Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson Reunite in 'The History of Paper' at Pitlochry
For the first time, Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson, who have been friends for forty years, share the stage in 'The History of Paper' at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, where Cumming serves as artistic director. This production is scheduled to run until 12 September before transferring to Dundee Rep Theatre from 16-19 September. The play, initially a radio drama by Oliver Emanuel from 2017, features music by Gareth Williams and debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024. The narrative explores a couple's journey through their collected papers, gaining emotional resonance following Emanuel's passing in 2023. Cumming, aged 61, and Henderson, 60, portray younger versions of themselves, having first crossed paths in the STV drama 'Shadow of the Stone' when Henderson was 20 and Cumming was 21.
Key facts
- Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson perform together on stage for the first time in 'The History of Paper'.
- The production runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 12 September, then at Dundee Rep Theatre from 16-19 September.
- The musical was originally a radio play in 2017 by Oliver Emanuel with music by Gareth Williams.
- It premiered as a stage musical at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024.
- Oliver Emanuel died in 2023, adding emotional weight to the production.
- Cumming and Henderson first met on the STV drama 'Shadow of the Stone'.
- Cumming is artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
- The pair reunited while filming 'Glenrothan', directed by Brian Cox.
- Cumming suggested casting older actors to play younger versions of themselves.
- Henderson is 60 and Cumming is 61.
- Cumming received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January.
- Henderson treasures letters from her late father; Cumming keeps drawings by his husband Grant.
Entities
Artists
- Alan Cumming
- Shirley Henderson
- Oliver Emanuel
- Gareth Williams
- Brian Cox
- Andrew Panton
- Grant
Institutions
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- Dundee Rep Theatre
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- STV
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Locations
- Pitlochry
- Scotland
- Dundee
- Edinburgh
- London