Light the Blue, our festival for and by young people, returns 1 - 15 June 2025, bringing over 1,000 young and professional artists together for a bold, multi-artform celebration of creativity in Aberdeen.
With more than 25 events across 15 days, this year’s festival transforms theatres, public spaces and unexpected corners of the city into places of performance, connection and possibility. Our programme spans theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts, featuring work by young artists, developed in schools, by emerging creatives and for young audiences.
This isn’t just a festival. It’s where the next generation of creative leaders step forward. Where young people aren’t just participating - they’re leading. They’re curating, performing, producing, and pushing boundaries, guided by care, creativity, and a powerful sense of purpose.
Light the Blue supports wellbeing, builds confidence, and empowers the next generation to imagine and lead. For our city, the festival is both a cultural moment and a long-term investment in the talent and voices that will shape what comes next.
To our supporters and partners: your backing helps us go further. It ensures this work continues to grow, innovate and inspire. Join us in lighting the blue - and in building a brighter, more creative future for Aberdeen.
Light the Blue At A Glance Page 5
Ovation Club Page 6
Tongue Twister Page 8
Family Arts Day Page 10
Gray’s School of Art Degree Show Tours Page 12
Every Brilliant Thing Page 13
Joining the Dots Page 35
THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME IS SPLIT INTO FOUR KEY STRANDS: YOUNG ARTISTS
Performed, created or curated by young people aged 5 – 25
By professional artists for families, teenagers and young adults
SCHOOLS
For and by primary and secondary school pupils
EMERGING ARTISTS
For and by creatives aged 18 – 30
LIGHT THE BLUE AT A GLANCE
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS
The Ovation Club is an exclusive membership in support of Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Aberdeen Performing Arts has been the cultural beating heart of our community for over 20 years, staging magical and memorable performances, igniting imaginations, and inspiring a lifelong love for the arts. In the wake of the pandemic, something remarkable has been happening – ovations are soaring. As reported by the BBC (Dec 2023), audiences are not just applauding; they are rising to their feet before the final curtain even falls, swept up in the passion, the brilliance, the sheer power of live performance. And we have noticed that change too, right here in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Performing Arts is far from taking its final bow. With your support, we will continue to thrive, to innovate, and to bring world-class performances to our city. That is why we’ve created The Ovation Club – an exclusive ensemble of individuals and businesses who believe in the transformative power of the arts. As a member, you won’t just witness the magic; you’ll be a part of it, shaping the future of cultural excellence in Aberdeen.
Join us. Take your place in the spotlight. The show is far from over.
For more information, please contact: sharon.burgess@aberdeenperformingarts.com emma.gartland@aberdeenperformingarts.com
Tongue Twister is one man’s attempt to say tongue twisters in as many different languages as possible. Whilst also trying to dance. And make music. And do all the costume changes without leaving the stage.
A delight for the eyes and ears, this humorous and colourful show is a celebration of the musical beauty of language for children aged 6-12 yrs.
Created and performed by award-winning performance artist and musician Greg Sinclair, and featuring dazzling costumes and innovative visual design.
SCHOOLS PERFORMANCE
There will be a schools performance on Friday 6 June at 10.30am followed by a Q&A with Greg Sinclair. Free teacher tickets and bus subsidies are available, see our website for more details.
Tickets £6.60 Lemon Tree Studio
Tongue Twister is commissioned by Imaginate in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts, in association with Showbox Festival and Kloden and supported by North Edinburgh Arts.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
We’re passionate about offering young audiences the opportunity to see exciting, relevant and contemporary work as part of Light the Blue. Through our continued partnership with Imaginate, producers of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, we’re delighted to be supporting the creation of this new piece and giving Aberdeen audiences the chance to see theatre from across the country.
YOUNG AUDIENCES YOUNG ARTISTS
Sunday 8 June, 12pm - 5pm
FAMILY ARTS DAY
An exciting day of pop-up, studio and interactive performances, arts activities, live music, sports, food, backstage tours and inspirational experiences for all the family. Watch over 200 young and professional artists perform; enjoy a familyfriendly backstage tour of the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre; create your own arts and crafts; participate in drop-in sports activities; and soak up the atmosphere. Come along from 12 - 5pm for an unforgettable, fun and creative day on us!
