A year of building connections and meeting people showed what matters most.
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Hey You,
Happy New Year. We hope that you've had a chance to enjoy some time off over the holidays and, like us you're able to push off into the new year feeling rested and renewed. January's always a low-key month for events, so we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on 2025 before diving into the month ahead.
Overall it's been a good year. The city's cultural scene has continued to evolve, throwing up new artists, new bands, new events and new organisations. But on the downside we've said goodbye to some treasured favourites. We'll dearly miss the Blue Lamp and the fantastic work done by All In Ideas at Arkade Studios in The Anatomy Rooms. Their impact will never be undone, but their loss felt on the future of the music and arts scene terribly.
Building new foundations
One of our favourite moments this year was spending some time with Claire Abbott and Birgit Itse, who had helped bring together freelancers, artists, and cultural workers for the very first FINE Weekender. People got time to rest, reflect, and reconnect without the pressure to produce. No packed schedules, no mandatory sessions. Just space to breathe. It sounded ace.
We visited the Crow House set as they filmed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Jamie Sundance and the team have created a Film Accelerator programme that's training new talent. Hopefully their hard work means Aberdeen can become a place where its own stories and its own talent can grow, rather than just being a backdrop for other people's films.
The full picture
Vagrant Real Estate's album launch in November brought together a whole crowd we'd only known online. Neither Collar Nor Crown brought folk singers, hip-hop artists, and traditional musicians into the same room. We also met up with photographer Lee Garson for his first solo show at OuterSpaces at Shiprow. We'd been watching his work for years, admiring how he captures real life moments.
Spectra filled the city with light installations. This always feels like a highlight in the city's calendar. A much-needed injection of light and colour for our dark nights. As part of Peacock's 50th anniversary, we saw David Bellingham's work projected onto the buildings on Rosemount Viaduct. That one felt really special.
Michelle Soto joined the Belmont as Community Fundraiser, leading the monthly film quiz and pop-up screenings. It was great to speak to her about the hard work being done to reopen as a community cinema. Meanwhile Aberdeen Arts Centre lost an expected grant from Aberdeen City Council, so were forced to launch a campaign to save the treasured theatre. Both venues are still fighting.
The turning point
The Tall Ships was our highlight. We were given proper media access, time to file daily stories from the media centre, and the chance to connect with other small outlets across the city. It showed us what we're capable of when we have the resources and support to do the work properly. But the ships were only part of the story. A whole load of excellent fringe events popped up around the city. The Festival of the Sea gave the celebration a much deeper context.
That experience made us think about what we're not yet doing. Aberdeen's cultural scene is excellent, and we're happy to cover it. But 2025 was tough for many organisations and practitioners. Funding cuts, venue closures, audiences squeezed by the cost of living. We think we've maybe focused a little too much on celebrating what's thriving when we should also be reflecting the struggles. The full story matters. We'll try and fix that in 2026. It's time we joined the fight.
We'd also love to bring more voices into POST. Right now it's just the two of us, and without a budget to pay contributors fairly, it's difficult to ask people to write for free. That needs to change in 2026. Give us a shout if you'd like to write something for POST. We want to hear your voice. We're here to help you get your thoughts down too.
Stay cool.
Chris & Kevin xx
What’s on in January
Rob Beckett: Giraffe
14 Jan | Music Hall
Rob Beckett brings his new stand-up show to Aberdeen as part of a worldwide tour. The comedian, known for hosting Sky's Rob Beckett's Smart TV and Rob & Romesh Vs, delivers an hour about family life, touring and hotel buffet breakfasts.
Beckett is also the voice of Channel 4's Celebs Go Dating and co-hosts the podcast Parenting Hell. A night of observational comedy from one of television's most recognisable faces.
Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana
15 – 17 Jan | His Majesty's Theatre
A Cuban take on The Nutcracker, featuring new choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE and performed by over 20 dancers from Acosta Danza. The production sets Tchaikovsky's score to a newly commissioned Cuban arrangement by composer Pepe Gavilondo, blending ballet with Cuban dance traditions.
