Press release 4 June 2012
DAVID MACLENNAN and A PLAY A PIE AND A PINT scoop CATS WHISKERS for OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT for 250 PLAYS IN EIGHT YEARS
Today, the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland announced the winner of a brand new award: the CATS Whiskers, given to celebrate an outstanding achievement in Scottish theatre that isn’t already reflected through the other award categories.
David MacLennan and A Play A Pie and A Pint have scooped this inaugural award for the outstanding achievement of presenting 250 plays in eight years.
Joyce McMillan, co-convener of the CATS, said: “Since 2004, David MacLennan and A Play A Pie and A Pint have transformed the Scottish theatre scene with their brilliant invention of a lunchtime theatre format that allows them – in complete freedom, and without direct public subsidy – to present more than 30 new short plays each year, by a dazzling range of writers from Scotland and across the world.
McMillan continued: “They have created a whole new dimension of opportunity, both for young writers starting out, and for established writers keen to try something new; and as the seasons have evolved, they have developed them in memorably creative ways, creating a unique relationship with their audience in Glasgow, building long-term partnerships with theatres and companies across Scotland and Europe, presenting international seasons with the National Theatre of Scotland, and extending their own repertoire to include bite-sized summer classics, and not one but two fierce satirical pantomimes a year – oh yes they have! It’s been a magnificent and completely unexpected explosion of freewheeling theatrical creativity in Scotland; and long may it continue.”
David MacLennan commented: “I am very touched by this Award and recognise that it is really being given to the whole theatrical community in Scotland whose enthusiasm and support for A Play A Pie and a Pint has made it their success.”
In his own inimitable style, McLennan explains the history of A Play A Pie and A Pint: http://playpiepint.com/?p=1
The CATS Whiskers is a new occasional award and has been introduced as CATS celebrates its 10th year.
The announcement of the CATS Whiskers winner comes ahead of the CATS awards ceremony proper which will take place at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow on Sunday 10th June, 2012.
Of the 202 productions considered for nomination, a total of 23 shows have reached the final nominations stage, the winners of which will be presented by Alan Cumming.
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