Alan Cumming promises 'weekend of queer joy' at Pitlochry

Alan Cumming has attracted big names to Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Sir Ian McKellen, Graham Norton and Evelyn Glennie are among the big names being brought to Pitlochry Festival Theatre by Scots actor Alan Cumming, for what he promises will be "a weekend of queer joy".

The Traitors US star has revealed the line-up for the first "winter weekend" at the theatre under his artistic directorship.

The Out in the Hills event will also include an appearance by Tales of the City creator Armistead Maupin, an exhibition of photography and a new stage adaptation of a Noel Coward short story.

The cast of six will include Cumming himself - who will announce his full season at the theatre in a few weeks' time.

Literary icons

Out in the Hills will celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ from 16-18 January 2026.

Not just theatre, it will bring in events discussing everything from football, to crime writing and baking.

Stage and screen royalty Sir Ian McKellen will star in Equinox, a rehearsed reading of the brand new one-man play by Laurie Slade and directed by Sean Mathia.

Author and acclaimed Scottish artist Juano Diaz will read from his powerful memoir Slum Boy, accompanied by world-renowned solo percussionist and composer Evelyn Glennie.

And Cumming will lead a cast of six for Me and the Girls, a brand new stage adaptation by Neil Bartlett of Noel Coward's 1964 short story.

Those performing in the Out In The Hills weekend will include Ian McKellen, Graham Norton and Mhairi Black

Over the weekend there will also be a series of "in conversation" events which will give audiences a chance to hear from well-loved figures including literary icons Maupin and Jackie Kay.

MP-turned stand-up comedian Mhairi Black will talk to broadcaster and author Gemma Cairney, and Graham Norton will be in conversation with Alan Cumming.

Cumming said: "Out in the Hills is my first piece of new programming in 2026 as artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and I think it perfectly demonstrates the ethos I want to infuse all my work with here.

"We have a combination of big names as well as new faces and ideas, and I'm inviting the public to take a chance on new experiences as well as revel in those they already love.

"Also, I love a party. Out in the Hills is a celebration of the amazing contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made to all our lives.

"And, at a time in our history when the queer and trans community is once more under threat, this is a chance for everyone to come along and show solidarity and support and be part of a weekend of queer joy."

Graham Norton revealed he was excited to finally make it to Pitlochry.

He said: "When I left drama school almost 40 years ago, the very first job that I didn't get was at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. I went on to not get jobs at many other theatres, but Pitlochry holds a special place in my heart.

"I am delighted to finally be making my debut and in such stellar company."

When Alan Cumming was appointed artistic director, he promised to bring the world to Pitlochry and Pitlochry to the world.

His international profile through roles on Broadway and in Hollywood means he has the connections, but could he persuade those connections to make the leap to appearing onstage in a small rep theatre in Highland Perthshire?

His opening winter festival line-up is a bright and bold statement of intent, and bodes well for the full 2026 season which will be announced in a few weeks' time.

And while persuading established performers to stay for more than a one-off festival appearance may be challenging, he may take heart from Graham Norton's reply.

Norton applied to Pitlochry Festival Theatre for his first job - which he didn't get. Almost 40 years later, he'll make his debut on the stage of the theatre in the hills which he says has always held a special place in his heart.