Review by Jo Tomalin
ForAllEvents.com
Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson in A History of Paper – image by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
A cardboard box full of memories is the starting point for this new musical written by Oliver Emanuel, composed by Gareth Williams and Directed by Andrew Panton, and produced by Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre. The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, under the new Artistic Director, Alan Cumming, includes this show in this season’s offerengs, headlined by Cumming himself with well known actor Shirley Henderson completing the cast of two. The large stage set designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita comprises several large craggy rocks and a beautiful white piano, for music composed by musical director Gavin Whitworth. The couple simply named He and She are looking at all the items in the box and each postcard, theatre ticket, script or other paper item reminds them of the special moments they had together.
Shirley Henderson, Gavin Whitworth and Alan Cumming in A History of Paper – image by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Cumming and Henderson are playful when they reenact their first date and budding romance, going back several years. These are two outstanding performers at the top of their game and they shine brightly in this theatrical musical. There is dialogue, physical acting, full character arcs and dynamite chemistry between the two. Cumming is well known globally for both film and stage work including musical theatre and this character suits him well. Henderson is well known for film and tv but not as much for theatre and she is a revelation! Director Panton has brought together the A team of creatives and together this cast they have produced a beautiful complete production that perhaps deserves to tour in other cities for those not located within a two hour train ride to Pitlochry from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Both performers are equally present and react to each moment in their characters in a natural way, which is refreshing and not over exaggerated. It’s easy to become engaged in this poignant story. At a slim seventy minutes the time flies as the story progresses. The relationship between He and She is tender and spirited, a post it note starts some sexy vibrant back and forth! They take turns with the songs as solos and several duets. This musical has some unexpected twists in the story which provides room for a range of emotions. Henderson is ready to respond sweetly and just as many times acerbically or with mischievous wit. Her character challenges Cummings character with curt questions, possibly coming from a combination of her character’s prior work as a journalist. These conversations, are fascinating, emotive and add depth to the story while avoiding saccharin responses. A History of Paper is a creative production of an intriguing story beautifully brought to life by Cumming and Henderson! Do not miss it! 5 stars!!
A History of Paper plays at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 12 September, 2026. For tickets visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre
A History of Paper plays plays at Dundee Rep Theatre from 16-19 September, 2026.
More Information:
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Review by Jo Tomalin
