The Birchvale is a small community theatre which has been the local hub for drama, film and entertainment in Dalbeattie since 1933. Keep up-to-date with further developments by bookmarking our website or visiting our Facebook page where further announcements will be made. Alternatively, you can contact us here.
What's on at the Birchvale:
18th June 2025
Birchvale Annual General Meeting
Meeting
Attending Birchvales Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an essential way to stay connected and engaged with the organization’s mission. The AGM offers a unique opportunity for transparency and accountability, providing a clear view of the charity’s financial performance, program impact, and strategic plans. By attending, you’ll be informed about how donations are being used and how resources are allocated.
Your presence at the AGM also gives you the chance to have a voice in shaping the charity’s future. Whether it's asking questions, raising concerns, or contributing new ideas, you’ll have the chance to influence decisions that align with your values. Additionally, AGMs bring together a community of like-minded individuals, offering excellent networking opportunities to connect with other supporters, volunteers, and staff, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging.
Staying informed about future projects and initiatives is another key benefit. Charities often reveal exciting new developments during the AGM, from upcoming fundraising campaigns to strategic partnerships. By attending, you can be among the first to learn about these changes and even play a role in shaping them.
Your support is vital for the charity’s growth, and attending the AGM demonstrates your commitment to its success. You’ll also have the chance to celebrate the charity’s achievements, hearing inspiring stories and learning about the positive impact of your collective efforts.
20th June 2025
The Brutalist
Film
Escaping postwar Europe, a visionary architect comes to America to rebuild his life, his career, and his marriage. On his own in a strange new country, he settles in Pennsylvania, where a wealthy and prominent industrialist recognises his talent.
Rated 18
3hr 35mins
04th July 2025
Gladiator II
Film
Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Rated 15
2hr 28mins
18th July 2025
A Complete Unknown
Film
In the early 1960s, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Forming his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement, making a controversial choice that reverberates worldwide.
Rated 15
2hr 20mins
01st Aug 2025
Maria
Film
In a world tearing itself apart, Maria rises. Set against a backdrop of revolution and repression, this powerful drama follows a woman's journey from silence to defiance. With stunning visuals, haunting performances, and a heartbeat that won’t quit, Maria is more than a film—it’s a call to courage.
Witness the fire that can't be extinguished.Experience Maria.
Rated 12
2hr 3mins
15th Aug 2025
White Bird
Film
From the world of Wonder comes a moving and unforgettable tale of courage, compassion, and hope. When a young boy learns about his grandmother’s past, he uncovers a powerful story of survival in Nazi-occupied France—where one act of kindness changed everything.
Beautifully told and visually breathtaking, White Bird is a soaring reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can shine through.
One story. One secret. One unforgettable journey. Discover White Bird.
Rated 12A
2hr
29th Aug 2025
Mr Burton
Film
In the coal-streaked streets of 1940s Port Talbot, a gifted yet troubled schoolboy named Richard Jenkins dreams of escaping his harsh reality through the arts. Enter Philip Burton, a dedicated teacher who sees potential where others see trouble. Under his strict guidance and unwavering belief, Richard transforms into the iconic actor known as Richard Burton.
Starring Toby Jones as the steadfast mentor and Harry Lawtey as the young prodigy, Mr. Burton is a poignant tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the profound impact of mentorship. Directed by Marc Evans, this biographical drama delves into the formative years of one of Wales' most celebrated talents.
Rated 12
2hr 4mins
5th Sept 2025
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Film
Bridget is back—older, bolder, and as hilariously relatable as ever. Navigating single motherhood, online dating, and unexpected heartache, she’s trying to find her footing in a world that’s changed faster than her Wi-Fi password. But when a new love interest enters the scene, so does the question: can you really have a second chance at happily ever after?
Full of laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and that irresistible Bridget charm, Mad About the Boy is a funny, fearless, and surprisingly moving return to a beloved character we’ve grown up with.
She’s still got the diary. She’s still got the wit. And she might just find love again.Bridget Jones is back—and better than ever.
