LTB 25: Emerge Day
A day of performances at various stages of development, from some of the most exciting emerging artists across Aberdeen and Scotland.
Be the first to see innovative new writing, dance and devised work before it reaches the big stages, and meet the creators behind it. We have a programme of six works split into three double bills: young companies, rehearsed readings and solo shows. Throughout the day, we’re delighted to also be presenting A Dispute with a Butterfly by Glasgow-based emerging artist and puppeteer Fibi Cowley.
Join us in supporting and celebrating the next generation of performance makers as they share their latest ideas.
We don’t want finance to be a barrier to access and have a small number of free day tickets available to emerging creatives aged 18 – 30 based in the North East of Scotland who would otherwise be unable to attend. To enquire about this, please contact lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com.
Tickets are available at £20 for a full price day ticket or £15 for an Under 30 day ticket through our industry route.
Tickets for individual performances will be available soon.
From £15
Alongside the core performance route, we’re delighted to be offering social sessions for emerging artists and industry professionals between shows.
We have a Meet the Artists coffee morning before the events kick off to give those performing and working in the industry a chance to connect and socialise, free tea and coffee provided. We then have a Pizza Social towards the end of the day to mingle with fellow creatives and reflect on the work you’ve seen, free pizza provided.
11:30 – 12:30 Coffee Social & Meet the Artists (Industry route only)
12:30 – 14:00 Young Companies: A Wee Dance With Us! by Fusion Youth Dance Company & Open Hoose by The Bold Yins – Toonspeak Young Company
A Wee Dance With Us! by Fusion Dance Company
A Wee Dance With Us! is an energetic and playful show created by Fusion Youth Dance Company for early years and their families. Join Fusion to dance, sing and get creative together – everyone is welcome!
Open Hoose by The Bold Yins – Toonspeak Young Company
Welcome to Open Hoose; a gripping and thought-provoking new theatre performance that explores the deep-rooted connections between geography, socio-economic divides, and identity. Set against the backdrop of Glasgow’s diverse neighbourhoods, this compelling experimental work delves into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of class, opportunity, and belonging.
14:00 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 16:30 Rehearsed Readings: Pigeon Wings by Raymond Wilson & Standing Free! by Ciaran Drysder
Pigeon Wings by Raymond Wilson, directed by Fraser Scott
A young man wakes up back on the top floor of his high-rise flat after trying to fly away. Now having to reckon with his father’s judgement and the reason why he fell, ‘Pigeon Wings’ is a work-in-progress based on an imagined aftermath from the Greek myth of Icarus.
Standing Free! by Ciaran Drysder
Supported by Scottish Youth Theatre
In 1981, Davey, a young man inspired by the Aberdeen soccer casuals, turns up to an Aberdeen game in a Pringle jumper and a pair of Adidas Trimm Trabs ready for a fight. He is quickly sucked into the centre of ‘casual culture’ and spewed out a broken man. Music. Fashion. War.
16:30 – 17:30 Pizza Social (Industry route only)
17:30 – 19:00 Solo Shows: Hammered by Alexander Tait & My Name is Isabelle by Lucy Beth
Hammered by Alexander Tait
Hammered is a musical retelling of the first Scottish wars of independence, aiming to right the wrongs of the notorious 1995 film Braveheart by being as historically accurate as possible.
Ma Name is Isabelle by Lucy Beth
A reimagining of the story behind the famous bothy ballad Bogie’s Bonnie Belle. Performed in Doric, this piece follows Isabelle as she navigates being impregnated against her will, life as an unmarried mother and her triumph over adversity.
19:00 – End Bar open for post event drinks
Throughout the day A Dispute with a Butterfly by Fibi Cowley
A Dispute with a Butterfly by Fibi Cowley
Step into a soft, sensory storytelling experience, following the incredible journey of the Painted Lady Butterfly. Every year, the Painted Lady Butterfly travels 9000 miles, a journey which takes her all over the world, and ensures the survival of the entire species. But no one individual could complete this alone, it happens across five generations.
Following this journey through puppetry, participation and play, we discover what we can learn from this incredible creature, how important it is to learn from past generations, and how we can all work together to make the world a better place.
20 minute performances of A Dispute with a Butterfly will run between shows throughout the day.
Light the Blue is our multi-artform festival for and by young people returning 1st – 15th June 2025 with a programme of theatre, music, dance, film, visual arts and more taking place across Aberdeen city.
With over 25 events across 15 days, this year’s festival invites artists and audiences to step into the unknown – with stories being told in new and exciting ways on our stages as well as unusual indoor and outdoor locations.
Light the Blue offers something for everyone – whether you’re a young person, a family or interested in seeing work in the early stages of development. Join us in June for an unmissable fortnight of creativity, conversation and connection.
GO TO LIGHT THE BLUE 2025
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Dates & Booking
Jun. 01, 2025 11:30am
Book now -
Ticket Info
Standard - £20.00
© 2025 Event information from Data Thistle.
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