Scottish Review : Islay McLeod's Scotland

Islay
McLeod's
Scotland

Behind the scenes at the theatre

View of the stage from a technical area upstairs

Not many theatres started in a tent pitched in their founder's garden. On 19 May 1951 John Stewart did just that in the grounds of Knockendarroch House in Pitlochry. Over half a century later the Festival Theatre is still in business, though it's now located a mile and a half from the town centre. At one time, theatre-goers walked from their hotels through the streets to watch the latest show. Now the theatre relies on buses packed with tourists. I wonder what John Stewart would make of his theatre today?

View of the town from Knockendarroch House

Before the show I tour the theatre, meeting a carpenter, a scenic artist, the head of stage and an actor. My favourite place is the workshop, filled with sets, salvaged props from previous productions, tools and models. I am told you don't do this job for the money – it's about artistic expression and design.

Master carpenter Kenny Brodie

Scenic artist Suzy Potts shows me a rifle
– a prop made by an
89-year-old carpenter

Head of stage Nick Truman makes everything run smoothly from the sets to props

Actor Greg Powrie. The company comes to Pitlochry for the season

Tonight's play is Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. The lounge area is getting busier by the minute. Will all the seats – 544 – be filled? Before we pour into the auditorium, I sit with two elderly women from Glasgow. They are worried that the play may be beyond them. Try to put them at ease; tell them I've heard it all comes together after the interval.
From the moment the red-ruffled curtains open and the first lines are uttered, I enjoy the play. After a rush of applause, the auditorium hushes. The story weaves its way through 18th and 20th century lives, leaving a powerful message. My interpretation is that we are all imminently doomed, so we should make the most of our capability to experience pleasure.

Very few young people seem to attend the theatre -
a sign of our times?

I'm one of the youngest members of the audience, which is mostly middle-aged to elderly. What will happen in 20 years time if younger people aren't introduced to the theatre now? Pitlochry's 'theatre in the hills' remains a Scottish institution worth preserving.

If you want to book tickets for a show at Pitlochry Festival Theatre [click here] to go to its website