A TO Z Aberdeen Launches With Ambitious Soho Cinders Debut
Six performers create their own company after struggling to join existing drama groups.
Aberdeen’s newest theatre company, A TO Z Aberdeen, began with a shared excitement to create. Brought together by a love of performance and a drive to do things their own way, the group is now preparing for a bold and original debut.
A TO Z Aberdeen will debut in January with ‘Soho Cinders’, swapping glass slippers for mobile phones and fairy godmothers for wealthy business tycoons. They’re staging a rarely-performed musical that mixes classic fairytale elements with contemporary political satire.
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The company formed around a shared desire to open up more space for performers in Aberdeen. Director Joel Simpson found that “getting involved in adult amateur drama groups can be difficult right now, with many companies over-subscribed and rarely opening up to new members.”
The idea began with graduating students, but has drawn in much more. The 30-strong company includes people who’ve been away from the stage for years, complete newcomers, and industry-trained actors who’ve returned to Aberdeen for other work. A TO Z is run by six volunteers with backgrounds in directing, production, and community theatre.
The show is led by Megan Fraser as Velcro and Robbie Mackenzie as Robbie, both returning to the Aberdeen stage after professional training and time away.
A fairytale remixed
The musical follows Robbie, an impoverished student running his family’s laundrette with his best friend Velcro, while across town James Prince campaigns for mayor while juggling an illicit affair. It’s Cinderella reimagined for the present day, complete with rickshaws instead of pumpkin carriages and social media mishaps replacing lost slippers.
Simpson admits the choice feels both exciting and daunting. “Directing a show that no one has done in Aberdeen before is an exciting feeling, but since it hasn’t been staged often nationally either, it is a bit daunting too.”
A creative risk
Without previous productions to reference, the team has reimagined characters by mashing up British cultural icons. “Even though the story and songs might be unfamiliar to audiences, they will recognise the humour and elements which make it up,” Simpson says.
The production will reflect current affairs, treating the fairytale framework as a way to explore very real issues. “It might be a fairytale, but the issues underneath it are very real,” Simpson notes.
The Arts Centre connection
The choice of Aberdeen Arts Centre as their home venue wasn’t accidental. The space has a long history of supporting emerging talent and community theatre, something fundamental as the venue’s future remains uncertain due to funding pressures.
Cast member Meg Stanger, who’s been at the centre since she was seven, reflects on its importance: "There is no other space in Aberdeen that allows the opportunity for emerging groups like us to appear on stage.”
The company joins 34 other groups that call the Arts Centre home, adding to Aberdeen’s grassroots theatre scene at a time when many companies are playing it safe with well-known titles.
An unfamiliar show
A TO Z’s choice of an unfamiliar show feels refreshing in this context. As Simpson puts it: “Lots of companies are only booking shows that are well-known and a guaranteed sell. We’ve taken a risk with Soho Cinders.”
Whether it’s your first time at the Arts Centre or you’ve grown up with it, this one’s worth a look. ‘Soho Cinders’ runs at Aberdeen Arts Centre from 21–24 January 2026. Tickets are available from aberdeenartscentre.com.
