Laughs, twists and trowels set for lunchtime theatre in Elgin

New play to be performed at the Drouthy Cobbler

A comedy play described as being full of “twists and trowels” is set to be performed in Elgin next month as part of a new season of lunchtime performances in the Highlands.

With the support of Creative Scotland and Lossiemouth’s Windswept Breweries a new play -‘The Rhum Plans’ – will be performed at the Drouthy Cobbler.

Written by Phil Baarda, the play centres on true events in the 1940’s when the botanical world was rocked by the discovery of many notable plants on the island of Rum by Professor John Heslop Harrison.

The trouble was the ambitious working class academic had been making far too many similar discoveries over the previous decade to convince the botanical elite, so John Raven – classical scholar and botanist of note – is sent to Rum to investigate possible fraud.

They suspected the academic had been planting artic-alpine rarities taken from elsewhere and passing them off as genuine.

“It’s great to be supporting Phil to develop new work,” explained artistic director Lindsay Brown, who added: “Not only is this a very funny show to be opening with, it does raise the notion of how much we should believe what we read, how we question our sources and of course, how much we meddle with nature.”

The play features three up-and-coming Inverness College HND drama students – Chris Daniel, Andrew Dunlop and Grant Morrison – alongside established local actor Heather Corpe.

It is directed by Dave Smith, co-writer of successful plays including ‘Whisky Kisses’ which is currently playing at the Pitlochry Festival theatre.

The Rhum Plants will be performed on Friday, September 5 at The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin where the doors open 12.30pm. Audiences can enjoy a local pie as well as a local beer, which are included in the £10 ticket price.

Tickets available online at www.playpieces.co.uk as well as in advance at the venue.

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