Family Arts Day will culminate in a procession of young people travelling through the winding walkways of Union Terrace Gardens with puppets, masks, banners and crafts accompanied by family-friendly band Sprog Rock. The band will close the event with a fun, lively gig for the whole family!
With our young artists and exciting professional artists involved it’s sure to be a fun filled day of creativity!
Scan the QR code or visit aberdeenperformingarts.com for full details of the day’s activities.
Free - Union Terrace Gardens, His Majesty’s Theatre and Aberdeen Art Gallery
WHY WE DO FAMILY ARTS DAY
We believe the arts are for everyone and that young people should have the opportunity to engage in creative experiences without limitation. True to our ethos of Everyone Is Welcome Here, Family Arts Day allows us to open our doors to families across the region for a fun, creative and free day on us.
GET INVOLVED IN OUR FINALE PARADE!
Come along and make a craft on the day, or bring your own costume/puppet/banner/mask, then meet in Union Terrace Gardens at 4pm and join us in celebrating the end to a fantastic day.
PLUS FUN TICKETED EVENTS
DOON THE WATTER HMT Studio – 11:30am - tickets
THE TRUTH ABOUT TREES HMT Studio – 1:30pm - tickets
£5/£3
A WEE DANCE WITH US! HMT Studio – 3:45pm - tickets £5/£3
£5/£3
YOUNG AUDIENCES
Sat 7 & Sat 14 June 2025 11am
Sun 8 & Sun 15 June 2025 2pm
GRAY’S SCHOOL OF ART DEGREE
SHOW TOURS
Embark on an inspiring journey through creativity at the Gray’s School of Art Degree Show 2025!
Join us for guided tours led by one of our Graduates in Residence.
With a maximum of 12 participants per tour aged 14 to 25, you’ll enjoy a bespoke experience as our guide unveils the stories and processes behind the student work. Engage with the vibrant art school atmosphere and ignite your passion for the arts.
Free, ticketed
Gray’s School of Art
YOUNG AUDIENCES
Thu 12 June 2025
1:30pm (schools) & 7:30pm
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Produced by Aberdeen-based Ten Feet Tall Theatre. Supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding.
You’re seven years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s ‘done something stupid’. She finds it hard to be happy.
You start a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
A play about depression and the lengths we go to for those we love. A participatory experience that embarks on a journey to find joy in the everyday.
Recommended Age: 14+
Pay what you can Lemon Tree Studio
YOUNG ARTISTS
Thu 5 - Sat 7 June 2025
Fri-Sat 7pm, Sat 2pm
ENCORE
DANSCENTRE
Danscentre is back with its 8th major production at HMT featuring mid and senior pupils in a diverse mix of dance styles, music and themes. This is a celebration of youth, movement and the exciting and evolving world of dance as we explore the latest dance trends alongside traditional theatre at its best! Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Commercial and Tap are packed into this fast-paced mix of young dance talent – you’ll want to come back again and again!
Tickets £41.50 - £31.50
His Majesty’s Theatre
YOUNG ARTISTS
Sun 1 - Sun 15 June 2025
Tue - Sat, between 9:30am - 6pm
LIGHT THE BLUE EXHIBITIONS
Artwork, soundscapes and music provide a sonic and visual showcase of young people’s work in the Music Hall at Light the Blue 2025!
1-15 June
ARTROOM X SOUND EXHIBITION
1-15 June
BEATS AND RHYMES: AN EXHIBITION
1-22 June
STANDING
TALL MURALS
Free, unticketed Music Hall
YOUNG ARTISTS
Saturday 14 June, 12:30pm - 5:30pm
TAKEOVER
Various venues
WHY WE DO TAKEOVER DAY
This year’s festival embraces a city-wide approach, inviting young people to share their stories with wider audiences.
