Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor will lead the cast of the world première stage adaptation of Supernova at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in 2027.
The new production is based on Harry Macqueen’s critically acclaimed 2020 film, which starred Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci, and marks Macqueen’s stage debut as a playwright.
Supernova will run at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 24 July to 21 August 2027, with a press performance scheduled for 30 July 2027.
Adapted by Macqueen and directed by Tony and Olivier Award winner John Tiffany, the production reunites Tiffany with movement director Steven Hoggett, following their acclaimed collaborations on productions including Once, Black Watch and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The story follows long-term partners Sam and Tusker, whose lives are transformed following Tusker’s diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
As they set off on a road trip to reconnect with loved ones and revisit cherished memories, they are forced to confront an uncertain future together.
Cumming, who is also Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, stars alongside Emmy and Golden Globe winner McGregor in what is being billed as a major theatrical event for the venue.
Cumming said: “I am so excited to welcome Ewan, a fellow Perthshire home boy, to Pitlochry Festival Theatre for this extraordinary theatre event. Harry Macqueen has adapted his beautiful film, and John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett (fresh from their Pitlochry Festival Theatre triumph with Once) join forces with the theatrical wizard Jamie Harrison to create an evening of true magic. A love story, a treatise on life and death itself and a visual feast – with two Scottish laddies at its heart. What more could you want?!”
McGregor added: “I am so delighted to be working at Pitlochry Festival Theatre next summer on the beautiful ‘Supernova’ with my old friend Alan. I have been very moved by the work so far on the text by Harry Macqueen who is adapting his own screenplay. We are going to be discovering this story with the amazing team of John Tiffany, Jamie Harrison and Steven Hoggett and it’s going to be quite something to throw myself into this role with such an extraordinary group of visionaries. I can’t wait to get started and to bring this piece to the stage. I look forward to seeing you all there!”
The original film premiered in 2020 at both the San Sebastián Film Festival and the London Film Festival before being shortlisted for two BAFTA Awards, including Outstanding British Film.
Speaking about adapting the work for the stage, Macqueen said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be able to give this story and these characters new life on stage, and to be doing so alongside such incredible collaborators. Supernova engages with some of life’s most challenging questions. With debate about end-of-life choices still raging, perhaps these questions feel more prescient now than ever.”
The creative team also includes designer Jamie Harrison and associate director Sam Hardie, with additional creatives set to be announced in the coming months.
Tiffany said: “Supernova broke my heart when I first watched it. Working with Alan and Ewan, and a creative team of this calibre, to translate this story to the stage is a dream come true.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
