THE WALKING THEATRE COMPANY IS SHORTLISTED FOR THE HIGHLAND AND ISLANDS TOURISM AWARDS
8th October 2008

Acclaimed Argyll-based theatre company, The Walking Theatre Company (TWTC) is delighted to be one of four businesses short-listed in the New Tourism Business Category at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, to be held at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Friday 21st November 2008.

This year has seen this vibrant and progressive new company perform in, among others, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, St. Giles Cathedral, at the Strathclyde Highland Gathering, Arts in Merkinch and Arts Feast Cowal, entertaining locals, visitors and dignitaries to great effect. As Alec Salmond (a co-opted charming ‘Banquo’ in Macbeth) commented, ” … Adds to the delight of the show by bringing the audience closer to the story than you might imagine. If you haven’t seen The Walking Theatre Company at work then do so – a feast of surprises awaits!”.

Last year the company delighted audiences in Ness Island for Drama N’Alba, whilst a ‘mystery’ play based on the warring Campbells and Lamonts drew crowds to Dunoon and attracted national press coverage for the area.

The Walking Theatre Company create dynamic interactive ‘real’ drama that is inclusive, innovative and accessible. With more than 12 new walking plays in their repertoire TWTC specialises in bringing Scotland’s history to life, using the audience to connect drama to each environment that becomes the stage for each performance, be it mountain walk, designed landscape, loch side or urban townscape.

Co-founded by actor/writer Sadie Dixon-Spain and actor/director Liam Calgie, the company produce low budget high quality work creating a new business model and performance techniques that aim to create sustainable theatre in any environment.

The Walking Theatre Company is currently performing as company-in-residence for Cowalfest, and are in co-production with the Lismore Youth Theatre producing Lismore’s Armistice celebrations in November. Homecoming 2009 sees TWTC producing, writing and performing six national events including ‘The Hidden Jewel’ at Dunollie and ‘the Whisky Walk’ for The Whisky Coast at Inveraray Castle.

Being short-listed for this prestigious event is a great achievement for a young arts business operating in a rural community and reflects the growing interest and appeal of the arts in the promotion of Scotland as a destination.
www.highland-tourism-awards.co.uk