‘Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life.’ At the Marcia Blaine School for Girls, junior-school teacher Miss Jean Brodie is famously, in her prime. Each year, Brodie selects her ‘set’. The crème de la crème of girls whom she will shape through art and politics, stories of sexual liberation and titillating glimpses of the women they could become. In return, she demands utter loyalty from them all. Witty, seductive and swirling in contradictions, Brodie’s mythical ability to invent her own truths and manipulate her girls ultimately leads her to risk everything. In an adaptation by David Harrower, which sharpens the knives of Spark’s extraordinary work, and with a cast lead by Gayle Rankin ( Glow, House of The Dragon ), this visceral production looks head on at our enduring moral fascination with such a beguiling and dangerous character.

I CAN DIE TOO Written by Frances Ruffelle, Sally George and Alan Cumming Directed by Bill Buckhurst A Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Lovechild/Evan Sacks and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg Production Music and Lyrics by Frances Ruffelle, Sam Kelser, Mark Kelser, Simon Alexander, Robin Hancock, George de Angelis, Natti Vogel, Rafi, Dan McDougal, Eliza Caird, Blair Mackichan, Jim Duguid “If you think I’m doing the rest of this in French you’ve got another thing coming!” I Can Die Too is a play with music about a play with music — inspired by Cocteau’s La Voix Humaine and playfully reimagined during a chaotic tech rehearsal. The trouble is, our leading actress, Lily, can’t bear the role she’s playing as it mirrors her own life, and the ghosts she can’t quite leave behind. As the rehearsal spirals, she humorously descends into a world of doubt, defiance, and the insatiable desire to sing. A collision of life and art, I Can Die Too is a sharp, self-aware exploration of theatre — blurring the lines between classic drama, tragicomedy, musical theatre and concert. Created by Frances Ruffelle, Sally George and Alan Cumming. Directed by Bill Buckhurst. Starring Frances Ruffelle.

I’LL BE SEEING YOU Written by Martin Sherman Directed by Alan Cumming A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production I’ll Be Seeing You is the dazzling new world premiere from legendary playwright and screenwriter Martin Sherman (Bent, Mrs Henderson Presents, A Madhouse in Goa), starring Simon Russell Beale (The Lehman Trilogy, Uncle Vanya, Candide) and Fra Fee (Les Misérables, The Ferryman, Cabaret) This bold and imaginative fantasia follows a young writer struggling to create a play about the flamboyant superstar Liberace—a man he believes lived in denial, hiding his true self behind sequins and spectacle. But when Liberace himself appears to him, the story takes a surreal turn. Through music, memory, and irresistible charm, Liberace challenges not only the writer but also the audience to question their own assumptions, prejudices, and truths. Funny, seductive, and deeply moving, I’ll Be Seeing You is a theatrical event that blurs reality and fantasy while celebrating one of entertainment’s most unforgettable icons. Photo: Dichoterace (2020) by Jonathon Warren paintover of original photo by Allen Warren (1968)

INEXPERIENCE Written by Douglas Maxwell Directed by Sally Reid A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production Inexperience by award-winning playwright Douglas Maxwell is a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy about touch, memory, and the choices that shape a life. Robin doesn’t do mess. Not in his house, not in his work, not in his heart. A meticulous Sheriff Clerk, he keeps himself apart—safe, orderly, untouchable. Until Iris walks back into his life. Iris is Robin’s opposite: impulsive, passionate, always chasing the next cause or connection. Back in the 90s, when they were students, she made Robin a daring promise: they could only ever touch once. Just once, in their entire lives—in an attempt to preserve a spark that usually fades. Iris forgot. Robin never did. Now, decades later, that one perfect touch may finally be within reach. But can a single moment live up to a lifetime of anticipation? Inexperience is a moving, playful exploration of intimacy in a culture where physical contact is anything but simple. With humour, warmth, and emotional bite, Maxwell asks: what’s the best way to live? Do you dive into life’s chaos, or stay apart and unscathed? [https://www.aberfeldy.com]

LEAR Written by William Shakespeare Directed and Adapted by Finn Den Hertog Designed by Emma Bailey A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production In this bold new imagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Scottish theatre legend Maureen Beattie takes on the towering role of the monarch whose decision to test her daughters’ love unravels both family and kingdom. A thrilling story of pride, folly and misplaced trust. A powerhouse of Scottish talent breathes vivid life into the tragedy, featuring Forbes Masson as Gloucester, Lear’s fiercely loyal yet doomed courtier. Directed by Finn den Hertog, following his acclaimed West End production of The Fifth Step and designed by award-winning designer Emma Bailey (Six The Musical; Sunset Song) whose award-winning designs have been seen around the world. Lear is a visceral exploration of power, legacy and family, brought to the stage by some of Scotland’s most celebrated artists. From Alan Cumming: Lear has always struck me as a very intimate and painful family story stuck inside the middle of a big war drama. I think in Scotland we understand both the idea of our land being fought over and how families can splinter in a second, so this Scottish and very female version of the play is the perfect addition to my first season. I also want to bring Shakespeare back to Pitlochry and indeed to Scottish theatre. I think we have moved away from him of late and I want that to change because our accents and our passion bring the Bard to life in ways that other countries can’t.

