His Majesty's Theatre

Located on Rosemount Viaduct in central Aberdeen, His Majesty's Theatre is owned by Aberdeen City Council and run on its behalf by Aberdeen Performing Arts. With Aberdeen Central Library and St Mark's Church, the theatre forms a grand group of buildings which have been whimsically described as representing education, salvation and damnation.

The Grade A-listed building is the only granite-built theatre in the UK and was the work of noted theatre architect Frank Matcham. Opening its doors for the first time in 1906, it was reopened by His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex on 8th September 2005 following a £7.8 million redevelopment. This includes the provision of a new extension and refurbishment of both front-of-house and back-stage facilities. The extension, which represents the most significant granite project in the city in recent years, also uses stone from the Kemnay quarry. A new foyer and box office are complemented by a purpose-built rehearsal and education area. The auditorium has been sympathetically restored to retain its Edwardian character.

Funding for the redevelopment came from the City Council, the National Lottery Fund and Scottish Enterprise Grampian, together with private support. His Majesty's Theatre is the most significant drama touring venue in North-East Scotland and as such receives support from the Scottish Arts Council.

The theatre is said to be haunted by Headless Jake, the benevolent ghost of a former stagehand, John Murray, who was killed in an accident in 1942.

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