Young East Kilbride performers dazzled on stage at the long-awaited return of the extravaganza Movies to Musicals .
After two years of silence for the arts, charity Glasgow Philharmonia SCIO were back and stars-in the making, Katie Francis who attends Calderglen High and EK teen, Anna Haughey, 16, joined a star-studded cast at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline last month.
This is 12-year-old Katie's third year as part of the shows kids' cast - previously rubbing shoulders with Steps star Faye Tozer who appeared in an earlier production.
The young performers tread the boards alongside Eastenders, Cats and La Cage aux Folles star, John Partridge, and had the opportunity to bring their talents to the forefront.
Movies to Musicals previously held sell-out shows at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall before Covid struck, but is back bigger and better than ever before.
This all singing, all dancing theatrical show brought audiences a night of top musicals and movies soundtracks performed by a live orchestra, kids cast, musical theatre cast and artists from London’s West End.
As well as welcoming BBC Celebrity MasterChef winner and Eastenders star, John Partridge, who has stepped in with a month to go to replace X Factor star Niki Evans there were performances from Les Miserables and Light in the Piazza’s Rob Houchen and Jade Davies, known for her roles in Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Talented Katie, who lives in Blantyre, told Lanarkshire Live : “I joined Movies to Musicals as part of the 2020 cast making this my third year.
"At first I was really shy but over my time at Movies to Musicals , its helped me grow in confidence and I’ve made lost of new life-long friends that share my passion.
“I've had loads of amazing opportunities and despite lockdown they still kept the opportunities coming including getting to sing with West End professionals.
"I feel this show was one of the best and I cant wait to see what 2022 brings.”
And 16-year-old Anna told us : "I have loved being a part of Movies to Musicals . It’s such an amazing opportunity and I’m so excited to be able to perform on stage again."
The show is set to go on tour later in the year, including to East Kilbride Village Theatre on September 24, with tickets still available from the box office.
Producer of Movies to Musicals Ross Gunning said: "I am absolutely delighted that John agreed to do Movies to Musicals this year, sharing the stage with our incredibly talented young performers.
“After a difficult time for the arts industry, it was lovely to be back, and this time at our new venue of the Alhambra Theatre."
Glasgow Philharmonia SCIO are a registered charity, who give young performers opportunities to perform free of charge.
For the successful members of the kids cast and musical theatre cast, they attended a residential course at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre in Dunoon in February, where they had intense rehearsals ahead of the big shows.
And there is a Crowdfunding page to help raise cash to continue to support young performers through Glasgow Philharmonia SCIO and Movies to Musicals for anyone who would like to support the cause.
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