A Bold Month of Theatre, Talks and Late-Night Chaos Across APA Venues
September brings new stories, big names and surprises at every turn.
September is packed with events that pull in big names and fresh perspectives. From Broadway musicals to candid conversations and high-energy gigs, there’s a real variety in what’s on offer across Aberdeen Performing Arts venues.
Whether you’re into true crime, space travel, comedy that goes a bit sideways, or just seeing familiar faces on stage, there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting events this month.
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Big theatre, big stories
Some major shows are coming to His Majesty’s Theatre this month, including the long-running Broadway hit The Book of Mormon. It’s a smart, sharp and definitely daft musical from the creators of South Park. If you like your songs to cut deep with satire, this one’s worth a look.
The Flying Pigs return to HMT with The Fashed and the Furious, a new blend of sketches and songs. Known for poking affectionate fun at local quirks, their shows always feel like a night out among pals.
Talks with a different focus
At the Music Hall, some of the most interesting events are conversations. Tim Peake’s latest talk focuses on the stories of other astronauts, rather than his own. It includes archive footage from space but also looks beyond his personal experience.
In a similar shift, Sir Chris Hoy opens up about resilience and mindset following his cancer diagnosis. The evening isn’t pitched for sympathy. It’s honest, open, and likely to resonate.
Nicola Sturgeon appears live in Aberdeen in a one-to-one interview format, followed by an audience Q&A. It’s not often you get this kind of access with someone who’s been at the front line of politics for so long.
Music, film and late-night funk
The Little Kicks return to the Lemon Tree on 13 September with new material after their support slot for Deacon Blue at the Tall Ships. It’ll be a good chance to see where they’re heading next. We’ll have more about them on POST in the next couple of weeks.
Tom McGuire & The Brassholes bring their brass-heavy soul to the same venue on the 5th. And Frank Turner finishes the month with a sold-out Lemon Tree gig that’s bound to be sweat and noise from start to finish.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival on the 5th is back with its usual mix of adrenaline and awe. And while it might seem more low-key, the farewell Book Bench Trail exhibition will give you the chance to enjoy them all in one space.
Stories and solo shows
Man’s Best Friend by Douglas Maxwell runs for two nights at the Lemon Tree. It’s about dogs, yes, but also about connection and the things that carry us through. The tone is warm, funny and occasionally raw.
David Swindle’s true crime show, Murder: A Search for the Truth, pulls back the curtain on murder investigations. On a lighter note, Josie Long’s Now is the Time of Monsters is a new show about discovery, wonder, extinction and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster.
Aberdeen Comedy Festival begins
The festival kicks off mid-month across several city venues. At the Music Hall, Adam Kay’s Undoctored, Connor Burns’ Gallus, and Stewart Lee’s The Man-Wulf each bring their twist on what stand-up can be.
At the Lemon Tree, Elf Lyons turns a surreal idea into a full show, Lou Conran returns with Gooch, and Kieran Hodgson shares his take on America with Voice of America.
Comics and characters across town
Breakneck Comedy hosts Rory O’Hanlon and Dr Dave Wandless with solo shows, while Comedy Club 4 Kids offers something for families. At Cheerz and the Tivoli, Matt Richardson and Gary Faulds wrestle with growing up and getting older.
Neil Skene brings a Doric lens to living with sight loss, and Ignacio Lopez rounds off the festival with two shows at the Lemon Tree. Late Night at the Lemon Tree wraps up the programme with a mixed line-up and a full room.
For full event listings, ticket prices and bookings, head to aberdeenperformingarts.com or pop into the box office at HMT or the Music Hall.
