New Vision Launched for Aberdeen Comedy Festival

Aberdeen Performing Arts has unveiled an expanded vision for the city’s comedy festival. The reimagined format builds on the city’s reputation for enthusiastic comedy audiences, spreading across venues throughout the granite city.

This evolution marks a significant step in establishing the North East as an essential destination on Scotland’s comedy circuit. It will run from 22 September to 5 October 2025. 

National Names Meet Local Talent

A few big names have already been announced for the 2025 festival. Chris McCausland will open the festival at the Music Hall on 22 September. Fresh from his Strictly Come Dancing appearance, the comedian brings his new show Yonks! to Aberdeen audiences. Sue Perkins takes to the Music Hall stage on 25 September, promising stories that range from mescaline experiences to Colombian adventures.

Stewart Lee rounds out the first wave of announcements with an innovative performance at His Majesty’s Theatre on 28 September, sharing his stage with a fictional werewolf critic in Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf. These headliners represent just the beginning of the programme, with more performers to be announced.

Creating Comedy Communities

The festival’s expanded format creates new opportunities for comedy in Aberdeen. Shows will be performed across city venues, including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall, and the Lemon Tree, alongside other city spaces. From comedy circuit veterans to newcomers finding their voice, the mix of venues means audiences can discover familiar faces and fresh local talent.

Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive Sharon Burgess points to the city’s dedicated comedy audience as the foundation for this growth. 

Aberdeen has such a dedicated and enthusiastic comedy audience, as we have seen from the huge success of previous iterations of the festival.

We could not be more thrilled to be putting the Aberdeen Performing Arts stamp on the event for 2025 and bring you all a re-imagined comedy extravaganza!

Sharon Burgess, Aberdeen Performing Arts

This feels like a positive move for Aberdeen's growing comedy scene. When new comedians share stages with seasoned performers, something special happens - audiences discover tomorrow’s stars, friendships form backstage, and the scene stronger. These connections last well beyond the festival fortnight. Hopefully we'll all feel the benefits throughout the year.