Pitlochry Festival Theatre is gearing up for an extraordinary 2026 season under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Alan Cumming. Having taken the helm less than a year ago, the renowned actor is now poised to present his inaugural full program, a collection of works deeply intertwined with his own emotional and artistic journey. He emphasizes that his approach is far from conventional ‘office speak,’ but rather a profoundly personal and heartfelt curation of performances.
Cumming, whose recent return to his native Perthshire marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career, has already begun to infuse the theatre with his distinctive flair. From transforming a simple windowsill into a vibrant, tartan-clad ‘day bed’ in his office to proudly noting the local Co-Op and chippy displaying posters of his DJ set at the Winter Words festival, his presence is unmistakably felt throughout Pitlochry. The 2026 season, however, is where his complete artistic vision truly takes shape. Championing Inclusivity with ‘Out In the Hills’
Beyond a line-up of classic theatrical delights, Cumming is introducing a groundbreaking initiative: ‘Out In the Hills.’ This pioneering January festival is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to arts and culture. Reflecting on its timely introduction, Cumming explains his belief that the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, warrant additional support and visibility in the current social climate. He passionately distinguishes between genuine fear and ‘homophobia,’ which he identifies as hate. Furthermore, the festival aims to revitalize the theatre during the quieter winter months, offering a much-needed source of warmth and entertainment for the Scottish people.
His strategy for attracting high-profile talent to the Perthshire venue relies less on aggressive persuasion and more on his extensive network of contacts. With a candid acknowledgement of his ‘address book’ as a valuable asset, Cumming has drawn in acclaimed figures such as Ian McKellen, Graham Norton, and Jackie Kay. This star power, he hopes, will not only elevate the festival but also illuminate the work of emerging and lesser-known creatives who will share the stage. He views this as a vital investment in the future of Scottish theatre, recalling his own formative years as a young actor inspired by new voices like Liz Lochhead and Stuart Paterson. Deeply Personal Connections to the Stage
Each production in the 2026 season holds a special significance for Cumming, woven into the fabric of his personal history. For instance, the casting of Maureen Beattie in ‘Lear’ is a direct homage to a pivotal moment in his childhood. At just eight years old, while attending Monikie Primary School (in nearby Angus), he witnessed Beattie perform in his school’s dinner hall – an experience he describes as ‘life-changing’ and the primary catalyst for his acting career. This enduring connection underscores the deeply felt nature of his programming choices.
Further cementing these ties, Cumming himself will grace the Pitlochry stage in ‘A History of Paper,’ reuniting with Shirley Henderson, his co-star from his very first professional role in 1986. Their collaborative journey spans nearly four decades, including a recent appearance in Brian Cox’s film ‘Glenrothan.’ Additionally, Cumming will take on the lead role of Henry Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady,’ a production that harks back to his teenage years with the Carnoustie Musical Society, where he famously stepped into the role of Colonel Pickering at just 17 – a humorous memory of playing a character far older than himself at the time.
Cumming’s artistic philosophy, concisely put, is to ‘not overthink it’ and ‘just f***ing do it.’ He credits his accumulated experience with enabling him to detach from emotionally taxing roles more readily than in his youth. Embracing his 60s, he cherishes the newfound wisdom and the liberation of ceasing to apologize for his intelligence, caring less about trivial matters and focusing on what truly resonates. Community, Rewilding, and the Future of Perthshire Arts
At the core of Alan Cumming’s tenure at Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a profound belief in community ownership. He emphasizes that the theatre, from its stages to its grounds and cafe, belongs to the residents of Pitlochry and the wider Perthshire region. His role, he humbly states, is merely to guide this treasured institution, fostering a space for open dialogue and diverse artistic expression. Witnessing visitors enjoy themselves within the theatre’s walls is, for him, the greatest reward.
Beyond the theatrical realm, Cumming recently lent his voice to a campaign advocating for Scotland to become the world’s first ‘rewilding nation.’ He articulates this as a common-sense approach, seeking to dispel misconceptions about ‘rewilding’ being chaotic, and highlighting the intrinsic value of Scotland’s wild landscapes. Inspired by this cause, he revealed plans to rewild his own garden at his Inverness home, a gesture reflecting his commitment to ecological preservation and a testament to his belief in letting nature flourish.
