logo
Overgate busker swaps street for stage as he lands Dundee Rep role

Overgate busker swaps street for stage as he lands Dundee Rep role

The Courier10-06-2025
Dundee busker Spencer Shek is known for his soulful covers of classic ballads outside the city's Overgate.
Shoppers and city centre residents may be familiar with Spencer's crowd-pleasing renditions of everything My Way by Frank Sinatra to Perfect by Ed Sheeran.
But this week, the velvet-voiced singer will swap his streetside serenades for a stint on the stage at Dundee Rep in an upcoming Dundee Youth Music Theatre production.
'Chess' is a Cold War musical with music written by Abba's own Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Spencer is set to star as Freddie Trumper, a cocky chess grandmaster from the United States whose takes on his Soviet rival in a battle of wills, values and politics.
For Dundee University law student Spencer, singing on stage is the dream.
But he credits his busking days with giving him the confidence to pursue it.
'I originally started busking in Glasgow when I was 18 and fell in love with it,' says Spencer, 26, who is originally from Kilwinning.
'I was unsure of what busking would be like in Dundee after I moved here for university, but the public here are so lovely and welcoming of me and my music.'
The popularity of his city centre performances has secured Spencer several wedding singer gigs, as well as performances at community events and special birthdays.
'My favourite moments are when I get to sing someone down the aisle,' smiles Spencer.
'I'm just in disbelief that someone would want me to sing them down on such as special occasion. I get emotional.'
He recently joined the Dundee Youth Music Theatre and has thrown himself into the group.
'I've quickly bonded with everyone,' he says. 'We have such a talented cast and I'm incredibly privileged to be working with everyone there.'
Spencer's big plan after university is to make it in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, or perform on the West End or Broadway.
But the shrewd soon-to-be graduate is well aware of 'just how hard it is to make it in the music industry', which is why he's been working towards his law diploma since moving to Dundee.
'If it wasn't to work out, at least I still have my degree that I can use for a job that I very much take an interest in,' he says.
'But hopefully the music works out. Fingers crossed – that's the absolute dream for me.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

This Is M&S' Most-Awaited Dress Ever – And It's Already Selling Fast
This Is M&S' Most-Awaited Dress Ever – And It's Already Selling Fast

Graziadaily

time2 hours ago

  • Graziadaily

This Is M&S' Most-Awaited Dress Ever – And It's Already Selling Fast

It was back in 2022 that Valentino debuted a saturated pink catwalk filled with bright pink monochromatic looks, and in one fell swoop, laid the groundwork for how we wear (and style) the saccharine shade. Then in 2023, Greta Gerwig's Barbie brought the colour off the runway on everyone from Margot Robbie and Zendaya on the red carpets to our favourite influencers and fashion editors around the city. Fast forward to now, and the playful shade hasn't exactly lost its hype. So, when Marks & Spencer quietly launched its Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress last week – a dress that I'm certain would've had a cameo in the Barbie movie if it had been released two years earlier – I knew it was a style I needed to get my hands on. M&S' pink marvel isn't just interesting because of its colour, either, even if the search for 'Marks and Spencer pink dress' is up by 180% this month. The dress has a double-belted waist that creates definition without feeling too tight, and the midaxi hemline offers that in-between length that just works with almost any shoe. Still, it was the colour of the dress that originally caught our attention, as the pink is bright enough to make a statement yet somehow feels subtle. For those who prefer something more understated, the dress is also available in black, which is a timeless option that only draws even more attention to the frock's chic silhouette. M&S, Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress - Medium Pink M&S' Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress has everything you'd want from the perfect pink dress. Designed in a flattering regular fit, the dress features a simple rounded neck, as well as a double-belt cinched waist detailing around the middle. If you do want to get your hands on the dress, you're going to have to act fast, as some sizes are already sold out. Naturally, the pink iteration lends itself to a more playful way of styling, whether you choose to pair it with a neutral kitten heel or go all out with metallic accessories. Pink might get a bad rep, but it's actually easier to style than you might first think, particularly if you're a sucker for a black accessory, or tan sandals. The black version would suit a more laid-back way of dressing – for example, with ankle boots and a trench coat when the temperature drops, or with strappy sandals and a raffia tote in the summer. M&S has long been teasing its Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress on Instagram and showcasing it in stores for weeks – long enough for the Grazia desk to (somewhat heavily) speculate about its online release date. Now that it's finally here, it's proving to be incredibly popular, with multiple sizes of the dress already sold out, and we can see why. In pink, it's a reminder that a pop of colour can still be chic, and in black, it's a masterclass in timeless dressing. My advice? This isn't a wait-until-payday purchase, it's a secure-before-your-size-vanishes purchase (don't learn this the hard way). M&S, Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress - Black M&S' highly-awaited dress is also available in a versatile black colour. With the same round neck and double-belted detailing, style with a pair of white socks and black chunky loafers, or with a pair of Havaianas. Free People, Marbella Midi Free People's pink dress is more bubblegum pink than Barbie pink, but it's still just as sweet. Designed with retro-inspired charm, its Marbella Midi dress features a corset-esque bodice, A-line skirt and striped jacquard fabrication. House of CB, Cindy Cut-Out Woven Midi Dress House of CB also hopped on the pink trend with its Cindy dress. With a fitted bodice and straight neckline, as well as a full skirt, it's similar to the M&S style, and comes in an aptly named shade 'ballerina pink.' Nobody's Child, Sleeveless Starlight Midi Dress The Nobody's Child take on a pink midi dress is in a lighter baby pink and is finished with glorious details, like two side pockets, a buttoned-down front and a V-neck. Finish the look with fuchsia accessories for a pop of colour, or tan sandals. Revolve, Mirelle Linen Maxi Dress Price: $219 Revolve's pink offering comes in the form of its Mirelle dress. Made from a comfortable linen-cotton blend, the dress features a partially-lined bodice, self-tie shoulder straps and back zipper closure. It's most definitely a dress you can wear to a wedding, but also to a garden or dinner party too. ASOS Design, Sleeveless Drop Waist Maxi Dress Price: $45 ASOS' pink midi dress is a good one if you're on the hunt for a dress that can do it all. Heading to a wedding? Style with heels and a clutch bag. Off to dinner? Pair with ballet flats and chunky bangles. Or on your way into the office? Throw a boxy tee over the top and a pair of loafers. Main image credit: Instagram/@junabanda_ @catlpatterson Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.

