The dramatic story of Aberdeen from the Victorian era to the present day will be chronicled in the surroundings of one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
The quadrangle of Marischal College will be the reful the finale of Granite, the arts project jointly launched by the National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen City Council last September.
Three performances will take place on a custom-built set from Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm.
Devised and written with the people of Aberdeen, it tells the story of the city from 1863 to 2016 in just over an hour.
And taking centre stage will be Torry-born actress Joyce Falconer and His Majesty’s Theatre panto favourite Alan McHugh.
The production follows some of the men and women who made the city famous, those who left Aberdeen to find their fortunes and those arriving now to seek improvement in their lives.
The action takes place in a wide range of settings: from the granite quarries of Kemnay and Rubislaw to the fishing boats and oil platforms of the North Sea.
Audience members will be seated around a 20m long stage, to experience a production that features a live band and choir, aerial performance, dance, video projection and a large cast.
Director Simon Sharkey said: “The real challenge of telling this city’s story begins now.
“The excitement is tangible: I have an amazing cast made up of some of the Aberdeen community alongside some of our finest actors.”
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said the joint venture was “ambitious”.
He added: “We are lucky to live in a city with such a rich heritage, which is home to such a diversity of people.
“Our city is alive with arts and culture and Granite is a great example of public, private and third sector organisations working together with both professional and amateur artists to produce something really special.”
Meanwhile actress Ms Falconer said: “We Aberdonians are not always very good at celebrating ourselves, but the city and its people have outstanding stories and culture to share.”
Seated tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions while standing tickets are £7 adults and £3.50 for concessions.
Available by phone on 01224 641122 and online at aberdeenperformingarts.com
