A History of Paper at Pitlochry Festival Theatre*****
I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anyone as famous as Alan Cumming.
His books are in my bookcase; his face stares out at me from the magazine covers on my coffee table; he is on our screens both big and small as an actor and presenter, and he has introduced me to the wonderful Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which he is now running and where, until September 12, he is performing.
And he looks completely happy to be on its stage; entirely at home. Which, of course, he is! Or is it that he is immersed in his character, playing a man who is totally in love?
That the actress playing the object of his desire is also an icon must make his experience all the more delightful. With film credits including Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, Trainspotting, Stan and Ollie, Star Wars, and I Swear, while winning awards for TV and an Olivier for Best Actress in Girl from the North Country on stage, Shirley Henderson is more than a match for his prowess.
And the two sparkle and shine under Andrew Panton’s direction in this 2024 Fringe First Award winner in which the lives of two neighbours who fall in love are relived through memories made of bits of paper, such as receipts, postcards, menus and love letters – and some on-stage origami!
They meet in their 20s and though now are both in their 60s (but only just!), they are convincingly youthful, especially Henderson, who skips and jumps about the stage with an almost childlike, playful enthusiasm.
It’s a musical (with musical director Gavin Whitworth at the piano on stage throughout) and, although Cumming’s voice is engaging, it is Henderson who is surprisingly melodious, her sweet clear voice bringing to life Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams’ poignant songs about what we should keep or let go.
I would have been happy if it had ended as the couple celebrated Hogmanay, on a beach, watching a Chinese lantern fly into the sky. And then the whole stage becomes awash with lighted lanterns and fireworks – a fitting finale. But no. There is so much more to witness in this memorable love story. It packs so much into its short 70 minutes and, believe me, it will leave you speechless!
Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
A History of Paper is at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until September 12.
Booking office: 01796 484626
pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Dundee Rep from September 16-19.
Booking office: 01382 223530
boxoffice@dundeerep.co.uk
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