Cumming makes debut at festival

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Hollywood actor Alan Cumming is making an Edinburgh International Festival debut this year with his first home performance in 16 years.

The star of X-men and Goldeneye, who was born in Aberfeldy in Perthshire, plays the lead in director David Grieg's new version of The Bacchae.

The National Theatre of Scotland, which produced last year's big hit play the Black Watch, is behind the show.

The International Festival has new director Jonathan Mills at the helm.

The three-week arts extravaganza boasts a wide variety of entertainment from the world of music, dance and theatre including a string of world premieres.

Running until Sunday 2 September, the festival will feature performances in theatres, concert halls and opera houses across the city.

The programme also features a world premiere of Cologne Opera's production of Capriccio and the visual arts performance Jardins Publics.

Other world premieres include performances from Scottish Ballet and Stephen Petronio, The Tiger Lillies, Michael Lin, Apolonija Sustersic and Richard Wright.

The festival, which began in 1947, boasts another seven UK premieres and two European premieres.