Pitlochry Festival Theatre has today announced an exciting lineup of world premières, smash-hit musicals, and sold-out returning productions for its Summer Season 2025.
The Main Auditorium season 2025 will open with the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Blackpool Grand Theatre production of the much-loved musical Grease (18 June – 27 September). Step back into the electrifying world of 1950s Rydell High School and follow the whirlwind romance between new girl Sandy Dumbrowski and popular guy Danny Zuko, as they find their summer love challenged by the pressures of teenage life. With iconic songs like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, and You’re the One that I Want, this high-energy show promises a nostalgic journey full of rock ‘n’ roll flair.
Later in June, the Theatre will première Elizabeth Newman’s new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (27 June – 25 September). Co-produced with Derby Theatre and directed by their theatre’s Artistic Director Sarah Brigham, this exciting new adaptation brings Fitzgerald’s iconic characters and vivid imagery to life, set against the backdrop of the glitzy and glamorous Jazz Age. One of literature’s most enduring masterpieces, The Great Gatsby captures a world where dreams are grand, yet fleeting, and every moment is a step towards an inevitable reckoning.
July will see a brand-new production of Patrick Barlow’s hit comedy The 39 Steps (11 July – 26 September). Performed by four actors playing over 150 roles, this fast-paced, theatrical adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film takes you into a world of espionage, intrigue, and slapstick comedy.
Finally, later in July, due to popular demand, the Main Auditorium will see the return of the Theatre’s smash hit production of Sunshine on Leith (25 July – 27 September), Stephen Greenhorn’s uplifting and moving musical featuring the songs of world-renowned Scottish band The Proclaimers. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Edinburgh, this touching story follows the lives of two soldiers, Davy and Ally, returning home from Afghanistan. As they return to civilian life, they must navigate love, family, and the search for purpose.
The Studio season 2025 will see the première of four exciting new plays and a popular revival. Opening in May will be the Theatre’s co-production with the Byre Theatre of the première of Milly Sweeney’s new play Water Colour (9-17 May). Winner of the St Andrews Playwriting Award, Water Colour is an exploration of mental illness, family, the connection with strangers, and opening yourself up to the world.
The new season in the Studio will also see the welcome return of the sold-out production of Nan Shepherd: Naked and Unashamed (30 May-14 June), co-produced with Firebrand Theatre Company. Richard Baron and Ellie Zeegen’s highly entertaining and moving play reveals how the iconic Scottish author, teacher, hillwalker, and nature lover helped shape Scotland’s recent literary history, and solves the mystery of why her masterpiece, The Living Mountain, lay forgotten in a drawer for over 30 years.
June will see the world première of Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir’s new play This is a Gift (24 June – 11 Sept). Set in Leith in Edinburgh, This is a Gift is an exploration of class, care and consequences and is a modern take on the Greek myth of Midas. The play was one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 37 plays and featured on the longlist for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting.
In July, the Studio will stage the new Scottish musical Nessie (9 July – 16 August). With Book, Music, and Lyrics by Shonagh Murray, and co-produced with Capital Theatres, Nessie, tells the story of the chance encounter by a young biologist with the Loch Ness Monster and celebrates bravery, the strength of friendship and the courage to follow one’s own heart.
Finally, in August, the Theatre’s Studio space will host the première of John Binnie and Alyson Orr’s new musical play A Toast Fae The Lassies (29 August – 24 September), which explores the life of Robert Burns through the perspectives of the three women who knew him best – his mother Agnes, his wife Jean Armour and his muse and soulmate Clarinda. Featuring Burns’ timeless songs and poetry, including My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose, Ae Fond Kiss, and Auld Lang Syne, A Toast Fae The Lassies invites the audience to experience the first Burns Night like never before, and highlights how these often overlooked figures shaped the legacy, and contributed to the art of Scotland’s greatest poet.
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre said: “I am so excited to share the news of our Summer Season 2025. We’re thrilled to create new productions of classic stories like The 39 Steps, Grease and The Great Gatsby, which will be co-produced with Derby Theatre. We know audiences will be pleased to hear that we are bringing back Nan Shepherd: Naked and Unashamed with Firebrand Theatre Company after its sold-out run, and Sunshine on Leith also returns by popular demand for a short sojourn before it embarks on its initial tour.
But that’s not all—we’re incredibly proud to continue our mission of championing new Scottish work. This season features four brand-new plays, including This is a Gift by Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir and A Toast Fae The Lassies by John Binnie and Alyson Orr, alongside exciting collaborations like Water Colour by Milly Sweeney with the Byre Theatre and Nessie by Shonagh Murray with Capital Theatres as part of our important Musicals Commissioning Hub. This vibrant array of new work showcases the extraordinary talent within the Scottish theatre community.”
We can’t wait to welcome both familiar faces and new friends to the Theatre next summer, as we continue our journey of sharing Pitlochry with the world and the world with Pitlochry.”
Further information about the casting for the 2025 ensemble and more 2025 production announcements will be made public in the coming months.
Tickets will go on sale to existing Pitlochry Festival Theatre members from Monday 2 September 2024 and on general sale on Monday 16 September 2024. For further information on tickets and productions visit www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com or call 01796 484626
