Aberdeen City and Shire boast a rich and thriving amateur theatre community that’s truly something special. From vibrant youth theatre groups nurturing the next generation of performers, student-led companies pushing creative boundaries, classic Gilbert & Sullivan productions, and clever Doric parodies celebrating our local culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Across the region, passionate performers, directors, and creatives bring their talents to the stage, offering audiences a diverse mix of shows that entertain, inspire, and reflect the unique character of the North-East.
This article aims to shine a spotlight on the upcoming productions from local theatre companies, showcasing the variety and talent that define our area’s love for the performing arts. To make it easier to navigate the exciting year of theatre ahead, this article will be split into four sections, each covering a three-month period. First up is January to March, kicking off the year with fresh productions, post-festive season performances, and a mix of drama, musicals, and comedy across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The rest of the year – April to June, July to September, and October to December – will follow in future instalments, ensuring a full picture of what’s on throughout 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre enthusiast or simply curious about what’s happening on our local stages, there’s plenty to get excited about in Aberdeen’s amateur theatre scene.
February
Photo Credit : Dan Stoneman
Treading The Boards is back for its 35th show with the electrifying musical ‘Footloose’! As University of Aberdeen’s musical theatre society, TTB has consistently showcased the immense talent of the young people of Aberdeen. Filled with high-energy dance numbers and iconic hits like ‘Footloose’ and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, TTB guarantees a toe-tapping time when it storms the stage.
‘Footloose’ is running at the Aberdeen Arts Centre from the 5th-8th February. Tickets are available through here:
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/footloose
SCDA (Scottish Community Drama Association) Aberdeen District are back with their Drama Festival, kicking off six one-act plays over two nights.
21st February:
- Shazam Theatre Company (Youth) – “Too Fast” by Douglas Maxwell
- Bon Accord Players – “Storytelling” by Oliver Emanuel
- Ury Players – “Casting Off” by Elizabeth Levy
22nd February:
- Ury Players (Youth) – “Which Witch” by Geoff Bamber
- Studio Theatre Group – “The Audit” by Joshua G. T. Horsfall
- Amici – “Clynelish” by David Hunter
Their Festival of One Act Plays is running at Culter Village Hall on the 21-22nd February. Tickets are available here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/aberdeen-scda
March
Photo Credit : Aneriskenzy Camarillo
Studio Theatre Group are kicking off March with a bang, with Neil LaBute’s ‘Reasons To Be Pretty’. Performing since the 1960s, STG has continued to explore comedies, tragedies and everything in between. ‘Reasons To Be Pretty’ follows four young working class friends and lovers who become increasingly dissatisfied with their dead-end lives and each other.
This production is running from The Albyn School Studio from the 12-14th March. Tickets are available here:
http://ticketsource.co.uk/studio-theatre-group
Haddo Children’s Theatre are taking us back to the roaring 1920s, with the iconic ‘Bugsy Malone’. This lively production tells the story of Bugsy, a charming but hapless hero, as he navigates the hilarious world of rival gangsters and their outrageous antics. With a unique twist featuring splurge guns and a pie-throwing showdown, this show is packed with laughter, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters.
‘Bugsy Malone’ is running at Haddo Hall from the 13-16th March. Tickets are available here:
From the company who brought ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Sunshine on Leith’, Lyric Musical Society are flying back into His Majesty’s Theatre with ‘The Witches of Eastwick’. Based on the 1987 Comedy/Horror; three single women in the small town suburbs have their wishes granted at a cost, when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives, to satisfy all their desires.
‘The Witches of Eastwick’ is running from the 19-22nd March in His Majesty’s Theatre. Tickets are available here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-witches-of-eastwick/
Photo Credit : Adele Keith
Since 1992, AYMT (Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre) have brought professional musical theatre experiences to thousands of young people in the North East, boasting an impressive collection of alumni turning into West End stars. Their latest production ‘Me and My Girl’ is a classic British musical comedy about an unpolished Cockney man who unexpectedly inherits a fortune and a title, but must choose between fitting into high society or staying true to his roots and his love.
‘Me and My Girl’ is running at the Tivoli Theatre from the 26-29th March. Tickets available here:
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/me-and-my-girl-2/
With such a fantastic lineup of productions kicking off 2025, it’s clear that Aberdeen’s amateur theatre scene is as vibrant as ever. This is just the beginning of an exciting year of theatre, with even more incredible shows to come in the months ahead. Whether you’re a dedicated theatre fan or just looking for a great night out, there’s never been a better time to support local theatre. Stay tuned for the next instalment covering April to June, and in the meantime, grab your tickets, take your seats, and enjoy!
Theatre Scotland 