Perth Theatre has unveiled a bold new season subscription model for 2026, with the return of five in‑house productions. Led by Director Christopher Glasgow, the programme places emerging talent and sector development at its core, creating expanded opportunities for artists, audiences, and creative professionals, strengthening Perth Theatre’s role as a catalyst for community and inclusivity, both on and off stage.
The season features:
The Addams Family – A Musical Comedy (Perth Youth Theatre’s mainstage show presented as part of PYT 60, the 60th anniversary of Perth Youth Theatre), offering young actors the chance to work with professional creatives in a fully staged musical;
Saint Joan, a contemporary reimagining of Shaw’s classic, directed by Stewart Laing, explores themes of power, gender, and youth-led change, presented in co-production with Raw Material and Aberdeen Performing Arts in association with Citizens Theatre;
Sunset Boulevard: The Backstage Cut, written and directed by Morag Fullarton, starring Juliet Cadzow (pictured), explores the backstage drama of the iconic Hollywood movie;
Remember you are beauty full, a one-woman play by Matthew McVarish, directed by Patrick Sandford, focusing on resilience and rediscovery;
Sleeping Beauty, Perth Theatre’s annual family pantomime.
The subscription model treats loyal audiences to a 25% discount when booking all four Perth Theatre-produced shows* in 2026 and offers an early booking window for next year's panto, Sleeping Beauty.
Christopher Glasgow said:
“Our new season subscription reflects Perth Theatre’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional work while nurturing Scotland’s cultural ecology. We champion bold new writing, showcase emerging talent, represent diverse perspectives and provide a vital training ground for future stars - on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes. This ethos extends to Perth Concert Hall, where we curate inspiring classical programmes and host unique residencies that give rising artists the opportunity to shine in our world-class, acoustically acclaimed auditorium. At the heart of it all is the support of our loyal audiences and dedicated funders, whose belief in our mission ensures that our programme, our venues and our community activities remain a cornerstone of Scotland’s vibrant cultural scene.”
Strong female voices
The season’s emphasis on powerful female voices reflects the venue’s own history, built on the legacy of trailblazers like Joan Knight, whose name adorns Perth Theatre’s intimate studio space where many careers have been launched.
The Addams Family – A Musical Comedy features Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, as she navigates love, family secrets, and societal expectations. The production provides young performers with the opportunity to work alongside professional creatives in a fully staged musical, continuing Perth Youth Theatre’s six-decade tradition of empowering young people, especially young women, to find their voice.
The celebration continues with Saint Joan, a stripped-back reimagining of George Bernard Shaw’s classic. Directed by Stewart Laing, with a film sequence by Adura Onashile, this co-production with Raw Material and Aberdeen Performing Arts, in association with Citizens Theatre, explores themes of power, gender, and youth-led change through the story of a teenage girl who led France to victory in the Hundred Years’ War.
Morag Fullarton directs her production Sunset Boulevard: The Backstage Cut, exploring the backstage dramas behind the iconic Hollywood film, which centred on the story of faded star, Norma Desmond, and Patrick Sandford directs Remember you are beauty full, Matthew McVarish’s sharply observed play about a young woman’s journey through loss, laughter and rediscovery.
In Perth Concert Hall, James Waters’ classical music programme also features outstanding female artists and composers. Soprano Rachel Redmond joins the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for a Viennese New Year celebration, while pianist Imogen Cooper performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 27 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason appears twice as part of Perth Concert Hall’s Classical Stars series, first in recital with violinist Johan Dalene, performing works by Clara Schumann and Amanda Maier Röntgen, and again with siblings Braimah, Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason for a chamber concert of Mozart, Ravel and Shostakovich.
Other classical highlights include Paul Lewis, Ethan Loch, and Timothy Ridout, alongside major orchestras such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. The Hebrides Ensemble presents a thought-provoking programme of contemporary works by Eleanor Alberga and Errollyn Wallen, and Lunchtime Concerts showcase emerging talent, with performances by students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Perth Concert Hall’s partnership with BBC Radio 3 presents three Chopin-focused concerts to audiences, featuring Javier Perianes and Scottish artists Philip Higham and Alasdair Beatson, while the Scottish Ensemble’s Between Light and Shadow includes works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw.
Opera returns with powerful female leads in Bizet’s Carmen, performed by Dnipro Opera, and Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, reimagined by Opera Bohemia with a star-studded cast including Catriona Clark and Laura Margaret Smith. Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly presents a visually striking production of Puccini’s tragic heroine, featuring antique wedding kimonos and a full orchestra.
Popular music and comedy similarly reflect the season’s theme. Eve Graham returns to her Perth hometown for her first-ever solo performance, celebrating her journey from Perth Academy student to lead vocalist of The New Seekers. Eddi Reader, Toyah, and Julie Fowlis bring decades of musical brilliance to the stage, while Sue Perkins makes her long-awaited return to live performance with The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins.
The Joan Knight Studio Sessions showcase intimate performances from well-known favourites and emerging acts alike, including a return by Transatlantic Sessions members Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle, as well as a debut in Perth by the acclaimed Glasgow band The Bathers.
Family audiences are well served with A Home for Hamish, created by Deaf Dance Artist Clare Adam and Autistic Dance Artist Lesley Howard; There’s A Snake In My School, based on David Walliams’ bestselling book, and BIG, a new show by Dirliebane Theatre Company, Perth Theatre’s Children’s Theatre Company in Residence.
Film fans can enjoy another season of carefully selected screenings from Perth Film Society, while community concerts include the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland’s Spring Concert, Perth Youth Orchestra, and performances by talented children from across Perth & Kinross.
As Perth Theatre and Concert Hall continues its 125th anniversary celebrations - marking 125 years of Perth Theatre and 20 years of Perth Concert Hall - the spring season honours the women who have shaped its story. From Joan Knight’s pioneering leadership to the fearless young people of Perth Youth Theatre paving the way for the future, this is a season full of power, passion and possibility.
Perth Theatre and Concert Hall’s spring 2026 season is now on sale at perththeatreandconcerthall.com, with brochures available to collect from the venues.
Looking ahead
Perth Youth Theatre gears up for its 60th birthday celebration in 2026, and the organisation continues to develop its programming and support for artists, freelancers, and the wider community.
Wednesday 10 December 2025
