Quote from Alex bobby on February 5, 2025, 2:49 AM

Alan Cumming’s New Role: Bringing the World to Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Alan Cumming, best known for his roles in The Traitors US, The Good Wife, and Schmigadoon, has embarked on a surprising new chapter in his illustrious career. While his film and television work has taken him across the globe, it was a chance encounter during the filming of All Aboard Scotland’s Poshest Trains that led him back to his Highland Perthshire roots to take on the role of artistic director at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

A Chance Encounter Sparks a New Beginning

During filming, Cumming visited Pitlochry Festival Theatre and met then-artistic director Elizabeth Newman. Their discussion about the theatre’s vision and its dedication to sharing Pitlochry with the world struck a chord with him. When Newman stepped down in July 2024, Cumming quietly applied for the position. By the time he was officially appointed, he had already spent much of the year in Scotland, working on The Traitors US and various film projects.

Though he resides primarily in New York with his husband, Grant Shaffer, Cumming has been spending increasing amounts of time in Scotland, balancing his global career with his desire to reconnect with his homeland. His appointment signals a major shift, bringing his international experience and influence to a beloved Scottish cultural institution.

A Vision for Pitlochry

Cumming's motivation to take on this role is deeply personal. “I can go out into the world and bring the world back here,” he says, emphasising his desire to elevate the theatre’s profile. His high-profile appointment, much like Nicola Benedetti’s directorship at the Edinburgh International Festival, brings a valuable platform for advocacy and fundraising within the arts sector.

Despite his busy schedule, Cumming is clear about what he can offer. “I was very honest with the recruitment people about what I could do. I have other things going on, but I can do a lot remotely,” he explains. His influence, experience, and extensive connections are expected to enhance the theatre’s programming and outreach.

Bringing Big Ideas to Pitlochry

Cumming’s first official season won’t be announced until later this year, but his programming of the three-day Winter Words festival from February 21, 2026, offers a glimpse of what’s to come. The event will feature a mix of established names like Liz Lochhead, Douglas Stuart, and Andrew O’Hagan alongside emerging voices, reflecting Cumming’s vision of balancing tradition with innovation.

“Theatre is entertaining, but it’s also about being challenging and provoking,” he states. He envisions a mix of musicals, Shakespearean works, and contemporary plays that push boundaries while remaining accessible.

His ambition extends beyond local productions. “I hope people will look back at my tenure and say, ‘Wasn’t it amazing that we saw that show at Pitlochry and then it went to Broadway?’ And why not?” he muses, confident in his ability to take productions from Scotland to the global stage.

Reviving the Theatre as a Community Hub

Cumming is also focused on reviving the theatre’s role as a community space, drawing inspiration from his early experiences at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre. “We’ve lost that sense of theatres being community centres, where people can talk, drink, and gather,” he laments. He hopes to reinstate Pitlochry Festival Theatre as a vibrant cultural hub, not just for performances but for social engagement as well.

Part of this vision includes encouraging greater use of the theatre by the local community. He is keen to integrate the surrounding Highland Perthshire towns into the theatre’s activities, ensuring it serves as a gathering place for both locals and visitors.

A Global Spotlight on Pitlochry

The announcement of Cumming’s appointment was strategically timed ahead of the Emmy Awards, where The Traitors won Outstanding Reality Competition Programme. Draped in his signature tartan plaid, he used the opportunity to direct international attention to Pitlochry, a strategy he intends to continue throughout his tenure.

“People are so excited about coming here,” he enthuses. “A huge part of Pitlochry’s allure is the setting. It’s a magical bubble which I want to share with the world.”

Cumming’s appointment marks a bold and exciting new era for Pitlochry Festival Theatre. With his global connections, creative vision, and deep personal investment in Scottish theatre, he is poised to bring the world to Pitlochry—and take Pitlochry to the world.

A Bold Future for Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Alan Cumming’s appointment as artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre is more than just a return to his roots—it’s a transformative moment for Scottish theatre. With his vast experience, global network, and passion for storytelling, he is uniquely positioned to elevate the theatre’s profile on both national and international stages.

His vision extends beyond productions; he seeks to reestablish Pitlochry as a vibrant cultural hub, reconnecting the local community with the theatre while attracting global audiences. By blending classic works with bold, innovative programming, he aims to challenge, entertain, and inspire.

With Cumming at the helm, Pitlochry Festival Theatre is set to enter an exciting new era—one where the magic of the Highlands meets the energy of Broadway, and where local stories have the potential to reach the world stage.