I Can Die Too – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Frances Ruffelle in I Can Die Too at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Picture: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

I Can Die Too continues at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 2 August 2026.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

This is a sensational showcasing of Frances Ruffelle’s versatility and talent. The plot concerns her playing the lead role in a play she originally wrote herself. Yet, I Can Die Too is itself a play Ruffelle originally wrote alongside Sally George and Alan Cumming. Meta theatre turned up to 11!

Her voice and sheer charisma are compelling in this show – at times all but channelling Kate Bush, then becoming a shy little girl, a vamp, a clown and ultimately herself entering a new chapter in her life’s story.

The staging is deceptively simple and makes the studio space work hard in conveying past/present and onstage/offstage so effectively with brilliant synchronisation of sound and light design. An exposed brick back wall is partially screened with ‘I can die too’ lit up in blue neon. Concealed behind scrims at varying levels, connected by open stairways, are the other members of the cast – each of them playing assorted instruments beautifully.

Alongside keys, there is a violin, cello and percussion; as the show progresses, electric guitars and a range of other instruments join the musical score. Frew, who is onstage throughout, is a fabulous musical director, dealing with changing rhythms, keys and styles in the varied score.

In the centre of the stage is a raised area that serves as the rehearsal stage for Ruffelle’s character, Lily, as she wrangles with her director, beautifully played by Stephen Ashfield.

Originality in staging, design and sound can alter the atmosphere in a nano-second. Bill Buckhurst’s direction is impeccable, fusing the different realms in Lily’s story with a sincerity that matches the words, actions, songs and tremendous performances, telling a clear and involving story. Designer Simon Kenny has combined textures and different levels that merge perfectly with Emma Chapman’s lighting.

Lily is a volatile character and this is illustrated in her dialogue with backstage staff played by Melinda Orengo and Flora Spencer-Longhurst: mutual respect and affection are established along with concern for Lily’s health and reliance on alcohol.

There is one enigmatic character: a young girl, played with great playfulness and heart by Maya Rugen. Without spoiling the plot for future audiences, her performance as a perfect foil for Lily is truly delightful with a lovely, clear voice.

The title, I Can Die Too, is tied in with Piaf and Cocteau: mutually supportive figures who died on the same day as each other.  Cocteau achieved great fame in France for his elevation of the art of clowning and this is celebrated when Rugen and Ruffelle don yellow suits and heavy boots in a charming duet.

A show that lives on long after the curtain – virtuoso performances all round.

Fiona Orr