On Friday, May 19 Pitlochry Festival Theatre opens its exciting 2023 season in a spectacular way, with the first staging in Scotland for nearly 20 years of the iconic musical Gypsy.
Gypsy is one of the greatest and most dazzling of all musicals, originally brought to life by Jule Styne, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim.
It was first performed on May 21, 1959.
The script is based on the tantalising comedic memoirs of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. It tells the amusing and sassy story of pushy showbiz mother Rose, who travels across America with her daughters, Baby June and Louise, in search of success with their homemade vaudeville act.
When Baby June leaves the act to elope, Rose vows to make introverted Louise into a star, and will do almost anything to see her daughter break into the big time.
One of the Gypsy cast members, actor Ben Stock, said he was anticipating a magnificent experience.
He explained: “In 2013 at Pitlochry I was Cornelius in PFT’s Hello Dolly. Now to be in Gypsy, well that is the real double in musical theatre terms.
“I’m wild about the songs. There are some seriously stonking tunes.”
He added: “Yes, a part in Gypsy was on my bucket list.
“I’d really rate it, Gypsy has stood the test of time.
“We’re all working together to make this really great. The PFT cast is multi-talented, acting, singing, playing instruments, taking many roles.
“There’s also a wonderful backstage team. The theatre is a real asset to the town.
“Going back to what I love about Gypsy, it tackles love in all its forms.
“My part is as Herbie the manager. He is the quiet backbone of the operation. While her mum tries to turn young Louise into a star, Herbie, he grounds her. He’s given up the industry to sell candy but he knows how it works better than anyone.
“There is a great sense of fun between him and Mamma Rose. They are aiming to get married - we are led to wonder, will they?
“Returning to perform at Pitlochry feels like a homecoming. Nothing’s really changed. When I get to Pitlochry and see my first red squirrel dash across PFT’s car park, I know all’s well with the world!”
Gypsy runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from Friday, May 19 all through the summer up to September 30.
