Things to do in Scotland this month, from gigs to book festivals

The National

30-04-2025

Livehouse
Any new live music venue is worth celebrating. The new Livehouse in Dundee has a strong pedigree in history and in personnel and, being in the city centre, can only be a boost to nightlife. Livehouse is located in the former Green's Playhouse on Nethergate, which for many years became a Mecca Bingo until it closed in early 2024. The site was identified by developer Michael Carolan but the face of Livehouse will be Angus Robb, his partner and the man who has been responsible for similarly ambitious live music plans for Dundee, including the introduction of Fat Sam's Live venue when he owned the adjoining nightclub. Robb is canny enough to know the success of any venue is that it needs to be multi-purpose.
'We're making sure this is a flexible venue. Ultimately, it will have a capacity of more than 4000 but that's phase three. At the moment we can accommodate 2150 and then within two years we're looking at 3500 as phase two expands the top half of the building.
'There will be smaller events spaces, too, and Livehouse will be as attractive to the conference and awards ceremonies markets as live music.'
With tours planned so far in advance it could be a wee while before it becomes a regular name on the itineraries but one-off events will show the venue's potential. The opening party happens on Friday, May
2, as Craig Charles arrives to christen the sound system with a night of funk and soul.
livehousedundee.co.uk
(Image: Livehouse Dundee)
Perth Festival of the Arts
Every year Perth manages to provide a festival programme that is eclectic in the best possible sense. The headline of this year's 11-day extravaganza from May 22 to 31 is a rare appearance by Lenny Henry (Sir, if you like). Local boy Fred MacAulay will host the 'evening with', which looks back over Lenny's career and will also feature a Q&A. Sir Derek Jacobi will also be in attendance for an 'in conversation' event. The events happen between Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre – and between in the Concert Hall plaza is ARTay, a free exhibition featuring more than 100 Scottish artists, established and new talent. Perth also has an impressive classical music strand and this year the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will perform, as will Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack, with music from MGM Musicals and Hollywood movies. The comedy offering includes the Dad's Army Radio Show live on stage.
perthfestival.co.uk
Mods May Day
On May 3 dig out your parkas and pack the talcum powder to smooth out those Northern Soul moves. It's all aboard the Ferry in Glasgow for a night of retro sounds with Target Street and the Square Gos playing not only Mod and Northern Soul but also Motown and Britpop. Get dressed up and ready to turn back the clock.
the-ferry.co.uk
Boswell Book Festival
For those of us who like to delve into the lives of others, the Boswell Book Festival focuses solely on a wealth of biographies and memoirs. Named after the wonderful Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, and taking place from May 9 to 11, writers as diverse as Andrew O Hagan to Helen Lederer to Pam Ayres to Rupert Everett will be at Dumfries House. The programme of events – talks, drama, art and music – is online.
boswellbookfestival.co.uk
Orkney Folk Festival
There's a good reason why Orkney Folk Festival keeps picking up awards, such as Event of the Year, at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The breadth and depth of a relatively short four-day programme from May 22 to 25 is impressive with 60 acts. Joining Orcadian musicians are traditional musicians from Canada, the US, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sápmi, England and throughout Scotland.
orkneyfolkfestival.com
Three Nights of CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Charity does admirable work to help with mental health support and suicide prevention. You can support them – while also enjoying a great night out – at a series of special gigs over three nights in May. Tom Walker and Nina Nesbitt play in Edinburgh, Declan McKenna and Bradley Simpson in Stirling, and Nathan Evans and Caity Baser in Glasgow. Tickets are just £12.20 (the amount it costs to fund a call to their suicide prevention helpline).
thecalmzone.net
(Image: Jorja Smith)
Jorja Smith
One of the UK's finest young performers is coming to Glasgow to play the O2 Academy on May 26. Jorja Smith is still only 27 but she's been a central part of the British R&B and soul scene for almost a decade, when her debut single Blue Lights catapulted her into the public eye in a storm of critical acclaim. Don't miss the chance to see a proper star performer in such an intimate venue.
jorjasmith.com
An Evening with Louis Theroux
One of the best known faces in broadcasting, Louis Theroux is a name that needs no introduction. However, at this special event in Aberdeen's Music Hall Louis turns from interviewer to interviewee, as he will be asked questions about his colourful career (and the even more colourful characters he has met along the way). Superfans can even book a VIP ticket, which includes a meet and greet session with the man himself.
aberdeenperformingarts.com
Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
This mammoth 17-day festival is held across various venues in Dumfries and Galloway between May 15 and June 1. Encompassing theatre, music, dance, comedy and spoken word, the festival will bring both local and national performing artists to villages and towns across the region.
dgartsfestival.org.uk