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Alan Cumming takes Pitlochry theatre top job

The Hollywood star is returning to his Perthshire roots as artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Alan Cumming in tartan suit
Alan Cumming is Pitlochry Festival Theatre's new artistic director. Image: Frederic Aranda.

Hollywood star Alan Cumming has been appointed artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

It marks a welcome homecoming to Perthshire for the Aberfeldy-born actor, singer, writer, producer and director.

He says Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a “hidden gem” and he cannot wait to share it with the world.

“For me, all roads lead to the theatre and all roads lead to Scotland,” said Cumming.

“I am a theatre animal at heart and, like Robert Burns, my heart is in the Highlands.

Alan Cumming presenting The Traitors US
Alan Cumming in The Traitors US. Image: Studio Lambert/All3Media International

“To become Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s artistic director is a homecoming I embrace with all my experience, all my passion and, yes, all my heart.”

Pitlochry theatre bosses said Alan Cumming’s appointment followed an intensive three-month recruitment and selection process.

He will take over from Elizabeth Newman as artistic director in January.

Pitlochry theatre to be ‘a home for everyone’ says Alan Cumming

It’s 40 years since the multi-award-winner made his professional theatre debut at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow.

His role as Cabaret’s Master of Ceremonies made his name on Broadway.

Alan Cumming in front of Emmys awards background
Alan Cumming at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in LA in 2011. Image: Shutterstock

And his on-screen successes have ranged from GoldenEye to presenter of the US version of the Traitors.

Speaking of his Pitlochry move, Cumming said: “This theatre is a hidden gem with the most amazing facilities and boundless possibilities.

“I will invite the world’s best theatre artists here and showcase the best of Scotland’s thrilling theatrical legacy.

Alan Cumming and Perth provost Xander McDade walking at front of Perthshire pride march
Alan Cumming with Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade at Perthshire Prise in 2022. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson.

“I want Pitlochry Festival Theatre to be a home for everyone and to remain at the heart of the community.”

Star has stayed true to Perthshire roots

Alan Cumming was born in Aberfeldy, and grew up in Carnoustie.

He has been a great supporter of Aberfeldy’s Birks Cinema and has maintained close links with Scotland as his star has grown around the world.

He addressed Perthshire Pride in 2022.

Alan Cumming standing outside The Birks cinema in the centre of Aberfeldy
Alan Cumming at The Birks. Aberfeldy. Image: Omar Shamma.

And earlier this year, The Courier revealed he was selling his cottage near Methven.

He will start at Pitlochry in January 2025, with his programmed season beginning in 2026.

However, the theatre will have plenty to offer audiences in the meantime.

Its 2025 season will include productions of The Great Gatsby, Grease, The 39 Steps and four new plays staged in the Theatre’s Studio.

Elizaberh Newman seated at bench outside Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Alan Cumming will take over from Elizabeth Newman as artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson

Kris Bryce, Executive Director, said he was hugely excited to be working with Alan Cumming.

“Since the moment we met, I have been completely won over by Alan’s passion – for theatre and for Scotland,” he said.

And Crawford Gillies, Chair of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, added: “His vast experience and strong leadership skills give me great confidence that, alongside Kris Bryce, he will take the theatre to new heights, building on our legacy and continuing to grow our reputation locally and internationally.”

 

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