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Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor to star in stage version of gay dementia love story Supernova

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 17:00

Two Scottish acting legends will bring the acclaimed queer film to the stage at Pitlochry Festival Theatre next summer, in a production directed by John Tiffany.

Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor are set to star in the world première stage adaptation of Supernova at Pitlochry Festival Theatre next summer. The production brings Harry Macqueen's critically acclaimed 2020 film about a gay couple facing dementia to the stage for the first time.

The original film starred Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as Sam and Tusker, partners of 20 years navigating life after Tusker's early-onset dementia diagnosis. The tender love story follows the couple on a road trip across England, visiting friends and family whilst confronting an uncertain future.

Macqueen, who wrote and directed the original film, has adapted his own work for the stage in what will be his theatrical writing debut. The production reunites the creative dream team behind some of theatre's most visually stunning work in recent years.

John Tiffany, who directed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Black Watch, will helm the production. He'll collaborate with long-time creative partner Steven Hoggett on movement direction, with designs by Jamie Harrison of Stranger Things: The First Shadow fame.

Cumming, who serves as Pitlochry Festival Theatre's Artistic Director, called it "an extraordinary theatre event" and welcomed McGregor as "a fellow Perthshire home boy."

The pair are both multiple award-winners, with Cumming recently wrapping filming on Avengers: Doomsday and McGregor known for Trainspotting, Star Wars and Moulin Rouge.

The 2020 film received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship. Critics praised its restraint and emotional power, with The Guardian describing it as "a drama about love and mortality" whilst The Hollywood Reporter highlighted its "admirably understated depiction of same-sex romance."

Supernova will run at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 24 July to 21 August 2027.