Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host an array of LGBTQ+ talent, including Graham Norton and Ian McKellen, at the first ever Out In The Hills Festival in January 2026.
Taking place in Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Scotland, the three-day programme has a huge diversity of events, including music, dance, theatre, photography exhibitions and panel discussions.
Celebrated stage actor Ian McKellen will lead a rehearsed reading of Equinox, a brand new one-man play by Laurie Slade. Scottish artist Juano Diaz will read from his memoir Slum Boy, and renowned composer Evelyn Glennie will blend spoken word and improvised, immersive sounds for a unique performance.
The theatre’s director, Alan Cumming, will debut a brand new theatrical production of Me and the Girls, Neil Bartlett’s stage adaptation of the Noel Coward short story.
Irish author and broadcaster Graham Norton will host an in-conversation event with Cumming at the festival. Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, Norton acknowledged his relationship with the Scottish theatre.
“When I left drama school almost forty years ago, the very first job that I didn’t get was at Pitlochry Festival Theatre,” he said.
“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.”
Cumming said the programme “perfectly demonstrates” the ethos he hopes to bring to every project at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
“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,” he said.
Cumming also commented on the need to support LGBTQ+ art during a period where rights are under threat.
He said, “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!”
Out in the Hills runs from January 16 to 18 at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Tickets go on general sale on November 10 at 10am.
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