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 Cumming’s first programmed season will be at the start of 2026

Photo: Frederic Aranda

Changing Faces

Cumming takes the helm at Pitlochry

Arts Professional
2 min read

Pitlochry Festival Theatre has appointed ALAN CUMMING as its new Artistic Director.

He will take up the role in January 2025, following the departure of ELIZABETH NEWMAN, who steps down in November after six-years to join Sheffield Theatres as Artistic Director.

An award-winning actor, producer, singer, writer and director, Cumming is known for his roles in films including Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Spice World, Josie and the Pussycats and Burlesque. 

“For me, all roads lead to the theatre, and all roads lead to Scotland,” said Cumming, who was born in Perthshire. “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.

“ 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.”
 
Pitlochry's Executive Director KRIS BRYCE commented: “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."
 
CRAWFORD GILLIES, Chair of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, added: “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."