Pitlochry Theatre: ‘Inexperience’
Pitlochry Festival Theatre 20/6/26
'Inexperience' World Premiere
A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production
Written by Douglas Maxwell
Directed by Sally Reid
This, the first of the new season's inaugural productions curated by incoming artistic director Alan Cumming, is a cracker. Douglas Maxwell explores the concept of touch and how it affects the pathways to romantic involvement. Would touching spoil the chemistry of the first encounter and could you keep the spark of love alive by not touching?
I remember watching last year's ‘Water Colour’ also directed by Sally Reid, which went on to garner several awards, and this production has the same trajectory. Performed by a strong cast, set in the studio of 160 seats, it takes you on a journey, starting with an encounter by the main protagonists, the younger Robin, played by Alexander Tait and young Iris, played by Sophie Fortune, making her professional debut. They decide not to touch and that affects their future lives. A lovely romantic teenage beginning.
Grown up Robin, played by Sandy Grierson, has a life as highly organised Sheriff Clerk whereas Iris, played by Adura Onashile, embarks on a messed-up life of failed marriages, even refusing to visit her dying husband despite pleading by her teenage son. She walks back in Robin's life at a court hearing supporting a young girl and fortune takes a different turn. As expected from two experienced professionals their performances are terrific, even the on-stage kiss in this intimate space.
Alexander Tait takes on several other roles, creating laughs as Robin's assistant with his blank-faced delivery, and also plays Iris’s son. Sophie Fortune takes the roles of a lawyer and then an activist whom Iris is helping. Quite a challenge. They all navigate the simple set, when they must run along the raised platforms or jump off. Costume is simple and everyday, though I particularly coveted Iris’s yellow coat! I was unsure about the guitars until all was revealed at the end. I bet they had fun with the mock paint sprays. Some of the script's references to different issues became a bit confusing, but probably echoed modern life today.
Driving home from Pitlochry to the Highlands it provoked interesting conversations. How does touch affect our lives and can romance exist without it? That’s what good theatre should do. The season is looking great.
'Inexperience' runs at the Studio Theatre until 4th July
photo credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
