Charlie Parr
at
Cottiers Theatre
Glasgow
19:30
Over 12's with an adult
Doors 7pm, 7.30pm start
"It’s a highway, filled with deep, exotic colors and beautiful delicate things as well as the perils that come from moving so fast," says Dar Williams, describing modern life.
On her 13th album, Hummingbird Highway, out September 12 on Righteous Babe Records, Williams celebrates the colors she glimpses from her vantage as a touring musician. "I was a kid from the suburbs who listened when her hippie teachers said to get out in the world," Williams muses.
Hummingbird Highway is the latest chapter in a richly unfolding story. Drawing on her experience as a playwright, Williams populates her latest album with nuanced characters that come alive in the space of a few minutes.
On the title track, Williams sings from the perspective of a child speaking to her peripatetic and sometimes struggling parent. Blooming columbines, china blue teapots, and cinnamon bark number among the "treasures" in her life, despite the "pirates" that she imagines populating her worldly parent’s life.
"The pirates can be all sorts of things living inside and outside your head. The child, for better or worse, knows that there is joy, unpredictability, and instability on the home front. She’s rooting for the joy."
Description
Cottiers Theatre stands as a significant cultural asset within Glasgow's West End, operating under the Four Acres Charitable Trust. This former Dowanhill Parish Church, a Category A-listed building, has been thoughtfully repurposed to advance the arts and heritage, serving as a vibrant hub for both local residents and national audiences seeking distinctive cultural experiences. Its enduring presence contributes meaningfully to the community, offering a dedicated space for artistic expression and public gathering.
Within its historic walls, the atmosphere is immediately striking. The celebrated acoustics carry performances with clarity, while the intricate stained glass windows cast shifting patterns of light across the ornate stonework and timberwork, creating a visually rich and immersive environment. The careful preservation of its Neo-Gothic design by William Leiper ensures a sense of grandeur, yet the space retains an inviting warmth, often enhanced by subtle lighting.
Beyond the main auditorium, Cottiers offers a welcoming public bar and a refined restaurant, The William Leiper Room, located in the attic. An expansive courtyard beer garden provides an appealing outdoor space. The venue is largely wheelchair accessible, with dedicated routes to both the theatre and bar, ensuring broad access for patrons.
Throughout the year, Cottiers hosts a diverse programme of events. Audiences can experience a range of live music, from intimate acoustic sets to larger concerts, alongside theatrical productions, stand-up comedy, and various community-focused gatherings. This varied offering solidifies its reputation as a dynamic centre for performance and cultural engagement.
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