Published: Thursday, 21st May, 2009 11:55am

Stones legend heads new Alhambra bill

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ROLLING Stone legend Bill Wyman, the Moscow Ballet and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra"s first visit to Dunfermline are the highlights of the Alhambra"s newly-announced entertainments programme.

Adding to the recent news that the National Theatre of Scotland and the West End production of the musical "Blood Brothers" are coming to the venue, the latest bookings confirm the re-born theatre has a rich and diverse line-up in the coming months.

In recent days, the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and pop star Paolo Nutini saw the place packed out with audiences of difference age groups but shared enthusiasm.

The RSNO"s "Hollywood Classics" show will appeal to a mainstream audience as conductor David Danzmayr leads the 75-strong orchestra through a programme of classic movie soundtracks.

The RSNO promises, 'From sweeping scores that have accompanied some of the most romantic tear-jerkers of all-time to the heroic, dazzling themes that light up Hollywood"s biggest blockbusters, there"s something for movie and music lovers alike.'

The orchestra"s large-scale productions can only be accommodated at the main Scottish venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Edinburgh"s Usher Hall and now the Alhambra on Saturday 12th September.

Another first for Dunfermline is the visit of the "La Classique" Moscow Ballet, founded in 1990 from dancers from the leading Russian companies, such as the Bolshoi and the Kirov. On Saturday 21st November, they bring their production of the ever-popular "Sleeping Beauty", a ballet in a prologue and three acts to Tchaikovsy"s score.

A full cast of 42 dancers will fill the stage with fairytale characters in a colourful spectacle relating the traditional Russian story.

Two days earlier the Alhambra will be filled with music of a very different kind as Bill Wyman arrives with his star-studded Rhythm Kings.

Since his departure from the Stones after 31 years, the legendary bassist and tabloid favourite has been able to explore his own musical roots and is playing the kind of rhythm and blues that first inspired him to pick up a guitar as a teenager.

The band supported Led Zeppelin at their famous reunion gig at London"s O2 arena, one of the most anticipated music events in recent years.

Among those joining Bill on his 32-date UK tour are renowned blues and jazz singer Georgie Fame and Grammy award-winning guitarist Albert Lee.

Famous for playing his Fender Telecaster at breakspeed, Albert has accompanied a who"s who of rock "n" roll greats such as Bo Diddly, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Everly Brothers.