TEENS PUT THEIR CREATIVE STAMP ON ABERDEEN FOR LIGHT THE BLUE TAKEOVER 2025
Curated in collaboration with our Young Programmers group, join the trail from the Anatomy Rooms to Music Hall to discover pop-up performances from local youth groups across Aberdeen and beyond. We’ve got a range of dance, theatre and music performances that step into the unknown, presented in unusual spaces from bandstands to shopping centres. And the best part? It’s all FREE!
Running from 12:30pm – 5:30pm, bring your pals along and drop-in to the trail as and when you like. There’s no need to book a ticket, just rock up!
Our jam-packed line-up features performances from over 20 exciting youth groups and we have so much to see and do including;
DANCE PERFORMANCES | MUSIC PERFORMANCES | FILM SCREENINGS ROVING RADIO BROADCASTING | ART EXHIBITIONS.
Scan the QR code or visit aberdeenperformingarts.com for full details of the afternoon’s activities.
Free, unticketed
Inspired by our festival theme, this event challenges participants to step into the unknown and tell new stories in unfamiliar spaces. The Takeover trail means a wide audience will enjoy the event - we want everyone to be entertained, whether they had planned to be there or happen to come across it.
YOUNG ARTISTS
Sat 14 June 2025 5pm
ABERDEEN CITY MUSIC SCHOOL
Aberdeen City Music School’s Summer Concert is a highlight of the year, bringing together some of Scotland’s most talented young musicians for an inspiring and varied performance. Under the guidance of world-class tutors, our students will present a thrilling programme, featuring chamber music, solo performances, jazz, and contemporary pieces. Whether you are a classical music enthusiast, a jazz lover, or simply looking for an uplifting evening of exceptional live music, this event promises something for everyone.
Free, ticketed Fountainhall at the Cross
19
Drama Workshops
Primary & Secondary
LET’S PLAY! | P1 - 3
Interested in performing at Light the Blue? Our Take Part workshops are the perfect pathway to the festival stage.
The perfect creative route to building confidence and self-expression while making new friends.
LET’S CREATE! | P4 - 7
Helping children craft their own new plays through storytelling with fun games and exercises.
JUNIOR YOUTH THEATRE | S1 & 2
Enjoy taking part, being creative and finding your voice.
INTERMEDIATE YOUTH THEATRE | S3 & 4
Tap into your imagination, discover new techniques and develop your skills.
SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE | S5 & 6 (or up to age 18)
Build on your skills, working collaboratively to create new work.
SCAN THIS CODE FOR DETAILS OF ALL OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART WITH ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS
YOUNG ARTISTS
Sunday 15 June, 6pm
THE BIG GIG
Music Hall
SCOTTISH CULTURE & TRADITIONS YOUTH, BIG NOISE TORRY, ABERDEEN CITY MUSIC SERVICE, ABERDEENSHIRE MUSIC SERVICE, SOUND AND NORTH EAST SCOTLAND COLLEGE.
Get ready for The Big Gig, an amazing showcase of the extraordinary musical talent of youth from Aberdeen and the wider North East of Scotland! Taking centre stage at Aberdeen’s iconic Music Hall, this youth led concert promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Featuring captivating performances from SC&T Youth, Big Noise Torry, Aberdeen City Music Service, Aberdeenshire Music Service and sound’s Get Creative Ensemble, The Big Gig will highlight the diverse musical talents of young artists in our community. But that’s not all – the grand finale will be a spectacular collaborative performance, bringing together the talented young people from all organisations for a truly magnificent finish.
Scan the QR code or visit aberdeenperformingarts.com for full details and tickets for The Big Gig.
Free, ticketed
WHY WE DO THE BIG GIG
The Big Gig is a wonderful event that has become a permanent fixture in the Light the Blue programme. With over 150 young people set to perform across the evening, including altogether in the brilliant finale set, this event is an opportunity for us to hand over the iconic Music Hall stage to the next generation of musicians.
Thursday 5 June, 7pm
SCHOOLS WHY WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION
Music Hall
SNAPPY OPERAS
MAHOGANY OPERA, PRESENTED BY ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS
Snappy Operas returns after its first Aberdeen outing as part of Light the Blue 2023. Join us for an evening of fun, colourful and bite-size contemporary operas performed by over 100 primary school pupils from across Aberdeen accompanied by a live band.
