Lanarkshire theatre group Ups and Downs celebrate Pride of Scotland award
A much-loved Lanarkshire theatre company is celebrating after earning a prestigious Pride of Scotland award.
Ups and Downs, made up of young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings, was awarded the inaugural inspiration category prize sponsored by P&O Cruises at the glittering annual awards ceremony in Glasgow – where members then 'stole the show' with their impressive rendition of The Greatest Showman hit This Is Me.
The group's representatives were given a standing ovation from a capacity audience packed with celebrities from across Scotland as they received their glittering trophy from Coronation Street actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan and Wellerman singer Nathan Evans, of Airdrie.
Now the group is planning a special celebration at Hamilton racecourse later this month to mark their achievement and to be able to celebrate with all of the organisation's members and families.
Ups and Downs are celebrating the group's 30th anniversary in 2025, staging their special annual show to mark the milestone at Hamilton town house in March.
They also have an exciting engagement in the diary for later in the year, as group patron Calum Beattie has invited the Ups and Downs performers to join him on stage by opening for him at his forthcoming show at the Hydro in Glasgow.
Guests at the Pride of Scotland awards ceremony saw a special video showcasing the group's busy and fun rehearsals, with performers and their families speaking about the close-knit atmosphere, support among members and their loved ones and 'joyful' times together – with long-standing member Joanne Toner saying: 'I treat my Ups and Downs peers as family.'
The group was first formed by three music teachers who had noted recognised that young people with Down's syndrome in the schools where they worked had a particular musicality and love for theatre; and now more than 70 young people plus their siblings come together for weekly rehearsals to show their creative talents and get set for their much-anticipated annual shows.
Winning members were interviewed on stage at the awards event in Glasgow by Scots stars Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli – and group member Ellis Leggatt, 26, told them: 'Ups and Downs have been the most amazing friends of mine for 20 years and it's been so much fun.'
He has been involved with the group since the age of five and mum Lorna, who now serves as club president, added: 'Rehearsals are the most uplifting thing and when you come to see the show it is the best feelgood factor you could hope to have.
'The joy that Ups and Downs are capable of spreading, and the idea that the rest of Scotland can get to hear about us and we can spread that joy, is just incredible.
'Young people with Down's syndrome can be funny, frail, musical, mischievous, wilful and witty just like everyone else. They're individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams and, above all, they love to sing and dance – Ups and Downs allows them to show off their passion and they thrive on it.'
The inspiration award winners' performance of This Is Me at the awards ceremony was described as 'spellbinding' and , fittingly, 'one of the most uplifting moments of the night'; while Lanarkshire musician Nathan said: 'When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps.'
Calling Ups and Downs 'amazing', he added: 'They are pure joy to watch; I had a lump in my throat. Their enthusiasm and passion is absolutely incredible.'
Actor Liam said he was 'so honoured' to present the group with their Pride of Scotland award, while Dr Punam told members: 'Words that come to me are talent, heart, sparkle, joy – you are all so inspiraitonal. You've been lighting up the stage, lighting up lives and Scotland is so proud of all of you.'
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