Theatre · Rosemount Viaduct
His Majesty's Theatre
An Edwardian theatre designed by Frank Matcham, and the city's main stage for touring productions.
- Location
- Rosemount Viaduct, overlooking Union Terrace Gardens at the edge of the city centre
- Area
- City centre
- Event style
- Touring drama, musicals, opera, ballet, comedy and a long-running annual pantomime
- Where to base yourself
- City centre, Rosemount or the West End
What kind of place is it?
His Majesty's Theatre — known locally as HMT — is Aberdeen's largest traditional theatre and the venue most visitors will think of when planning a night out. Its programme leans towards touring work: large musicals, plays, opera and ballet companies on tour, comedy and family shows. Each winter the theatre's pantomime is a fixture for local families, which is worth knowing if you are visiting in December and want tickets for anything else.
A short history
The theatre opened in 1906. It was designed by Frank Matcham, one of the best-known theatre architects of his era, and like most of central Aberdeen it is built of local granite, with a green copper dome above the entrance. Inside, the auditorium keeps its tiered Edwardian layout. A refurbishment in the early 2000s added a modern glass extension along the side of the building, with foyer and café space looking over the gardens below.
The theatre stands on Rosemount Viaduct beside the Central Library and opposite Union Terrace Gardens, a sunken Victorian park that was refurbished and reopened in recent years. Together they make one of the most photographed corners of the city.
Visitor information
- Getting there: Union Street is a few minutes' walk away; many city-centre buses stop nearby.
- Booking: book through the theatre or its official box office. Popular touring musicals and the pantomime sell well, so do not leave it to the last minute.
- Accessibility: the venue publishes access information, including details of assisted performances; contact the box office for seating advice.
- Timing: evening shows often finish late enough that the walk back to your room matters — a central base helps.
How it fits your trip
An evening at HMT works well with an afternoon at the Art Gallery across the road, or an early meal around Belmont Street and Rosemount. If the show is the main reason for your visit, look for a stay within walking distance so you are not relying on taxis when the whole audience leaves at once.