Pitlochry Festival Theatre announces new shows in Alan Cummings’ second season – including Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5

Pitlochry Festival Theatre has announced four further productions for its 2027 season, the second programmed by artistic director Alan Cumming. The season is produced in association with Sonia Friedman Productions.

The Main House programme will open with a production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends, running from 12 March to 3 April. Directed by Owen Horsley and designed by Ryan Dawson Laight, the play follows a group of friends who gather for a tea party intended to support Colin following the death of his fiancée.

It will be followed by a production of Dolly Parton’s musical 9 to 5, running from 1 to 29 May and directed by Cora Bissett. Featuring music and lyrics by Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, the musical follows three female colleagues who decide to take action against their misogynistic boss. It comes following Parton’s death earlier this year.

The Studio will stage the world premiere of Love Songs for Monsters by Hannah Lavery from 28 May to 19 June. Directed by Amber Sinclair-Case, the play reimagines Bertolt Brecht’s Baal through the story of poet Ayla and her relationship with Baal. It will feature songs written by Hannah Lavery in collaboration with musician Callum Easter.

Also receiving its world premiere in the Studio will be Jack Vettriano Can’t Paint! by Eden McIntyre, running from 16 July to 7 August. The playwright’s first professional stage play examines the life and work of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, whose paintings sold in large numbers as prints and reproductions while his work was rejected by sections of the critical and art establishments. The production has the support of the Jack Vettriano Estate.

The previously announced stage adaptation of Supernova will run in the Main House from 24 July to 21 August. Cumming and Ewan McGregor will star in the production, adapted by Harry Macqueen from his 2020 film. Directed by John Tiffany, the production is designed by Jamie Harrison, with movement direction by Steven Hoggett and Sam Hardie serving as associate director. It follows Sam and Tusker, a couple of 20 years, who embark on a road trip following Tusker’s diagnosis with early-onset dementia. The run is already sold out.

Further productions for the 2027 season will be announced fairly soon. Priority booking for patrons and Festival Circle members opens on 15 October, followed by Festival Friends members on 22 October and general booking on 29 October.