Pitlochry Festival Theatre has announced a brand-new festival called Out In The Hills, a three-dayer of theatre, music, film and dancing that aims to celebrate the diversity and joy of LGBTQ+ voices. Taking place from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 January, it will mark Alan Cumming’s first piece of new programming in 2026 for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and will feature a mix of A-list stars and grassroots performers. 

Perhaps the biggest booking for the event is Ian McKellen, the veteran thespian who’s straddled stage and screen since the 1960s. He’ll star in Equinox, a rehearsed reading of Laurie Slade’s new one-man play, directed by Sean Mathias. Also on the bill, author and Scottish artist Juano Diaz will read from his memoir Slum Boy, accompanied by world-renowned solo percussionist and composer Evelyn Glennie for a unique blending of spoken word and music. And Cumming himself will lead a production of Me And The Girls, a brand-new adaptation of Noël Coward's short story. 

There will also be a huge range of in conversation events, including chats between Graham Norton and Cumming, Mhairi Black and Gemma Cairney, and Armistead Maupin and Jackie Kay. Other events taking place across the three days include a queer ceilidh, a selection of film screenings from Camp Trans Scotland and a DJ set from Junglehussi. 

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.

‘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 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.’

Cumming was appointed artistic director of Pitlochry Theatre in September 2024. At the time, he said: ‘This theatre is a hidden gem with the most amazing facilities and boundless possibilities, and I will invite the world’s best theatre artists here and showcase the best of Scotland’s thrilling theatrical legacy. I want Pitlochry Festival Theatre to be a home for everyone and to remain at the heart of the community. Above all, I cannot wait to share Pitlochry with the world, and the world with Pitlochry.’

Out In The Hills Festival, Pitlochry Theatre, Friday 16 – Sunday 18 January.