The ‘Out In the Hills’ festival at Pitlochry Festival Theatre runs from January 16-18, 2026, offering an exciting start to a year brimming with artistic passion. Tickets for the full 2026 season will be available from Thursday, November 27, 2025, inviting the community of Perth and Kinross to partake in a season guided by heart, history, and a bold vision for the future of performing arts.
Cumming, whose recent return to his native Perthshire marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career, has already begun to infuse the theatre with his distinctive flair. From transforming a simple windowsill into a vibrant, tartan-clad ‘day bed’ in his office to proudly noting the local Co-Op and chippy displaying posters of his DJ set at the Winter Words festival, his presence is unmistakably felt throughout Pitlochry. The 2026 season, however, is where his complete artistic vision truly takes shape. Championing Inclusivity with ‘Out In the Hills’
Beyond a line-up of classic theatrical delights, Cumming is introducing a groundbreaking initiative: ‘Out In the Hills.’ This pioneering January festival is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to arts and culture. Reflecting on its timely introduction, Cumming explains his belief that the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, warrant additional support and visibility in the current social climate. He passionately distinguishes between genuine fear and ‘homophobia,’ which he identifies as hate. Furthermore, the festival aims to revitalize the theatre during the quieter winter months, offering a much-needed source of warmth and entertainment for the Scottish people.
His strategy for attracting high-profile talent to the Perthshire venue relies less on aggressive persuasion and more on his extensive network of contacts. With a candid acknowledgement of his ‘address book’ as a valuable asset, Cumming has drawn in acclaimed figures such as Ian McKellen, Graham Norton, and Jackie Kay. This star power, he hopes, will not only elevate the festival but also illuminate the work of emerging and lesser-known creatives who will share the stage. He views this as a vital investment in the future of Scottish theatre, recalling his own formative years as a young actor inspired by new voices like Liz Lochhead and Stuart Paterson. Deeply Personal Connections to the Stage
Each production in the 2026 season holds a special significance for Cumming, woven into the fabric of his personal history. For instance, the casting of Maureen Beattie in ‘Lear’ is a direct homage to a pivotal moment in his childhood. At just eight years old, while attending Monikie Primary School (in nearby Angus), he witnessed Beattie perform in his school’s dinner hall – an experience he describes as ‘life-changing’ and the primary catalyst for his acting career. This enduring connection underscores the deeply felt nature of his programming choices.
Further cementing these ties, Cumming himself will grace the Pitlochry stage in ‘A History of Paper,’ reuniting with Shirley Henderson, his co-star from his very first professional role in 1986. Their collaborative journey spans nearly four decades, including a recent appearance in Brian Cox’s film ‘Glenrothan.’ Additionally, Cumming will take on the lead role of Henry Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady,’ a production that harks back to his teenage years with the Carnoustie Musical Society, where he famously stepped into the role of Colonel Pickering at just 17 – a humorous memory of playing a character far older than himself at the time.
Cumming’s artistic philosophy, concisely put, is to ‘not overthink it’ and ‘just f***ing do it.’ He credits his accumulated experience with enabling him to detach from emotionally taxing roles more readily than in his youth. Embracing his 60s, he cherishes the newfound wisdom and the liberation of ceasing to apologize for his intelligence, caring less about trivial matters and focusing on what truly resonates. Community, Rewilding, and the Future of Perthshire Arts
At the core of Alan Cumming’s tenure at Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a profound belief in community ownership. He emphasizes that the theatre, from its stages to its grounds and cafe, belongs to the residents of Pitlochry and the wider Perthshire region. His role, he humbly states, is merely to guide this treasured institution, fostering a space for open dialogue and diverse artistic expression. Witnessing visitors enjoy themselves within the theatre’s walls is, for him, the greatest reward.
Beyond the theatrical realm, Cumming recently lent his voice to a campaign advocating for Scotland to become the world’s first ‘rewilding nation.’ He articulates this as a common-sense approach, seeking to dispel misconceptions about ‘rewilding’ being chaotic, and highlighting the intrinsic value of Scotland’s wild landscapes. Inspired by this cause, he revealed plans to rewild his own garden at his Inverness home, a gesture reflecting his commitment to ecological preservation and a testament to his belief in letting nature flourish.
The ‘Out In the Hills’ festival at Pitlochry Festival Theatre runs from January 16-18, 2026, offering an exciting start to a year brimming with artistic passion. Tickets for the full 2026 season will be available from Thursday, November 27, 2025, inviting the community of Perth and Kinross to partake in a season guided by heart, history, and a bold vision for the future of performing arts.