Pitlochry Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its third Winter Season programme (October 2005 – April 2006). “The success of the first two winter seasons surpassed expectations, attracting and entertaining audiences from all over Scotland and beyond” commented Nikki Axford, PFT’s Chief Executive.

As the autumn colours shine out from every leaf in Big Tree Country, we welcome the fantastic Enchanted Forest sound and light show (10,000 visitors last year) to nearby Faskally Woods, with buses departing from the Theatre. Also new this year is Perthshire Amber, a weekend of concerts and workshops and events celebrating Dougie MacLean and his music:, not one song will be repeated over the three nights as he draws on his vast repertoire, from epics like Turning Away and the timeless Caledonia to his most recent work.

Winter Words, our literature festival, returns in January, with the chance to rub shoulders with Ian Rankin, Joanna Trollope and Kate Adie amongst many others. Moscow Ballet visit in February, this time for 2 nights as tickets sold out so quickly last time. We also welcome back Opera Box, now performing under their new name, Swansea City Opera. The Easter weekend offers plenty to do for families with our popular Doors Open Day and two magical puppet shows from the most inventive puppeteers in Europe.

Other season highlights include Vivaldi by Candlelight with the Locrian Ensemble, a sparkling gala of Operetta gems with Pink Champagne, a high energy traditional folk gig with Jock Tamson’s Bairns, popular seasonal songs delivered with typical jazz panache by Todd Gordon, drama with performances from Faith Brooks in The Colour of Poppies, and Mike Maran in Novecento, plus more scintillating music from Fraser Anderson, Katzenjammer, The Midden, Cantabile and Malinky.

This winter, we’ve increased the number of workshops and Masterclasses in the Active Arts programme. By popular demand, the Watercolour Workshops feature once again, as does Willow Weaving, Radio Drama and our traditional music classes for beginners. We’ve also added some new activities, included some in the Explorers Garden.

Whatever the weather, be sure of a very warm welcome at the Theatre in the Hills this winter.

For a copy of the Winter Season brochure, please contact the Box Office on 01796 484626 or visit www.pitlochry.org.uk  for information and to purchase tickets online.