Where a future legend took an £8-a-week job

For decades, fledgling actors who would go on to become famous faces of the stage and screen have donned costumes to tread the boards at Perth Theatre.

Crieff-born Ewan McGregor learned his craft at the theatre, following in the footsteps of Hollywood greats including a young Alec Guinness and Donald Sutherland.

Sutherland, future star of Klute, The Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, Mash and The Hunger Games, was famously considering a change of career when he landed a role with Perth Repertory Theatre.

He is said to have gratefully signed up for £8 per week and made his debut in the Perth Theatre pantomime.

Further roles for the Canadian followed across Tayside before he moved back across the Atlantic to begin a career in television and then film.

Others to grace the Perth stage include Russell Hunter, Elaine C Smith, Andy Gray and Jason Connery, son of Sean and future Robin Hood.

Inspector Morse and Lewis star Kevin Whately spent his first year in acting on the stage at Perth Theatre.

Joan Knight – whose name adorns the rejuvenated building’s studio theatre – supported the careers of many celebrated actors during her time as artistic director, including Una MacLean, Leon Sinden, Rikki Fulton and Martyn James.

The theatre has also been home to some of British theatre’s most talented costumers, who have created stunning outfits fit to grace any stage.

Many of the items – representing decades of Perth Theatre history – were put up for sale last year and bought by amateur companies from across Scotland.