Alan Cumming named as new Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre

The appointment brings to an end a three-month search for a new occupant for the role. 

Cummings said he would embrace his stint as Artistic Director with all his experience, passions and “heart”.  

He said: “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.  

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“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. 

“This Theatre is a hidden gem with the most amazing facilities and boundless possibilities, and I will invite the world’s best theatre artists here and showcase the best of Scotland’s thrilling theatrical legacy.” 

Pitlochry festival Theatre (Image: Fraser Band)

The actor added: “I want Pitlochry Festival Theatre to be a home for everyone and to remain at the heart of the community. And, to quote Burns again, ‘I will dare to be honest and fear no labour’. Above all, I cannot wait to share Pitlochry with the world, and the world with Pitlochry.” 

Opened in1951, Pitlochry Festival Theatre has become the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire.  

Set against a breath-taking backdrop of Scottish hills, the Theatre is renowned for its diverse and high-quality productions, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually.  

As Scotland’s largest building-based producing theatre, Pitlochry creates and delivers world-class theatre, both on its own stages and in collaboration with artists and institutions across the country and beyond.  

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The Theatre is not only a cultural hub for Perthshire and Scotland but plays a pivotal role in the wider theatre ecosystem, providing a vital platform for emerging and established talent through its innovative and entrepreneurial artistic model. 

Kris Bryce, Executive Director said: “At Pitlochry Festival Theatre, we believe in the transformative power of our work. Since the moment we met, I have been completely won over by Alan’s passion – for theatre and for Scotland – by his energy and vision, and by his whole-hearted desire to join us as a steward of this very special place.  

“Under his artistic leadership, I am confident we will continue to grow in our role as the nation’s most impactful producing theatre, delivering bold, innovative work that resonates with audiences here and right across the world.  

“Through the power of storytelling, I know Alan will continue to gather people together to explore shared human concerns and to create experiences that inspire, engage and empower our communities. I am hugely excited to be working in partnership with him.” 

A performance of Footloose at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre (Image: Fraser Band)

 Crawford Gillies, Chair of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, added: “I am delighted to welcome Alan as Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s new Artistic Director.  

“Throughout the selection process, I was deeply impressed by his passion, vision and commitment to theatre and to the people of Scotland.  

“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.” 

Cumming will replace Elizabeth Newman, current Artistic Directo, who is leaving after six years in the role.  

She said: “Quite simply, I cannot think of a better person to join Kris Bryce at the helm and write the next chapter of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s story.  

“Alan is an exceptional artist and an inspiring leader who will catapult the Theatre into new and exciting dialogues with artists and audiences here and around the world.  

“I can’t wait to return to the Theatre in the future, as a member of the audience this time, to experience the impact of Alan’s artistic direction and the work of the world-class artists he will bring to Pitlochry.”