Ups and Downs Theatre Group perform at Hamilton Town House

Mar 10 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

Ups and Downs Theatre Group perform at Hamilton Town House

YOUNGSTERS from the Lanarkshire-based Ups and Downs Theatre group took to the stage on Monday to perform at Hamilton Town House.

The group performed their 2011 show Take 16, which finishes at the Town House this Saturday

The show is a feast of wit, fun and song, and gives the Ups and Down cast members the opportunity to show the positive face of disability.

The first act is a revue show with three themes – ‘What’s in a Name?’, ‘Children in Musicals’, and ‘About America’.

The second act sees the cast perform their very own adaptation of Pygmalion entitled ‘My Fair Lassie’, set in modern day Lanarkshire.

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

Lorna Leggatt, president of the club, said: “We have now grown, not only in numbers to having over 70 cast members, but also in quality of performance.

“The year 2009 saw us scoop the National Operatic and Dramatic Association presidential cup, which is awarded to the Uk’s most outstanding show.

“It was the first time a Scottish theatre group had won the award in its 83-year history.”

Tickets for the show, which runs until March 12, are £8 and £10 and are available from the Town House on 01698 452299 or Doreen Barclay on 01698 296292.