Yesterday saw my return to the auditorium in Pitlochry for sparkling performances of this season’s musical, SUNSHINE ON LEITH, and the incomparable Michael Frayn’s, NOISES OFF.

I’m sure I’m not the only Scot who hasn’t seen Sunshine on Leith, but judging by the enthusiastic singing in the aisles that rounded off the afternoon performance to a packed house, I may be one of few, very few. Stephen Greenhorn’s musical and the songs of The Proclaimers have stood the test of time and, indeed, some topical jokes/references have been included.

Noises Off has also stood the test of time and the cast performed some amazingly complicated physical theatre with aplomb. Everyone who should have tripped over, did, but no one dropped the whisky. I particularly enjoyed Marc Small’s ever-more frantic pacing around the auditorium as the director, Lloyd, and Marc’s pole dancing skills, demonstrated just as the curtain came down, were astonishing.

The range of skills displayed by casts at Pitlochry is wide and varied. Singing, dancing, playing an instrument, acrobatics… And, of course, acting.

The Season at Pitlochry is now in full swing. If I’m reading the diary correctly, two plays remain to open and there are a number of one off or special evenings to come.

The refurbishment is well underway but, in the absence of the restaurant, we ate in Bridge of Tilt at The Loft. Excellen lamb for him and equally good chicken for me. Restaurants in Pitlochry were heavily booked and I met at least one friend who’d eaten Fish ‘n’ Chips in the car park. Book early, folks.

The Season runs until early October. Live Theatre needs you, the audience. Hope to see you there.

City of Discoveries, my Anniversary serial for The People’s Friend, the world’s longest running women’s magazine, can be read here.

Anne