Rated 15
2hr 10mins
19th Sept 2025
Better Man
Film
From the director of The Greatest Showman, Better Man is a bold and inventive musical biopic that reimagines the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams. Told from Robbie's perspective, the film chronicles his journey from a working-class boy in Stoke-on-Trent to global superstardom, navigating the highs of fame and the depths of personal struggle.
In a groundbreaking move, Williams is portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee, symbolizing his inner turmoil and the pressures of being constantly in the public eye. This unique choice adds a layer of surrealism to the narrative, making it a standout in the biopic genre.
Featuring electrifying musical sequences, including a standout performance of "Rock DJ" on London's Regent Street, Better Man is a visual and auditory spectacle. The film delves deep into themes of identity, fame, and self-worth, offering a candid look at the man behind the music.
Critics have lauded the film for its creativity and emotional depth, with Time Out awarding it 5 out of 5 stars and The Guardian praising its raw and emotional portrayal.
Rated 15
2hr 14mins
22nd to 27th Sept 2025
Anne of Green Gables
by I.M Montgomery adapted by Sylvia Ashby
A refreshing, contemporary telling of the classic story. Stern Marilla and her warm-hearted brother Matthew hoped to adopt a boy to work on their farm. But the orphanage sends young, befreckled Anne by mistake, and their lives will never be the same. Her warmth and wit affect everyone around her - even, eventually, the cold Marilla. We follow Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman, and her romantic pairing with Gilbert. This play has been charming audiences around the world.
A cast of new faces take on this production with Maddison Carnochan as Anne
Tickets £12.00 Adult
£6.00 Under 16s
Matinee @ 2:30pm on 27th
3rd October 2025
Cowboy Graves
Touring Company
Two deserts on the other sides of the world and two wanderers over fifty years apart share the stage in this new storytelling show. The first story tells the origins of the Red Ghost of Arizona, where she came from, how she came to have the skeleton of a dead cowboy tied to her, and her quest to get back home. The second story follows a young man from Glasgow who finds himself in Egypt, on the cusp of a World War. He ends up wandering in the Great Sand Sea of the Sahara with nothing but a tin of corned beef and a German soldier to keep him sane. These two stories explore the search for home and the struggle for survival. They are about strangers in strange lands and the changes that occur when you’re lost in the desert.
This piece features live original music by Mounday Soutar, whose unique style of experimental country music takes inspiration from the Americana West and the wild places of the world. The piece is supported visually by a series of projected images. These images were pieced together from natural photography and vintage photographs to reflect the thematic journey of the stories.
This piece blends contemporary storytelling, folklore, history, and music to create a unique experience for the audience. It was first performed on February 24th at the Rum Shack in Glasgow where it enjoyed a sold-out performance. This project was developed as part of Wildcard Stories, a Creative Scotland funded, quarterly contemporary storytelling event.
7:30pm (60mins no interval)
Tickets £12.00 Full £8.00 Concession
Age Restrictions 14+
10th Oct 2025
Snow White
Film
Step into a world where magic, music, and courage intertwine. In Disney’s live-action Snow White, the classic 1937 fairy tale is brought to life with a modern twist. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, a princess who escapes assassination by her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), and joins forces with seven magical beings and a rogue bandit named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) to reclaim her kingdom .
Directed by Marc Webb and featuring original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, this enchanting musical adventure offers a fresh perspective on a beloved story. With stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a timeless message of hope, Snow White is a magical experience for audiences of all ages.
Embark on a journey into a world where dreams come true and courage conquers all.
Rated PG
1hr 49mins
24th Oct 2025
Black Bag
Film
In Steven Soderbergh’s sleek and cerebral spy thriller, elite British intelligence agents George (Michael Fassbender) and Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) are bound by more than just love—they share a top-secret life. When a powerful piece of software, Severus, goes missing, George is tasked with finding the mole. His investigation leads him to suspect his own wife, setting the stage for a tense psychological game where trust is the ultimate casualty.
Set against the backdrop of London, Black Bag unfolds over a week, culminating in a high-stakes dinner party with fellow agents, each harboring secrets. As George navigates the blurred lines between duty and desire, the film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of intimate partnerships within the world of espionage.
