Barefoot in the Park

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, March 12 to 29

For the first time, The Lyceum in Edinburgh and Pitlochry Festival Theatre (PFT) have joined together to present Barefoot in the Park, Neil Simon’s joyful comedy about love, life and living together.

Famously portrayed on the big screen by Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, this stage production – PFT’s first spring show of the year – stars Jessica Hardwick as Corie, Olivier Huband as Paul, with Clare Grogan as Ethel, and Hamish Clark as Victor Velasco.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon is one of America’s most beloved writers and Barefoot in the Park one of his best-known works.

Set in 1960s Greenwich Village, it follows the romantic rollercoaster of optimistic Corie and grounded Paul’s relationship as they begin their married life together in their tiny New York flat.

But figuring out the usual daily ups and downs of married life becomes that bit more complicated when Corie attempts to matchmake her mother with their unconventional neighbour, Mr Velasco, while conversely coaxing her new husband into living a more laidback lifestyle in which he doesn’t sweat the small things, lives in the moment, and perhaps even runs barefoot in the park...

Pitlochry artistic director Elizabeth Newman is thrilled about the collaboration.

“We’ve been keen to collaborate with The Lyceum for a long time so it’s great to be making something together,” she smiles.

“We share an incredible commitment to making theatre for everyone, and bringing fresh, contemporary productions as well as the classics.

“We wanted to make a piece of work that is uplifting and joyous, and we considered lots of different titles.

“Barefoot in the Park is a joyful story that celebrates love,” she continues.

“It feels like the world really needs to escape to New York to spend time with Corie and Paul in their love nest!

“The acting company are totally glorious and Neil Simon definitely offers up a lot of laughs and fun and we’ll also be including some fabulous 60s musical classics.

“It’s a play I’ve loved for years and it will deliver everything audiences need right now, celebrating the good things in life.

“The themes of family relationships are timeless and the audience will take away hope – hope for Corie and Paul, hope for Ethel and Victor, and therefore for themselves.

“It’s a true celebration of love and a new beginning.

“And when in doubt you just have to sing!” pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

Some of the cast of Barefoot in the Park.