Building on the success of 2011, the team behind Play Pieces are delighted to announce a longer season of 7 months, featuring contemporary theatre work by companies and performers based in and originally from the Highlands.

“We have programmed a real variety of performances.” explained Lindsay Brown who started Play Pieces in 2011. “We are welcoming back performers such as Skaerlings Theatre and Elastic Concoctions who took part in the 2011 so it will wonderful to see how their work has progressed. We are also supporting the new work of rising talent such as Morna Young, Jenna Watt and Gunshow Theatre company which is very exciting. In addition to all of that, we have a performance which is developing new ideas and talent such as of Mangonel Theatre Company featuring students from the Drama HND at Inverness college.”

Play Pieces is supported by Creative Scotland to develop the lunchtime theatre season in 2013 and also 2014. “We have lots of ideas already for 2014 and we feel really fortunate to be in a position where we can start planning for next year but we need the support of the audiences and the great work of the Theatre companies too.” Lindsay said. “It was really hard selecting the work for this season but some of the shows we couldn’t fit into the programme will have a performance in another shape and form so watch this space!”. Play Pieces is going to help present new contemporary theatre work outwith the lunchtime season later in the year and make it more interesting by using unusual spaces. “I can’t say too much yet but I’m keen to see more performances in non-traditional theatre spaces, it’s fun and that’s exactly what Theatre can be, fun and informal.” Lindsay explained.

The Play Pieces season is starting with a new contemporary production featuring two of Scotland’s home-grown talent, writer, director and actor Sandy Nelson from Moray and Inverness’ very own Jimmy Chisholm. “I’m very excited to be featuring a performance with Jimmy Chisholm” said Lindsay. “ I saw him perform in Measure for Measure as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon when I was younger. I didn’t realise at the time that he was from Inverness but when I found out I couldn’t help but feel really proud of the talent we have in the Highlands. Maybe that was the seed of Play Pieces being planted!” she laughed.

Play Pieces runs from May until November, the first Saturday of each month at The Spectrum Centre, Inverness. Doors open 12:30pm with performances starting at 1pm. The £10 ticket price includes lunch and each show will have a short, free post-show discussion directly afterwards. Tickets are available online at www.playpieces.co.uk or in person from The Spectrum Centre. Full information on each show is also available online.

Source: Play Pieces