Pitlochry Festival Theatre to launch 70th anniversary year with its first Winter Ensemble

Pitlochry Festival Theatre has today announced that it will be creating a Winter ensemble of 21 actors from Scotland and further afield, who will create new work online to celebrate the beginning of its 70th anniversary year.

Working with the venue’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman and PFT’s Associate Directors, the ensemble will also take part in readings, development projects and other artistic activity.

The Winter Programme will include an online programme of diverse content, a series of new works for children, a space to support writers in developing new work and a digital programme making use of the theatre’s natural environment.

The Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s  Winter Ensemble will feature Olivier award nominated Clare Foster, Colin McCredie, Kirsty Stuart, Jessica Hardwick, Damian Humbley, Richard Standing, Brian Ferguson, Anne Odeke, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Greg Powrie, Deirdre Davis, David Rankine, Fiona Wood, Gordon Houston, Kenny Boyle, Barbara Hockaday, Ali Watt, MJ Deans, Olivier Huband, Bea Webster and the BAFTA Scotland nominated Lois Chimimba.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman said: “This is a seminal moment for Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Our first Winter Ensemble will be vital to our work next year.  I am personally over the moon to share this news especially for our 70th Anniversary. By creating PFT’s first Winter Ensemble, we intend to celebrate actors and their artistry. Actors are vital to our work. We pride ourselves on being an actor’s theatre, an important home for actors. We can’t wait to get started. And to continue our work to produce a safe space for artists to create incredible performances and, therefore, life-changing experiences for our audiences. Bring on 2021!”

Pitlochry actor Greg Powrie said: “I’ve had a long and joyful history working at PFT over many years, so I’m thrilled to be returning to be part of the Theatre’s first Winter Ensemble. I’ve lived in the Pitlochry community for a number of years so I’m passionate about making some great work for our local communities and reaching new audiences too.”

Actress Clare Foster added: "I came to Pitlochry in 2019 to experience the Summer Season. I thought the work was incredible, so I was thrilled to be asked to be part of the Theatre's first Winter Ensemble. I also fell in love with the place, so I am really looking forward to producing some great new pieces for the PFT audiences, old and new, to enjoy in the coming months. I am passionate about how we reach people during this difficult time and how we make great work which helps them feel more connected to each other and the rest of the world. I know this Ensemble is going to work hard to do just that."

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