Clara's Christmas Eve in Havana sees her receive a Nutcracker doll and embark on a journey to defeat the Rat King and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza's unique style woven throughout the classic tale.
Al Murray: All You Need is Guv
15 Jan | Music Hall
Al Murray returns with a new stand-up show as his Pub Landlord character following a sell-out 138-date tour. The comedian delivers his trademark "Common Sense" hot-takes on current events and troubled times with a fresh pint in hand.
Murray's character offers observations on the state of the world through the lens of the globe's favourite pub landlord. A barrel of laughs from one of comedy's best loved characters.
It's Not Where You Start
17 Jan | Tivoli Theatre
Actor and producer Scott Kyle brings his most personal work to the stage, blending storytelling with award-winning animations. Having spent time in foster care as a child and later becoming a foster carer himself, Kyle's show explores resilience, compassion and transformation.
The performance traces his journey discovering the play Billy & Tim in his local library 20 years ago, building it into Scotland's biggest show, losing the rights, and finally regaining them. Kyle also recalls how he almost unknowingly turned down the chance to work with Harrison Ford. A tribute to memory, belonging and second chances.
Refashioning Bill Gibb for the 21st Century: Book Launch
17 Jan | Cowdray Hall
The launch of a new book on Aberdeenshire-born fashion designer Bill Gibb features talks from contributors and editors Shane Strachan and Josephine Steed. Speakers include fashion journalist Iain R Webb, former AAGM manager Christine Rew and academics covering his legacy.
The book redefines Bill Gibb, who grew up in Fraserburgh and became Designer of the Year in 1970. Talks cover his drawing process, fashion shows, folklore-inspired designs and sustainability, with poetry performances and an audience Q&A.
Fawlty Towers
20 – 24 Jan | Music Hall
A new stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers arrives in Aberdeen, directed by Caroline Jay Ranger. The production brings together favourite moments from the show's 12 episodes, performed by an 18-strong cast including Danny Bayne as Basil, Paul Nicholas as the Major and Joanne Clifton as Polly.
The comedy follows a sold-out West End season where every performance sold out during its record-breaking run. Sharp wit, chaos and calamity across multiple performances throughout the week.
Scottish Ballet: The Snow Queen
21 – 24 Jan | His Majesty's Theatre
Scottish Ballet's production of The Snow Queen returns following its hugely popular 2022 tour. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, the ballet is set to Rimsky-Korsakov's music performed live by the full Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
The story journeys from a winter's market through a fairy tale forest to the Snow Queen's palace, where she's surrounded by icy fragments of an enchanted mirror. Young lovers parted by a spell, a circus ringmaster and other characters populate the glittering production.
Soho Cinders
21 – 24 Jan | Aberdeen Arts Centre
A modern adaptation of Cinderella set in London's Soho, where impoverished student Robbie works at his family's laundrette alongside best friend Velcro whilst his stepsisters make life miserable. Across town, mayoral candidate James Prince finds himself caught in an illicit affair that brings their worlds together on Old Compton Street.
The musical fairytale tackles politics, scandal and true love as characters fight for their own happily ever after. A story of laundrettes, mayoral races, dirty laundry and whether the stepsisters will ever give up men.
Justin Hawkins Rides Again
21 Jan | Tivoli Theatre
The Darkness frontman brings his one-man show to the Tivoli, following the success of his 2024 tour. The evening blends music analysis, industry insights and entertainment as Hawkins breaks down popular and unusual songs, explaining what makes hits work and what doesn't.
Hawkins brings his YouTube show of over 600,000 subscribers to the stage, dissecting the music industry with the perspective of someone who's navigated it for decades. An evening of music discussion, cultural commentary and chaotic entertainment.
The East Pointers
23 Jan | Tunnels
Award-winning Canadian contemporary folk duo The East Pointers bring their Celtic-influenced sound to Aberdeen. Tim Chaisson on fiddle and vocals joins Jake Charron on guitar and synthesiser for original songs and instrumentals with contemporary influences.
