A travelling circus of sorts comes to An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis on the 10th December 2005. Only this one is populated by bears, birds, bell-ringers, monkeys, rats, elephants and assorted grotesques - carved from wood. If you can imagine dozens of these little figures earnestly going about their business, powered by old sewing machines and the ingenious use of junk, with coloured lights and set to music – you get some idea of Sharmanka. The solemn choreography as each character performs its routine as if part of some huge, wacky cuckoo-clock is both funny and tragic.
Sharmanka is Russian for ‘barrel-organ’, and the company was formed in St Petersburg in 1989 before moving to Scotland in 1996. It is a fusion of the talents of sculptor and mechanic Eduard Bersudky and former theatre director Tatyana Janovskaya. In recognition, Bersudky was rewarded this year with a prestigious Creative Scotland award. Among his best known creations was his collaboration with the late furniture maker Tim Stead on the Millennium Clock in the Royal Museums of Scotland.

An Lanntair Director Roddy Murray said “This is a spectacular exhibition, something for all ages, perfect for the Festive Season and once again something we could never have contemplated without the wonderful new facilities we now have. We are particularly grateful to CalMac for sponsoring us and making it possible.”

Sharmanka is at An Lanntair until 28th January 2006.