A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production of Lerner and Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY Book and Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER Music by FREDERICK LOEWE Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s Play and Gabriel Pascal’s Motion Picture “PYGMALION” Original Production Directed and Staged by Moss Hart Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International Directed by Maria Friedman Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady is one of the most beloved musicals ever written, and this brand-new chamber production offers a glorious take on the classic. Directed by Maria Friedman, acclaimed musical theatre performer and director and the creative force behind the Tony Award-winning revival of Merrily We Roll Along, the story comes into sharper focus—intimate, engaging, and full of heart. At the centre is Eliza Doolittle, the sharp-tongued flower seller who collides with Professor Henry Higgins, played by Alan Cumming. One of Scotland’s most celebrated performers, Cumming brings his trademark wit and charisma, reimagining Higgins for a new audience. What begins as a battle of wills between teacher and pupil soon blossoms into something far more complex: a story of transformation, class, and the search for belonging. With favourites like Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, I Could Have Danced All Night and On the Street Where You Live, the songs are given fresh life in this chamber version, where every note and every word shines. Glorious in its simplicity, My Fair Lady feels both familiar and new—a sparkling, heartfelt celebration of a timeless classic.

ONCE Book by ENDA WALSH Music & Lyrics by GLEN HANSARD & MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by JOHN CARNEY By Special Arrangement with Barbara Broccoli, Patrick Millingsmith and Fred Zollo Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International Directed by John Tiffany Designed by Bob Crowley Movement Director Steven Hoggett Music Supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe Lighting Designer Natasha Katz Sound Designer Clive Goodwin Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG CSA A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production With music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and a book by Enda Walsh, Once is the Tony Award-winning musical based on John Carney’s much-loved 2007 film, which introduced the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly. Premiering in New York in 2012 and winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is now coming to Scotland for the very first time. The original creative team reunite to bring this modern classic to the stage, opening Alan Cumming’s inaugural season as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Set in Dublin, the story follows Guy, a disillusioned street musician ready to leave his songs behind, and Girl, a spirited Czech immigrant who challenges him to believe in his talent. With the support of an unconventional group of friends and fellow musicians, they embark on creating an album together. This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. “Once uses song and dance in a way I’ve never experienced in an American musical” New York Times

WIPING MY MOTHER’S ARSE Written by Iain Heggie Directed by Sam Hardie A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production Winner of a Fringe First Award and a sold-out hit at the Traverse Theatre in 2001, Iain Heggie’s hilarious and fearless play returns in a bold new version. At its heart is the story of Andrene, an elderly woman in a care home, Larry her overworked carer, and her conflicted son Derek. After months away, Derek has brought his new girlfriend Kath to meet his mother to find something has changed for the worse at the care home, which he fears may jeopardise his new relationship and forces him to act. The play explores the chaos, comedy, and heartbreak of ageing, where secrets can’t stay buried and the everyday becomes dangerously unpredictable. Darkly comic, and tender, Wiping My Mother’s Arse challenges audiences to face the uncomfortable truths we often avoid, while finding humour and compassion in the most unlikely places.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre + Dundee Rep Theatre present A HISTORY OF PAPER by Oliver Emanuel & Gareth Williams Directed by Andrew Panton Musically Directed by Gavin Whitworth A new magical Scottish musical about unbounding joy, impossible grief, a man, a woman and the little bits of paper that make up a life. First seen at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, A History of Paper, co-created by Oliver Emanuel (Book) and Gareth Williams (Music), won a Fringe First and the Best Director at the Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) for Andrew Panton. Andrew returns to direct a new co-production with Dundee Rep Theatre starring Tony, Olivier, BAFTA and Emmy award winner Alan Cumming, and Olivier and BAFTA award winner Shirley Henderson. This pair of Scottish acting titans reunite after first playing opposite each other in Scottish Television’s Shadow of the Stone 40 years ago! More recently they appeared together in Brian Cox’s directorial film debut Glenrothan. From Alan Cumming: I fell in love with this musical when I saw it at the Traverse as part of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and felt so connected to its narrative, especially as an adopted New Yorker. Andrew and I asked Shirley Henderson to come and sing through some of the songs with me, and suddenly it became a deep and rich and heart-wrenching memory play, as two older people looked back at their lives together.

Scottish premiere From Scottish Theatre Artist Sharron Devine - Multi Sensory One on One Theatre experience exploring themes of power, control, balance, trust, nature and risk, programmed by Alan Cumming. This experience plays with Theatrical form to face urgent themes with craft, curiosity and bags of imagination. Originally commissioned by award winning Theatre Absolute in Coventry, selling out during Coventry UK City of Culture 2021.

