Theatre group receive cash boost

Mar 3 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A LANARKSHIRE-based theatre group this week received a welcome cash boost.

The Ups and Downs Theatre Group, with members from all over the county, picked up a £1000 cheque from staff at McDonald’s restaurant at Hamilton Palace Grounds.

The group were set up in 1995 to provide a fun and creative outlet for young people with Down’s Syndrome and their brothers and sisters, through the medium of dance and drama.

This week, they received a cheque from staff at the restaurant who each year fund-raise for the group.

The cash will go towards replacing stock, props, scenery and costumes which were destroyed during last year’s extreme weather.

Lorna Leggatt, president of the club, said: “It has been a particularly difficult year for us, as we were unfortunately victims of the extreme winter weather when overhead pipes burst in our storage unit at the turn of the year, destroying our entire stock of 16 years’ worth of props, scenery and costumes.

“So it has been all hands to the pump in order to costume the entire cast in time. We are extremely grateful to so many local people and business that have shown their support to the club.”

The group are set to perform their 2011 show in Hamilton Town House from March 7-12 (no performance on Wednesday).

The show, “Take 16”, is described as the usual a delectable feast of wit, fun and jaunty songs, and gives the remarkable cast members the opportunity to show the positive face of disability.

Lorna added: “We have now grown, not only in numbers (now having over 70 cast members), but also in quality of performance, as 2009 saw us scoop the much coveted National Operatic and Dramatic Association presidential cup, which is awarded to the most outstanding show throughout the UK.

“It’s the first time in its 83-year history, the cup has been brought to Scotland.”

Tickets for “Take 16” are priced at £8/£10 are available from the Town House on 01698 452299 or Doreen Barclay 01698 296292.