Leith Citadel Arts Group Go Live Again This September

Citadel Arts Group, the Leith-based charity that gives voice and space to older people’s creativity, has had a programme of audio plays entitled Leithers One Family. One of these is The Aliens by Laure Paterson which has been adapted from William Haddow’s novel of the same name.

While the play is available to listen to via Citadel Goes Viral on line, a live version with music by Jim Bryce has been created by Laure Paterson and director Adam Tomkins.

Set during WWII in Leith, The Aliens uncovers anti-Italian thuggery in the port. Can the friendship between young Lizzie Preston and her Leith Italian pal Gina Ricci survive?

The play’s cast comprises Alison McFarlane (Lizzie Preston), Mairi Jayne Paterson (Gina Ricci), Debbie Whyte (Mrs Preston and Mrs Ricci) and Anthony O’Neill (George Preston).  

Citadel will perform The Aliens outdoors during the Leith For Ever event on Saturday 18th Sept at 2.15pm at Custom House Wharf, Commercial Street. There will also be local performers; a talk from novelist and Citadel co-founder Millie Gray as well as a variety of Leith Market stalls at the square on the other side of the Custom House.  One of the stalls will be from Citadel Arts Group who will be selling copies of Leithers One Family. There will also be the  chance of  meeting  novelist William Haddow. 

The Aliens will be presented again at Leith Dockers Club back function room, at 11am on Sunday 19th September as part of the Abbeyhill Colony of Artists weekend.

Both events are free but please book tickets via eventbrite for the September 19th performance, (link can be found on Colony of Artists Facebook page) as audience numbers will be limited to ensure Covid safety.

Irene Brown