The Prince Edward Island band won the Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year in 2017 and continue touring their blend of traditional and modern folk music across multiple continents.
Into the Light
24 Jan – 24 May | Aberdeen Art Gallery
Members of Aberdeen Artists Society create new work inspired by two sculptures by Keith Rand RSA in the AAGM collection: Into the Light, Blue and Into the Light, Crimson. The artists explore Rand's approach to wood, colour and form from his time in the North East.
Rand worked as a technician at Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Lumsden and taught sculpture at Gray's School of Art. He primarily used native timber, with environmental concerns central to his work. Many of his sculptures were placed in rural locations across the UK, including up at the Tyrebagger.
Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Death
24 Jan | The Lemon Tree
Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer and Best Show nominee Emmanuel Sonubi returns to tour following sold-out Edinburgh Fringe performances, a European tour and a hit New York Soho Theatre run. The show explores his life after surviving heart failure, facing trauma and the strange, funny ways people keep going when life gets hard.
A hilarious and heartfelt hour about turning life's toughest moments into comedy, finding laughs in survival and punchlines in perseverance.
Stephen K Amos: Now We're Talking!
27 Jan | Breakneck Comedy
Stephen K Amos brings his new stand-up show to the city's only dedicated comedy club, promising no filter and no limits as he explores what gives him the 'ick' and what makes him tick. The comedian's joke book is overflowing with musings and merrymaking across an evening of free-styling comedy.
Amos takes the gloves off for an unfiltered hour of stand-up, packing punchlines and exploring what makes him laugh without restrictions.
The Sound of Scotland with the Macdonald Bros
30 Jan | Aberdeen Arts Centre
The Macdonald Bros celebrate 20 years since appearing on The X Factor with a musical journey through Scotland's greatest songs and artists. The brothers perform on accordion, fiddle, piano, guitars and Irish whistles alongside their vocal harmonies, covering hits from The Proclaimers, Deacon Blue, Runrig and The Bay City Rollers.
Dancers join the multi-instrumental duo on stage, with video footage accompanying each number. A Scottish music variety show following sold-out performances in 2025.
Vittorio Angelone: You Can't Say Nothing Any More
30 Jan | Tivoli Theatre
Comedian Vittorio Angelone visits the city following two sold-out tours in 2023 and 2024 that saw over 100 packed performances. One of the fastest-rising names in comedy, Angelone has built a following through stand-up clips and podcasts that rack up millions of views.
He co-hosts Mike & Vittorio's Guide to Parenting with fellow comedian Mike Rice and co-created Fin vs The Internet. A new hour of material from a performer known for his online presence and live work.
A Play for Torry
31 Jan | Aberdeen Arts Centre
A bold, community-led theatre event co-created with Torry residents, artists and campaigners. Developed under the direction of Emer Morris and Annabel Lunney, the show fuses verbatim storytelling with original music by Simon Gall and Coralie Usmani, built from real voices and lived experiences of those affected by industrial rise and decline.
The production asks urgent questions about the Just Transition and who makes decisions about climate and land. Part ceilidh, part protest, part love-letter to a community, it features live music, ensemble performance and guest artists. Co-written by Mae Diansangu, Shane Strachan and Emer Morris. BSL interpreted performance.
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella
31 Jan | Tivoli Theatre
University a cappella groups from Scotland and northern England compete in the UK & International Quarterfinal. Over 100 performers sing off for the chance to advance through the competition towards the world championship final on Broadway.
The Varsity Vocals ICCA is the competition that inspired Pitch Perfect. Groups perform with harmonies, melodies and choreography as judges provide feedback and select the area's champion to move forward in the tournament.
Until next time...
That's it for this month. Just a short one, but hopefully there was a little something for everyone. Got something coming up? Drop us a line. The events that don't shout loudest often deserve the most attention.
We're away until 15 January, but our inbox is always open if you want to share what's happening.
Lang may yer lum reek.
K+C xx
