Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Pygmalion: 15 March, His Majesty's Theatre, 2.30 and 7.30pm

Alistair McGowan leads this major production of Bernard Shaw's enduring exploration of gender and class.

Fiji, Scotland and the Making of Empire: Throughout the End of March, King's Museum

Artifacts displaying the connections between Northern Scotland the South Pacific.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland: Throughout the End of March, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Potentially the longest tapestry in the world (beating the Kieskamma tapestry in the South African parliament by a cool 23 meters), the artwork has been worked on by people from all across the country since 2012. It tells the story of Scotland's history from the formation of the land in the prehistoric era to the re-convention of the Scottish Parliament in 1998, in 160 panels and 143 meters of stitching.

Journey to Gothenburgh: 20-22 March, Arts Centre & Theatre Aberdeen, 7.30pm

Quids In Theatre Company present Rob Robertson's original play about a group of football fans who travel to Gothenburg to see Aberdeen Football Club beat Real Madrid and claim the 1983 European Cup Winner's Cup.

The Amateur Eye: Photographs of 1930s Aberdeen: Throughout the End of March, Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Previously unseen photographs taken by chemistry teacher and talented amateur photographer, Martin F Bailey, around Aberdeen in the 1930s.

Anthony Schrag: Throughout the End of March, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Work by an artist who specializes in work that doesn't necessarily look like art at all; for a public commission in Hoxton, London, he got the locals to play an unwinnable (but still losable) game of five-a-side tug of war.

Politics with a Punch--Modern Satirical Cartoon: Throughout the End of March, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Display of satirical cartoons by Ralph Steadman, David Low, Martin Rowson and Steve Bell with topics ranging from Thatcher to Hitler.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Jazz on the Green: 16 March, Various Venues

The best of the fest play outdoors in a relaxed showcase of swing, dixieland, funk, blues and bop.

Blazin' Fiddles: 18 March, The Lemon Tree, 8.30pm

They've been called 'the Led Zeppelin of the folk world' and 'the U2 of their genre'. Blazin' Fiddles are six extraordinary folk musicians at the peak of their powers.

The Edinburgh Quartet: 20 March, The Cowdray Hall, 12.45pm

Scotland's premier string quartet was founded in 1960 and maintains close relationships with composers all over the UK, as well as playing dozens of concerts a year in venues all over the country.

The New Distillery Ceilidh Band: 21 March, Music Hall, 8pm

Lively ceilidh with local band the New Distillery Ceilidh Band.

Aberdeen Music Centre Spring Concerts: 22-23 March, Music Hall, Varying Times

A showcase event featuring young musicians from all over Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeen Choral Society with Grampian Sinfonia: 25 March, Music Hall, 7.30pm

A performance of Dvořák’s Requiem.

Annie: 26-29 March, His Majesty's Theatre, 2.30 or 7.30pm

Join orphaned Annie as she sings through her hard knock life and attempts to find a family.

Rich Hall: 31 March, Music Hall, 8pm

The latest musings from the deadpan grouch, star of ridiculous amount of stuff on the tellybox and a favourite at the Fringe each year.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Aberdeen Jazz Festival: 15-16 March, Various Venues

A host of musicians and performers descends on the Granite City for a few days of jazz and blues, with everything from workshops and jamming sessions, to chilled out gigs on the green and late night sessions. Confirmed for 2014 are Swedish drummer Magnus Ostrom and the great Jack Bruce.

Aberdeen Park Run: 15, 22 and 29 March, Beach Esplanade, 9.30am

An informal weekly 5k run along the Beach Esplanade. Everyone is welcome, no matter how fast or slow (you're welcome to walk the route, bring your dog or push a buggy), so you can use it as a one-off fitness test, a chance to get some fresh air or come every week to try to beat your personal best time.