The High Life is high-flying fun at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. Image - Tommy Ga Ken Wan
I’m a huge Alan Cumming fan and have seen him play so many roles over the years on both sides of the Atlantic, but to see him return to my hometown theatre, His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen, as part of this reimagined musical version of the 1990's cult classic The High Life last night was an absolute highlight.
From the moment the cabin doors “closed” and we were welcomed aboard this gloriously chaotic flight, The High Life musical had the audience buckled in for a mile-high theatrical treat, cleared for take-off into a cabin full of comedy, and cruising smoothly on a runway of razor-sharp wit.
The spirit of Air Scotia is alive and cruising altitude has never felt so fabulously camp. There were knowing nods, cheeky in-jokes, and plenty of perfectly delivered puns that had the audience howling with laughter throughout.
The return of the original “fab four” is, quite simply, aviation excellence. Their chemistry hasn’t just survived turbulence - it’s soaring.
Laughter, song and nostalgia ... The High Life is soaring good fun at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. Image - Tommy Ga Ken Wan
Alan Cumming leads the crew with effortless charm and mischief, clearly relishing every moment back in uniform. His performance is sharp, playful, and packed with the kind of charisma that reminds you exactly why he’s such a beloved international star.
Alongside him the rest of the gang, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond, and Patrick Ryecart deliver utterly dazzling, sky-high performances – each one landing punchlines with first-class precision and serving up a cabin full of camp, charisma, and comedic altitude.
Together, they’re a perfectly coordinated crew, flying high on wit, timing, and that unmistakable High Life sparkle.
What makes this flight extra special, though, is not the tea or coffee but the extended crew of brilliant Scottish talent who help bring the whole production in for a flawless crash landing in the Lower Largo triangle.
The ensemble lean fully into the cabin crew chaos - serving up big vocals, high-energy choreography, and a generous helping of camp. Every musical number feels like an in-flight announcement you didn’t know you needed, equal parts ridiculous and rousing.
Punchlines land with precision in The High Life at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. Image - Tommy Ga Ken Wan
Visually, the production is a delight - bold, bright, and unapologetically over-the-top. The costumes alone deserve their own round of applause, from perfectly tailored uniforms to gloriously absurd touches that keep the tone sky-high.
It’s clear this is a show that knows exactly what it is , but also not quite sure of where its going - and invites the audience to come along for the ride.
At its heart, this is more than just a nostalgic revival - it’s a full-throttle celebration of Scottish humour, theatrical flair, and the enduring appeal of these iconic characters.
And as for the countless cleverly written lines and knowing references? Not a chance I’m giving those away in this review - consider them premium in-flight entertainment you’ll just have to experience for yourself.
The ensemble cast is simply stunning in The High Life at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. Image - Tommy Ga Ken Wan
Whether you’re a longtime passenger of Air Scotia or boarding for the very first time, you'll adore this sky-high seriously hilarious stage show and it’s definitely one journey you won’t want to miss.
Oh and I’m already on standby to see which local destination Alan selects for his “Saturday Night On Broadway” broadcast.
Surely Aberdeen’s very own Hollywood-style sign would make a first-class backdrop for our home-grown superstar? After all the gardens are a perfect place for a wee strut with Lala and a final flourish before the crew take-off to their next location!
The High Life is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday, April 18. You can find more information and tickets at Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Musical numbers are a perfect blend of ridiculous and rousing in The High Life at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. Image - Tommy Ga Ken Wan