With a stellar supporting cast including Pierce Brosnan, Naomie Harris, and Regé-Jean Page, Black Bag is a gripping exploration of the personal toll of a life lived in the shadows.
Rated 15
1hr 33mins
25th October 2025
Coffee Morning
Fundraiser
9am till 12 pm
Our successful coffee morning is back this year! Stalls ranging from Knitting to Baking, Christmas to Halloween.
All made by members and volunteers of Birchvale.
£2 entry includes coffee/tea and cakes
Pocahontas the Panto
By Stephen Carruthers
Friday 28th November to Saturday 6th December 2025
Please note once the curtain is up there is no entry till the break
Friday 28th November Evening 7:30pm
Saturday 29th November Matinee 2:30pm Evening 7:30pm
Sunday 30th November Matinee 2:30pm (Sensory performance)
Monday 1st December Evening 7:30pm
Tuesday 2nd December Evening 7:30pm
Wednesday 3rd December Evening 7:30pm
Thursday 4th December Evening 7:30pm
Friday 5th December Evening 7:30pm
Saturday 6th December Matinee 2:30pm Evening 7:30pm
Tickets £12.00 Adult
£6.00 Under 16s
Sunday 25th January 2026
The Twa Roberts
BY Pauline Vallance & Penni McLaren Walker
Touring Company
The Twa Roberts is a one hour two woman show with songs, about Robert Tannahill and Robert Burns. These 2 poets were born 15 years apart, with very different attitudes to women. Robert Tannahill (Paisley's Weaver Poet) was shy and self conscious about his limp and never married after being let down by his love, Jessie. Robert Burns was well known for being rather a magnet for womankind, had many conquests, as well as a long marriage to Jean Armour. But how would they fare in today's dating scene? What would they put in their Tinder profile? Where would they take you on a first date? What music would they be into?
Singer/songwriters Pauline Vallance and Penni Mclaren Walker have been pondering these questions and have turned them into a show, featuring some original songs, as well as those of Tannahill and Burns. There are many shows about the more famous Robert and about his attitudes to women, but what about the lesser known Robert? How would his quiet and steadfast qualities fare compared to the charisma and magnetism of Robert Burns?
The show is set in the present and through the eyes of two women who date these two poets. It is lighthearted and filled with captivating songs, but also opens up discussion about attitudes to women, past and present
Tickets £12.00
7:30pm (60 minutes including interval)
Age restrictions 12 +
.
For Bookings
Box Office Open - Every Wednesday 12pm - 2pm
Online - https://birchvale.scot/
Telephone - 07717 676254
Accessibility
All areas of the theatre are wheelchair accessible with access ramps at each entrance. We have 9 accessible seats that can be removed to allow space for wheelchairs.
Toilet facilities
We have fully adapted toilet and changing facilities.
Hearing Loop
There is a hearing loop in the theatre. We have occasional relaxed performances tailored to special needs. Information will be on the website when these are available.
Guide Dogs are welcome.
Children and babies
We appreciate visits from our younger customers and their parents or guardians and have high chairs and baby changing available.
How to get here
Birchvale is located in Maxwell Street, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway DG5 4AG, please see our interactive map below.
Getting here by car:
From Dumfries take the A711 to Dalbeattie (30 minutes)
From Castle Douglas take the A745 to Dalbeattie (15 minutes).
Parking:
Parking is accessed via Maxwell Gardens. There are three accessible parking spaces, bike and motorcycle parking and 41 other spaces. It is a well-lit space. Users of this car park do so at their own risk. Birchvale accepts no responsibility for any damage, accident or loss.
By Bus:
Route 501 (Stance 1 at The Loreburn Centre, Dumfries or Stance 5 at Whitesands, Dumfries). Get off outside The Maxwell Arms. Birchvale is 200 metres up Maxwell Street
Route
372A from Dumfries round the coastal route via New Abbey. This bus stops outside Birchvale.
Let's hear it for our funders!
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