Colin unearths real gems of theatre history

Sep 23 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PITLOCHRY Festival Theatre’s 60th anniversary will be celebrated with an intriguing presentation by local historian Colin Liddell, the third member of his family to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Theatre in the Hills.

The special event takes place next Sunday (October 2).

Colin said: “In celebration of PFT’s Diamond Jubilee, I was asked to give a talk about the fascinating history of the theatre.

“Little did I realise it would absorb so much of my spare time, exploring and restoring some order to the theatre’s extensive archives. However, in doing so, I unearthed some real gems of theatre history and some wonderful photographs.”

Colin added: “This talk will offer a unique opportunity to see rare and unusual images featuring well-kent faces from the Pitlochry stage from recent and bygone days, as well as, for example, the erection of the tented structure before the first season opening in 1951, the Queen Mother’s visit in 1960 and Prince Charles’ visits in 1981 and 2002.

“In addition, there will be the chance to hear the intriguing stories of the directors and designers, actors and managers, and 60 years of plays!”

PFT’s chief executive and artistic director John Durnin said: “Both for our regular audiences and for the people of Pitlochry, Colin’s wonderful story of the downs and ups of this very special theatre will make for a highly entertaining evening, full of drama, both on-stage and off!

“Everyone at PFT has spent quite a bit of time in 2011 looking back to PFT’s formative years in the 1940s and 1950s. But Colin has topped that by condensing the extraordinary story of the last 60 years into two 45 minute sessions, with a 20 minute interval in between, during which he will be showing even more of the marvellous images he has unearthed.”

Colin’s narrative will be interspersed with a host of interesting PFT facts, such as the top 10 most performed playwrights at PFT and the most often performed plays, together with a roll call of the actors who have appeared most often on the renowned Pitlochry stage.

Tickets are £10 (free entrance for Festival Circle donors and John Stewart Society members). Starts 8pm.

Call PFT’s box office on 01796 484626 or go online at PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com to secure a seat.