CEILIDH A New Musical Written by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie (Noisemaker) Directed and Choreographed by Sam Pinkleton A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production By Special Arrangement with Grove Entertainment, Barbara Whitman and Trafalgar Theatre Productions Find yourself a hand to hold CEILIDH is a brand new musical that invites you to step into one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved traditions – a gathering to share songs, stories and, most importantly, dancing! Led by a lively caller and stomping folk band, CEILIDH sweeps you up in a whirlwind of music and memories – all while sharing a dram or two along the way. But as the reels build, and partners spin the night away, a story begins to unfold: a story about a family. One of love, legacy, and why tonight’s ceilidh matters more than most. Created by the award-winning writing duo Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie aka Noisemaker (Oor Wullie, SCOTS), and directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!), CEILIDH is a joyous, irreverent, heart-pounding celebration of Scotland’s culture, community, and the power of gathering together. Booking now open for Patrons + Festival Circle Members. Booking for Festival Friends opens 6 April at 10am General sale opens 13 April at 10am

FRED MACAULAY – “GOOD EVENING!” For reasons outwith his control, Fred had to cancel his 2025 Edinburgh Fringe shows and his Autumn Tour – “Fred MacAulay: No podcast – LIVE”. Now, thankfully, due to reasons completely within his control, he is now preparing to hit the road in 2026 with the 2025 show repackaged and updated and simply called “GOOD EVENING!”. So what happened? Simply put: Fred suffered a freak accident and then an unrelated prostate cancer diagnosis. Is there humour in either of these? In the words of a famous Scotland footballer “Maybes Aye, Maybes Naw”. Now in the fourth decade of his comedy career, Fred MacAulay still loves being on stage doing what he does best …… quite simply it’s STAND-UP and his appetite for performing is as strong as it was all those years ago when he took a massive side-ways step from a career as an Accountant and Company Secretary into the world of entertainment. A career which has taken him all over the world (apart from South America) (and some other continents) where he has worked in television and radio. But it’s always been and always will be as a stand-up that Fred wants to be remembered. It’s because of stand-up that he’s been asked to do all the ‘celebrity’ things that he’s done. He might talk about some of them, but he’s more likely to talk about what is current – having been a guest on the famous Radio 4 News Quiz show for almost 18 years he has some previous in this respect. And as a family man he’ll no doubt be talking about the latest stage of that aspect of life…grandchildren. “I can remember the joy of having our kids just after I’d embarked on my career in comedy…what a great source of material they were! I mean, that wasn’t the main reason for having kids… but I hope the same applies to the grandkids!” Fred hates the word ‘celebrity’ yet he’s done Celebrity Mastermind (twice) and Celebrity Masterchef (once) and who can forget his Celebrity Fame Academy for Comic Relief (Answer: hopefully everyone). Asked twice to do ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ Fred said No! “I’m waiting for the Scottish version ….. “So You Think You’re A Celebrity, Get The ★★★★ Out Of Here!” Asked for a snappy quote for publicity, Fred sent this: “I really hope that a lot of people come out to see this tour. I think it’s the best show I’ve done since the last one.”

This autumn, Scottish Opera brings one of the most enchanting tales in the repertoire right here to Pitlochry. Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel is a story that speaks to all of us: two children, lost and hungry in a darkening forest, summoning every scrap of courage and wit to outsmart a very wicked witch indeed. This beautifully crafted five-singer production, accompanied by an intimate piano arrangement, strips the opera back to its storytelling heart, and is all the better for it. Whether you are a lifelong opera lover or coming along for the very first time, you’ll be very welcome!

HAPPY DAYS Written by Samuel Beckett Directed by Roxana Silbert Starring Siobhán Redmond A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days is a hauntingly comic meditation on the human spirit, a renowned masterpiece that helped secure Beckett the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969, and one that has lost none of its power since. Winnie is buried up to her waist —and later, her neck— yet she refuses to surrender. With only a small bag of everyday objects, she fills the endless hours with routine, memory, and a fierce, almost defiant optimism. Nearby, her companion Willie hovers at the edges of her world, offering little more than the odd muttered response. Is Winnie’s cheerfulness resilience, delusion, or something in between? Stark, unsettling, and darkly comic, Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days becomes a haunting exploration of endurance, isolation, and the stubborn human need to keep going, no matter how tight the walls close in.

Rerr Terr Productions in association with Neil Laidlaw Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Dundee Rep Theatre presents THE STEAMIE The Official 2026 Tour Written and Directed by Tony Roper Songs by David Anderson Set Design by Kenny Miller Step inside a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay, where the water’s hot and the gossip’s even hotter. Magrit, Dolly, Doreen, and Mrs. Culfeathers share laughter, secrets, and dreams while tackling the final wash of the year in Tony Roper’s The Steamie. With songs by David Anderson, experience a joyful celebration of friendship and the heart of working-class life. Originally produced by Wildcat Stage Productions in 1987, The Steamie became Scotland’s most popular play, touring internationally and earning a Scottish BAFTA for its Channel 4 adaptation. Now, Tony Roper himself returns to direct, as this Scottish classic takes to the road once again for its official 2026 tour. The Steamie is more than a play; it’s a love letter to Scottish working-class life, to the women who held communities together, and to the friendships forged in the most ordinary of places.