Publicity
For mony Aiberdonians, e’en those fa hiv niver seen a performance o’ the Student Show, the picters fae the Show’s souvenir programmes an’ posters is weel kent. Designs fae the mair recent show programmes are affa bonny, makin’ them mugic fur promotin’ the show, as weel as celebrating it.
For many Aberdonians, even those who’ve never seen a performance of the Student Show, the imagery from the Show’s souvenir programmes and posters is instantly recognisable. Designs from the more recent show programmes are particularly colourful and inventive, making them excellent for promoting the show, as well as celebrating it.
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Gifted artists and editors on the Souvenir Committee design, illustrate, secure advertising for and organise the printing of the Student Show souvenir programmes and posters. One such person was Sandy Cheyne, who used his artistic skills to create caricatures of the cast for a number of programmes in the 1950s.
April Showers souvenir programme caricatures
Alma Mania souvenir programme caricatures
April Showers souvenir programme p.24-25
Designs for programmes and posters are often hand-drawn and go through multiple drafts before going to print.
Hand drawn artwork for Boomtown
Boomtown souvenir programme cover, 1992
Hand drawn draft artwork for Alas Poor Doric
Alas Poor Doric programme cover, 1994
Over the years, the Show's publicity material has developed in line with the design trends and fashions of each era.
Take a look at a selection of posters and programme covers from the 1920s to the present day.
Northern Lights poster, 1929
Caravanella HMT programme cover, 1935
Beating Time programme cover, 1938
Watch Your Step programme cover, 1940
Nuts in April programme cover, 1943
Marischal Moments programme cover, 1944
Hitting Back programme cover, 1949
Easter Fare programme cover, 1952
College Bounds programme cover, 1957
Rage of Kings programme cover, 1961
Jest a Minute programme cover, 1967
Half Cs Over programme cover, 1970
Fit Next programme cover, 1974
Fits On programme cover, 1982
Home Run programme cover, 1983
Fresh Heir programme cover, 1989
N.E. Man and the Burgers of Doom poster, 1991
The Sound of Mastrick programme cover, 1995
The Good, the Bad and the Buttery poster, 1996
A Midstocket Nights Scream programme cover, 2002
An American in Powis poster, 2003
Yokel Hero programme cover, 2006
Date Expectations programme cover, 2008
Sleepless in Seaton poster, 2011
Courting Controversy
Getting the word out about Student Show isn't done through colourful posters alone. In 1967 John Duffus, that year's Administrator, found another way of drumming up publicity...