The moment the cast of Rollers Forever take to the stage, the theatre is filled with the infectious energy of the 1970s, setting the scene for an evening of feel-good music, laughter and nostalgia. At His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, this lively production brought a welcome burst of sunshine to an otherwise dreich October day.
And that is what this production does particularly well. It doesn’t simply celebrate the music of the Bay City Rollers; it captures the excitement, energy and sheer joy surrounding the band during their heyday, reminding us why their music meant so much to a generation of devoted fans.
Written by Danny McCahon, the musical follows lifelong friends Jenny and Susan as they reconnect and look back on their younger years and their shared obsession with the Bay City Rollers. As the story moves between past and present, we are taken back to the excitement of the 1970s, when the band became a phenomenon and tartan became almost a uniform for their most devoted followers.
While the story is rooted in a particular era, there is something universally recognisable about the friendships, memories and musical heroes that shape our younger years. Whether you are a dedicated Rollers fan or simply enjoy a good dose of nostalgia, there is plenty here to put a smile on your face.
One of the real strengths of the production was the chemistry between the cast, particularly the two leads, Chiara Sparkes as Susan and Fiona Wood as Jenny. Their relationship felt natural and convincing, bringing warmth and authenticity to the story. Together, they captured the excitement of their younger years while making the audience feel part of their journey. There was a genuine sense of friendship between them, and their performances helped create that lovely feeling of looking back on happy memories and remembering just how much the music meant at the time.
The energy the cast brought to the stage was fantastic. From the performances to the comedy, there was a real sense of fun running throughout the production, and the cast captured the spirit of the era brilliantly. Their enthusiasm was infectious, helping transport the audience back to a time when the Bay City Rollers were at the height of their popularity. It was clear that the production was having fun with its subject matter, and that energy carried through to the audience.
Liam Harkins as Susan’s brother Alec added another dimension to the proceedings, with some excellent comic moments helping balance the more sentimental elements of the story. The comedy timing throughout was particularly impressive, with plenty of moments that landed well and added to the overall enjoyment. The humour never felt forced, and it was lovely to hear the audience responding so warmly.
The music is, of course, at the heart of Rollers Forever, and the upbeat songs gave the production a wonderful sense of momentum. The Bay City Rollers’ music has an unmistakable feel-good quality, and the performances captured that spirit with plenty of enthusiasm. The songs helped bring the memories to life, creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and nostalgic.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way the music, comedy and performances worked together. Rather than relying on nostalgia alone, the cast brought real energy and personality to the material. There was a lovely balance between the humour and the more reflective moments, making the show feel like a celebration of not only the band but also the friendships and memories that music can create.
The visual elements also helped establish the period, with the costumes and overall look capturing the unmistakable style of the 1970s. The tartan, the fashions and the atmosphere all added to the sense of stepping back in time, while the staging provided a backdrop for the story to unfold.
Directed by Liz Carruthers, the production brings together music, comedy and nostalgia in a way that feels warm, lively and thoroughly entertaining. It is a reminder that music can become part of our personal history, connecting us to people, places and moments that remain special long after the years have passed.
For me, Rollers Forever was exactly the kind of show that leaves you walking out of the theatre with a smile on your face. The chemistry between the cast, the infectious energy, the upbeat music and the brilliant comedy timing all combined to create a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at His Majesty’s Theatre.
A feel-good celebration of music, friendship and nostalgia that left me thoroughly entertained.
Rollers Forever is running from the 21-24th October at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen. Grab your tickets here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/rollers-forever/
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