“Celebrating Simon” is an evening of poetry, song, music and drama dedicated to the late Gaelic actor Simon Mackenzie. The evening is being launched at the Royal National Mod in Falkirk today (Wednesday). The launch will be held at a special reception hosted by two of the events’ sponsors - MG ALBA and CnaG - and by An Gaidheal Ur. “Celebrating Simon” is a co-production of Pròiseact nan Ealan and Highlands and Islands Theatre Network (HITN) and will take place at Eden Court, Inverness on 24th October 2008.
Due to the impressive line up for the evening, and the great respect and love for Simon amongst the Gaidhealtachd, demand for tickets has already been high and there has been a huge amount of interest surrounding the event. Following the launch at the Mod and publicity in Falkirk this week, it is expected that tickets will continue to sell fast and event organisers urge those who are interested, and all those who were friends and colleagues of Simon, to avoid disappointment by booking soon. Tickets are available from Eden Court Box Office on 01463 234 234.
A number of first class artists from a range of disciplines are honoured to be taking part in the evening, in memory of Simon Mackenzie - one of Gaeldom’s finest performers.
Simon will be remembered for his contribution to, and passion for, Gaelic drama, and the line up echoes this with two popular Gaelic actors, Carina NicLeoid and Daibhidh Walker, who will be performing a new short piece that they have devised especially for the event. Carina Macleod said: “Simon was my friend, as well as being my boss when we worked together on many a Tosg production. We had so many laughs together, and it's an honour that I've been asked to perform on Simon’s night. He is a true Gaidhlig legend and I miss him dearly.”
Seasaidh Lexy will be lightening the tone of the evening with her usual irreverent comedy and bard Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul, will be reading his own tribute to Sim : “An Cèilidh“.
Simon was also a great lover of music, and organisers have so far signed up a host of the best-loved singers and musicians from the Gaidhealtachd and beyond. Amongst these are legendary piper and singer, Rona Lightfoot, from South Uist; Glenuig renowned piper Allan Macdonald, and fiddler Johnny Hardie as well as Gaelic singers Iseabail NicAsgaill , Jenna Cummings, Arthur Cormack, Christina Primrose and Alyth NicCarmaig. Inverness born, International opera singer Harry Nicoll will perform with accompaniment by Sheila Bruce.
Organisers are indebted to all artists who are performing without fee in support of the Simon Mackenzie Trust. Co-producers, PnE and HITN, are also grateful to events spsonsors: Pròiseact nan Ealan, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA, Comunn na Gàidhlig, An Comunn Gàidhealach, Eaglais Easbuigeach, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Highland Council.
John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “An Comunn Gàidhealach are delighted to support “Celebrating Simon”. We are grateful to Simon Mackenzie for his contribution to the Gaelic world, particularly to drama, and to the efforts that he made to raise the profile of drama at the Royal National Mod. It was largely through Simon’s efforts that An Comunn Gàidhealach secured sponsorship form the West Highland Free Press to help support the drama competitions and we’re absolutely delighted to sponsor the evening and to assist the next generation of Gàidheals to take an active interest in Gaelic drama.”
Ian Brown, Chairman of HITN, who are co-producing the night with PnE, said “Highlands and Islands Theatre Network was a cause close to Simon's heart. He was a supportive member, always willing to help others and develop theatre throughout the region and beyond. Besides his great artistic skills, he had a wonderful international vision and intellectual richness. We are delighted to co-sponsor this evening in his memory and to celebrate his many achievements”.
All proceeds for the evening will go to the Simon Mackenzie Trust, which will continue Simon’s vision for Gaelic drama by supporting young Gaelic actors.
Those who are unable to attend “Celebrating Simon” can contribute to this legacy by donating money to: Simon Mackenzie Trust, Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh Stockbridge, Account number: 00238392, Sort Code: 832002.
“Celebrating Simon” will take place on 24th October, 7:30pm at Eden Court. Tickets are available from Eden Court Box Office on 01463 234 234 and cost £20 (the cost of the ticket will be donated to the Simon Mackenzie Trust).