What’s on this November

Live on stage

Shetland Story Slam

Join us for the third Shetland Story Slam, a night of live, personal storytelling.

• Sunday 1 November

The Tailor of Inverness

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.

• Thursday 5 November

Deiseil: Dancing in Time

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

• Friday 6 November

Amy Laurenson: New Voices (7-piece Band)

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.

• Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November

Islesburgh Drama Group: Spitfire Girls by Katherine Senior

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.

• Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 November

Country & Western Weekend at Mareel

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

• Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November

Martin Simpson

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’.

• Friday 20 & Saturday 21 November

Marjolein Robertson: Lein

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.

• Sunday 22 November

Wylde Britain

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.

• Monday 23 November

Siobhan Miller Trio

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.

• Saturday 28 November

Creative classes & workshops

Shetland Youth Theatre 2026/27: Block 2

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.

• 4 November – 13 January

Film Crew

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!

• 6 November – 4 December

Stepdance and Playing for Stepdance workshops with Deiseil

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.

• Saturday 6 November

Artist Meet-Ups: Aimee Labourne (SOLD OUT)

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

• Tuesday 17 November

Other Worlds Drawing Workshop with Aimee Labourne (SOLD OUT)

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.

• Sunday 22 November

Cinema with a twist

Mareel Minis: Screen Argyll: Maya, Give Me a Title

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.

• Sunday 8 November

Film Quiz

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!

• Thursday 19 November

Brian Goddard: One in a Thousand

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. 

• Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November

Free, drop-in events

The Write Night

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

• Wednesday 4 November

Student Night

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.  

• Tuesday 24 November

Young Musicians Sessions

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.

• Sunday 29 November

Singer Songwriter Nights

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.

• Wednesday 25 November