released 26th Sept

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its Autumn-Winter-Spring Season programme of events (October 2011 - April 2012).

As another spectacular Summer Season draws to a close at Pitlochry's Theatre in the Hills, the autumnal winds are blowing more than just leaves from the trees: the changing season signals news of another exciting development at this famous venue, which is celebrating its 60th Anniversary throughout 2011.

The best selling show in PFT's history - the 2009 smash-hit Whisky Galore - A Musical! - is to be revived as PFT`s first ever Autumn production! With a score that conjures up both the 1940s and the unmistakable sounds of the Western Isles, performed by a highly talented cast of actor-musicians (many of them returning from the original cast or currently part of the Pitlochry Summer Season), this critically acclaimed and much loved show will run for three weeks beginning 21st October - it's sure to be the perfect Autumnal entertainment! Advance sales at the Box Office indicate it is already a big hit - make sure you don't miss out!

Following the great success of last year`s inaugural panto, Cinderella, we've dreamed up another magical Christmas treat for all the family in 2011 . . . Spinning wheels, wicked fairies, beautiful princesses, strange enchantments, overgrown castles, heroic princes - what else could it be but that most magical of fairytales, Sleeping Beauty!

This fun-filled family extravaganza promises to be a theatrical spectacle, with glittering costumes, sparkling sets, a host of festive characters, and with song, dance and laughter aplenty to delight the young - and the young at heart! And without giving too much away, be prepared to boogie!

Mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington returns to the Winter Words Festival in 2012, as does archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster Neil Oliver. Award-winning chef and food writer Sue Lawrence also makes an appearance, together with new Makar Liz Lochhead and veteran Scots politician Dennis Canavan - just some of the headline authors and wordsmiths featuring in Winter Words 2012.

There's plenty still to be revealed and a full Winter Words programme will be available in November - so make sure you visit PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com to purchase tickets online and stay in touch with the latest news and developments.

There's a powerful programme of music and concerts in the new Season`s line up. Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond tribute bands will take to the Pitlochry stage, as will living legends Gallagher & Lyle - a rare and much-anticipated appearance of this Scottish duo (with their band). And it doesn't stop there: in March, Skerryvore return for a third successive concert. The meteoric rise of this "Runrig for the 21st century" has lead to huge ovations each time they play. Also returning in March, the Man in Black - Alvin Stardust - will play numerous hits from his multi-decade career, plus some new songs from his latest album.

Taking a break from Shetland supergroup Fiddler's Bid, Catriona McKay and Chris Stout hit the main stage in February, followed by the fabulous, irrepressible crooner Craig McMurdo. Together with his Quartet, Craig will be providing a Valentine`s Day date to remember!

The well-kent face of the White Heather Club, Jimmie McGregor will be offering his own unique brand of sheer entertainment (16th March), whilst Those Were The Days with Rosemary Squires will be the perfect afternoon of nostalgia in the company of ‘Britain's Doris Day' (8th April).

The new programme also features the unstoppable Scottish showbiz legend Dorothy Paul, who performs Dorothy: Retiring From Retirement twice in one day in March! The BAFTA award-winner will be on top form telling it like it is, from trams up the town to bus rides to Blackpool and audience favourite "The Cleaner" Part comedy, part music, you can expect 100% entertainment!

As usual, opera has a strong presence in the programme. In April, there's a weekend to savour as we welcome back Swansea City Opera with Così Fan Tutte and A Night Of Romantic Opera. Earlier in the year Dunfermline Gilbert & Sullivan Society return with the superb Iolante, whilst Tenors Un Limited combine their own blend of unique vocals to create a fresh approach to operatic standards, original compositions and classical crossovers in March.

Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, one of the most famous and best loved ballets, will be performed twice on 25th February next year by Scotland`s own Ballet West. What more could classical ballet fans wish for?

The new programme also includes a special appearance from favourite Scottish actress Hannah Gordon and the popular cookery author Josceline Dimbleby, and two performances of The Cemetery Club by Just Do It Theatre, as well as our ever-popular annual Burns Nicht - tak your place with the great chieftain o the puddin-race!

Our Active Arts line up includes a special Whisky Galore - For Radio! workshop, Scriptwriting with the multiple award-winning screenwriter Andy Mackie and Acting: Back To Basics with Lynn Bains, who has taught the likes of Euan McGregor! Nor does it end there: we've also scheduled in a special music workshop with Skerryvore and a Live Willowing Weaving workshop with Trevor Leat. Firm favourites Drawing, Digital Photography and Painting workshops also feature.

For a copy of the Autumn-Winter-Spring Season brochure, please contact the Box Office on 01796 484626 or visit PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com for information and to purchase tickets online.