A site at Knockendarroch beckoned. But 1949 was during a period of rationing of all building materials. Licences were needed from the Ministry of Works, who would issue them for essential building purposes only. So it was that the fledgeling theatre company had also to apply. Despite a vigorous Press campaign justifying their requirements on the grounds that tourism would benefit, dollars would be earned, the theatre would be an asset to Scotland, and that, anyway, the money to be spent was John Stewart’s, the request was refused.

With this setback Stewart turned to the idea of a tent theatre, visiting the wet weather tent in London’s Regent Park and that of Birmingham’s Arena Theatre for inspiration and advice.

Both companies had their tents from the same maker in Walsall, from whom after consultation on design, Stewart bought one. With the support of Tom Johnston, chairman of the Scottish Tourist Board, the Ministry finally capitulated and permission was given for a little steel and a little timber, so that the tent theatre could be completed. And so finally, on the 19th of May 1951, Pitlochry Festival Theatre opened with the British premiere of Maxwell Anderson’s Mary of Scotland, with Joss Ackland as Darnley.

In his opening address Johnston said,

'This theatre is a monument to one man's courage, one man's persistence, and one man's great faith'