In a landmark event for Scottish arts, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre has successfully launched its first-ever LGBTQ+ festival, Out in the Hills, curated by new artistic director Alan Cumming. The three-day celebration transformed the tranquil Perthshire venue into a vibrant hub of queer culture, drawing star power from Sir Ian McKellen and Graham Norton.
A Stage for Free Spirits and Fiery Monologues
The festival's programme, assembled by Lewis Hetherington, was a dynamic mix of talks, workshops, and performances. The weekend's atmosphere was one of palpable joy and community, with attendees spilling out from events like a talk by the Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod, and buzzing from a lively Queer As Folk! ceilidh held the previous night.
A standout moment was Sir Ian McKellen's powerful rehearsed reading of Equinox, a new monologue by playwright Laurie Slade. At 86, McKellen commanded the stage, portraying Ed, an elderly gay man grappling with regret, family estrangement, and a tumultuous relationship. Directed by Sean Mathias, his performance was a masterclass in intensity, earning him rapturous applause.
Celebrity Chat and Kilted Yoga
The star-studded line-up continued with a conversation between Alan Cumming and TV host Graham Norton. Cumming, sporting a cheeky slogan on his shirt, guided a talk that blended humour with serious discussion on homophobia and LGBTQ+ rights. Norton, delighted by the event, charmed the audience with his signature wit and stories, receiving cheers for both his jokes and his condemnation of conversion therapy.
The festival's eclectic offerings also included a discussion with trans playwright Jo Clifford and her daughter, and even a session of Finlay Wilson's Kilted Yoga, underscoring the event's blend of culture, conversation, and quirky fun.
A Bold New Chapter for Highland Theatre
Out in the Hills marks a significant and bold new direction for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre under Alan Cumming's leadership. By planting what Graham Norton called "this big gay thing in the middle of Scotland," the festival has not only provided a vital platform for LGBTQ+ voices but has also reinvigorated the theatre's role as a central, dynamic social space in the Highlands. The resounding success of this inaugural event promises a vibrant and inclusive future for the venue's programming.
