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Alan Cumming & Ewan McGregor Reunite for Supernova Stage World Premiere
Supernova: A Beloved Film Becomes a Magical Stage Play in Scotland
What’s Happening?
Imagine your favorite movie coming to life right in front of you on a stage! That’s exactly what’s happening with Supernova, a beautiful 2020 film that’s being transformed into a brand-new stage play. The world premiere will take place in 2027 at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland.
The Story: Love, Life, and Tough Choices
What is Supernova about?
Supernova tells the story of a longtime gay couple facing one of life’s hardest challenges: early onset dementia. This means one partner starts losing their memory and thinking abilities much earlier than usual. The story explores their deep love, how they care for each other, and the really difficult decisions they must make about the future.
The original film starred Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci. Now, the playwright Harry Macqueen (who wrote and directed the movie) is adapting his own screenplay for the stage.
The Dream Team Behind the Play
This isn’t just any production—it’s got some of the biggest names in theater!
| Role | Person | Why They’re Famous |
|---|---|---|
| Director | John Tiffany | Directed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Once |
| Movement Director | Steven Hoggett | Tony Award winner, worked on Once and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time |
| Designer | Jamie Harrison | Known as a "theatrical wizard" for magical stage effects |
| Associate Director | Sam Hardie | Rising star in theater direction |
| Playwright/Adapter | Harry Macqueen | Original writer/director of the film |
IMPORTANT POINT
John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett previously worked together at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on Once, which was a huge triumph. Now they’re reuniting for this special project!
The Stars: Two Scottish Lads Take the Lead
Alan Cumming
- Role: Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre AND star of the play
- Fun Fact: He’s from Perthshire—the same region as the theater!
Ewan McGregor
- Role: Co-star (playing the role Stanley Tucci played in the film)
- Fun Fact: He’s also from Perthshire! Alan Cumming calls him a "fellow Perthshire home boy."
Alan Cumming says:
"I am so excited to welcome Ewan… to Pitlochry Festival Theatre for this extraordinary theatre event… 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?!"
Harry Macqueen says:
"I’m beyond thrilled to be able to give this story and these characters new life on stage… With debate about end-of-life choices still raging, perhaps these questions feel more prescient now than ever."
When Can You See It?
Mark your calendars!
- Preview Performances Begin: July 24, 2027
- Official Opening Night: July 30, 2027
- Final Performance: August 21, 2027
That’s almost a full month of shows!
How to Get Tickets
Tickets go on sale in stages (like a video game unlocking levels!):
- RIGHT NOW – Patrons and Festival Circle Members (VIP supporters)
- August 5, 2027 at 10 AM BST – Festival Friends (regular supporters)
- August 12, 2027 at 10 AM BST – General Public (everyone else!)
BOOK HERE: PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com
Why This Matters
This play is special because:
- LGBTQ+ Representation: A tender, realistic portrayal of a longtime gay couple
- Important Conversation: Opens dialogue about dementia and end-of-life choices
- Theater Magic: Combines top-tier talent with innovative staging
- Scottish Pride: Homegrown stars performing in their homeland
Summary
Supernova is a critically acclaimed 2020 film about a gay couple navigating early onset dementia. In 2027, it’s getting a stage adaptation at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland. The creative team is a "who’s who" of theater royalty—led by director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and movement director Steven Hoggett. Stars Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor (both from Perthshire!) will play the lead roles. Performances run July 24 – August 21, 2027, with tickets rolling out to the public on August 12. This promises to be a moving, magical theatrical event tackling life’s biggest questions.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to have seen the movie to understand the play?
A: Not at all! The play is being written to stand completely on its own. Harry Macqueen is adapting his story specifically for the stage, so it’ll be a fresh experience even if you’ve seen the film.
Q: What is "early onset dementia"?
A: Dementia usually affects older people, but "early onset" means symptoms start before age 65—sometimes in your 40s or 50s. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The play explores this with sensitivity and honesty.
Q: Who are Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor?
A: They’re both famous Scottish actors! Alan Cumming has been in The Good Wife, Spy Kids, and tons of theater. Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, starred in Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge!, and Fargo. Both are from Perthshire, Scotland.
Q: What does "movement direction" mean?
A: It’s like choreography but for the whole play! Steven Hoggett designs how actors move on stage—not just dancing, but how they walk, touch, react, and express emotion physically. It makes the storytelling more powerful and visual.
Q: Can I visit Pitlochry Festival Theatre outside of this play?
A: Absolutely! It’s a beautiful theater in the Scottish Highlands with a year-round program of plays, musicals, and events. It’s worth a visit anytime you’re in Scotland!
Ready for a theatrical supernova? Book your tickets at PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com starting August 12, 2027!
