Shows delayed but PFT goes on
Pitlochry Festival Theatre has moved all its plays for summer 2020 to next year and is now putting out free new work online by top writers.
The Theatre in the Hills announced the time shift of Gypsy, Private Lives, Kiss Me Quickstep, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Adventures with the Painted People and Sense and Sensibility was a necessary response due to the uncertainties created by the coronavirus.
A statement read: “Due to COVID-19, we need to move our 2020 Summer Season to 2021. Pitlochry Festival Theatre is prioritising the health and wellbeing of all audiences, artists, and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re sad to postpone but so excited to produce the plays next year.
“We also look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible. Until then stay tuned for our online content. We’re thrilled pre-booked tickets remain valid for postponed shows and if you haven’t booked, please head to the website www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com”
Pitlochry Festival Theatre will replace the physical performances of 2020 with a series of digital works as part of Shades of Tay, its creative initiative inspired by the river.
Released online in the coming weeks, all new works will be captioned, free to access and share, and intended as gifts to those isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who feel isolated from theatre in general.
A spokesperson explained: “Twenty-five new pieces of writing by playwrights, poets, and performers from Scotland and beyond will be part of #PFTLightHopeJoy, the theatre’s online series, which was created to respond to the uncertain and isolated world in which we now find ourselves.
“These commissions for Shades of Tay, originally announced in late 2019 as an ambitious three-year project, have been brought forward in response to the need for artists and audiences to be in dialogue during this difficult time.
“Inspired by the River Tay and its surrounding landscape, which resides next to the theatre, the work will be performed as audio dramas, podcasts, short films and more by the theatre’s Summer Season actors including Kirsty Stuart, Richard Standing, Deirdre Davis and John Branwell, and later in a live festival after the theatre reopens.”
Speaking about the project, Pitlochry Festival Theatre artistic director Elizabeth Newman said: “The River Tay is 117 miles long.
It possesses some of the most spiritual, exciting and inspiring stories. It is the compelling river highway that everyone crosses at some point.
“We want this work to respond to the ideas found in this rich landscape, creating a celebration of our shared humanity and how art is wholly and truly inspired by nature.
“As we’ve said before, Shades of Tay is our love letter to Scotland.
“We are so excited about the idea of continuing to write beautiful words about our extraordinary country and its citizens, and this feels like the perfect time to create a space where art can help us celebrate our shared humanity and connect us with how much inspiration, comfort, and rich inspiration can be found in nature.
“The work promises to be uplifting, hopeful and embracing in this time of confusion and separation.
“In this time of isolation, we want to continue to share Pitlochry with the world, and the world with Pitlochry.”
The new writing recruits a wealth of British talent including Timberlake Wertenbaker, Stephen Greenhorn, Abi Zakarian, Hannah Khalil, Chinonyerem Odimba, Peter Arnott, Bert Clark, Jo Clifford, Daniel Bye, Olly Emmanuel, Lesley Hart, Hannah Lavery, Jenny Lindsay, Douglas Maxwell, Deborah McAndrew, Nicola McCartney, Martin McCormick, Linda McLean, Michael O’Neill, Frances Poet, Dan Rebellato, Sally Reid, Ellie Stewart, May