With 4 weeks to go until the opening performance of the 2006 Summer Season, ticket sales for all six shows suggest that this will be another storming season at PFT. With tickets on sale since January, PFT’s Box Office reports that sales are up 10% on this time last year – which, in turn, was 15% up on the year before! This is a strong indication that PFT will continue to enjoy the highest audience figures for drama of all of Scotland’s ‘producing’ theatres.

We are therefore delighted to announce details of PFT’s 2006 Summer Season. The ensemble will boast many familiar faces, such as Martyn James, Helen Logan and Richard Addison, and include some of last year’s outstanding company - Jonathan Coote, Karen Davies and Robin Harvey Edwards. Add several talented newcomers to PFT and you have a magical mix that promises to make this season one to remember.


A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE

by Oscar Wilde

From the creator of The Importance Of Being Earnest, a razor-sharp study of a world that values image above integrity. Wilde’s stylish and typically witty exposé of the Victorian Establishment has all the qualities of a perfect Pitlochry season opener.


SUMMER LIGHTNING

adapted by Giles Havergal, from the novel by P.G. Wodehouse

Prize-winning pigs, misplaced manuscripts, risqué romances – former Citz director Giles Havergal dazzlingly reinvents Wodehouse’s glorious comedy for the stage, leading to midsummer mayhem at Blandings Castle!


MAN OF THE MOMENT

by Alan Ayckbourn

The Scottish première of Ayckbourn’s Olivier Award-winning comedy about fame, fortune and the media. Savagely funny, this story of a doomed TV documentary is sure to make a splash – but who will be first into the on stage swimming pool?


CHIMNEYS

by Agatha Christie

The European Première of Agatha Christie’s ‘lost’ play, Chimneys, an early thriller set in the world of 1920s power politics. PFT's audiences will become the first in the UK to see this ingenious tale of murder and intrigue brought vividly to life.


THE GRAPES OF WRATH

adapted by Frank Galati, from the novel by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s masterpiece, telling the story of the Joad family’s epic journey across America during the Great Depression. Haunting, deeply moving and ultimately life affirming, it promises to be a highlight of the season.


HAMLET: The Actors' Cut

by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare returns to PFT after 23 years, in the short, dynamic First Quarto version of his greatest tragedy. Adapted for touring by the Bard’s own actors, this lively and accessible version reworks Hamlet into a crowd-pleasing thriller.

Chief Executive, Nikki Axford, said: ”Audiences from across Scotland love coming to PFT. They know that the combination of entertaining and challenging theatre and a beautiful rural setting can’t be found anywhere else.”

She added: “There is an air of anticipation and excitement throughout the theatre and the local community. Seasonal staff are now installed, set building and costume making are well advanced, and the actors are getting used to the unusual and gruelling process of rehearsing the first four plays at the same time. It’s an amazing achievement – one of Scotland’s unsung success stories.“

Artistic Director, John Durnin, said: “In recent years, we have been programming an increasingly diverse range of work, which challenges our actors, directors, designers and production staff to create ever more inventive, high quality theatre for our audiences. Thanks to our unique repertoire system, audiences will have the chance this year to see a ‘lost’ Agatha Christie on the same day as Steinbeck’s extraordinary Grapes of Wrath, or the rare First Quarto Hamlet after a matinee of a Wodehouse adaptation. Where else can you get an experience like that?”


Year Round Venue

PFT’s third Winter Season has continued the success of the last two years and comes to a close this weekend with Doors Open Day on Easter Saturday, and two very special puppet shows for all the family on Saturday and Sunday, as part of the Scottish Puppet Animation Festival.

The award-winning Active Arts programme now operates year round and includes block printing and paper crafts, as well as willow weaving and performing arts workshops such as voice Masterclasses, radio drama workshops and tap dancing!

Our ever-popular Summer Theatre Schools in Production and Performance take place in September and hiper, the Highland Perthshire Youth Arts project, has a variety of summer activities for 5-18 years olds, including a Murder, Mystery and Mayhem week!

With Sunday Concerts offering everything from the best traditional Scottish music (Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham) to glam rock tributes (T. Rextasy), plus barbershop, swing bands, orchestral concerts, songs from the shows, poet Pam Ayres, ceilidhs and new Scottish bands, you may find you need to stay a wee while longer or make a return visit to fit it all in . . .

Interviews are available with Nikki Axford and John Durnin upon request.

Listings Information:

Tickets Prices from £12.00 - £22.50, concessions available

Contact Box Office: 01796 484626 or email: boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk