Actor Alan Cumming joins as artistic director as the Scottish theatre celebrates its 75th anniversary with a season of world premieres and much-loved revivals.

Alan Cumming sat in red theatre seat smiling at camera

Source: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

2026 marks Alan Cumming’s debut as the theatre’s artistic director.

The 2026 lineup includes popular musicals My Fair Lady and Once, premieres of plays and the new immersive Scottish musical Ceilidh, directed by Tony award-winner Sam Pinkleton (Oh Mary! on Broadway).

During his inaugural season as artistic director, Alan Cumming (The High Life – The Musical, Cabaret on Broadway) will also direct and star in several of the productions, including the romantic new musical A History of Paper, in which he’ll star alongside Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’ Diary).

The Olivier and BAFTA award-winning actors will play a couple whose relationship is charted through ordinary bits of paper collected over time, including tickets, receipts, menus and letters. The show will run from 8th August to 12th September.

Events schedule

  • Olivier award-winning musical, Once (23rd May-27th June)
  • Heartfelt comedy, Inexperience (13th June-4th July)
  • Bold new adaptation, Lear (4th July-1st August)
  • Concert-style play, I Can Die Too (11th July-2nd August)
  • Romantic musical, A History of Paper (8th August-12th September)
  • Provocative play about parental care, Wiping My Mother’s Arse (15th August-6th September)
  • World premiere of I’ll Be Seeing You (12th September-11th October)
  • Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days (18th September-16th October)
  • New Scottish musical, Ceilidh (7th-17th October)
  • David Harrower’s adaptation of Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (4th-7th November)
  • Revival of My Fair Lady (21 November – 31 December)

The story of Pitlochry

Pitlochry Festival Theatre was founded in 1951 by John Stewart, who came to Pitlochry during World War Two and vowed to return to build a theatre. Stewart was a director of the well-known commercial college, Skerry’s, but had a strong interested in theatre which led to the opening of the theatre. 

Alan Cumming said: “I have a great affinity with John: we both came to Pitlochry and were mesmerised, we both share a belief in dreaming big and the power of positivity and manifestation. And for my first season, just as he did in 1951, I have invited people here who I admire and love, and who have been part of the theatrical journey that led me to becoming this theatre’s artistic director.”

Exterior of modern building with greenery and benches in front of entrance

Source: Fraser Band

Groups of 11+ are offered special rates on theatre productions.

Cumming added: “The potential of Pitlochry Festival Theatre is boundless and we have a passionate and proud staff who are ready to share the adventure ahead with me. And so, in 2026 I hope you’ll join us all for a season of work that is a homage to John Stewart’s legacy and spirit: one of boldness, of daring, and of manifesting a dream.”

Group visits

While at the theatre, groups can explore the seven-acre artistic garden or have a meal at the onsite restaurant. Groups of 11+ are offered discounted rates and there’s a coach drop-off and pick-up area. 

Pitlochry Festival Theatre is located just off the A9 and is about an hour and 40 minute-drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. 

For more information and to book tickets, head to: pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com.

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