Director Elizabeth’s eclectic mix for 2023
Each summer, Pitlochry Festival Theatre shares six or seven well chosen works that have the power to colour memories for thousands of visitors to the drama complex beside the river.
Creative director Elizabeth Newton spoke to PA reporter Melanie Bonn about what the 2023 season offers.
“First off, can I say how excited we are right now,”began Elizabeth, who celebrates five years as creative director at PFT in June.
In that time Bolton’s best has ridden bravely through Covid and the performance restrictions, seen a building project completed in the hiatus and also welcomed a child into her family.
Even with her newborn crying loudly at her hip, Elizabeth enthusiastically addressed all who would listen about the ambitions of Pitlochry and was fulsome in her belief in the “essentialness”of the‘theatre in the Hills.’
The 2023 programme is about to open with its first show, Gypsy. The PFT model is to take off boldly with a dazzling musical up first in May and this year the crew have picked a cracker from the ‘50s that was once made into a hugely popular
film.
In the past weeks sewing machines have been whirring and fabrics gathered and pleated to bring the show about a show to life.
“On May 19 we are going to kick off with one of the greatest musicals you could ever see,” continued Elizabeth.
“It has amazing songs, amazing costumes, it is full of glamour and there is a buzz about rehearsals. So much energy.
“Then on June 2 we take you from the ups and downs of Vaudeville (Gypsy) to New Orleans (A Streetcar Named Desire) then back to Britain for the remarkable Brief Encounter.
“We’ve got lots of new plays - watch out for Perthshire Succession.
“In the Studio we revive last year’s popular play The Maggie Wall.
“We also offer some fabulous musical concerts taking in Broadway and opera classics.
“It feels like a very eclectic mix. Now our 2023 season has come together, it really feels full of life.”