30 Years of Ups and Downs

This production was a celebration of 30 years of shows presented by the Ups and Downs Theatre Group which showcased the talents of members of the club ranging from those just starting out to seven of the original cast members – what an amazing achievement!  Having been associated with the group for in excess of 20 years, it is wonderful to see cast members develop their confidence and performing skills, entertaining audiences with such enthusiasm. Following a welcome from Bronte Cairns, Catherine Kennedy, Judith Abubaker, Liam Hughes and Lindsay Hughes, Act One got off the ground with the cast dressed in vibrant coloured costumes with plenty sparkle, looking back at 30 years of many well-known Number 1 hits. There were many musical moments throughout but particular highlights for me included ‘No Matter What’ (Soloists - Alastair McIntosh and Liam Hughes, with dancers Lindsay Hughes and David Stark); ‘Uptown Girl (Dancers - Abbie Priestman, Jacqueline Mackie, Lucy Burns and Samantha Pirie); ‘Light My Fire’ (Soloist - Andrew Pirie); ‘Spirit In The Sky’; (Soloists - Joanne Toner, Lindsay Hughes and Teighan McLean); ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ (Soloists - Stacy Main, Eve O’Neill and Margaret Caven); ‘500 Miles’ ( Soloists - Charlie Moffat, Ethan Rowan, Graeme Henderson and Paul Fraser) and ‘Mercy’ (Soloist - Judith Abubaker).  Patron Callum Beattie engaged well with the cast in solos including ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Wake Me Up’ and ‘Wellerman’. The act closed with the number ‘I’ve Got The Music In Me’, which the company had in bucket loads.  Act Two took us into the world of ‘Teeny Shop of Terrors’, telling the story of the florist who finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant human-eating plant who demands to be fed. The cast included Narrators - Paul Fraser and Joanne Toner; Seymour the humble florist - Ellis Leggatt; Audrey, Seymour’s secret love – Sophie Skilling; Audrey II, the orchid plant - Melisa Keskin; Mrs Mushnick florist shop owner – Nel Grady; Dentist – Andrew Pirie with assistants David Stark and Keiran Quinn; Dobbies Worker - Katelyn McCluskey; Paparazzi – Susan Bowden, Taylor Milligan, Ethan Rowan, Millie Thorburn and Customers - Stacy Main, Angela Clemente, Eve O’Neil, Teighan McLean, Shannon Jordan, Graham Hughes, Judith Abubaker, Sean Crawford and Margaret Caven. All performed well in acting out the story. I commend the entire company in their enthusiasm, the costume team in making and sourcing such colourful costumes and the production team in pulling this production together. ‘The noblest of art is that of making others happy’ (PT Barnum) and it has to be said that the cast of this production certainly achieved this from the response provided from the audience.

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