Many creative communities across Scotland go to great lengths to attract and entertain tourists but few can match the sheer dedication, skill and enthusiasm of the cast and crew of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Each summer, since 1961, the Theatre has thrown open its doors to welcome over 60,000 visitors to enjoy a theatrical extravaganza in which a different show is performed every night – with two on Wednesdays and Saturdays! - ensuring that there is something on offer to delight just about any taste.
From May to October, the theatre creates and presents six carefully chosen pieces, covering a diverse range of styles. This way, fans of musicals and plays who are visiting for a week can take in a different show every evening - some visitors opt to see three shows in two days.
“Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a unique phenomenon - no other British Theatre attempts this extraordinary turnover of plays,” said Giles Conisbee, a Senior Manager with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, adding: “You have to look as far away as Canada to find anything remotely similar”
This Summer, PFT has selected five world-class plays and a blockbuster musical – all performed by 17 actors who are cast in multiple parts across multiple shows!
Running from May 25 to October 20, the line-up of shows is as follows:
The Last Witch by Rona Munro follows the story of the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland while Quality Street by JM Barrie is a romantic comedy about two unmarried sisters during the time of the Napoleonic war.
An extravagant political satire, Tom Stoppard’s Travesties, is also in the mix, along with Before The Party by Rodney Ackland which takes a swipe at the upper middle classes adjusting to life after the First World War. And then there’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright – which offers an incredible evening showcasing some well-loved songs.
“We open the season with Chicago - the longest running American musical in Broadway and London’s West End history. It’s already proving very popular with audiences, with advance sales really quite strong so my advice is to book early to get the best seats at the best prices!“ added Giles Conisbee.
“We enjoy an international reputation for the size, scale and quality of the work we produce and are considered Scotland’s leading producer of musicals however no matter what the show, visitors have come to expect entertainment from us that is joyful, entertaining, reflective, ambitious and diverse. And we believe our 2018 Season conjures such stimulation in abundance!”
Along with the festival season itself, there is a plethora of other events and activities taking place throughout the year, from comedy and concerts to tours and talks, food, art and the chance to enjoy the Explorers Garden.
Whatever the time of year, there is plenty to see and do in Pitlochry. Visitors enjoy the many natural highlights of the town, its surrounding countryside, as well as distilleries, castles, golf courses, restaurants and shops not to mention walks, cycle-paths and Pitlochry’s other famous attraction - the unique dam and fish ladder.
So make sure you experience Pitlochry this year. After all, life’s better with a bit of drama in it. Not to mention music, dance, romance, laughter. . .
Book now to get the best seats for great prices. www.PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com
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