further ado let’s rip the wrapping from the West End’s festivities.
By Tracy Mukherjee
Top for Autumn Events
It has returned and it’s a beauty! Glasglow 2023, filled with ghosties and ghoulies over Halloween and Bonfire Night. But fear not. All is not lost as the Botanics is invaded by a whole host of spectres. Who ya gonna call? That’s right, this year’s Glasglow theme is Ghostbusters. As the trailer suggests Slimer is set to burst a trail through the flower beds, but the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man better watch his step with the Kibble Palace below his feet. Whatever you do DON’T CROSS THE STREAMS!
Hungry? The Gourmet Street Food Village returns, whilst wee ones will be delighted by Slimer’s Sweet Shop serving hot chocolate and sweet treats. Mr Stay Puft? Maybe not as happy to see his compatriots demise in the glorious return of Marshmallowland.
For kids young and old, these events get us through the darkest time of the year, so to book your tickets, visit –
Itison Presents Glasglow
27th Oct – 12th Nov
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
w:itison.com/glasglow
Top for Cosy Music
I’ve noticed a trend in the last couple of years for music by candlelight, gorgeous events bringing an intimate feel to glorious music. Oran Mor this November is hosting two such concerts. Performed by a string quartet the concerts will play The Music of Whitney Houston and The Music of Elvis. The 60 minute concerts are billed as a multisensory experience and whilst the November wind and rain is beating down outside, orchestral music by candlelight is certainly good for the soul.
Candlelight Concerts in Glasgow – The Music of Whitney Houston and Elvis,
9th November
Oran Mor
Byres Road
w:feverup.com/en/glasgow/candlelight
Top for Christmas Crafting
Country Living Christmas Fair returns to the SEC in November, giving you time to get crafting for Christmas. Workshops this year include needle-felted baubles and reindeer bunting. Why not book in for the Christmas Table workshop, learning to create cocktails and canapes and some pointers for tablescaping (it IS a real word). Trying to find the perfect original Christmas gift? Fear not, with an incredible wealth of artisan designers in attendance, you won’t go home empty handed.
For absolute hands-on crafting check out Sew Confident’s lengthy list of Christmas themed classes. From wreath making to quilted Christmas stockings, Christmas dress overlocking to quilted advent calendars, the team at the Great Western Road site will have Christmas all sewn up, so to speak!
Country Living Christmas Fair
16 – 19th Nov,
SEC
w:countrylivingfair.com/glasgow/
Sew Confident
Christmas Workshops
Various Dates
195 Great Western Road
w:sewconfident.co.uk/venue/glasgow/
Top for Winter Entertainment
Before we immerse ourselves into all things panto, let’s consider what else can entertain us over the next few months. A little too late for Halloween but The Addams Family take up residence in Websters Theatre this November. This production is by Call to Stage Theatre Company and tells the comical story of Gomez and Morticia as they try to navigate their beloved Wednesday’s newfound romance. This original story is guaranteed to be both gruesome and glorious so get your tickets booked soon.
At The Stand Comedy Club, there are some great shows to grab. In November, critically acclaimed writer and performer Kevin P. Gilday looks at the lazy stereotypes perceived in our society and discusses what does being ‘working-class’ mean in Britain today. His show, Spam Valley is his hilarious, autobiographical story exploring a path many of us have trodden: when a working class upbring leads to a middle class career and, in turn, lifestyle. The show blends theatre, stand-up and spoken word, where Kevin delves into his own Glaswegian upbringing to chart his journey, from ‘Spam Valley’ to the stage. This is guaranteed to be both a hilarious and thought provoking night out. Looking to Christmas,
And There’s More…
The Stand’s Christmas Specials are a great alternative Christmas night out. No dry turkey and Slade here! Instead, some Christmas Crackers (sorry) in the form of host Jay Lafferty, headliner Marc Jennings, and more fantastic comics. This sounds like way more fun that an office party with Colin from accounts…
Along at the Royal Concert Hall, A Fairytale of New York is retold on 26th of November. Direct from the (other) West End and after two sell out tours, this fabulous feel-good show is set to land in Glasgow. With all your favourite Christmas songs, this Irish-inspired show has an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers and, of course, the iconic “Fairytale of New York”. An absolute must see.
The Addams Family
16th – 18th November
Websters Theatre
Great Western Road
w:webstersglasgow.com/whats-on/event/the-addams-family/
Kevin P. Gilday: Spam Valley
Wednesday 22 November 2023
The Stand’s Christmas Specials
14-16 December 2023
The Stand Comedy Club
Woodlands Road
w:thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow
Fairytale of New York
26th November
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
w:glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/fairytale-of-new-york
Top For Panto
Oh, come on, we had to cover it! On no you didn’t! Oh yes we did!
And at Websters, you SHALL go to the ball, as A Crackin Cinderella Story appears, as if by magic. Last year’s production Sleeping Senga was a smash hit at Websters, so Insideout Theatre Productions are proud to be back at Websters for their 10th year. This family pantomime has plenty of sing along pop hits, dancing and of course, a Scottish twist on a classic fairy-tale. Our Cinders is seriously downtrodden when her two rotten stepsisters rip up her VIP invite to see her pop idol P. Charming, live in concert! What’s to be done? Can Buttons and Fairy God Mother get her there on time? Head to Websters to find out!
At the Pavilion Theatre, it’s adventure on the high seas as Treasure Island takes to the stage. Jim Hawkins has been left a treasure map so it’s a race against time between Jim, his wee brother Willie and mammy Henrietta versus the sinister Long John Silver and his bumbling band of pirates. With the wind in your sails and the sea breeze in your hair, hold on for a rip-roaring adventure me hearties!
A Crackin’ Cinderella Story
Fri 1st Dec – Sat 6th Jan
Websters Theatre
Great Western Road
w:webstersglasgow.com/whats-on/event/a-crackin-cinderella-story-2
Treasure Island
30th Nov – 14th Jan
Pavilion Theatre
Renfield St
w:paviliontheatre.co.uk/shows/treasure-island
Top for Hogmanay
Oran Mor’s choice for Hogmanay is an absolute belter! Big Country:Hogmanay Wonderland brings one of Scotland’s most successful rock groups to the West End for New Year’s Eve. “Wonderland” is a nod to their anthemic single and with other classic hits such as “Big Country”. “Fields of Fire” and “East of Eden”, what more could you want to see in the New Year?
Possible a party? Then head along to town where Hilton gives you plenty of choice. At the Doubletree Glasgow Central, it’s time to dress up a-la 1920s for a Gatsby Hogmanay Party. The stunning interiors of the hotel are a perfect setting for Gatsby glitz and glamour. A four-course meal and some champers are perfect for toasting the bells. At Hilton Glasgow, William St, the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers return for a fantastic evening, with a welcome drink, 3 course dinner and fantastic entertainment to take you through to 2024.
Gatsby Hogmanay Party
Hilton Doubletree Glasgow Central
Glasgow Central Station
For details –
w:klarenthospitality.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DT-Glasgow-Central-Christmas-2023.pdf
Hogmanay Party
Hilton Glasgow
William St
w:online.flippingbook.com/link/735183/
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