A New Era in the Hills: Pitlochry’s Second Cumming

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Survivng (and triving) Alan Cumming’s whirlwind ambitious outing as the Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre; the hills of Scotland are bracing themselves for the maestrom of creatvity to start spinning once more. And we, for one, couldn’t be more excited.

Pour out a glass of the strong stuff; pull up a chair and let’s have a gander at what 2027 has in store. As the Perthshire autumn settles in, and Cumming and Veirty Powell prepare their accents and costumes for My Fair Lady, there is quite simply no better time to look ahead to a sensational lineup of world-class drama in the hills. Cumming has officially announced further productions for his highly anticipated second season as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, delivering a blockbuster mix of global icons, West End weight, and groundbreaking new Scottish writing. Produced in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, the 2027 season is set to be an absolute triumph.

Alan Cumming hits the nail on the head: “I’m so excited that our ‘27 season is both celebrating icons like Dolly Parton and Alan Ayckbourn as well as spotlighting new Scottish writing and indeed launching the career of a new Scottish playwright. These works alongside the previously announced Supernova with myself and Ewan McGregor, make for a season that is both innovative and familiar, international, and home grown and embodying the eclectic personality of the new era of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. And gird your loins – there’s more to come!”

Festival Highlights: Myths, Legends, and Global Voices

At the heart of the Main House programme is a brilliant balance of razor-sharp comedy, empowering musical theatre, and Hollywood-level drama sharing the stage across 2027.

Here is just a wee taste of what to expect:

• Ayckbourn Revival: The Main House season opens with Alan Ayckbourn’s dramatic comedy Absent Friends (12th March – 3rd April), directed by Shakespeare’s Globe alumnus Owen Horsley. Set in 1974 and performed in real time, this funny yet painful play sees wealthy housewife Diana host a tea party to cheer up her bereaved friend Colin following his fiancée’s drowning—only for the afternoon to descend into chaos as uncomfortable truths surface.
• Working-Class Musical Royalty: Musical theatre returns in style when Cora Bissett (Glasgow Girls) directs the late, great (and the rest) Dolly Parton’s iconic musical 9 to 5 (1–29 May). Based on the beloved 1980 film and set to Parton’s Grammy-nominated score, it follows Violet, Judy, and Doralee as three co-workers pushed to breaking point by their sexist boss, Franklin Hart Jr., who hatch a plan to turn the tables and inadvertently run the company far better than he ever could.
• Stellar Headline Drama: Award-winning director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Once) directs Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor in the World Première stage adaptation of Harry Macqueen’s acclaimed 2020 film Supernova (24th July – 21st August). This emotional powerhouse explores love, memory, and devotion as a couple navigate a life-changing diagnosis on a road trip across Britain.

Studio Premières: Fresh Scottish Voices and Art World Scandals

The Studio in 2027 will continue to showcase new writing, with two major World Premières that put a spotlight on bold new storytelling.

• Opening in late May is Hannah Lavery’s new play Love Songs for Monsters (28th May – 19th June), directed by Amber Sinclair–Case. Taking a scalpel to Bertolt Brecht’s Baal—a poet famous for devouring everyone in his path, once portrayed by David Bowie – Lavery gives a fierce, long-overdue voice to the women Brecht never wrote. The production features original songs written by Lavery alongside acclaimed Scottish musician Callum Easter.

• Following in July is Eden McIntyre’s debut professional stage play Jack Vettriano Can’t Paint! (16 July – 7 August). Produced with the full blessing and support of the Jack Vettriano Estate, this compelling new work explores the extraordinary story behind one of Scotland’s most popular yet controversial artists, whose prints sold in their millions while critics and the art establishment routinely dismissed his talent.

Family Fun and the ‘Go Local’ Takeover

With priority booking for Members and Patrons opening on Thursday 15th October and public booking launching on Thursday 29th October, the 2027 season promises boundless imagination and extraordinary performances for theatre lovers near and far.

Whether you’re eager to see Hollywood heavyweights on the Perthshire stage, fancy a night of Dolly Parton hits, or want to catch the birth of an exciting new Scottish playwright, this year’s lineup proves that Pitlochry Festival Theatre is as fierce, ambitious, and vibrant as ever. Head over to Pitlochry Festival Theatre to get your tickets booked, because you’d hate to be the only one on the outside looking in…

Which of the newly announced Main House or Studio shows are you most excited to catch in Pitlochry in 2027?

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