Dalrymple Hall

Dalrymple Hall sits in Fraserburgh, a working theatre that's been doing its bit for live performance in Aberdeenshire for years. It's the sort of place where you might catch anything from amateur dramatics to touring productions - the kind of venue that relies on local support to keep the lights on.

The hall itself is functional rather than fancy. You're looking at a proper community space with decent sightlines and reasonable acoustics for a theatre of its size. If you're staying at Down On The Farm just down the road, it's worth checking their listings before you arrive - gives you something to plan around on an evening, particularly if the weather's turning.

Who gets the most from it? Anyone after a genuine slice of local cultural life, really. Not the sort of place tourists typically seek out, but that's partly what makes it worth a visit. You'll find yourself among Fraserburgh regulars rather than coach parties.

Before you make the trip, ring ahead or check their website for what's on - the programming varies season to season. Admission prices and opening hours aren't fixed across the board. It's worth the detour if you've got a show you fancy, but don't expect West End production values. This is community theatre done properly, on a modest budget and staffed largely by people who genuinely care.