Stars of the stage and screen will head to Aberdeen over the coming months for a new season of theatre performances.
The latest raft of Olivier and Tony-winning shows bound for His Majesty’s Theatre and The Lemon Tree have been announced and they will include acting A-listers Nigel Havers from Downton Abbey and New Tricks’ Denis Lawson.
Both men will star in the latest production of Yasmina Reza’s Art, which will head to HMT for six nights in March.
It first premiered in Paris 25 years ago and is regarded as one of the most successful comedy plays ever produced.
The highly-anticipated stage adaptation of Rain Man will also make its way to the city in the spring, starring comedian Matthew Horne and Ed Speelers.
Produced by the Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company, it will follow the plot of the 1988 Tom Cruise comedy-drama.
It will be followed by another visit from the critically-acclaimed American Idiot, which is returning to Aberdeen after two West End runs and a sell-out UK tour.
Based on the 2004 Green Day album of the same name, the rock opera has collected a plethora of industry awards since its premiere ten years ago.
Jane Spiers, Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive, said: “We aim to attract the very best stage plays to the city – stories that will thrill and delight, are thought provoking, and will make audiences laugh and cry.
“With star-studded casts, top notch writers and fabulous production values, we couldn’t have hoped for better than Art and Rain Man for our spring season at HMT.”
More details have also been released about the festive delights awaiting younger audiences this winter.
Designed for under-7s, Night Light will be staged at The Lemon Tree from December 1-24.
At the same time, pantomime Snow White will run at HMT with performances from West End star Lee Mead and Juliet Cadzow, who has entertained audiences of all ages with roles in Balamory and River City.
Local favourites Alan McHugh and Jordan Young will also make a return.
Ms Spiers added: “Christmas is always an exciting time for us and I’m particularly looking forward to it this year thanks to our star-studded panto line-up at HMT and beautiful family treat at The Lemon Tree.”
