Pitlochry Artistic Director to depart

ELIZABETH NEWMAN will step down as Artistic Director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre (PFT) in November to take up an undisclosed leadership role.

Before joining PFT in September 2018, Newman worked at Bolton Octagon for nine years, initially as a trainee director and later as Artistic Director.

She was also Artistic Director and CEO of Shared Property Theatre Company and acting Artistic Director at Southwark Playhouse.

PFT Executive Director KRIS BRYCE said working with Newman had been “an absolute joy”.

“Her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering ambition have not only captivated our audiences but have inspired everyone who works at the theatre. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic alongside her and ensuring we remained a vital presence in people’s lives was an honour,” he continued.

Newman called her time at the theatre “an incredible privilege” and paid tribute to Bryce‘s “tenacity and energy”.

Of her time at Pitlochry, she said: “I’m proud that we have produced more new Scottish work, supported more artists and participants, and reached more new audiences than ever before. While I will miss being here terribly, I look forward to joining audiences and working on projects with the organisation in the future.”

“Elizabeth's journey at Pitlochry has been inspiring, and her work in developing talent has been exceptional," added Chair CRAWFORD GILLIES. "She and our Executive Director Kris Bryce rank amongst the most influential people in British theatre today, and we are enthusiastic about working with Elizabeth on future projects.”

Saxton Bampfylde will lead the search for a new Artistic Director for PFT over the next three months, with the theatre’s existing artistic team covering any interim period.