Aberdeen Arts Centre has revealed another jam-packed and varied month for the recently threatened venue. Their September programme brings together Norwegian jazz, TV stars, circus delights, hit musicals and even a chance for a sneak peek behind the curtain.
Shows & Events
5 September, 7pm – Music
Aadal
Norwegian jazz quartet Aadal presents a unique sound blending Scandinavian melancholy, Americana, and atmospheric melodies. Inspired by artists such as Bill Frisell and Bon Iver, the group offers a richly textured and evocative musical experience.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/aadal-norwegian-jazz-quartet
5 September, 7-9pm – Community
Granite City Speakers Club
For over 50 years, the Granite City Speakers Club has met at Aberdeen Arts Centre, helping members improve public speaking skills in a friendly, supportive setting. It meets fortnightly from September to April – with its 2025/26 season starting on 5 September – and is open to anyone aged 16+, with reduced rates for students.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/the-granite-city-speakers-club
6 September, 7.30pm – Comedy
An Evening with Still Game’s Mark & Jane
Mark Cox and Jane McCarry, known for their roles as Tam and Isa in Still Game, share stories from the iconic series in an evening of laughter and behind-the-scenes insight. VIP tickets are also available, including a pre-show meet and greet, photo opportunities, and merchandise signing.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/an-evening-with-still-games-mark-and-jane
7 September, 10am-4pm – Community
Doors Open Day
Visitors can enjoy hourly guided tours of Aberdeen Arts Centre, exploring backstage areas, the stage, sound and lighting boxes, and learning about the building’s history. The Café Bar will host family drop-in activities, while a craft and drama taster session for ages 8–15 takes place at 11am (advance booking required).
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/doors-open-day-at-aberdeen-arts-centre
10 September, 1.30pm & 4pm – Family
Pirates Love Underpants Live
Based on the bestselling book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, this family show follows a pirate crew on their quest for the fabled Pants of Gold. Packed with music, puppetry, and audience interaction, it’s a lively introduction to theatre for ages 1+, full of laughs, adventure, and glittering treasure.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/pirates-love-underpants-live
12-13 September, 5.30pm (Fri) & 8pm (Sat) – Variety
Inverted Wonderland
Presented by Inverted: Circus and Pole Fitness
Back by popular demand for an encore performance, this reimagining of Alice in Wonderland through circus theatre is a vibrant production featuring aerial silks, hoop acts, trapeze, and more. Colourful, playful, and gravity-defying, it offers an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/inverted-wonderland-2
19-20 September, 7pm (2pm Sat matinee) – Dance
The Legends
Presented by Sharon Sorrie’s Dance Dimensions
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Dance Dimensions presents The Legends – a high-energy showcase featuring dancers and singers aged 4 to 20, performing to the music of iconic artists. This is guaranteed to be a lively and entertaining tribute to legendary performers.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/the-legends
24-27 September,7.30pm – Musical
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Presented by Leading Lights
Based on a true story, this uplifting musical follows Jamie New, a teenager with big dreams of becoming a drag queen. With catchy songs, heartfelt moments, and bold self-expression, the production celebrates identity, resilience, and acceptance – and marks the 30th anniversary of Aberdeen’s very own Leading Lights.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/everybodys-talking-about-jamie
29 September, 7pm – Drama
Rough Cut Scratch Night
Presented by MayFly Theatre
A fundraising evening for the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign, this scratch night gives writers the chance to see short scripts performed by professional actors and gain audience feedback. No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a sense of fun.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/rough-cut-scratch-night
As well as these productions, the venue is also continuing its Creative Learning Programme, which provides creative opportunities for young people and adults from across the city.
Creative Learning
Creative Classes
Sessions for young people include:
· Castlegate Theatre Company, age 12-17, Wednesday, 5-7pm
· Drama, age 8-11, Saturday, 10-11am
· Drama, age 12-15, Saturday, 11.30am-12.30pm
Sessions for adults include:
· Songwriter Sessions, age 16+, Tuesday (monthly), 7-9pm
· Drama Toolbox, age 18+, Wednesday, 7.30-9pm
Get involved: https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/creative-learning
Looking ahead for the next three months, the venue can boast an equally varied line-up, including musical theatre, spoken word, dance, and jazz.
Fundraising continues
Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue in the heart of Aberdeen, operated by registered charity Castlegate Arts Ltd for over a quarter of a century.
For more than 60 years, Aberdeen Arts Centre has played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
In Case You Missed it:
In May 2025, the centre launched the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year fundraising drive to raise £660,000 to secure its future.
Despite unwillingness from Aberdeen City Council to ensure the venue’s survival, Castlegate Arts has vowed to fight on, gaining praise for what supporter Councillor Grant called their “slick, smart, positive, inspiring, non-political’ fundraising campaign. This campaign has now reached £106K in donations (including those not shown in the venue’s JustGiving page).
Individuals and potential corporate sponsors can continue to donate via https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
