Event 1: The Doctor and the Devils
by Dylan Thomas
adapted and directed by Vivia Leslie
music by Alasdair Nicolson

Orkney Arts Theatre, Kirkwall, 7pm
(Preview- Event 1A: Thursday 17th June, 7.30pm)

A special adaptation of Dylan Thomas's powerful screenplay set in Edinburgh in the mid-1800s and based on the real-life story of infamous grave robbers Burke and Hare and Scottish surgeon Dr Knox. The gripping story, the host of wonderfully Dickensian characters, Dylan Thomas's lyrical language and Alasdair Nicolson's specially composed music all combine to make a compelling piece of community theatre.

Approximately 2 hours

Event 2 & 3: Le Jongleur de Notre Dame
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall,
7pm and 9.30pm
Hebrides Ensemble
Chris Patfield mime-juggler
Hakan Vramsmo baritone
Joshua Armstrong director

Le Jongleur is a charming music-theatre piece by Peter Maxwell Davies, based on the French mediæval tale of a juggler who, desperate for food and shelter, joins a monastery. Lacking the talents of the other monks, he has no gift to offer a statue of the Virgin except his ability to juggle. A carnival band of young people introduces this heartwarming musical extravaganza.

Le Jongleur will be performed in the centre of the Cathedral Nave, with all seats offering a good view of the performance area.

All seats are unreserved (i.e. not numbered).

Approximately 1 hour

The Hebrides Ensemble's
Festival residency is sponsored by

Event 4: Andy Cant!
Jewson's Shed, Kirkwall
7.30pm

Andy has been the creator and guiding spirit behind some of Orkney's – and the Festival's – most memorable tunes and performances.  Here at last Andy is given carte blanche with his own show.  His multiplicity of styles, the thickness of his contacts book and the breadth of his imagination suggest that audiences should expect the unexpected!

Approximately 1 hour 45 mins

Event 5: Bester Quartet
Jewson's Shed, Kirkwall
10.30pm


Bester Quartet is a reincarnation of the legendary Krakow Klezmer Band. One of Poland's most passionate and creative bands, the Quartet blends the traditional Jewish music of Eastern Europe with elements of Balkan music and contemporary jazz. Bester Quartet has become a phenomenon on the world music scene and performs to sell-out audiences at prestigious venues worldwide.

'The sheen of their ensemble sound, the virtuosity of their solos and the intelligence and drama of their performances easily persuade listeners to hang on to every note. When Bester and Dyyak played two-accordion passages, with Tyrala's violin singing imploringly in its high register, the effect was haunting.' Chicago Tribune

Approximately 1 hour 15 mins

Ticket includes admission to the Festival Club

Festival Club - The Chair
Albert Hotel, Kirkwall 10pm

£6 at door or £20 Club Pass in advance