Can you tell us a bit about the works that have been going on at the theatre?

Emma: “Well, since we returned from Christmas, we started a project in which we have refurbished the auditorium. At the end of every performance, we send out surveys to our audience to ask them how their experience was, and they’re so important because they tell us everything about what was good but also what needs improvement. So we decided to refurbish the seats in the auditorium this season to give more comfort, a tiny bit more space, and just make the auditorium a better place to come and visit and see a show.”

What does the process look like of refurbishing the seats?

Emma: “The old seats had been in since the theatre opened in 1981. There was a flood in the front half of the auditorium at one point, so those seats were a little bit newer, but the back section of the seats were definitely around forty-four years old, so they were definitely in need of refurbishment.

It’s not a small undertaking to replace 534 seats in the auditorium – we had to pick just the right time. So we went back to our friends at Kirwin and Simpson who installed the seats in the Studio, and said to them, we have these seats that we knew the bones of are still good. So Kirwin and Simpson have been able to refurbish the seats, re-upholster them, re-cover them, but using the same component parts internally to just give us a better version of what we’ve had, and we’re thrilled with the result.”

What other improvements have been made to the space?

Emma: “Having the seats out meant that we were able to address some of the other issues within the auditorium, so we have been able to replace the induction loop, which is an assisted listening system which will really help people who require assisted listening to better enjoy the performances.

We have re-carpeted and re-nosed, so we’ve been able to make the steps more legible. We have also replaced the acoustic panels to the side and kind of brought everything into a more unified palette across the space. The lighting has also been replaced at the aisle level.

So with all of these things combined, we’re very, very happy with the results.”

How was this project made possible?

Emma: “As always, we’re so grateful to all of the supporters, that have helped make this project a reality. First, the Scottish Government via the Tay Cities deal for their ongoing support, the Dunard Fund and the Gannochy Trust for their generous donations, and particularly to Mr and Mrs Robert Acastor, whose generous support specifically for the refurbishment of the auditorium this year, it really has made all the difference in us being able to bring art to the world.”

Will other improvements be made to the theatre?

Emma: “All of the work today is part of a larger master plan for Pitlochry Festival Theatre and we’re always looking to ensure that we are a venue and a space suitable for our future. We are in the process of finalizing a planning application for further works to enhance our spaces, so watch this space.”