October 4th 2024.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the charming and talented Alan Cumming, who is not only a beloved TV presenter but also a silver screen actor. We discussed his new book, his life in Scotland, and his adorable dog, Lala.
Alan's new book, Victor & Barry's Kelvinside Compendium, is a nostalgic journey through his comedy duo with Forbes Masson. It's been 40 years since they first came up with the characters of Victor and Barry, and Alan admits that it's a terrifying and monumental realization. To commemorate their journey, they decided to create a book filled with hilarious and ridiculous material from their early days. Flipping through old archives and revisiting their young selves was a fun and heartwarming experience for the duo.
As we chatted, Alan reflected on the early days when they were suddenly thrust into the limelight and recognized everywhere they went. He admitted that it was a bit overwhelming at first, but soon it became their new normal. He compared it to when you make something simple like a cake or a dinner, and everyone goes crazy for it, not realizing that you just whipped it up without much effort. That's how it felt for him and Forbes – their silly sketches and songs became a hit, and they were catapulted into stardom.
Alan has since played a variety of roles, from Taggart's Jamie McCormack to a James Bond villain. He confessed that he didn't always seek out villainous roles, but now he enjoys them because they come with better lines. He even gets to embrace his inner "James Bond baddie" in his new reality TV show, The Traitors. He loves playing this over-the-top character and finds it hilarious that he's acting his socks off on a competition show.
We also talked about Alan's unique sense of style, which has become a big part of The Traitors. He praised his stylist, Sam Spector, for his bold and creative choices. Alan even joked that at his age, he's become a fashion icon again. But it's all in good fun, and he loves how the fashion adds a touch of panto to the show. And of course, we couldn't forget to mention Lala, Alan's adorable dog who has become a fan favorite on the show. After an outcry from viewers, Lala now makes regular appearances and even has her own wardrobe.
When I asked Alan what kind of fashion line he would create, he immediately answered with "pyjamas." He explained that he loves the idea of wearing comfortable clothes all day, and even accidentally wore a pair to a film premiere in LA. He envisions a line of versatile pyjamas that can be dressed up or down, with a focus on sustainability.
Apart from his busy schedule, Alan loves spending time with Lala and taking her to various places. They recently attended the Gordon Castle Highland Games, where Lala competed in the Best Rescue Dog Competition (although Alan believes she was unfairly passed over). He also shared his love for the drive from Inverness to Ullapool, and his fascination with Ullapool itself. This summer, he'll be filming a movie with Brian Cox and will also be a speaker at the Braemar Literary Festival.
Before we said our goodbyes, Alan mentioned his upcoming documentary, Scotland's Most Luxurious Railway, where he gets to explore stunning locations while traveling on the Royal Scotsman Train. He shared his excitement about finally getting to visit Iona, a place he had mythologized about since he was a child. Despite not being able to land on the island due to rough seas, he still had an unforgettable experience.
It was a pleasure chatting with Alan and learning more about his life in Scotland, his book, and his love for his furry companion, Lala. He truly embodies the saying "say yes to strange things," and we can't wait to see what else he gets up to in the future.
Alan Cumming, a well-known TV presenter and actor, recently sat down with Rosie Morton to discuss his latest book, "Victor & Barry's Kelvinside Compendium," as well as his life in Scotland and his beloved dog, Lala.
When asked about his new book, Cumming explains that it has been 40 years since he and his friend Forbes Masson created the characters of Victor and Barry. To celebrate this milestone, they decided to put together a book filled with hilarious and ridiculous material from their early days as young twenty-somethings. Despite their initial doubts, Victor and Barry quickly became huge stars in Scotland, and the book serves as a reflection on their journey and their growth as individuals.
Reflecting on his rise to fame, Cumming admits that it was a bit overwhelming at first, but eventually it became his new normal. He compares it to making a dish that you don't think is very good, but everyone else loves it. In a similar way, their drunkenly made-up songs and sketches became a hit with the whole country, and it was a surreal experience for them.
Cumming's acting career has taken him on a diverse journey, from playing Taggart's Jamie McCormack to a James Bond villain. When asked about his preference for playing villains, Cumming reveals that it's not something he actively sought out, but he now enjoys it because of the fun and memorable lines that come with the role. This is evident in his recent appearance on the reality TV show "The Traitors," where he fully embraces the "James Bond baddie" persona.
Speaking of "The Traitors," Cumming also mentions the show's stylist, Sam Spector, who helped create some over-the-top and hilarious fashion moments for him, making him a fashion icon yet again. And let's not forget about Lala, Cumming's adorable dog, who has become a fan favorite on the show as well. In response to the viewers' demands for more Lala, she will now have her own moments on the show.
When asked about his personal fashion preferences, Cumming shares his love for comfortable clothing, particularly pyjamas. In fact, he once accidentally attended a film premiere in his pyjamas and no one even noticed. He envisions a fashion line that offers stylish and sustainable pyjamas for all occasions.
Aside from his busy career, Cumming also enjoys spending time with Lala, who goes everywhere with him. He recalls their trip to the Gordon Castle Highland Games, where Lala participated in the Best Rescue Dog Competition, although she unfortunately did not win. But this doesn't stop them from exploring different Scottish locations, such as the Outer Hebrides and the beautiful west coast.
As for his favorite Scottish location, Cumming mentions the drive from Inverness to Ullapool, which he finds fascinating. He also has a soft spot for the east coast, and he's excited to be filming a movie with Brian Cox near Glasgow this summer. He also looks forward to speaking at the Braemar Literary Festival and hosting a documentary about the Royal Scotsman Train, a luxury train he has personally experienced and adored in the past.
Cumming's love for Scotland is evident in his various projects and his appreciation for its beauty and charm. He hopes to continue saying "yes" to new and exciting opportunities, just like his decision to go to Iona despite the rough seas preventing him from landing. It's clear that Cumming's adventurous spirit and love for his home country will continue to shine through in all of his endeavors.
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