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What’s on this November at Shetland Arts

Contributed

3 November 2026 17:00

Remember, remember… plenty to do in November! We may be nearing the end of the year, but our busy programme isn’t slowing down.

Cinema

New Releases
As always, we’ve got a selection of the latest releasing titles, including the highly anticipated prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, romantic fantasy Wicker and new family animation Disney’s Hexed. Other titles also coming up include Klara and the Sun, Whalefall, Street Fighter, Primetime, Wild Horse Nine and I Play Rocky.

Bring Backs (with Shetland connections)
Two of our most popular films recently, both with Shetland connections, are back for more screenings this month. Pressure is a World War II drama based on meteorologist James Stagg’s work planning the Normandy landings; Stagg was superintendent at the Lerwick Observatory from 1929 to 1930. The Incomer, set on a remote Scottish Island and starring Domhnall Gleeson, features a jumper from The Shetland Woollen Company!

Screen Horizons
Every week, on Sundays and Wednesdays, we have slots in our film programme dedicated to bringing the latest independent cinema to our audience. This month we have Tenzing, Derek Vs Derek, Fatherland and The Lost Children of Tuam.

Shetland Foodbank Screening
We’re teaming up with the Shetland Foodbank again for another special charity film screening! This time, we’re screening a family classic featuring one of legendary actor Robin Williams’ most iconic roles – Mrs Doubtfire. Bring a donation of non-perishable food items and swap it for a ticket to see a classic film on the big screen.

Events, workshops & more

Live on stage

The Tailor of Inverness | Thursday 5 November

Matthew Zajac’s stunning show about his Polish-Ukrainian father has entranced over 40,000 people. This is a rare chance to see this unforgettable and moving story of displacement and survival in war-torn Europe, a powerful allegory for all victims of war.

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Deiseil: Dancing in Time | Friday 6 November

A powerful exploration of how stepdance, Scotland’s percussive dance, was lost… and how its revival became woven into a lifelong friendship.

Amy Laurenson: New Voices (7-piece Band) | Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November

We are delighted to be welcoming Amy Laurenson back home to present a suite of music she composed as part of a New Voices commission for Celtic Connections earlier this year.

Islesburgh Drama Group: Spitfire Girls by Katherine Senior | Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 November

Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heartwarming, it is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope.

Country & Western Weekend at Mareel | Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November

3 concerts feature local artists with each singer choosing their songs – a great mixture of old & new, covers and some originals.

Martin Simpson | Friday 20 & Saturday 21 November

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Martin Simpson returns to Shetland as part of a tour in support of his new album Some Kind of Jubilee, celebrating 50 years since the release of his debut album Golden Vanity.

Marjolein Robertson: Lein | Sunday 22 November

A show about the soul, and the final instalment in Marjolein’s ground-breaking trilogy of standup storytelling shows in which she expertly weaves comedy and folklore to share her own personal stories.

Wylde Britain | Monday 23 November

A new solo concert programme for 2026, Wylde Britain is a one-hour musical journey through the British Isles, from Shetland to Land’s End. An inspiring journey in music and words, through an amazing and varied landscape.

Siobhan Miller Trio | Saturday 28 November

One of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller presents an intimate trio concert, accompanied by Heather Cartwright on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle. This acoustic setting is the perfect opportunity to see Siobhan’s richly celebrated Scottish folk songs up close and personal.

Creative classes & workshops

Shetland Youth Theatre 2026/27: Block 2 | 4 November – 13 January

Shetland Youth Theatre (SYT) is an exciting year-long programme designed for young people who are curious about acting, storytelling, and what happens behind the scenes of theatre productions.

Film Crew | 6 November – 4 December

Join local film maker Barnum Smith and learn how to make short films. Brainstorm fun ideas, draw storyboards, make props, film with professional cameras, and edit them all together!

Stepdance and Playing for Stepdance workshops with Deiseil | Saturday 6 November

As part of their visit to Shetland with their acclaimed show, Amy and Alison will be running workshops in Stepdance and Playing for Stepdance. As well as separate sessions for musicians and dancers, we will spend time learning together, creating a deeper understanding of how the dance is part of the music. A joyful exploration of how to “talk” to each other with our instruments and feet.

Artist Meet-Ups: Aimee Labourne (SOLD OUT) | Tuesday 17 November

Shetland-based artist Aimee Labourne will give a presentation about ‘Other Worlds’, her Shetland Arts Commissioning Fund project and exhibition.

Other Worlds Drawing Workshop with Aimee Labourne (SOLD OUT) | Sunday 22 November

Join us for an afternoon of drawing using a concertina sketchbook. Coinciding with ‘Other Worlds’ exhibition, which will showcase Aimee’s Shetland Arts commissioning fund project, this workshop will explore imagination, landscape and sense of journey.

Cinema with a twist

Mareel Minis: Screen Argyll: Maya, Give Me a Title | Sunday 8 November

Mareel Minis is a new monthly series of children’s short film screenings running from October 2026 to March 2027, giving families and young audiences in Shetland the chance to enjoy international films and a fun cinema experience.

Film Quiz | Thursday 19 November

Test your movie knowledge against our sharp-witted quizmasters in an evening dedicated to film, from timeless classics to modern masterpieces, with prizes for the winning (and losing) teams!

Brian Goddard: One in a Thousand | Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November

One in a Thousand by Brian Goddard is a particular celebration of Burra and Trondra, bringing to life people’s contemporary passions, interests and pre-occupations.

Free, drop-in events

The Write Night | Wednesday 4 November

Drop into our first open literature, poetry and spoken word monthly session, The Write Night.

Student Night | Tuesday 24 November

Our HNC Music and Skills for Work students have spent the past few months putting in the work to bring you a night to remember.

Young Musicians Sessions | Sunday 29 November

These afternoons are a fantastic opportunity to experience the next generation of local musical talent! Each session shines a spotlight on emerging young performers from across Shetland, offering them the chance to share their music with a live audience and gain valuable performing experience.

Singer Songwriter Nights | Wednesday 25 November

Join us for our Singer Songwriter Nights in Mareel’s auditorium for an evening of live local music. Bring your instruments and showcase your talent – try out new material, perform the classics, or just stop by to enjoy a drink and listen to some great music at this free and unticketed event.