Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Mairi Picken

Aug 13 2024 | By Thom Dibdin More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 25-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Mairi Picken, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #7: Mairi Picken

Mairi joined Lung Ha Theatre Company as an actor in 2023. She likes making up stories with other people and using her imagination.

She also volunteers at a day-care centre for older people and does contemporary dance.

Lung Ha Actor Mairi Picken, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Mairi Picken Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor? I feel happy when I’m acting and when we work as a group and a team. We have a fun time and work hard.

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t be scared, just go for it!

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? To travel with the company and to organise and attend a residential theatre workshop.

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.