Snappy Operas is Mahogany Opera’s award-winning schools programme, making and performing new mini-operas with primary-aged children. Pupils are introduced to all the essential elements of opera – singing, acting and makingand work with a team of professional artists to stage their Snappy Opera in just five rehearsal sessions.
This year’s Snappy Operas Aberdeen company will feature pupils from Skene Square, Muirfield and Cornhill Primary Schools. Scan the QR code or visit aberdeenperformingarts.com for full details and tickets for Snappy Operas.
Schools projects are at the heart of what we do through Light the Blue, revealing the magic of arts and performance to young people in an accessible, fun and relevant way. Mahogany Opera’s project returns to Aberdeen to ignite a creative spark in a new group of young performers – helping us break down barriers and work with young people who may not often get the chance to take part in arts activity, or perform in an opera they’ve created!
SCHOOLS WHY WE DO PLAYGROUND PERFORMANCE
PLAYGROUND
PLAYGROUND IS A PARTICIPATORY PERFORMANCE PROJECT
WHICH INVITES A WHOLE SCHOOL POPULATION TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF THEATRE, DANCE, MUSIC AND VISUAL ARTS.
Working intensively over just one week, every pupil in the school engages with a team of artists in residence to create a bespoke promenade playground performance. Playground allows us to take the festival out of our venues and into the community, inspiring a whole generation of young people to be creative, build confidence, express themselves and ultimately share in a memorable experience. It’s all about celebrating the diversity of the school community, developing new skills, sharing stories and putting a creative stamp on playground spaces.
This is a closed performance for families and friends of Gilcomstoun School. Keep an eye out on our website, aberdeenperformingarts.com and socials to see a snapshot of what the pupils create.
We collaborated with Skene Square School on a project in 2024, working with nearly 500 pupils in the space of a week to create a performance inspired by the title Everyone Is Welcome Here. This year, we’re taking Playground to Gilcomstoun School where a team of multi-disciplinary artists will be making a new show inspired by our festival theme Into the Unknown.
Mon 9 & Fri 13 June 2025
9:30am, 11am & 1:30pm
SCHOOLS HMT BACKSTAGE TOURS
Free backstage tours for primary and secondary school groups, guiding pupils around our 116-year old Edwardian theatre designed by the legendary architect Frank Matcham.
An opportunity to explore new and old sections of the building, step on stage and get an insight into the technical aspects of a working theatre, these tours have been specially adapted for schools groups.
See webpage for further details and applications to attend close on Wednesday 7 May.
Free, ticketed
His Majesty’s Theatre
Tue 10 June 2025
9:30am - 2:30pm
SCHOOLS INTO THE ARTS
A free day-long event inviting secondary school pupils to experience a day in the life of arts professionals and broaden their awareness of roles beyond performance. Through practical workshops, conversations and more, pupils will engage with team members and partner organisations to learn about technical, marketing, programming, directing, design and other roles. They’ll find out about pathways into the arts, develop new skills and connect with likeminded peers from across the region.
Free, ticketed Music Hall
Into the Arts is open to S3-6 classes across Aberdeen city and shire. Limited places: see our website for further details, apply by Wed 7 May.
SCHOOLS
Wed 11 June 2025
7pm - 8:30pm
CLASS ACT
Traverse Theatre
Class Act is back in Aberdeen! Young people from The Gordon Schools, Inverurie Academy and Hazlehead Academy have been working with a team of professional artists to write their own scripts, which will be brought to life by a team of professional theatremakers, directors, actors and musicians.
Class Act is the Traverse’s flagship creative engagement project which provides creative support and a safe space for participants to express themselves freely, imagine without inhibition and become writers and storytellers in their own right.
Tickets £5/£3 concession Lemon Tree Studio
We want children and families in the North East to be inspired by their own creativity and realise their potential!
Donate Your donations allow us to provide opportunities for artists and communities.
Become a Friend
Enjoy priority booking, discounted tickets and play a role in supporting the arts locally.
