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:
23rd, 24th & 25th April 2025
My Name Is Rachel Corrie
Taken from the writings of Rachel Corrie Edited by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner
Theatre
Milly Arnold Is Rachel Corrie
Now professional this is Milly's first solo show after studying at MGA in Edinburgh with BA HONS in Performing Arts
The moving account of the life and early death of a young female activist, adapted from her own writings.
Why did a 23-year old woman leave her comfortable American life to stand between an Israeli army bulldozer and a Palestinian home in the Gaza strip?
Compiled from her letters, diaries and emails by Alan Rickman and Guardian journalist Katharine Viner, My Name is Rachel Corrie recounts, in her own words, her short life and sudden death.
£12.00
Please note that this production may cause some audience members distress.
2nd May 2025
BEHOLD YE RAMBLERS - a new play by Neil Gore
Townsend Theatre Productions
in association with The Society for the Study of Labour History
Theatre
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current struggles, “Behold Ye Ramblers” is a new play about The Clarion newspaper and the organisations formed by its readership, including the famous rambling club, The Sheffield Clarion Ramblers. Along with the Clarion Cyclists, these early Edwardian pioneers promoted healthy outdoor pursuits, organising expeditions across open moors and mountains whilst campaigning for the right to roam, bringing them into conflict with landowners’ hunting and shooting activities and laws that prioritised private property over the wellbeing of others.
REVIEWS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Read all about it... Outstanding .... exhilarating Show' 'Mastery Neil Gore' - Lynne Walsh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Remarkable enterprise' - Ronald Simpson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent evening of environmentally ethical entertainment by truly terrific touring
Sustainably serenaded by supporting singers @QuirkyChoir. Ooh! Aarh! - Out and About in Doncaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Warmly intimate and entertaining, serious yet wonderfully light-hearted, Behold Ye Ramblers brings vibrant variety and interest to a slice of history that has eternal relevance. - Eileen Caiger Gray
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A warm and extraordinary performance.' - Steven E Hunt (Bristol Radical History Group)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is a fantastic evening’s entertainment’ - Sheffield Star
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Yes! Yes! U.C.S! left this reviewer wondering, “Does it get any better?”’ - Reviews Hub
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yes! Yes! U.C.S! received an IKE Award for outstanding theatre - Chris Neville-Smith’s Theatre Blog
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The story of Jayaben Desai... makes you laugh, feel and think... a powerful story, powerfully told. Clare Brennan. The Observer 11 plus
7:30pm
Tickets
£13.00 Adult
£11.00 Under 23 (Student)
09th May 2025
Wicked
Film
Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.
Rated PG
2hr 40mins
24th May 2025
From West End to Weddings
By Isobel Florence
FUNdraiser
A spectacular night of fashion and theatre, featuring stunning gowns and performances from your favourite musicals!
Tickets £13 (includes a glass of bubbly and cheese & crackers)
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
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
Film
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
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
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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