A host of new shows announced by Aberdeen Performing Arts this week will include the cream of musical theatre, family shows, cutting edge dance and beloved pop stars.
Sister Act the Musical, Jersey Boys, Billionaire Boy and a new show created by Alan Cumming will join a bumper 2022 line up for His Majesty’s Theatre, while Boyzlife and 60s Gold will be part of the musical offering at the Music Hall.
Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Jane Spiers said: “Now that we are open again, 2022 is shaping up to be really exciting and it is fantastic to be bringing these amazing productions to Aberdeen.
“We had such a brilliant reaction from our audiences after re-opening in September, and it’s wonderful to see such a great appetite for live shows. There is something for everyone and so much to look forward to.”
From the award-winning producers of Gangsta Granny, the West End production of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy comes to His Majesty’s Theatre from 10-13 August.
Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100k a week pocket money. But what Joe doesn't have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don't go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can't buy!
Burn will be at His Majesty’s Theatre from 24-27 August. A co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland, New York City’s The Joyce Theater and Edinburgh International Festival, ‘Burn’ is a new creation from the legendary Scottish actor and author Alan Cumming, and the Olivier award-winning and internationally renowned choreographer Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
This brand-new piece of dance theatre challenges the ‘biscuit tin’ image of Scotland’s National Bard and goes beyond the poetry to focus on the man himself – his poverty, his personal tragedy, his struggles with mental health and his spectacular success.
Smash hit musical Sister Act will be coming to His Majesty’s Theatre from November 7-12.
A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music, it tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a
murder, and is hidden in protective custody in a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Featuring original music by Tony® and 8‐time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia‐filled trip back to the 70s that you will never forget. Star casting to be announced.
Jersey Boys will be at the city theatre from February 6-12, 2023. A Tony, Grammy and Olivier award-winning musical, a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.
Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide.
Jane added: “Billionaire Boy is one of David Walliams’ most loved creations. The stage production will be full of light relief and fun for the family this summer.
“The hugely talented team behind Burn have created something really special with this show and we’re really excited that it’s coming to Aberdeen. We can’t wait for audiences to see what’s in store.
We are thrilled that Sister Act is coming to His Majesty’s – with a cracking storyline and brilliant songs it will be great fun, while Jersey Boys continues to be one of the most beloved musicals of all time with dazzling production and a fantastic evening guaranteed.”
Since their inception, Boyzlife have already performed some of their greatest chart hits for over 70,000 fans. Now they’re back on the road, playing their original material for the very first time. Boyzlife is the supergroup formed by long time pals Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden who previously appeared as members of ’90s and ’00s boybands Boyzone and Westlife, respectively.
With Boyzone, Keith Duffy enjoyed six UK number one singles and 16 out of 17 of their first single releases making the top 5. With five number one albums also to their credit, Boyzone achieved worldwide sales of over 25 million records. Brian McFadden has enjoyed similar success, including 12 UK and Ireland number ones as a member of Westlife, and a record breaking seven top spots in a row.
60s Gold is at the Music Hall on Tuesday,22 November. Joining the line-up for the ever popular show are The Tremeloes featuring Chesney Hawkes, Herman's Hermits, The Marmalade, Spencer James (lead singer of The Searchers), Gerry's Pacemakers and special guest from the USA, Gary Puckett.
Jane commented: “Boyzlife is an unmissable show for fans of Boyzone and Westlife alike. You can expect all the hits as well as some brand new material in what is sure to be a great night.
“60s Gold is packed with timeless music from brilliant performers and is a fantastic addition to our 2022 line up at the Music Hall.”
Tickets for Sister Act, Jersey Boys and Billionaire Boy go on sale to Friends of Aberdeen Performing Arts on Friday, February 4, and on general sale on Tuesday, February 8, while tickets for Boyzlife and 60s Gold are on sale now, from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.