A world of pure imagination is promised to Aberdeen audiences with the unveiling of the latest season of shows for His Majesty’s Theatre and the Music Hall. A barrier-breaking new festival, the latest in musical theatre and beautiful ballet is all on the way courtesy of Aberdeen Performing Arts, as well as a line-up of stellar musical talent and stunning art installations.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will be bursting on to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre on its first ever UK tour from March 15 to 26, 2023 and is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard, Willy Wonka.
Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Chief Executive Jane Spiers said: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such a beloved story and this dazzling production was a huge hit in the West End. We are sure audiences will be desperate to get their hands on a (golden) ticket for this marvellously magical show so make sure to get yours!
“It’s a stunning programme at His Majesty’s Theatre and the Music Hall. Much like the famous chocolate factory, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes so delve in to our new brochure and enjoy what’s on offer!”
Also announced today for His Majesty’s Theatre are Girl from the North Country (February 21-25, 2023), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (April 4-8, 2023), and Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (October 13-15, 2022).
Girl from the North Country boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan in a heart-breaking and universal story set in a weathered guesthouse in the heartland of 1934 America.
Since opening in Glasgow, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) took London’s West End by storm and now returns to Scotland with the original cast. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.
Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected ways. With star casting soon to be announced, this show is sure to take you on the journey of a lifetime.
The world’s longest running play, The Mousetrap will be paying a visit to His Majesty’s Theatre from June 12-17, 2023 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its London debut, beloved actor Alan Cumming brings dance theatre production Burn in August, while Scottish Ballet offers up a deliciously dark new version of Coppelia from September 29 – October 1, 2022 featuring the sumptuous Delibes score and an innovative mix of live performance and projected film.
Jane Spiers added: “We love to present fantastic Scottish productions alongside the best the West End has to offer. We are thrilled to be staging Isobel McArthur’s audacious version of Jane Austen’s revered romance, Scottish Ballet at their very best and we welcome back the National Theatre of Scotland with Alan Cumming celebrating Scotland’s Bard. The critically acclaimed Girl from the North Country wowed audiences in London and is sure to be a highlight of our season featuring a heart-breaking story and the legendary songs of Bob Dylan.”
Two new musical productions will be on offer at the Music Hall later in 2022, alongside a plethora of fabulous singers, bands, orchestras and comedians.
Rush: A Jamaican Journey visits the Union Street venue on September 5, 2022, telling the story of Reggae music and the Windrush Generation. This unique performance will be narrated by comedian John Simmit and feature ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band. Following a stunning debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, Shona the Musical Choir takes to the Music Hall stage on September 17, 2022. The show features original songs from African composer and playwright, Neo Vilakazi, blending the rich harmonies of African with an eclectic Western twist, and exploring the tumultuous lives of people living in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe.
Some of the finest voices in contemporary music also visit the Music Hall this year, with double platinum and BRIT award winning Paloma Faith on stage on May 31, talented folk sisters The Unthanks and their 11-piece band on July 5, followed by MOBO award-winning songwriter and producer Laura Mvula on August 29. Scotland’s stellar classical musician Nicola Benedetti makes a welcome return to the Music Hall with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in May performing a brand new violin concerto by young British composer Mark Simpson and global opera superstar Sir Bryn Terfel’s glorious bass voice will fill the fabulous acoustic of the Music Hall in October.
Rise Up is a weekend of performances, talks, workshops and community spaces celebrating Black and People of Colour Creatives in Aberdeen and Scotland and will take over the Music Hall and the Lemon Tree on May 13-14. Curated by We Are Here Scotland and commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts, the full programme will be announced soon.
Jane Spiers continued: At Aberdeen Performing Arts we continue to raise the bar. We welcome and strive to represent all voices on our stages. As I prepare to step down from the job in June I couldn’t be more proud of the team and the sheer scale and diversity of our upcoming season across all three venues.”
The talent is not just on the stage, with new digital artworks and art installations bring displayed in the Music Hall. The breath-taking Stepping In Screen showcases innovative, thought-provoking and striking new art. The latest season kicks off with Merge by Aberdeen interdisciplinary artist, designer and DJ Nina Stanger. North East writer Esther Woolfson and artist Gill Russell collaborate to present Boundaries: a City of Sea and Sky which is inspired by Aberdeen’s relationship with North Sea and the natural landscape of the region and will be on display in the venue’s exhibition spaces until July.
The packed programme at the city centre venue also includes a new series of monthly live music events in the Music Hall’s Big Sky Studio, lavish opera with Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a unique folk/jazz collaboration with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and the world’s oldest boy band The Fisherman’s Friends.
Tickets for all shows are on sale to Friends of Aberdeen Performing Arts on April 20 and on general sale April 22 , with the exception of Coppelia which is on sale to Friends on April 27 and general sale April 29 . Available from the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall, phone (01224) 641122 or visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com