As restrictions start to ease, more and more of us are looking forward to getting out and about.
But until life fully returns to normal, it looks like many of our beloved events will either be postponed or held behind closed doors. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some virtual events from the comfort of our own homes to tide us over in the meantime.
Here are a few taking place this May:
OnFife Comedy Cafe
OnFife presents another night of virtual comedy from some of the funniest folk on the circuit.
Compered by Raymond Mearns, the line-up this month includes Chris Forbes, best known for his starring role on BBC’s Scot Squad; Krystal Evans, who was a finalist for the Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year Award; and hip-hop comedian MC Hammersmith, a freestyle rapper who improvises his lyrics and rhythms around audience suggestions.
The online gig will take place over Zoom.
Friday 28 May
Edinburgh Remakery: Knit With What You've Got
Edinburgh Remakery hosts a five-week hand-knitting workshop for those looking to give their old wardrobe a sustainable refresh by taking unwanted or damaged clothing and knitting them into something completely different.
Suitable for beginners, the course will take place online every Thursday.
Participants are welcome to use knitting needles or any pencils they’ve got on hand.
Thursday 13 May until Thursday 10 June
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra delights audiences in their homes with their digital concert series, filmed live in venues across Scotland.
On Thursday 13 May, Glaswegian conductor Douglas Boyd takes the helm and leads the orchestra through a fairytale evening, performing Mendelssohn’s The Fair Melusine, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G -- featuring Edinburgh-based pianist Steven Osborne as soloist -- and Mozart’s stylish and exuberant Symphony no. 31 ‘Paris’.
Thursday 20 May then sees Sir James MacMillan conduct the Scottish premiere of his memorial lament Ein Lämplein verlosch, as well as the Scottish premiere of Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Percussion Concerto 'Incantations' and Jean Sibelius’ The Tempest Suite II.
Thursday 13 May and Thursday 20 May
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
The multi-arts festival returns for its 15th edition this summer with a hybrid programme, blending online and outdoor events to reach audiences across Scotland at a time when people are needing support more than ever.
The 2021 programme will feature six new artist commissions, online performances and discussions, and the return of the SMHAF Writing Competition.
Their annual International Film Competition will be available to stream via the online platform INDY on Demand, with all films available to view for a full week on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Highlights include Mike Hoolboom's documentary Judy Versus Capitalism, the UK premiere of Dead Souls' Vacation and Egyptian filmmaker Hisham Saqr's debut film Certified Mail.
Monday 3 – Sunday 23 May
Smile
Dundee Rep’s hit play Smile -- which centres on the life and legacy of footballing legend Jim McLean, the controversial boss of Dundee United -- is reimagined for the screen by the original creative team.
Written by Philip Differ and directed by Sally Reid, the two-man play stars Dundee Rep Ensemble’s Barrie Hunter and Chris Alexander, and offers a complex portrait of the man who transformed Dundee United into a genuine force in the European football world at great personal cost.
The play will be broadcast via the new digital platform Rep Studios, which celebrates the vibrancy of the theatre, dance, and music scene in Dundee.
Wednesday 5 – Sunday 16 May
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