Group Portrait in a Summer Landscape | By Peter Arnott

Pitlochry Festival Theatre - 06/09/23

Co-produced by Pitlochry Festival Theatre and The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh 

Having just experienced a week of family and friends visiting our Highland retreat I was looking forward to this new play by Peter Arnott. His portrait of an extended similar visit for a special celebration. a moment in time that would be remembered for its repercussions and revelations. Fortunately, our experience did not end so dramatically. As the playwright writes in his notes, this was a snapshot of a get together on a glorious summer day just before the independence referendum in 2014, explored within complex attitudes and relationships. As with all get-togethers there are many hidden secrets and strands to pull together. The grief of a lost son, politics, the environment, personal grievances, moving on, and lost opportunities. Sometimes for the audience it became too complex to follow. They were at odds to know whether to laugh, cry or clap.  

Oh! It is the Interval. David Grieg, director, has assembled a sterling cast for this complicated piece. It includes a stand-out performance by talented newcomer, Robbie Scott, as the ghost of departed son Will, employing all his physical theatre skills as he interweaves silently through the action on stage. The central role of Rennie, the host, played by John Michie, took centre stage and all the characters revolved around his life and decision making. He made it hard to like him. Supporting roles, there were none. Each character revealed their background relationships, stories and why they were there. All privileged, educated, liberals with nowhere to go. Again, it was difficult to like and feel an emotional connection with them. The audience connected with many of the references. The summer home in Dunkeld, the house in the central belt, the jets flying low over the countryside, academia, and the political landscape. The set and costume design were pretty standard apart from the glorious back drop of the Perthshire Hills. Sound and cues were spot on. As the audience filed out into a glorious evening by the Tay, there were puzzled expressions and chat. Many journey from all over Scotland to come to this special theatre. Not quite sure what the play was about but a thought-provoking evening was the opinion. I suspect it was not a tourist crowd pleaser but will engage the intelligentsia of Edinburgh as it tightens up. Again, a first for Pitlochry.  

Playing at Pitlochry in repertoire until 28th September.

Playing at the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh from 4th – 14th October.