Fife theatres unveil autumn programme – from John Barrowman to James Cosmo on stage

He celebrates his life in musicals in a new UK tour which comes to Kirkcaldy on October 17.

Barrowman is one of the biggest names in the new season launched by OnFife, which also covers shows at Rothes Halls, Carnegie Hall and Lochgelly Centre.

Karen Taylor, community events and programme manager, said: “Nothing beats the buzz of live shows and entertainment and our new autumn and winter programme is packed with shows that will appeal across the spectrum, from music and dance to comedy and drama.”

Barrowman has had 23 leading roles in a theatre career which spans three decades.

He said: “From descending the staircase in Sunset Boulevard to sailing high in Anything Goes, from the passion and heartbreak of Miss Saigon to the razor-sharp brilliance of Company and the razzle-dazzle of Chicago, my life has been one glorious, glitter-dusted adventure.

“This tour is my love letter to every stage, every song, and every one of you who've cheered, cried, laughed and believed right along with me. The spotlight may shine on me, but the magic – that's always been ours.”

It marks Barrowman’s second visit to the Kingdom in the past 12 months after bringing his Christmas show to Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.

The Adam Smith has a host of live music coming up.

Horse MacDonald brings her band back to the town she considers her second home with a gig on Friday, October 2, while Kerry Ellis, one of the UK’s most celebrated musical theatre stars, Kerry Ellis - cast by Sir Brian May in the smash-hit musical We Will Rock You – performs a collection of legendary rock anthems from artists including Queen, Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler on October 8.

The stars from The Commitments celebrate the 35th anniversary of the film on October 22 - the line-up features original cast members and musicians, while 911 mark their 30th anniversary with a gig on September 25.

There are guitars galore - 37 of them - on stage on October 30 for the tenth anniversary tour of The Story of Guitar Heroes which celebrates the music of guitar greats from Hank Marvin to Jimi Hendrix. The critically acclaimed Hen Night Horror also returns for more laughs and surprises on October 14 and 15.

Also making a welcome return is singer Russell Watson with An Intimate Evening with The Voice at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline on October 30.

High Cornwell, the former frontman of punk legends The Stranglers brings his final acoustic tour to the Carnegie Hall on November 14 - a venue he also played in 2017.

Another acclaimed voice is Tom Meighan, one of British rock’s most electrifying performers and the original frontman of the multi-platinum band Kasabian, is also acoustic at the Carnegie Hall on October 29. There is also a meet and greet opportunity for fans.

Away from music, the west Fife venue Join Dr Richard Shepherd, the UK’s leading forensic pathologist, for Time of Death – More Unnatural Causes - on October 24 in which he invites audiences into the world of forensic investigation, where time is crucial in uncovering the truth behind accidents, murders, and unexplained deaths.

The line-up at Rothes Halls includes Cirque De Celine on October 10 which promises a spectacular fusion of world-class circus performance and the timeless music of Celine Dion. It features breathtaking acrobats and aerialists, a full live band, and Europe’s number one Dion tribute act.

Arrival – The Hits of ABBA returns with a new production on October 3 while Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story celebrates the man’s solo career and his time in the Travelling Wilburys on November 21

Step Into Christmas is back for 2026 - bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever - on December 19, and it comes with an after show party too!

On the comedy front, Connor Burns is back at the Adam Smith on February 25, and Stuart Mitchell brings his new show Life Support to Lochgelly Centre on February 3.

Music and dance of a different nature - but equally entertaining - hit the stage with the Dreamboys World Tour with their heart-pounding choreography, feel-good anthems and just the right amount of cheeky naughtiness (Rothes Halls, 28 November).

Entertainment for youngsters is also in the mix. Illusion Impossible at Carnegie Hall on October 7 is a mind-blowing theatrical experience packed with breathtaking magic and illusions for all ages, from card tricks and mind-reading stunts to grand-scale stage illusions and death-defying escapes.

Utterly Revolting Science Show at Rothes Halls on October 126 is a spectacular, hilarious, highly explosive science stunt show. Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry! The McDougalls bring their Halloween party to Carnegie Hall on October 31.

Into 2027, and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra celebrate the new year with a magnificent seasonal Viennese Gala at the Carnegie Hall on January 3, and Queen tribute act, Radio Gaga, are on stage on February 13.

Dance extravaganza Ballroom Blitz is at the Adam Smith on February 13 - the latest sensation from the visionary producers of Celtic Illusion and Celtica and choreographed by the Aric Yegudkin, three-time Dancing with the Stars Australia champion - while acclaimed actor James Cosmo talks about his remarkable career, which spans some 50 years, on January 29.