Aberdeen Performing Arts wants to raise £120,000 for community programmes throughout 2026.
When His Majesty’s Theatre opened in 1906, the first show was a pantomime called Sweet Red Riding Hood. For 120 years now, the building on Rosemount Viaduct has been the place where Aberdeen goes to be entertained, moved, and occasionally transformed.
That’s a lot of standing ovations. Generations of audiences have gone through the doors for musicals, drama, and reimagined classics. Sean Connery, Vivien Leigh, Alec Guinness, and Honor Blackman have all performed on its stage.
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Where the money goes
Now Aberdeen Performing Arts is marking the anniversary with a fundraising campaign. The money won’t go towards the building itself. Instead, it’s earmarked for community and engagement programmes supporting young people and emerging artists across the North-east.
Part of the funds will help grow Light the Blue, the festival that gives young artists a platform to perform and create. It’s work that happens in the background but shapes who ends up on stages in the years to come.
“Every gift helps us open doors, support emerging talent, and ensure the next 120 years are even brighter,” says Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Sharon Burgess.
Now and then. HMT has been a Granite City icon for 120 Years.
How to contribute
You can donate through a JustGiving page or add a contribution when booking tickets. There’s also a seat sponsorship scheme running at a 12% discount throughout 2026. Sponsor a seat and you get a personalised message attached to it.
Two larger anniversary events are planned for announcement in spring, with proceeds going to the campaign. Before that, there’s a quiz night at The Terrace on Wednesday 25 February. Tickets are on sale to Friends of Aberdeen Performing Arts now, with general sale opening on Thursday 8 January.
More information about the HMT 120 campaign is available on the Aberdeen Performing Arts website.
