South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

 

A talk by author Catherine Simpson.

Come and meet award-winning writer Catherine Simpson who will be discussing her new memoir, Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me.

Hear about Catherine’s experience of mothering an autistic child - Nina (now adult) - in a world not always accepting of difference.

From the start, Catherine realised the world wasn’t quite Nina-shaped. From Nina’s diagnosis at aged ten both Catherine and Nina had to contend with school bullies, dismissive doctors, and insensitive peers. While Nina remained resolutely herself, Catherine adapted. Mothering an autistic child lit a fierce determination and underlined the power of unconditional love.

Catherine’s discussion will be empowering, honest, candid, demystifying and relatable.

Catherine has written two other memoirs, When I Had a Little Sister about the death by suicide of her sister, Tricia, and One Body about growing up in a woman's body told around her year with breast cancer. Her next memoir Sandwiched: Caring Up and Caring Down will be published in September 2026. She has also written a novel Truestory about a mother struggling to raise her autistic son.

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Cost: Free

 

This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.

Gertie is great at being THE LITTLEST YAK, with the CURLIEST, WHIRLIEST wool and the GRIPPIEST of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn’t want to be the littlest. She’s in a rush to grow up and be just like THE BIG YAKS. But what if there are some things that only a GERTIE can do?

A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect…just the way you are!

LAStheatre brings The Littlest Yak to the stage in spectacular fashion. Join them for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the Himalayas.

Nominated for a YAKTASTIC 4 OffWestEnd Awards!

Available to book online or by calling Lanark Memorial Hall on 01555 673199.

Cost: £14.00 / £50.00 family (x4) (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

A magical seaside adventure for ages 0-5.

Join two sisters as they set off and go on an exciting trip ‘doon the watter’ to their favourite island! With the salty sea breeze in their hair and the gentle waves carrying them along, they fill the journey with stories of magical mermaids, soaring seabirds, and mischievous seal pups who love to play tricks.

This fun and vibrant show is specially designed for little ones aged 0-5, bringing the wonder of the seaside to life through playful storytelling, music, and puppetry. Expect plenty of giggles, splashes, and surprises as our two adventurers weave a world of imagination. 

Doon the Watter is a heartwarming celebration of nature, storytelling, and the joy of adventure.

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Cost: £15 adult, £9 child, £40 family (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

A musical show for all the family - live on stage!

Everyone’s favourite children’s theatre company, The McDougalls, are back with their spook-tacular stage show for all the family – live on stage at the Village Theatre and Rutherglen Town Hall.

Happy Halloween!  Max and Auntie Aggie (the stars of the show) are dressed to impress for their Halloween Party – and you’re invited too!  Come wearing your favourite Halloween costume for some fiendish, fang-tastic fun!  

Max has been carving the pumpkins and putting up the decorations while Auntie Aggie has been practicing her best Trick or Treat jokes!  They’ve sent out party invitations, but which frightfully funny characters are going to turn up?

Packed with singalong songs and ghoulish games such as The Hokey Kokey, Incy Wincy Spider, and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, this is a wickedly entertaining day out for the whole family this autumn.  

‘The McDougalls: Halloween Party Show’ is filled with tricks and treats, guaranteed to have you screaming with laughter!  (Don’t worry, there’s nothing too scary – just enough to keep your little monsters entertained!)

The McDougalls have risen to become the country’s biggest stars of family entertainment - the perfect introduction to live theatre for your little ones. Find out more by following The McDougalls on social media, and subscribe to their YouTube channel for FREE videos.

Created by Ruairidh Forde and Ryan Moir.

Running time: One hour approximately.

The McDougalls merchandise will be available at the show!

Available to book online or by calling Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700.

Cost: £12.00 / £45.00 family (x4) (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

**** 'The perfect first theatre outing' Manchester Evening News

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?' series tours the UK in a brand new musical show.

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.

A high energy 50 minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre.

Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.

New music composed by Tom Fletcher, Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson.

Tom Fletcher says, "Being part of the creative team has been a real joy and I’ve loved blending my passion for storytelling with live theatre. Back when we kicked things off in 2023, I never imagined we’d be heading out on a fourth national tour in 2026! It’s all thanks to the brilliant puppeteers, the magical puppets and the amazing families who keep coming back. I know taking kids to the theatre can be a bit daunting–but this show is made with young families in mind. It’s completely interactive, noisy in all the best ways and children are encouraged to shout,sing,clap and dance their hearts out!

Available to book online or by calling The Town House Hamilton on 01698 452299.

Cost: £14.00/£50.00 family/£11.00 groups 10+ (+£1.50 trans fee)