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There are four theatres in the Scottish Borders. The fact they survive in such a rural area with a short tourist season has to be testimony to the quality of the entertainment they provide.

The Wynd in Melrose is owned by the sometimes controversial Felix Sear. Now Felix has a knack of attracting top acts from all over the world with Julie Felix appearing there annually from the states just to prove our point. How does he do it? Perhaps he persuades them that Melrose is a great little venue, quaint little place to visit on their stressful large venue tours or somehow, like Julie, they admire his nerve and dedication.
We're not making that up about Julie, her agent told us - honest!.

On a national and local level, Felix gives his best too - check out our music section for news of Filska! from Shetland coming in August. Northumberland Theatre are back with 'Home Service' on 16 August following the astounding story of Lola Montez last spring.

The Wynd

The Eastgate Theatre in Peebles has had a remarkable couple of years. This recently converted church - beautifully archaic on the outside and smart contemporary on the inside - hit a blip last year.
Scottish Borders Council launched a rescue package, but (wait for it!) Bill Wyman also got to hear of their plight. So what did he do? He more than magnaminously included Eastgate as an important venue on his world photographic exhibition tour.
Not only did he do that, but he gave an interview to Clare English of BBC Radio Scotland on the blues from Eastgate last October.
This theatre is revived, but still deserves your support and if you see a show that appeals don't hang around as we did recently. We missed the chance to see local-lass-now-very-famous-singer-songwriter Karine Polwart. Lesson learned!

Eastgate Theatre

Into the woods, well literally that's where you'll find our next Scottish Borders theatre Bowhill. Based in the stable block of the Duke of Buccleuch's ancestral home, is this cosy little theatre. The entertainment is more local than The Wynd or Eastgate, but it seems that quality isn't compromised. We've worked with their administrator and she's relentlessly dedicated to sourcing local plays with professional local actors young (Borders Youth Theatre) and more experienced (John Nicol, Hilary Bell and others) and pairing with The Wynd to brings national shows to the Bowhill stage.
There's a small restaurant providing tasty suppers after shows from a small but skilful catering company. Best to book supper when you buy the tickets.

Bowhill Theatre

The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre in Berwick-on-Tweed is a strong supporter of the local arts with Berwick Opera and the local youth theatre group maintaining a strong presence there.

Scottish Ballet were at The Maltings at the end of last month of their Scottish Tour. Their version of Othello inspired, but it was by far outshone by the modern ballet including a memorable piece set to Radiohead.

The Maltings

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