New faces for Pitlochry cast

Jul 11 2008

POPULAR PFT actress Karen Davies, who plays Mrs Hardcastle in She Stoops To Conquer and Muriel Wicksteed in Habeus Corpus, has been forced off the Pitlochry stage this summer season to recuperate following the worsening of a long-standing medical condition.

Given that Karen is also playing Hesione Hushabye in Heartbreak House which opens on Thursday, PFT had to move quickly to source replacements for her three roles in the ensemble.

The excellent Deirdre Davis, who will be familiar to many as Eileen Donachie in BBC Scotland`s River City, joined the PFT acting company yesterday to temporarily take over the role of Hesione Hushabye.

Carol Ann Crawford is also coming to the rescue, to take over as Muriel Wicksteed in Habeas Corpus from next week. Carol Ann drew critical acclaim last year for her performances in The Flouers o Edinburgh and Snake In The Grass.

In addition, one of this year`s acting company, Jacqueline Dutoit, has taken on the role of Mrs Hardcastle in She Stoops To Conquer.

John Durnin, PFT’s chief executive and artistic director, said: “As this is a situation we have faced before – last year we had to bring Deirdre in to play Agatha Posket, the female lead in The Magistrate, when actress Lorna McDevitt broke her ankle – we’re getting good at dealing with difficulties like this!

“I’m delighted that Deirdre was willing to take this on at such short notice and I know that PFT’s audiences will be thrilled to learn that an actress of her stature is joining the company.

“Due to the size and complexity of Karen’s various roles, it simply wasn’t possible to ask one actress to take on all the parts; dividing them up was the only solution. So in addition to Deirdre, we have the added pleasure of welcoming back Carol Ann as Muriel in Habeus Corpus. Carol Ann is vastly experienced actress who made a marvellous contribution to last season, so it’s a great relief to know that she is free to help us out.

“All the staff at PFT send Karen much love and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery”.

Tickets are available from PFT box office: 01796 484626 or go online: www.pitlochry.org.uk