Grab your new calendar and get ready to mark some of the biggest acts heading to the north-east this year.
JANUARY
The festivities might be over but there’s no time to feel blue this month. The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is heading our way in just over a week, for three sequin-filled shows at P&J Live from January 21. Fans will be delighted to hear that former winner Stacey Dooley is returning to host and will be joined on stage by an array of celebrities and dancers from the latest series.
Later this month, comedian Josh Widdicombe will have your sides splitting during his show at the Aberdeen Music Hall on January 26, while two days later, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, opens at His Majesty’s Theatre for a five-night run. See the award-winning show which tells the true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom.
FEBRUARY
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have missed each other, and we have missed them too.
Luckily for us the dynamic duo are bringing their stellar UK 2020 Back Together tour to P&J Live on February 23. A week later the doors to P&J Live will be opening once again, this time welcoming four-piece pop/rock band The 1975 to the stage on February 29.
Meanwhile, crime-fiction festival Granite Noir returns for another weekend of grit, running from February 20 to 23. Earlier in the month, Spectra, Aberdeen’s festival of light, will brighten the dark nights from February 13 with artworks on Scotland’s national year of Coast and Waters.
At the theatre, hit musical We Will Rock You returns to His Majesty’s Theatre on February 10.
MARCH
It’s a big month for entertainment in the north-east, beginning with the brand-new Oor Wullie musical premiering at His Majesty’s Theatre on March 3. Join the gang in an adventure celebrating their 80th anniversary as Scotland’s most beloved comic strip.
The next day, Glaswegian rockers Twin Atlantic are set to tear it up at the Music Hall, while the Stereophonics will take to P&J Live later that week, on March 10.
Much-loved Irish trio The Script are also heading for P&J Live this month, with a show on March 13.
In perhaps one of the biggest shows set for the north-east this year, Scotland’s own self-proclaimed Beyonce – otherwise known as Lewis Capaldi – will be performing for fans at P&J Live on March 15 as part of his sell-out global tour.
APRIL
Kick off the month with a bit of humour, as the voice of Love Island, comedian Iain Stirling, takes his tour to the Music Hall on April 4. Later in the month enjoy a cultured evening at the world’s most popular ballet, Swan Lake, at His Majesty’s Theatre from April 16. Lose yourself in this sleek retelling, returning to Scotland after a sell-out debut.
End the month how you began it, with a bit of comedy at Rob Brydon’s Songs and Stories show at the Music Hall on April 30. Get ready for a special evening of toe-tapping tunes and side-splitting laughter.
MAY
Smash-hit Broadway musical The Book of Mormon is heading to His Majesty’s for an incredible 17-night run in the city. Since its premiere in 2011 the show has won nine Tony Awards and smashed long-standing box-office records around the world. Catch it from May 5.
Singer Paul Weller will play Aberdeen’s Music Hall on May 8, marking the first time the music legend has performed in the city in nearly 10 years. Fans will be pleased at the intimate venue choice but be quick, tickets to see Paul in concert have been selling fast.
JUNE
It’s a month of laughter, with comedians Ed Byrne, Rob Beckett and Adam Buxton all descending on the city.
Both Rob and Ed will be performing at the Music Hall on June 5 and 6 respectively, while comedian and podcast host Adam will be reading from his upcoming book at the Tivoli Theatre, also on June 5.
At the theatre, meanwhile, the critically acclaimed musical Footloose is back on tour and stopping at His Majesty’s Theatre from June 8 to 13. With new modern choreography, audiences are set to enjoy classic ’80s hits including Holding Out For a Hero, Almost Paradise and of course the unforgettable title track, Footloose.
JULY
Parents, prepare for your children to be counting down the days until July 8, when Paw Patrol Live comes to town. Based on the hit animated TV series, the Race to the Rescue show brings everyone’s favourite pups to the P&J Live stage for an action-packed adventure.
The show includes two acts and an intermission, and incorporates an innovative costume approach that brings the pups to life on stage.
Pop superstars Little Mix are heading north to Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park as part of their summer tour. With the gig scheduled for July 26, fans have snapped up tickets after the girl band’s last north-east date was cancelled unexpectedly.
AUGUST
Scottish rock band Simple Minds are set to mark 40 years of music by bringing their 2020 tour to P&J Live. Over the years the band has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. Catch them on August 13.
Another tots’ favourite is set to take to the stage in Aberdeen this summer – Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever show is heading for His Majesty’s Theatre on August 26 and 27. Packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for wee Peppa Pig fans across the north-east.
SEPTEMBER
True North, Aberdeen’s annual festival of music, is back for another year. With bands, DJ sets, interactive sessions and kids’ workshops, the festival has become a highlight of the city’s festival calendar.
Meanwhile, His Majesty’s Theatre will be transporting audiences to a Greek island, telling the story of love and friendship through the timeless songs of Abba. Mamma Mia! will be running from September 22 to October 3.
OCTOBER
You might find a few more laughter lines present before the month is up, as the Aberdeen Comedy Festival brings Fringe favourites and big headliners together with local comedians to entertain the city. Venues around the north-east take part and several big names have already been announced. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Scottish favourites Deacon Blue are heading to P&J Live as part of a European tour, with a show on October 31. Over the course of their career, the band have built a chart-topping legacy boasting seven million album sales, two number one albums and 14 hit singles.
NOVEMBER
The big news for November is Elton John’s two-night residency at P&J Live on November 20 and 21 as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Sir Elton’s three-year worldwide tour is set to take fans on an impressive visual journey spanning his 50-year career of hits.
Direct from the West End, multi-award-winning musical Dreamgirls is heading to His Majesty’s Theatre for the first time. Meet The Dreams, three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. From November 10.
It might be unlucky for some, but on Friday 13 everybody’s favourite bearded chefs the Hairy Bikers are to perform at another Music Hall show, discussing the importance of great food and home cooking.
DECEMBER
Okay, it’s only January right now but fast forward 11 months and we will be back in the panto spirit once more. His Majesty’s Theatre has already announced this year’s show as Beauty and the Beast, while the Tivoli Theatre will be offering Cinderella to their festive audience.