A series of lunchtime plays performed in a Moray pub have been hailed as a roaring success with a forthcoming final performance completely sold out.
‘Play Pieces’ under the artistic direction of Lindsay Brown has demonstrated that there is a clear appetite for drama performances in Moray and the Highlands.
New productions were produced and performed at ‘lunchtime theatres’ in Elgin and Inverness – with the Elgin venue the ever popular Drouthy Cobbler.
Mrs Brown said: “This year was always going to be exciting as we were performing in two new venues as well as extending into Elgin for the very first time.
“However, we have exceeded my expectations by selling out all but one of our Elgin performances and every single one of the Inverness shows. I’m delighted so many people have embraced the concept of lunchtime theatre here in the Highlands as well as enjoyed six new productions by Highland theatre companies and artists.”
Play Pieces started 4 years ago, based on the successful A Play, A Pie and A Pint model in Glasgow. Lindsay, however, wanted to focus the attention on new writing in the Highlands as well as making theatre accessible to audiences so it was a perfect fit.
With the last two years being funded by Creative Scotland, it is clear to see that their investment has paid off.
Mrs Brown had nothing but praise for the owners of each venue, saying: “Paul Rollo in Elgin and George Maclean in Inverness have been so accommodating and supportive, it’s their bars which have attracted so many new people to these events.
“They are quite visionary people and the sponsorship from Lossiemouth’s Windswept Breweries and Loch Ness Beer certainly kept the audience happy with their free drinks.”
The Gamekeeper, which has sold out a month in advance, is the finale for the Play Pieces 2014/15 season but Lindsay is hopefully they will be back in September 2015 with more offerings. “We are waiting to hear about our funding for the future.
“We have been so lucky and made so much progress over the last two years, I think we have a few more good seasons to come.”
For more information on the season head to www.playpieces.co.uk where there is also information on how to submit a proposal for future seasons.