'Take 19'

I was thrilled that my first official duty as the new Youth Advisor for Scotland, was to accept the kind invitation of President Angela Jack and Region 5 Rep David Black, to see Ups and Downs musical review “Take 19” in Hamilton Town House. I would like to thank the club’s President Angela Jack and her Front of House team for their very warm welcome and hospitality. To quote a line from one of the songs within the review, “when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you”, and this could not be truer said of the evening. The infectious energy, enthusiasm, excitement and smiles from the entire cast, had me in turn smiling and laughing from start to finish. With such a diverse programme, each differing style of number was handled superbly. We started off with the roaring twenties, then through a selection of James Bond songs with the cast in fine 007 secret agent style, and ending with some of the clubs favourite musical numbers. Throughout each song, the talent, from each and every member, was marvellous and consistently high. There were also some very lively intermission performances from the club’s patron Ed Reid which the audience and cast alike enjoyed. I would not be able to differentiate particular numbers as favourites due to the performance level throughout consistently high, but a personal highlight for me that had me singing along and dancing in my seat was The Ugly Bug Ball. It was also so encouraging to see the support shown from within the cast of each other. It was so heart-warming to see the cast high-five, applaud, smile and cheer when some performers came forward to present solos. In order to present such a fantastic show like this, the cast and club are exceptionally lucky to be in the safe hands of Director Maureen Anderson, Musical Director David Black and his band, along with a supporting back stage team. Everything about the show from scenery, costumes to the performances themselves just radiated happiness, and it really was a perfect way to brighten up a cold and dark March evening. Congratulations to Ups and Downs, one of the most inspirational performances I have had the pleasure to watch.

Thanks to Craig Inglis (Youth Advisor, NODA Scotland) for providing this report on behalf of David Black (Regional Rep District 5).

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