Leading names in British theatre came together in Highland Perthshire to celebrate the life of the late Martyn James, filling every seat at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
The renowned actor, often described as ”Mr Pitlochry”, died last month at the age of 63 following a short illness.
He trod the boards at PFT for 23 summer seasons and spoke openly of his sadness at having to step down last year.
Mr James turned his hand to everything from Shakespeare and Agatha Christie mysteries to tales of Scottish folklore and pantomimes.
He also starred in more than 140 Perth Theatre productions over the years and provided the voice of the giant in this Christmas’ Jack and the Beanstalk.
Sunday’s swansong show, compered by theatre chief executive John Durnin, featured music from one of Mr James’ most famous performances, Whisky Galore, and a selection of video clips.
The audience were read a tribute by one of his nieces, outlining how much he would be missed but how his legacy would live on.
Pitlochry and District Choral Society, of which Mr James was the patron, also gave an emotional memorial performance.
Mr Durnin told The Courier the event was a fitting goodbye.
He said: ”It was a full house. People travelled from the north of Scotland and the south of England some of whom knew Martyn back in the 1960s.
”During the time he was with us he gave everything to the local theatre he was Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Perth Theatre personified.”
He added: ”We felt it was appropriate to not just mark his passing but to celebrate his extraordinary career. It is very hard for all of us to think about a season without him but we hope today’s event was a fitting tribute.”
Born in Ardnamurchan in 1948, Mr James trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and started working in theatre in 1968.
By the time he celebrated his 40th year in the business in 2008 he had appeared in more than 250 stage productions, working with almost every Scottish theatre and several English companies.
As well as frequent radio broadcasts, he appeared regularly on television and also made several film appearances, including in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs Of New York.