Coronavirus in Scotland: Clare Grogan records video appeal to help secure theatre's future

Scottish stage and screen star Clare Grogan has recorded a video appeal to try to help one of the country's leading theatres survive the coronavirus crisis.

Clare Grogan and Jessica Hardwick in Barefoot in the Park. Picture: Douglas McBride.

The actress, best known for her breakthrough roles in the films Gregory's Girl and Comfort and Joy, filmed a plea for Pitlochry Festival Theatre after a new production she was appearing in was brought to a halt by the pandemic.

Grogan was appearing alongside Jessica Hardwick, Olivier Huban, Hamish Clark, Marc Small and Karis Jack in the Neil Simon romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park, which was due to transfer to the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh.

The theatre, which dates back to 1951, has warned that the impact of coronavirus is a "critical threat" to the future of the theatre as it relies upon ticket sales for the majority of its funding.

It has urged its supporers to consider making a donation to the theatre as well as donating any tickets they have bought for shows in the spring season.

In a statement confirming its closure until the summer, the theatre said: "Most of our funding comes from you attending our productions and spending time here with us. Without you the vast majority of our income is gone and the organisation will not be able to stay open."

In her video message, Grogan, who was due to appear at the venue until 29 March, said: "We all know tough it is for everybody out there. It is tough for all of us.

"But if you could find a way to help support Pitlochry Festival Theatre it would be so much appreciated.

"You know, if you could just do a little thing it would be great. It is here for you and all of us. Let's keep it."