South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

 

From the producer of Dragged Tae the Steamie comes an award-winning new comedy that’s fierce, funny, and full of heart.

Winner of The Creative Arts Award at the Proud Scotland Awards 2025, this powerful new play by Grant F Kidd and James T Smith follows three unforgettable drag queens -The Jessies - and the staff of the infamous Jessie’s Bar in Scotland.

Spanning from 1980 to 1995, the story dives into the highs and lows of queer life during a time of upheaval, hope, and hard-won joy. Through laughter, heartbreak, gossip, and glitter, The Jessies discover what it truly means to find family - not the one you’re born into, but the one you choose.

Set against the backdrop of a changing world, this hilarious and deeply moving play is a celebration of resilience, love, and the enduring power of community.

Content Advisory: Contains adult themes, nudity, period-specific offensive language, and scenes some may find distressing.

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Cost: £28.00 / £25.00 concession (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Folk music was beginning to boom throughout the U.K. in the 1950’s. Much of it was heavily influenced by ‘Skiffle’. The great Lonnie Donegan used many songs from the American folk song scene, and this encouraged many British youngsters to go out and buy a guitar. Average sales of guitars at the time apparently rose from 2000 per annum to 300,000 per annum. At one stage there were over 30,000 recognised ‘Skiffle Bands’ in the UK.

English teacher at Rutherglen Academy, Norman Buchan, was already a dedicated folk fan in 1957 when he decided to open a lunch time folk club, he called it a ‘Ballads Club’, in the school where he taught. Concerned that the idea might not catch on he described the opening event as a ‘Folk and Skiffle’ club. He needn’t have worried; the room was packed. And so, it remained for many, many years.  

Norman’s politics were strongly supportive of Civil Rights; the CND and he leaned strongly to the left. Through this he met many of the currently top politically motivated folk singers, including the great Pete Seeger.   

His personality, politics and folk song enthusiasm endeared him to many ‘stars’ who were willing to come along to the Ballads Club and perform a few songs, free of charge.   

Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Ray and Archie Fisher, Matt McGinn, Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor, Josh MacRae and many more including Billy Connolly ensured the success of the club. It also encouraged many youngsters to follow a career in folk song. Not all became full time performers, but many became very well-established names on the worldwide folk scene. Sadly, not all of the ‘Ballads Club’ artistes are still alive but there are still quite a few who will come along and perform at this concert with a mix of old favourites and self-penned songs.    

Norman Buchan passed away many years ago but his influence, and that of the Ballads Club is still very strong as will be heard at this event. This will be a great singalong event so come prepared.

Available to book online or by calling Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700.

Cost: £10.00 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Encore Stars Academy present High School Musical 2.

Get ready to soak up the summer vibes with High School Musical 2! The Wildcats are back for another high-energy adventure packed with catchy songs, incredible dance numbers, and a whole lot of fun. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and the gang as they take on summer jobs, friendships, and dreams under the spotlight.

Performed by the talented young performers of Encore Stars Academy, this feel-good musical promises an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

It’s time to sing, dance, and be fabulous — because we’re all in this together!

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Cost: £16.00 / £14.00 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

The one liners have been sharpened, the quick replies are flowing fast and this time - he’s bringing his pals.

Following on from his debut sold-out UK Tour join star of social media, TikTok, and all round good guy Stuart Mitchell as he brings his famous weekly Stuart Mitchell and Friends show direct from Glasgow to your front door (nearly).

Featuring two special guests from the cream of the comedy crop, don’t miss out on a night of laughter that’s just up the road.

Over 18's only.

Available to book online or by calling Lanark Memorial Hall on 01555 673199.

Cost: £22.50 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are bringing their "Feelin’ Happy" Tour to town, and it’s gonna flip your frown upside down! When these cats burst onto the stage in their signature yellow suits, you’ll be tapping your feet and grinning like a fool before you know it. This ain’t just a show it’s a proper good time that’ll leave you buzzing with joy.

For 30 years they've have been taking their infectious tunes to over 40 countries and continuously proving why they are the UKs No.1 jive and swing band. They effortlessly transition from smooth-as-butter ballads to rip-roaring rhythm & blues, with a nod to the raw, foot-stomping roots of rock n roll. They’ve played for the Queen, packed out the Royal Albert Hall, and made history as the first band to get to the Britain’s Got Talent finals. With 250 gigs a year, they’ve got a knack for turning any crowd into a dancing, cheering frenzy.

These guys and gals are the real deal. They’ve shared stages with legends like Van Morrison, John Travolta, and Priscilla Presley, Jamie Cullum, Toto and Status Quo, and nabbed awards like the City of Derry International Music Award and the Variety Club of Great Britain Award for their music and charity work. Their music videos? So sharp they’ve won film festival prizes. But what makes The Jive Aces special is how they make you feel like you’re right in the heart of the party.

Don’t miss the "Feelin’ Happy" Tour! Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of swing, jive, and pure, unfiltered entertainment that’ll send you home with more uplifted than a Beverly Hills trophy wife. Snag your tickets now for a show that’ll keep you smiling for days.

Available to book online or by calling Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700.

Cost: £22.00 / £20.00 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)