Classic comedy, timeless romance and an iconic dance spectacular will all be heading to the Granite City with the announcement of four new shows from Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Fawlty Towers will be raising the rafters with a special chance to see the comedy masterpiece take to the stage in the iconic surroundings of the Music Hall.
His Majesty’s Theatre is set to welcome hilarious parody show Friends the Musical as well as sensational musical The Bodyguard, and dance extravaganza Lord of the Dance returns for its 30th anniversary celebration.
Aberdeen Performing Arts director of programming and creative projects, Ben Torrie, said: “We have a sensational selection of shows heading to Aberdeen, covering all bases for our audiences.
“Fawlty Towers has been making millions laugh for decades on screen and now it will be doing the same in real time on stage. It’s a unique chance to see a show like this in the Music Hall - if you loved the TV show, you will adore this!”
“Come and join us to laugh at Basil Fawlty’s capers or have fun with Friends, be swept off your feet by The Bodyguard or sit back and be wowed by the Lord of the Dance, proving why it continues to draw crowds after 30 spectacular years.”
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play will come to the Music Hall from January 20-24, 2026.
Based on three of the original BBC TV episodes of the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times), Fawlty Towers – The Play has been adapted for the stage by original co-creator John Cleese into a two-hour play, complete with a new finale.
Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on September 19, 1975. The iconic TV show went on to win many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll. Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, just 12 half hour episodes of the iconic comedy were made. The sitcom is based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour.
Get ready for non-stop laughs with Friends the Musical Parody from March 17-21, 2026. This side-splitting musical comedy is packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series. Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world’s most famous group of twenty-somethings.
From the producers of Hairspray and the director of the Full Monty, this humorous take on the beloved TV show blends iconic moments with laugh out loud comedy. Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe as they navigate love, friendship, and life’s ups and downs in 1990’s New York City.
The Bodyguard visits His Majesty’s from October 14-18, 2025.
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love.
A breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, is set to return to Aberdeen to celebrate its 30th anniversary, playing at His Majesty’s Theatre from July 28 – August 2, 2026.
This milestone event promises to be a grand celebration of the production’s legacy, captivating over 60 million fans in 60 countries since its debut in 1996.
Since its inception, Lord of the Dance has transformed Irish dance into a global cultural phenomenon, setting new standards for creativity and theatrical productions. Michael Flatley’s visionary show has been celebrated as a "showpiece extravaganza" and continues to awe audiences worldwide with its captivating blend of dance, music, and storytelling.
The 30th Anniversary Tour will feature brand-new choreography, stunning costumes, state-of-the-art special effects, and cutting-edge lighting, ensuring that the production continues to push boundaries and deliver an unforgettable experience.
Hailed for its dazzling combination of precision dance, powerful music, pyrotechnics, and emotional storytelling, Lord of the Dance remains a true marvel of the theatrical world. The show features over 150,000 taps per performance, with the dancers’ energy and passion promising an electrifying experience.
Tickets for Lord of the Dance go on general sale on Thursday, December 12, while The Bodyguard, Fawlty Towers and Friends the Musical are on sale to Friends of Aberdeen Performing Arts on Friday, December 13 and on general sale on Saturday, December 14, available from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at the Music Hall or His Majesty’s Theatre.