Scots singer-songwriter Callum Beattie hails Ups And Downs Theatre Group

Daily Record

12-05-2025

The charity group have been nominated this year's Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards.
Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie has hailed Hamilton-based Ups And Downs Theatre Group as 'superstars' after their nomination for this year's Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards.
Beattie is patron of the parent-led charity dedicated to young people with Down's syndrome and their families, which takes its members from all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
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The group performed a memorable week-long show at Hamilton Town House to mark their 30th anniversary, performances which led to them being shortlisted in a new category at the prestigious awards - the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.
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It honours a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome, adversity – and Beattie, who was a guest performer on each of the five nights, insists the nomination is well deserved.
'Being a patron of Ups And Downs (along with my manager Dave) is one of the greatest honours of my life,' he said. 'Spending time with the cast is the best thing we do every year. They are all absolute superstars.
'I'm delighted to hear of their nomination. It's well deserved as they really are an inspiration to so many.'
The Ups And Downs annual performance is always memorable but this year's week-long showcase was extra-special as the significant milestone was marked, with pupils from nearby Hamilton College playing a role in making the event a success.
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Ably assisted by singers from the school on three of the five nights, the theatre group performed a selection of No. 1 hits from the past 30 years before the cast wowed the audience with their production of a Teeny Shop of Terrors, based on the musical Little Shop of Horrors.
Hamilton College has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the local charity, doing whatever it can to help over the years. Former head of science Shelda Pirie is currently a board member and said: 'Following the success of our 30th anniversary show, we are extremely proud to have been nominated for the Pride of Scotland Inspiration award this year.
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'Hamilton College has generously supported the Ups and Downs Theatre Group for over 15 years and we truly believe the support we received this year played an important part in our recognition.
'The involvement of the singers from Hamilton College added significant value to the overall sound on the night, enhancing both the volume and clarity on stage. Their contribution was key in helping us deliver such a memorable and professional show. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hamilton College pupils who volunteered their time during show week to sell programmes and raffle tickets. Their assistance was a great help and contributed to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the week.'
The awards, which have been running since 2019, celebrate Scots who are transforming the lives of the people around them, and will again be hosted in Glasgow next month by Sanjeev Kohli and Elaine C Smith, with Sanjeev saying: 'When I get asked to sum up the Pride of Scotland winners each year, the first word that always springs to mind is 'inspirational' and I just know this year will be no exception.'
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