Eden Court in Inverness has launched its Spring Summer programme alongside a year long celebration marking 50 years since the venue first opened its doors in 1976.
The anniversary season reflects five decades of cultural life in the Highlands, with a mix of major touring productions and specially curated events designed to celebrate the venue’s history and its place in the community.
The programme begins in April with a gala performance featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, echoing the original opening concert held on the 15th of April 1976.
A strong line up of theatre, dance and music will follow, bringing a wide range of performances to Highland audiences.
Scottish Ballet will present Starstruck, honouring the legacy of Gene Kelly, while Scottish Opera brings Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro to the stage.
Comedy and musical theatre also feature prominently, with The High Life returning in a new stage production starring Alan Cumming alongside the original cast.
SCOTS The Musical offers a comedic take on Scotland’s history, while Sunny Afternoon celebrates the music of The Kinks.
Showstopper The Improvised Musical adds a unique element to the programme, creating a new show live on stage at every performance.
The music programme features a mix of established and contemporary artists, including Richard Thompson, Karine Polwart, Kris Drever, Lindisfarne, Eddi Reader, Wet Wet Wet, Jimmy Nail, Julie Fowlis and Mànran.
A series of tribute productions will also bring iconic artists to life, from What’s Love Got To Do With It to Taylormania and The Simon and Garfunkel Story.
Comedy remains a key part of the season, with performances from Stewart Lee, Josh Widdicombe, Susan Calman, Henning Wehn and Susie McCabe.
Family audiences are also well catered for, with productions including The Tiger Who Came To Tea, You Choose, Dear Zoo Live and My First Concert featuring Baby Shark and Pinkfong.
Alongside the main programme, a dedicated 50th anniversary calendar will run throughout the year, offering a range of events that celebrate the venue’s past and future.
Highlights include a cinema flashback season in May with ticket prices returning to 1976 levels, youth focused performances in early summer, and the return of the Under Canvas festival in August.
Further events include an immersive production exploring the building itself, film screenings as part of the Inverness Film Festival, and a final project gathering memories from the venue’s first 50 years.
Eden Court Chief Executive Rebecca Holt said the season reflects both the venue’s history and its ongoing role in the arts.
“Eden Court’s purpose has always been to inspire people to discover and enjoy the arts.
“Fifty years on, this season shows what that commitment looks like in practice, with a programme that celebrates the creativity and communities that have shaped this place.”
The anniversary programme positions Eden Court at the centre of cultural life in the Highlands, bringing together world class performances and local creativity across a landmark year.
Eden Court’s 50th anniversary season brings a packed programme of theatre, music and events to Inverness, celebrating five decades of arts and community in the Highlands.
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