A family friendly Pumpkin Trail promises to sprinkle panto magic across Aberdeen city centre during the October holidays from Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 26.
Inspired by this year’s His Majesty’s Theatre pantomime, Cinderella, the trail has been devised by Aberdeen Performing Arts with support from Aberdeen Inspired, with the hope of spreading joy and bringing families together to explore the city, discover local businesses and enjoy what’s on offer as Autumn draws in.
Those who want to join in the fun can collect a clue sheet for The Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt from the His Majesty’s Theatre or Music Hall box offices, or download one from the Aberdeen Performing Arts or Aberdeen Inspired websites.
Along the way, they can collect clues from participating businesses to reveal a secret word.
Once the trail is complete, participants can return their sheet to be entered into a draw to win a family ticket to a performance on the opening weekend of Cinderella on Saturday, November 29.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Programming and Creative Projects, Ben Torrie, said: “What better way to spread the magic and joy of panto across the city than with this fun trail – the ideal activity for the school holidays!
“And with so many fabulous local businesses joining in with the fun it’s the perfect way to explore the city centre as we transition from spooky season to panto season!”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We hope this fantastic Pumpkin Trail will cast an enchanting spell on families, so they can enjoy some spooky Halloween fun during the October holidays while looking forward to the sparkling joy of Cinderella at His Majesty’s Theatre this Christmas.
“We also hope the trail will do the trick for local businesses and treat them to extra footfall and customers by getting people through their doors to discover just how much Aberdeen has to offer, not just at Halloween, but all year round.”
Cinderella is on at His Majesty’s Theatre from Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, January 4 2026.
Scottish acting royalty and Strictly winner Joe McFadden and Shetland and Monarch of the Glen star Dawn Steele will lead the cast, with Joe stepping into the role of Prince Charming and Dawn taking on the role of the Fairy Godmother.
Joe and Dawn will be joined by beloved panto dame extraordinaire Alan McHugh, who once again writes and directs the production, returning as Baroness Heifer McHardup. HMT stalwart Paul J Corrigan makes a welcome return as Buttons, and panto favourite Danielle Jam will take on the title role as Cinderella. Returning star Julie Coombe and acclaimed performer Helen Logan will team up as the Wicked Sisters.
The show is being staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the team that have produced the His Majesty’s Theatre panto for over 20 years, with the usual abundance of comedy, lavish sets, fabulous costumes, and of course a few surprises in store.
You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Aberdeen audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.
Tickets are on sale now, available from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.