The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
For one night only... Alan Cumming back for cinema event
aberfeldy: A-list star returns to his birthplace to join in Birks Cinema fifth anniversary event with showing of his favourite film
Hollywood actor Alan Cumming returned to his home town to host a special movie screening marking the fifth anniversary of its communityowned cinema.
The star of stage and screen has been an active patron of the Birks Cinema since it reopened its doors in Aberfeldy in the spring of 2013.
The actor, who has appeared in a host of films including Goldeneye, X2 and Cabaret along with TV drama the Good Wife, introduced his own personal favourite, the classic 1950s comedy Auntie Mame, to a packed auditorium of fans at the weekend.
Carnoustie-raised Mr Cumming said: “I’m very proud, as an Aberfeldy-born boy, to be part of supporting this wonderful community venture. It is an amazing achievement, bringing to life a place where people can gather and enjoy all the best in the arts in Scotland.
“It was great to introduce one of my all-time favourite films, Auntie Mame – especially poignant for such a celebration of going for it and making good things happen.”
The weekend anniversary celebrations featured a programme of special events and activities.
Also in attendance was John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, who said it was a delight to see the venue go from strength to strength over the last five years.
“It has been an inspirational story of tenacity to make it what it is today,” he said.
“It was a tall order to make it happen, and I pay a warm tribute to the efforts of the local community and dedicated staff and volunteers.”
Mr Swinney said the Birks Cinema had done a number of remarkable things for the community.
“It has brought back to life one of the outstanding buildings of Aberfeldy with great architectural thought, and that has led the regeneration of the town centre,” he added.
“It is a magnificent cinema venue and community hub.”
The five-year celebrations will continue on Saturday when more than 100 community members will abseil off the cinema roof in a fundraising effort.
I’m very proud, as an Aberfeldyborn boy, to be part of supporting this wonderful community venture. ALAN CUMMING