Lear
LEAR
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed and Adapted by Finn Den Hertog
Designed by Emma Bailey
A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production
In this bold new imaging of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Scottish theatre legend Maureen Beattie takes on the towering role of the monarch whose decision to test her daughters’ love unravels both family and kingdom. A thrilling story of pride, folly and misplaced trust.
A powerhouse of Scottish talent breathes vivid life into the tragedy, featuring Forbes Masson as Gloucester, Lear’s fiercely loyal yet doomed courtier.
Directed by Finn den Hertog, following his acclaimed West End production of The Fifth Step and designed by award-winning designer Emma Bailey (Six! The Musical; Sunset Song) whose award-winning designs have been seen around the world.
Lear is a visceral exploration of power, legacy and family, brought to the stage by some of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.
From Alan Cumming:
Lear has always struck me as a very intimate and painful family story stuck inside the middle of a big war drama. I think in Scotland we understand both the idea of our land being fought over and how families can splinter in a second, so this Scottish and very female version of the play is the perfect addition to my first season. I also want to bring Shakespeare back to Pitlochry and indeed to Scottish theatre. I think we have moved away from him of late and I want that to change because our accents and our passion bring the Bard to life in ways that other countries can’t.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Venue: Auditorium
Date: 15 Aug – 6 Sep 2026
Running time: tbc
Accessible Performances:
Audio Described 23 Jul 7.30pm and 29 Jul 2pm
BSL Interpreted 24 Jul 7.30pm
Captioned 22 Jul 2pm and 30 Jul 7.30pm
Relaxed and Dementia Friendly 26 Jul 2pm
Ticket Info or call box office 01796 484626
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