Two Perth institutions, St. Johnstone FC and Perth Theatre are teaming up to create a new show about the club and the role it plays in the city.

This exciting new project from our local dream team will see key parts of the club’s history acted out on stage in a future production. And in true football fashion, it just isn’t the same without the fans.

Supporters will be at the heart of the story, so fans are being asked to share their experiences, memories and stories of the club.

From Ando’s opening goal to Macca’s clincher at Celtic Park – Perth Theatre wants to know what it was it like to be part of a crowd of die-hard fans when Saints won the Scottish Cup? Or how did it feel not to be part of a crowd when Rooney sealed the deal in 2021? Fans can tell stories from long ago or last season, or contribute what St. Johnstone means to them personally – is it a favourite manager, player, tea lady or other connection? Personally, I love the mascot.

The stories, which should be true, short and sweet (Caroline) – no longer than 300 words or 3 minutes in length, can be written down or sent as a voice recording by phone or uploaded to the Theatre’s DropBox on the Sainties on Stage page at www.horsecross.co.uk

Lu Kemp, Artistic Director at Perth Theatre said:

“At Perth Theatre we want to tell great stories that speak to the very heart of our audience – and St. Johnstone strikes the heart of so many locally. We got so much out of building our show two years ago in conversation with local farmers – A Six Inch Layer of Topsoil and The Fact it Rains – that we want to make a bigger scale show in the same way, in conversation with St. Johnstone’s fans.

“We hope to tell a story which is familiar and surprising, recognisable and though-provoking, but most of all a story which is funny, packed with banter and song, and which makes fans want to get on their feet and cheer.”

St. Johnstone midfielder, Murray Davidson, who is the club’s top-flight record appearance holder, added:

“It’s really exciting news that the club will be the subject of a new play by Perth Theatre. We’ve been part of the Perth community for a long time and it’s a great thing for us to be recognised in this way.

“Football is all about the supporters and it’s only right that they will be at the heart of this production and will be able to share their stories on what the club means to them.

“I live in Perth and have played for the club for 11 years, so St. Johnstone means a lot to me. I have my own connection with the club and I’d encourage supporters to submit their own memories to the Theatre.”

Perth Theatre will be also be running Team Talk, a series of online presentations and discussions where famous fans of the club share their own memories with fans. Famous Sainties who have already signed up for the talks include Stuart Cosgrove, Colin McCredie and Eve Muirhead. More information will follow as dates are confirmed.

Local groups will be able to get involved in a range of specifically designed activities on the theme of football memories as the project unfolds.

We caught up with Katie Mitchell from Horsecross to discuss the Saints project in a lot more depth (see below, Episode 17) as well as the other great work done by Perth Theatre during the various stages of lockdown.

Perth Theatre would also like to hear from any local businesses who may be interested in supporting the project by sponsorship or other means, and invites anyone who would like to explore this option to contact the Development Team at development@horsecross.co.uk.

LISTEN NOW

The Perth Podcast

Get ready for an incredible milestone as the podcast hits episode 40 (and discover which host has and which hasn't hit that already!) Join us to celebrate as we embark on a captivating journey through the extraordinary life of Kyle Wilson, a true local legend.

Kyle, a travel blogger, has explored breathtaking destinations around the world, and in this episode he takes us along for the ride. Brace yourself for tales of adventure, hard work and heartbreak as he shares his experience of jet-setting and creating his remarkable travel blog.

But Kyle's story doesn't stop there. Prepare to be inspired as we uncover his deep commitment to his local community. Discover how he makes a difference through charity work, spreading kindness and positivity wherever he goes. And that's not all – we'll dive into his experience as a caring individual, shedding light on the challenges and rewards that come with it.

And hold onto your seats for a surprise treat! Kyle spills the beans about an unforgettable encounter with none other than Ant & Dec at one of the year's biggest events. You'll get an exclusive peek behind the scenes and feel like you're right there, hanging out with these beloved personalities.

Join us for an engaging, heartfelt, and fun-filled episode as we celebrate this significant milestone with Kyle. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and uplifted by his remarkable journey through travel, community, and unforgettable encounters.

Check out Kyle's Travel Blog on YouTube as well as the CareBlair website

Theme music by Jason Blyth