Alan Cumming has officially been appointed as the new artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, marking a significant transition for the Scottish venue renowned as “Scotland’s theater in the hills.” This role will see Cumming replacing Elizabeth Newman, who has led the theater since September 2018 and will step down this November.
The appointment follows three months of extensive searches to fill the role. Cumming is set to commence his tenure at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in January 2025, with his first programmed season scheduled to debut in 2026.
At the helm, Cumming aims to utilize his vast experience and passion for the arts to breathe new life and artistic vision at Pitlochry. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “For me, all roads lead to the theatre and all roads lead to Scotland. I am a theatre animal at heart and, like Robert Burns, my heart is in the Highlands. 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.”
Founded back in 1951, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre is situated amid breathtaking Scottish hills, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. It has built its reputation on producing diverse and quality productions, and Cumming plans to maintain and amplify this legacy during his directorial stint. He described the venue as "a hidden gem with the most amazing facilities and boundless possibilities," emphasizing his dedication to inviting the best theatre artists to showcase some of Scotland’s vibrant theatrical legacy.
Cumming’s career spans across film, television, and theatre, earning him immense respect and accolades. Perhaps most famously recognized for his Tony Award-winning role as The Emcee in Cabaret, he has also exhibited his directorial prowess, exemplified through co-directing the film The Anniversary Party. Most recently, he garnered attention as the host of Peacock’s The Traitors, with his performance earning him another Emmy nomination.
His leadership vision focuses not just on the profitability and performance of the theatre but aims to make the Pitlochry Festival Theatre more inclusive and community-centered. “I want Pitlochry Festival Theatre to be a home for everyone and to remain at the heart of the community,” he stated, grounded in his belief of the theatre's transformative power to engage and inspire shared human experiences.
The upcoming 2025 season of the theatre has already been planned, featuring productions such as The Great Gatsby, Grease, and The 39 Steps, among others. New productions will also be introduced, all under the watchful eye of Cumming’s creative direction, which promises to shake things up and deepen the theatre's impact both locally and internationally.
Elizabeth Newman, the outgoing artistic director, has expressed her belief in Cumming's capabilities to guide the theatre, saying, “Quite simply, I cannot think of a more suitable person to join Kris Bryce at the helm and write the next chapter of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s story.” She highlighted Cumming’s exceptional artistry and leadership skills, certain he will inspire both artists and audiences alike.
Further cementing this new chapter, Cumming's vision reflects the rich cultural significance of theatre to Scotland and its communities. He concluded his statements with the spirited sentiment, “‘I will dare to be honest and fear no labour,’ inspired by Burns again, showcasing his commitment to delivering authentic, high-quality artistic experiences.
For those unfamiliar, Cumming’s professional theatre career took off forty years ago at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow. He went on to dominate the West End stage, earning accolades along the way. His heartfelt approach and extensive background provide the perfect foundation as he steps up to this pivotal role.
The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, beyond just producing plays, serves as the artistic heart of Highland Perthshire. The institution has made substantial contributions to Scotland's cultural scene, connecting with diverse audiences through various creative endeavors. With Cumming at the steering wheel, expectations are high for the theatre to venture boldly and create stimulating narratives for their audiences.
People are eager to see what artistic innovations and collaborative projects Cumming champions during his directorship. All eyes will be on Pitlochry as it gears up to embrace the literary and performance arts under Cumming's inspiring vision and ambition, promising to not only honor but also redefine the theatre’s cherished tradition.
Fans and supporters of the arts community can look forward to updates and announcements about future seasons and productions as Cumming takes the reins. The narrative of Pitlochry Festival Theatre evolves, much like the beautiful, rugged Scottish landscapes surrounding it, set to be more dynamic and engaging than ever.
