The new year of 2026 will bring some incredible shows to Aberdeen Arts Centre in January, including the debut of a brand new play highlighting local voices, the first production from one of Aberdeen’s newest theatre companies, and some amazing touring shows.
Shows & Events
17 January, 1pm – Family
The McDougalls: Winter Wonderland
Join Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag on a snowy musical adventure as they set out to outwit the mischievous Winter Witch and spread cheer across Winter Wonderland. Filled with songs, fun and gentle surprises, this festive show is perfect for young children and their families.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/the-mcdougalls-winter-wonderland
21-24 January, 7.30pm – Musical
Soho Cinders
Presented by A TO Z Aberdeen
This modern twist on Cinderella relocates the story to London’s Soho, where student Robbie, his friend Velcro and mayoral candidate James Prince find their lives colliding in a tale of politics, scandal and love. With a vibrant score and sharp humour, this unorthodox fairytale offers a night of charm and surprises. Recommended for ages 15+, this is A TO Z’s first production.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/soho-cinders
30 January, 7.30pm – Music
The Sound of Scotland with The MacDonald Bros
Celebrating 20 years since their X Factor debut, the MacDonald Bros return with a vibrant tribute to Scotland’s greatest songs and artists. Showcasing their multi-instrumental talents and signature harmonies, they perform hits from Runrig, The Proclaimers, Deacon Blue and more, accompanied by dancers and impressive visuals.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/the-sound-of-scotland-with-the-macdonald-bros
31 January, 7pm – Theatre
A Play for Torry
Co-created with Torry residents, artists and campaigners, this bold community production blends verbatim storytelling and original music to explore land, industry and resilience. Funny, moving and defiant, it celebrates a community’s fight for its future and invites audiences to reflect on the questions shaping Scotland’s industrial and coastal towns.
https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/a-play-for-torry
Creative Learning
Our new term of Creative Learning classes begins on 7 January – giving young people and adults the chance to get involved in the arts!
Creative Classes
Sessions for young people include:
· Castlegate Theatre Company, age 12-17, Wednesday, 5-7pm – starts 7 January
· Drama, age 8-11, Saturday, 10-11am – starts 10 January
· Drama, age 12-15, Saturday, 11.30am-12.30pm – starts 10 January
Sessions for adults include:
· Songwriter Sessions, age 16+, Tuesday (monthly), 7-9pm – January session TBC
· Drama Toolbox, age 18+, Wednesday, 7.30-9pm – Starts 7 January
Get involved: https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/creative-learning
Looking Ahead
Let’s take a look at what’s on sale at Aberdeen Arts Centre over the next three months…
· 8 February – Oh What a Night! – Music
· 15 February – Wonder Fool Word – Family
· 28 February – Que Sera Sera – Musical
· 6 March – Show Choir Spring Show (Aberdeen University Show Choir) – Theatre
· 5 April – Country Superstars: Dolly Parton & Friends
· 10-11 April – Step Back in Time: Celebrating 20 Years (Theatre of Dreams – Mathieson School of Dance & Acro) – Dance
· 29 April-2 May – We Will Rock You (Academy of Expressive Arts) – Musical
About Aberdeen Arts Centre
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 May 2025, the centre launched the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year fundraising drive to raise £660,000 to secure its future. Individuals and corporate sponsors can find out more and donate at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
In Case You Missed it:
Aberdeen Arts Centre encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.
Individuals and potential corporate sponsors can continue to donate via https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
