The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Studio theatre pays homage to ‘first lady’ of Scottish stage
Fitting tributes, both physical and financial, recall pivotal figure in venue’s history
The legendary ‘first lady’ of the Scottish stage has been given a lasting tribute at new look Perth Theatre.
Joan Knight was known to generations as artistic director at the 117-year-old venue, which is poised to open its doors after a £16.6 million rebuild.
A new 200-seat studio theatre at the building has been named in her honour.
A new commission fund has also been set up in Joan’s name, which will invest in up-and-coming local talent.
Joan was artistic director at the theatre from 1968 to 1993 – three years before her death – and was known as a champion of new playwriting and young talent, including the likes of Trainspotting star Ewan McGregor.
The driving force behind the new fund and studio name are two former theatre employees who worked alongside Joan.
Vanessa Rawlings-Jackson, who was the venue’s first general manager from 1976 to 1982, said: “Joan Knight believed in nurturing new talent, and growing existing talent.
“She would give new and established actors opportunities to develop their skills, she commissioned and employed new writers, designers and directors, many of whom went on to run major theatre companies and direct productions across the UK and internationally.
“This commitment provides the foundation on which the Joan Knight New Commission Fund will be established.”
Patrick Sandford, who worked at the theatre in the 1980s, rising through the ranks from trainee to director, added: “Looking back, it is important to acknowledge audiences change and the theatre always needs new approaches.
“The past is interesting and should be honoured and examined, but the nostalgic notion of a Golden Age is misleading. The Golden Age of Perth Theatre is now.
“Joan would be thrilled to have a new studio space and to think that living writers were having their work done in it, by enterprising directors and actors.”
New artistic director Lu Kemp said: “For the past three decades, Scotland has been a beacon for new writing – the work of Scottish playwrights is performed all over the world.
“I look forward to honouring Joan Knight’s legacy, and following my own personal commitment by developing and supporting new talent at Perth Theatre.”
The doors to Perth Theatre will reopen next Monday when the public will be able to access the box office, cafe and bar. The first production will be Aladdin, from Saturday, December 9.