Curtain goes up on nostalgic Perth Theatre exhibition

Opportunity to view treasure trove of memorabilia

A new exhibition shines the spotlight on the rich history of one of Scotland’s oldest theatres.

A selection of costumes, props and behind the scenes kit has gone on show at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

The nostalgic display marks the start of a countdown to the highly anticipated relaunch of Perth Theatre in October.

The city centre venue is getting a £16.6 million makeover and is on target to relaunch in time for the Christmas panto.

The Through the Curtain exhibition puts on show a variety of items from the city’s archives, including old posters, programmes and photographs.

Visitors will even get the chance to tread the boards on specially built stage, and dress up in a range of extravagant costumes.

Authentic theatre radio chatter, “five minutes to curtain”, will be played through speakers at the gallery.

Local history officer Nicola Cowmeadow said work on the exhibition began about 18 months ago.

Members of a memory collective have been researching the history of the theatre and have unearthed a treasure trove of memorabilia.

They have also been speaking to members of the theatre community, gathering their ideas and recollections.

“I think this will be a real walk down memory lane,” she said. “We’re hoping that a lot of actors and people who have worked at the theatre will come along and have a look over what we’ve put together.

“There will be people out there with their own items from Perth Theatre, like old programmes and tickets. It would be great to get more to add to our collection.”

Once the exhibition has finished its run in October, it will then be set up at the city’s AK Bell Library to coincide with the theatre relaunch.

Among the collection are costumes from old shows, such as the spectacular Technicolour Dreamcoat worn by Jason Connery, Sean’s son.

The theatre has been closed for three years, as the B-listed Edwardian auditorium is restored to its former glory and a new 200 seat studio theatre is created.

Due to be completed later this year, the High Street entrance to the building will be retained, with a new frontage created on Mill Street, improving access and facilities for visitors.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Memory collective members Anne Shah, left, and Freda Cummings do a spot of dressing up.

Pictures: Steve MacDougall. Left: memory collective member Iain Halliday and local history officer Dr Nicola Cowmeadow discuss the exhibits, which include show posters from yesteryear, right.