There is one thing that cannot be argued with is that Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre programme is not only busy but it is varied as well, a fact that is emphasized in the fare that is on offer this festive period. This week alone sees Xmas with the Rat Pack on Thursday, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Friday, The Charlatons on Saturday and a Beatles Xmas Party on Monday 21^st. However the first night of this hectic time of year was on Wednesday nights Royal Marines Band Christmas Spectacular.

This HMS Caledonia Rosyth based military band is always a bid draw whenever and wherever they play, so much so that they moved across town from their normal haunt Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall to the twice as large Alhambra, and yet the night was still a complete sell-out. Given that the band play these gigs for local charities the more money raised for these causes the better.

The Christmas spirit was much in evidence in both the stage decorations and the music selection, and mixed together with some comedy moments, the excellent musicians performed to one and all with style and panache.

It wasn’t all festive stuff though, the band can and do play a few numbers ‘straight’, equally well received from packed crowd, and they first hour before the interval went all to quickly for most.

The second period had some more of the same with a few additions. There were a couple of guest spots from St John’s Primary School choir who acquitted themselves well, a couple of ‘community’ carol singing numbers and as part of the finale a solo female piper leading an excellent rendition of ‘Highland Cathedral’

This was the first time I had seem such a performance from this fine band, and I can understand why they have got such a hard core fan base. I’m sure the next time they are playing in the area many will be there again and who knows, I might be there too.

For details of all future shows at The Alhambra check out their website on www.alhambradunfermline.com