Lear
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 imagining 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.
New to Lear? Start here with your guide to Shakespeare’s Timeless Tragedy
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: 4 Jul – 1 Aug 2026
Running time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including 20 min interval)
Advisory: This production contains adult themes and depictions of violence and blood.
Accessible Performances:
Audio Described 23 Jul 7.30pm, 30 Jul 2pm
BSL Interpreted 24 Jul 7.30pm
Captioned 30 Jul 7.30pm
Relaxed and Dementia Friendly 26 Jul 2pm
Travelling by public transport to see Lear?
Ember electric coach services connect Pitlochry with Inverness, Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh (City and Airport) around the clock, with departures timed to align with the Lear finish time.
For timetables and booking, visit Ember
Ticket Info or call box office 01796 484626
Lear is being cast by www.phdcasting.com
Cast
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Maureen Beattie
Lear
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Lindsey Campbell
Regan
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Ali Craig
Oswald
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Ailsa Davidson
Cordelia/Fool
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Jenny Hulse
Goneril
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Reuben Joseph
Edmund
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Beruce Khan
Albany
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Forbes Masson
Gloucester
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Mercy Ojelade
Kent
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Dylan Read
Edgar
From the rehearsal room
Creative & Production Team
Director Finn Den Hertog
Designer Emma Bailey
Lighting Designer Kai Fischer
Composer & Sound Designer Mark Melville
Featured Music Brìghde Chaimbeul
Movement Director Vicki Manderson
Voice Coach Jean Sangster
Fight & Intimacy Director Robin Hellier
Casting Directors Simone Pereira Hind Cdg and Anna Dawson CDG
Production Manager Dino Melia-Findlay
Stage Manager Amanda Hillhouse
Deputy Stage Manager Marianne Forde
Assistant Stage Manager Jordan Alsoundani
Dresser Cecile Pierret
Lighting and Sound Technician Ruaraidh Macphee
Stage Technician Ian Smyth
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