Two very special one-off events at Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre have been announced as part of a year of celebrations to mark 120 years of the beloved cultural landmark.
Aberdeen Performing Arts announced plans to celebrate the anniversary year in January, alongside a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising £120,000 throughout 2026 that will shape the next 120 years of cultural life in Aberdeen.
On September 17 the city’s historic Music Hall will set the scene for the HMT 120 Gala Dinner. This unique event will offer guests a chance to come together for an evening of memories, performances and stories over a delicious three-course meal, led by a special guest host as we take the chance to raise a glass to His Majesty’s Theatre.
The ultimate celebration of HMT, it promises to be an evening full of surprise performances during an unforgettable evening.
On November 12, for one night only, an Opera Gala at His Majesty’s Theatre will bring together celebrated voices and a programme of much‑loved classics for a night of music worthy of such a landmark moment in the life of HMT.
Presented in partnership with Scottish Opera, the evening will offer a rare opportunity to experience iconic opera pieces in a classic concert setting, performed by artists of the highest calibre. It is an evening designed to honour the theatre’s legacy, recognise its place at the heart of Aberdeen, and celebrate the cultural generosity that has sustained it for 120 years.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, Sharon Burgess, said: “The warmth, generosity and commitment shown to His Majesty’s Theatre by audiences in Aberdeen since it opened its doors in 1906 is as much a part of the history of the venue as the beautiful Edwardian architecture and incredible performances that have taken place on its iconic stage over the last 120 years.
“These events are in recognition of all of those things, giving us a chance to stop, take stock and acknowledge how lucky we are to have such an exceptional venue right here in the heart of the city, and to look ahead to a bright future for our much-loved theatre.”
Since opening in 1906, His Majesty’s Theatre has been a place where generations have gathered to laugh, cry and be inspired. Having first raised its curtains in 1906 with a performance of Sweet Red Riding Hood, audiences have provided standing ovations ever since to today’s modern musicals, challenging dramas, reimagined classics and more. The venue has witnessed performances from many famous artists and actors over the years including Sean Connery, Vivien Leigh, Alec Guinness and Honor Blackman. In its special anniversary year, the theatre itself is being put in the spotlight to celebrate its past, present and future.
More information about HMT 120 can be found at aberdeenperformingarts.com/HMT-120
Tickets for the special anniversary HMT 120 events will go on sale at 10am on Thursday, February 26, available from www.aberdeenperformingadrts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.