Entertainment in Dundee

There are three main theatres in Dundee. The Dundee Rep is the biggest, hosting productions by both its unique ensemble cast and touring international shows. If it’s fun for the family you’re looking for, head to Whitehall Theatre where the shows are aimed towards children and pantomimes are popular. Lastly, the Gardyne Theatre has some of the best acoustics around and is the place to go if intimate live performances are what you’re after.

Dundee’s music scene might be overshadowed by some of Scotland’s bigger cities, but as the home of some of Britain’s best-loved indie bands – such as Snow Patrol and The View –  it’s still a great music hub if you know where to go. Duke’s Corner, just off Marketgait, is one of those places. Specialising in three areas – beer, BBQs and bands – it’s a lively place with plenty of space for eating, drinking and dancing the night away. When it comes to music, this industrial-style venue has it all. Holding 250 people, there’s a performance to see every Friday and Saturday night covering genres including indie, folk, soul and jazz. They also take part in a number of local festivals, including their own Craft Roots Festival celebrating root artists from across Scotland.

Clarks on Lindsay Street is an award-winning bar and live music venue that mixes rock and jazz music with delicious pub grub. Famed for its impressive array of cover bands, Clarks also plays host to established and emerging musicians from local areas and further afield. The food here is simple but delicious, with a great selection of burgers and pub classics on the menu. It’s reasonably priced too, and when it’s time to wash your food down with something alcoholic, you won’t be disappointed with the fantastic selection of cocktails and craft beers on offer.

A stalwart of Dundee’s music scene, Caird Hall has seen the likes of The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra and David Bowie grace the stage since it was built in 1923. It is now Dundee’s main concert and event hall, located in City Square. A beautiful Grade A-listed building, this 2,300-capacity venue hosts an impressive programme of events including opera, rock and pop concerts.

Once a month the Just Laugh Comedy Club brings Britain’s best comedians to Dundee. Just around the corner from the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, it entertains at the Dundee Rep, a unique theatre at the centre of Dundee’s cultural art scene. Featuring four comedians from the UK stand-up circuit, Just Laugh is a side-splittingly funny night out. As one of the only places in Tayside where you can regularly see professional comedians, this 455-seat auditorium is the place to go for laugh-out-loud comedy and a rip-roaringly good night out.

Home to Dundee United Football Club, Tannadice Park is a 14,223-capacity stadium located just outside of the city centre. Currently playing in the Scottish Championship, Dundee United F.C. have won the Scottish Premiership Division just once, in the 1982–83 season. There is a great atmosphere at Tannadice Park, thanks both to the dedicated fans and the stands being close to the pitch. And as the tickets are reasonable, catching a match is a great way to spend a family day out in Dundee. There’s also plenty of parking close by, and it’s just a 20-minute drive from our Monifieth hotel.

Just a four-minute walk away is the Dens Park, the home of Dundee F.C. Although the two teams no longer play in the same league – Dundee F.C. are in the Scottish Premiership – there is an intense rivalry between them when they do come head to head.

If you’re looking for something a little different, Dundee Ice Arena is where you’ll find Dundee’s professional ice hockey team, the Dundee Stars. They currently play in the Elite Ice Hockey League, which runs from September through to March. It’s also the home of curling. You won’t hit a blank end here, as the Dundee teams play in a number of leagues across all abilities. If curling isn’t your thing, you can take to the ice yourself as public skating sessions are held on most days and for a reasonable price. Located next to Cineworld, Dundee Ice Arena is just few minutes’ walk from our Dundee North hotel.