Join the Ovation Club
An exclusive ensemble of individuals and businesses who believe in the transformative power of the arts.
Take a Seat / Take a Step
A sponsorship opportunity for you to be a huge part of our story.
We’re really proud of the work we do! And with your help, we can continue to do the things we love to do to make the arts accessible to everyone.
Visit aberdeenperformingarts.com/support-us to find out what your support can help us achieve.
Sunday 1 June, 11:30am - 7pm
EMERGING ARTISTS WHY WE SUPPORT EMERGING ARTISTS
EMERGE
Music Hall
A day of performances at various stages of development, from some of the most exciting emerging artists across Aberdeen and Scotland.
Be the first to see innovative new writing, dance and devised work before it reaches the big stages, and meet the creators behind it. We have a programme of six works split into three double bills: young companies, rehearsed readings and solo shows.
Join us in supporting and celebrating the next generation of performance makers as they share their latest ideas.
Alongside the core performance route, we’re delighted to be offering social sessions for emerging artists and industry professionals between shows. Find out more on our website or scan the QR code.
Open Hoose and A Wee Dance With Us! – 12.30pm-2pm
Pigeon Wings and Standing Free – 3pm-4.30pm
Hammered and Ma Name is Isabelle - 5.30pm-7pm
A Dispute With a Butterfly – various times
Day ticket £20, U30s £15, £7.50 for single shows
Our Emerge programme offers up-and-coming creatives from across Scotland a platform to test out new ideas, connect with like-minded peers and receive support from industry professionals. We’re committed to developing opportunities for emerging artists, connecting them with the wider industry whilst offering audiences the chance to see brand-new work at various stages of development.
EMERGING ARTISTS
Sat 7 June 2025 8pm
KEY NORTH
See and support one of Aberdeen’s most exciting new bands and experience the encapsulating live energy Aberdeen’s grassroots venues have been excited about.
Key North have played venues across the city and aim to bring their electric live energy to the Lemon Tree crowd. Be a part of the energy, come and experience a buzz with the boys, they promise a great time.
For fans of The Stone Roses, The Cure and Wunderhorse.
Tickets £5
Lemon Tree Lounge
EMERGING ARTISTS
Fri 13 June 2025 7:30pm
OLIVE AND ANYA’S ITCH
Join Olive and Anya for a night of storytelling, imagination and debauchery, with a showcase of experimental original work from local performance artists across the city. Challenged to create new material in just 24 hours inspired by the theme ‘into the unknown’, artists from a range of disciplines will present the fruits of their labour in a cabaret-style scratch night. Join us for an evening of imagination, innovation and experimentation, hosted by the medically professional duo Olive and Anya.
Tickets £10/U30s £5 Lemon Tree Studio
EMERGING ARTISTS
Sun 1 - Sun 15 June 2025
EMERGE: ADVICE SESSIONS
Emerging theatre maker, dance artist, writer, sound designer, musician, visual artist or filmmaker aged 18 - 30 and based in the North East? Looking for advice on how to develop your practice or get your work out there?
We’re offering local creatives the opportunity to gain advice from industry professionals through 1 to 1 sessions. Participating organisations include Aberdeen Performing Arts, Association of Sound Design and Production, Imaginate, Look Again, National Theatre of Scotland, Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, Scottish Dance Theatre, Scottish Youth Theatre, Station House Media Unit and Ten Feet Tall Theatre.
Limited places: see our website for further details, apply by Sunday 25 May.
Wed 4 June 2025
PRACTITIONER EVENT JOINING THE DOTS
5pm - 7pm
PECHAKUCHA EVENING
A presentation evening showcasing some of the incredible projects being delivered for and with young people across Aberdeen city and Shire.
This is an opportunity for local artists, youth practitioners and organisations to come together and join the dots in the local arts community; make connections, share approaches, hear about current projects and even meet future collaborators.
PechaKucha translates to ‘chit-chat’ or ‘the sound of conversation’ in Japanese and is a presentation format where speakers deliver 20 slides, each displayed for 20 seconds.
