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The Herald Scotland
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Degree award for Alan Cumming in recognition of service to the arts
In his address to graduating students, Cumming said: 'You must never stop learning, you must never stop being curious. It's so important to stay open to the possibility of life and this was only the beginning of your education. This maybe have been your formal education, but learning never stops, so embrace it. Embrace curiousity.' Multiple award-winner Cumming, who presents the US version of hit TV show The Traitors, was recently appointed as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and will next year bring a musical version of his much-loved sitcom The High Life to theatres across Scotland. The actor, who attended with his husband Grant Shaffer, mum Mary Darling, and his Costa-Rican rescue dog Lala, is co-writing the the show with long-time friend and collaborator Forbes Masson, and playwright Johnny McKnight, who is also Reader in Creative Writing at the University. Earlier in the day the University honoured Professor Philip Rees with a Doctor of Science (DSc) for his contribution to research into migration and demography. Receiving his honorary degree, Professor Rees told students: "International, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary collaborations in university research and teaching are vital for producing innovative ideas and projects. St Andrews follows that mantra; appreciating that societies that think intelligently about the future, provide the best future for their members." "In your new jobs or roles, whether in academia or elsewhere, please remember what you learned here about the need for honesty, rigour, and proper citation in your work." Alan and Philip were joined by graduates from the School of Art History, School of Chemistry, School of Computer Science, and School of Mathematics and Statistics.

The National
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Man blinded in one eye after attack at Rewind festival
Patrick Kerr, 33, and Simon Tierney, 38, attacked Antonio Grant, 53, at the Rewind Festival at Scone Palace in Perthshire in July 2023. Grant suffered extensive facial injuries and needed a metal plate inserted in his jaw following the assault. At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, Kerr was jailed for five-and-a-half years, while Tierney was jailed for four-and-a-half years. READ MORE: Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson reunite for The High Life musical Grant, who had been at the festival with his family, did not know the pair but said he had "polite" conversations with them. He was attacked after walking away from Tierney, who became "aggressive" when Grant declined his offer of a chip, the court heard. The victim was punched on the head and knocked to the ground before being repeatedly punched and kicked. He suffered the permanent loss of vision in his right eye, which may need to be removed, and required extensive dental work for six broken teeth. Kerr and Tierney earlier separately admitted to assaulting Grant to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment. READ MORE: US popstar red-faced after being met with empty seats at Scottish gig Sentencing the pair on Wednesday, Lord Renucci said they had carried out a "brutal, cowardly alcohol-fuelled attack on a vulnerable victim". He added: "The impact and consequences of your actions have been shattering to him and will be lifelong." The two men, both of Glenrothes, Fife, will be supervised for a further two years on their release. A non-harassment order was also imposed banning them from approaching or contacting the victim for an indefinite period.


Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson reunite in The High Life musical
The original cast of hit Scottish sitcom The High Life are to reunite after 30 years for a new musical based on the legendary BBC Scotland comedy. Siobhan Redmond, Forbes Masson, Alan Cumming and Patrick Ryecart will star in The High Life The Musical – Still Living It, the first production announced, for the National Theatre of Scotland's 20th anniversary programme in 2026. Continue reading here Like this: Like Related

The National
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
All we know about the The High Life reunion musical to tour Scotland in 2026
The High Life was first introduced to TV audiences in an initial pilot in 1994, and then in a series of six episodes which were broadcast in early 1995. The series is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The new show, set to tour in 2026, is being presented by National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres. The High Life, first commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, centred on the crew of the fictional Air Scotia airline. In the upcoming musical, Air Scotia has been sold and the crew are fighting for their future. When and where will The High Life musical tour in Scotland? The production will tour Scotland in spring 2026, almost three decades after the series was screened.


Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic BBC sitcom to return as musical 30 years after it was axed
The series only lasted for six episodes during its first run. REUNION Iconic BBC sitcom to return as musical 30 years after it was axed ICONIC Beeb comedy The High Life will return with a song and a dance - as it's being turned into a musical. The Scottish sitcom, which starred Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson, is being adapted for the stage 30 years after it was taken off air. 2 The High Life is being turned into a musical. Credit: PA 2 Siobhan Redmond, Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, and Patrick Ryecart will all return. Credit: PA Cumming, 60, and Masson, 61, played hapless air stewards Sebastian Flight and Steve McCracken in the cult BBC series which only lasted for six episodes. Siobhan Redmond, 65, who portrayed put-upon cabin crew member Shona Spurtle, and Patrick Ryecart, 72, who earned rave reviews as beleaguered pilot Captain Hilary Duff, will also return for The High Life: The Musical at Dundee Rep in spring 2026. Cumming, who then appeared in Hollywood movies like X-Men and Eyes Wide Shut, said: 'National Theatre of Scotland has been asking us to do this for years. "It had been on their slate for ages, but we just never got round to it. 'But we've both turned 60 that's part of the story. "Some things never change, and our characters Sebastian and Steve don't. 'They still squeeze themselves into those lycra uniforms and I think that's part of the joy of it.' Masson, who has enjoyed roles in EastEnders and The Crown, added: 'It's fantastic that the show is still remembered so fondly after just one series. 'The series on iPlayer just now, and it still stands up comedically. 'We were ahead of our time. The Traitors season 3 cast officially selected as host Alan Cumming teases first-look from show's castle set in Scotland "Our stuff was, and still is, very politically aware with a small 'p'. 'That's what's interesting about exploring the characters now because the world has changed and there are characters in the show who are slightly behind all that. "It's so exciting to have them return.'