Pitlochry Festival theatre

After the Night Before

I slept in! How, when not doing much, can one do that?

Sadly, and while doing huge amounts of wonderful work, this week brings the news that our Royal Lyceum Theatre is in hibernation until next spring. There are several articles explaining the thinking behind this sad decision. Try Alex Wood here

I think the auditorium of the Royal Lyceum is probably my favourite public space and therein lies the problem. Stopping the spread of deadly diseases doesn’t involve people sitting in close proximity for an hour or so at a time.

However, BBC Arts Culture in Quarantine will premiere David Greig’s new play, Adventures With the Painted People on Sunday 7th June at 7.30 on Radio 3. Written for Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 2020 season, this is a joint production with the Lyceum. Be there.

Okay, and in Stenhouse towers: new jigsaw; all but giving up on Friday’s Child; pre-publication copy of friend’s novel arrived in inbox Yay!; won the scrabble thanks to masterly use of ‘cartels’; armchair travelling to Spain and Orkney.

What’s the biggest miss on your calendar?

Anne

A secret garden

I got back to making a few phone calls yesterday. People are pleased to hear from one, but the strain is beginning to tell in some quarters. No tears although I sense they’re not far below the surface in some cases – I know I feel a little wobbly when I see the granddaughter’s bright smile in a photograph.

However, I enjoyed taking part in the Edinburgh Writers’ Club’s alphabet story challenge. Loved the BBC’s Strictly dance challenge compilation and the jigsaw is nearly finished. I’m making progress on the TBR. My book from the order service at Monifeith BookHouse arrived and the Toad in the Hole was a skyscraper! I had a long chat with friends on the way back from the shops. They are shielding so it’s a particularly long time for them.

Also, whisper it, I tidied my desk.

Throughout all of this many artistic folk have been trying to keep our spirits up. The lovely team at Pitlochry Festival Theatre are among them and my photo at the top is a nod to the Plantfinders’ Garden accessed from the theatre car park. A wonderful haven and one to add to your list for ‘after’. Today Pitlochry’s Rachael McAllister is singing us a cake. Go here

The BOOKHOUSE MONIFIETH here

Anne