Aberdeen Student Show has announced its latest charity production, Granite City parody of the award winning film and British cult classic Love Actually.
‘Cove Actually’ will take to the stage of Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre in April 2026, marking the 105th year of the long standing Aberdonian tradition. The show title was teased online last weekend and was officially announced by student administrators on Original 106FM on Monday morning.
Aberdeen Student Show’s 2026 Production of Cove Actually
Aiberdeen Student Show is back for anither year, wi’ a Scots Language Award in i’bag, ready to bring yis a’ the
ultimate romantic comedy! But it’s nae jist aboot romantic love, ye ken – expect stories featurin’ best pals, families, die-hard fitbaa fans, an’ a’hin in between.
And fit div they a’ hae in common? Their love fir the granite city itsel. Though that doesna mean we winna poke fun at it an’a, ken?! We widna be Aiberdonians itherwise!
‘Es really will be a love letter tae oor city an’ a’ its landmarks, legends and lore. Though this year, it’s a’ aboot Cove, Actually!
A Love Letter to Aberdeen
This year’s Administrator, Emmah Chibesakunda, an MSc Psychology of Mental Health Student, could not be more delighted with the choice of production.
“I am so excited to finally be announcing this year’s Student Show title. This show truly feels like a love letter to Aberdeen, and we are so excited to bring it to HMT stage next April”
“This will be my sixth and final Student Show, and I could not be more excited to be going out with a bang, with a Student Show Christmas in April!”
Returning Director Excited to Revisit Tradition
Returning to the director’s chair for the 2026 production is Gavin McKay, following his incredible run with last year’s award winning Seagully Blonde.
“I think this year we are returning to a more traditional Student Show format with lots of characters and cameos, a fab mixture of music from all decades, plus a wonderfully talented team who have really bonded over the past years and knows what works and what appeals to the audience. I’m excited for all the interweaving storylines and surprises along the way!”
“Our past shows have followed musical storylines so this is different using a film as the inspiration. I think we’ve really worked out what goes down well with the Aberdeen audience and hope to dish up something really special about this place so many people call home. The positive feedback for the title alone has been overwhelming – no pressure then!”
“Last year was truly special. The cast and crew were so supportive which led to a really amazing show. There is nothing better than sitting in the audience and watching all that hard work come together with a giggling and cheering crowd. Being in the bubble is addictive and I just had to come back and finish the trilogy!”
Choreographer Marks a Decade with Student Show
Sarah Smith is no stranger to Student Show. This year marks her tenth year of involvement and her sixth as choreographer.
When asked about the Student Show experience and her thoughts on this year’s production, she shared:
“I feel like Cove Actually is going to take inspiration from the original roots of Student Show. Student Show began as a revue show, telling lots of stories, and I’m so excited that Cove Actually creates the opportunity for us to do the same.”
“The last couple of shows over the last couple of years have been based on already established musicals, whereas this year we can be really creative with our song and story choices. Seagully Blonde last year was a very close parody to the original film and musical, which was a lot of fun to create. This year provides a new challenge, where we can take the story in many directions!”
“I feel I am in an extremely privileged position to have had so many opportunities to be involved with the Aberdeen Student Show. There is truly nothing else like it anywhere. It’s a completely unique experience and I feel, as I’m sure many others who have been involved also do, that my life literally would not be the same without it. You meet friends for life, perform and have your work seen by thousands of people but most importantly, raise those all important funds for so many local charities across Aberdeen City and Shire. I do not take lightly the fact that I have had many chances to be part of something so special and I can’t wait to see the positive impact Cove Actually will have on the people of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”
Tickets On Sale This Week!
Tickets for COVE ACTUALLY , running at His Majesty’s Theatre from April 22nd-25th 2026, go on sale at Aberdeen Box Office on Thursday 9th of October.
Make sure to grab your tickets early for Aberdeen Student Show’s production of Cove Actually – this is one you don’t want to miss!
