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:
06th June 2025
Conclave
Film
Cardinal Lawrence has one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church.
Rated 12A
2hrs
Monday 9th Tuesday 10th Wednesday 11th June 2025
Charity Shop
10am till 3pm
Once again we are doing a charity shop at the theatre. Our Charity shop always brings in a big crowd who love a bargain.
If you wish to donate please bring ANYTHING Mon - Fri 9am till 5pm or Tues - Thurs night 7pm - 9pm.
It will be held at the theatre located on Maxwell Street Dalbeattie
15th June 2025
History of Dalbeattie
Talk and Film
A short talk about the history of Dalbeattie, accompanied by old photos, maps and film clips. Also a chance for a Q+A.
Donation at the door
All proceeds to go to Birchvale Theatre and Dalbeattie Community Initiative.
A chance to learn all about the rich history of our town.
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
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+
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!
Ms. Nancy B. Lindsay. Norman & Margaret Kennedy. Andy & Anne Kalotka. The Stewartry Area Committee.
We have also been privileged to receive significant anonymous donations from 5 individuals.
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