Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor to lead Supernova world stage premiere at Pitlochry
Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor will star in the world stage premiere of Supernova, a new play by Harry Macqueen opening at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in July 2027. The production marks Macqueen’s debut as a playwright, adapting his 2020 film about love and dementia.
Alan Cumming, artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and Ewan McGregor will lead the cast of Supernova, which runs from 24 July to 21 August 2027. The play follows Sam and Tusker, partners of 20 years, as they embark on a road trip after Tusker is diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Further casting details are yet to be announced.
The production is directed by John Tiffany and includes movement director Steven Hoggett and designer Jamie Harrison, with Sam Hardie as associate director. Supernova is based on Macqueen’s motion picture, produced by Quiddity and The Bureau, which starred Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci.
Cumming spoke of his excitement at working alongside McGregor, “a fellow Perthshire home boy,” calling the play “a love story, a treatise on life and death itself and a visual feast – with two Scottish laddies at its heart.”
McGregor also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, praising the text adaptation by Macqueen and the creative team. “It’s going to be quite something to throw myself into this role with such an extraordinary group of visionaries,” he said.
Playwright and filmmaker Harry Macqueen shared his thoughts on revisiting the story in a theatrical form, noting the play’s exploration of “some of life’s most challenging questions” and its relevance amid ongoing debate about end-of-life choices.
Director John Tiffany reflected on the impact of the original film, stating the chance to bring the story to the stage was “a dream come true.”
Priority booking for Supernova will open on 29 July, with general ticket sales starting 12 August. Details about accessible performances will be available on the Pitlochry Festival Theatre website.
