Aberdeen Arts Centre has announced plans for a new fundraiser, The UnTalent Show, calling on performers of all backgrounds to step on stage without knowing what their act will be until two weeks before the event.
Ten participants will be assigned an unexpected ‘untalent’ to master in the lead‑up to the show. Tasks may include worm charming, delivering a dramatic reading of a work email or lip syncing to train station announcements.
The one‑night-only performance on 20 June 2026 forms part of the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign. The ongoing effort has raised over £166,000 and has been shortlisted for Fundraising Campaign of the Year at the National Fundraising Awards.
The UnTalent Show comes from the imagination of Aberdeen Arts Centre’s creative learning lead, Leah Christie.
“The UnTalent Show strips away the worries of not being the best at something,” said Leah.
“It’s about being confident in your performance skills and willing to give something new a go.
“We’re looking for people who want to try something new – and don’t take themselves too seriously – to sign up and take part. They might be an actor or an improviser or a comedian… or they might never have stepped on stage before.
“We’re fully expecting there to be a few hilarious mishaps on the night and that is all part of the fun!”
The Centre’s fundraising manager, Julia Smith, added: “We’ve had so many talented members of our creative community come out to support Aberdeen Arts Centre over the last few months…. Now it’s the turn of the ‘untalented’!
“The audience will hold ultimate power on the night, choosing the winner from all the competitors. In my eyes, though, they’re all winners for supporting our cause!
“Although we’ve raised a huge sum so far, there’s still a long way to go. The Arts Centre is safer, not safe yet, so any and all support is always appreciated.”
Aberdeen Arts Centre has been a vital part of the region’s cultural landscape for more than 60 years. Operated by Castlegate Arts Ltd, the venue offers a wide-ranging programme of performances, creative learning opportunities and artist development initiatives.
Its facilities include a 350-seat auditorium, café bar, flexible performance and exhibition spaces and the historic Children’s Theatre, established in the 1950s by Catherine Hollingworth as the UK’s first youth theatre.
More information can be found here.
