Fresh Faces Take Centre Stage in Aberdeen Theatre Scene
New company A TO Z launches with cheeky modern fairytale musical Soho Cinders.
Aberdeen’s theatre scene is getting a fresh injection of energy from a new company hoping to carve out space for performers in their twenties. ‘A TO Z’ is an emerging theatre group created for those who’ve recently left student life but aren’t ready to leave the stage behind. Their debut production, Soho Cinders, will run at Aberdeen Arts Centre from 21–24 January 2026.
The group’s founders—Joel Simpson, Erin Tierney, and Alisdair Sneden—are already familiar names in Aberdeen’s theatre circuit, and they’re bringing that experience into a production that promises big ensemble numbers, modern storytelling, and a good dose of mischief.
Would you like to see your advert here? Let's talk.
POST celebrates Aberdeen’s creative scene, spotlighting everything from theatre and music to visual art. Our focus is on showcasing the city’s artistic talent and helping local voices reach new audiences.
We believe creativity is vital to Aberdeen and its communities. Through features, event coverage, and artist profiles, we’re here to support underrepresented voices and share the stories that shape the city.
A twist on the Cinderella story, Soho Cinders follows Robbie, a student navigating scandals, politics and love in 21st-century London. It’s equal parts cheeky and heartfelt, and far from the usual fairytale fare. With music by Stiles and Drewe (known for Mary Poppins and Peter Pan) and a script refreshed since its London run, it’s set to offer something sharp and current for local audiences.
The idea for ‘A TO Z’ grew from a simple observation: while Aberdeen has no shortage of youth and adult theatre groups, there’s less for those caught in between. Many graduates find themselves returning to student productions to keep performing. The team behind ‘A TO Z’ want to change that—creating a welcoming, ambitious, and irreverent space.
The cast and crew behind Soho Cinders reflect the energy and ambition of a group carving out something new. Joel Simpson leads as director and choreographer, joined by Erin Tierney as assistant director and Alisdair Sneden as musical director. All three bring a mix of creativity and local experience to the production, aiming to make the show as ensemble-driven and inclusive as possible.
They’re supported by Katy Johnson and Meg Stanger, who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, and Molly Cowan, who handles social media and events. It’s a tight-knit team with a genuine love for theatre—and a clear focus on creating something fun, fresh and rooted in Aberdeen.
Director Joel Simpson says the choice to launch with Soho Cinders felt instinctive: “We only wanted to book a show if we felt the time was right. After a few titles had passed us by, Soho Cinders was the one show we didn’t want to miss out on.”
The group hopes this isn’t a one-off but the beginning of a regular fixture in Aberdeen’s theatre calendar. It might be a fairytale, but the ambition behind it is very real.
