A new exhibition shines the spotlight on the rich history of one of Scotland’s oldest theatres.
A selection of costumes, props and behind-the-scenes kit has gone on show at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
The nostalgic display marks the start of a countdown to the highly anticipated relaunch of Perth Theatre in October.
The city centre venue is getting a £16.6 million make-over and is on target to relaunch in time for the Christmas panto.
The Through The Curtain exhibition puts on show a variety of items from the city’s archives, including old posters, programmes and photographs.
Visitors will even get the chance to tread the boards on specially built stage, and dress up in a range of extravagant costumes.
Authentic theatre radio chatter – “five minutes to curtain” – will be played through speakers at the gallery.
Local history officer Nicola Cowmeadow said work on the exhibition began about a year-and-a-half ago.
Members of a memory collective have been researching the history of the theatre and have unearthed a treasure trove of memorabilia.
They have also been speaking to members of the theatre community, gathering their ideas and recollections.
“I think this will be a real walk down memory lane,” she said. “We’re hoping that a lot of actors and people who have worked at the theatre will come along and have a look over what we’ve put together.
“There will be people out there with their own items from Perth Theatre, like old programmes and tickets. It would be great to get more to add to our collection.”
Once the exhibition has finished its run in October, it will be set up anew at the city’s AK Bell Library to coincide with the theatre relaunch.
Among the collection are costumes from old shows including a Widow Twankey outfit from Dick Whittington.
There is also the spectacular Technicolour Dreamcoat worn by Jason Connery, Sean’s son.
The theatre has been closed for three years. The B listed Edwardian auditorium is being restored to its former glory and a new 200 seat studio theatre is also being created.
The revamped venue will have extra workshop space for creative learning and community projects, including the thriving Perth Youth Theatre.
Due to be completed late 2017, the High Street entrance to the building will be retained, with a new frontage created on Mill Street, improving access and facilities for visitors.
Galaxy of stars
A galaxy of stars have performed in Perth over the decades.
Many have gone on to wider fame on TV and cinema including Liza Goddard, Edward Woodward, Kevin Whatley, Denis Lawson and his nephew Ewan McGregor.
Donald Sutherland starred in a seasons of performances in the early 1960s, including Robinson Crusoe.
And there has been a whole host of Scottish names, including Russell Hunter alongside his wife Una McLean, Walter Carr and Alec Heggie.
The theatre moved to its High Street home in 1899.
A time capsule buried in the foundations included a copy of The Courier from October 4 of that year.
The building boasted an 800 all seated auditorium, set out in a style typical of the Victorian era.
Badly damaged by fire in 1924, Perth Theatre was bought 11 years later by Marjorie Dence and David Steuart who opened the first ever repertory company in Scotland.
In the first three years 144 plays were performed, and in the following 50 years more than 1000 plays were produced.
Marjorie Dence died in 1966 and the theatre was left to the Scottish Art Council.
In 1987 – nine years before Trainspotting – Ewan McGregor left school aged 16 and started his acting career at Perth. He worked as a stagehand at the theatre and had small roles in productions while he saved funds for a trip to London to audition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