Grant Forrest opens up on 'surreal' Donald Trump phone call and his 'rock' during struggle
Grant Forrest opens up on 'surreal' Donald Trump phone call and his 'rock' during struggle

Scotsman

time8 hours ago

  • Scotsman

Grant Forrest opens up on 'surreal' Donald Trump phone call and his 'rock' during struggle

Scot says return to winning ways in Nexo Championship was reminder about how 'crazy golf is' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Grant Forrest may have been personally congratulated by the 47th president of the United States after winning the Nexo Championship on Sunday, but it wasn't Donald Trump who was responsible for a narrative that could be termed as 'Make Grant Great Again'. Yes, it was at Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie in Aberdeenshire where the 32-year-old returned to winning ways, landing a second DP World Tour triumph four years and two days after securing his breakthrough victory in the Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And, yes, he's now a life member at the venue, which was afforded him by Trump in addition to picking up a top prize worth $467,500, as well as a $10,000 bonus for setting a course-record with his six-under-par 66 in the second round. Grant Forrest shows off the Nexo Championship trophy as he celebrates his second DP World Tour win with wife Christy and son Spencer at Trump International Golf Links |As he was speaking to this correspondent and a fellow Scottish golf scribe, Forrest was suddenly whisked away as someone mentioned he had to go and 'take a call' and it was no surprise that it subsequently emerged on social media that it was from Trump. Out playing golf himself at Trump International in Washington DC, the US president said he'd 'watched' the event and described Forrest as 'some player'. He added that 'I look forward to playing with him…in fact I will play with him tomorrow if he can get on a plane'. Earlier in his life, Forrest might just have been tempted to do that, especially after having a spell at university in San Diego, but not now. Not with a wife and young child and, boy, was it appropriate that Christy and nine-month-old Spencer joined Forrest on the 18th green after he'd holed the winning put and celebrated with a joyous roar. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'She's amazing. She's my rock,' said Forrest of his wife, who is a trained nurse and has a demeanour that has clearly played a part in him pulling off a win that has transformed his current season and could be the launchpad for bigger and better things over the next few years. 'As golfers, we are probably a lot more up and down than most people and I am certainly more up and down than she is. She has such a great level head and she is the mum as well to Spencer. When things are tough, that's when you have to lean on your partner and she is absolutely the best at that. I am very lucky to have her.' $200,000 bonus teed up in DP World Tour's Closing Swing On the back of his four-shot success, Forrest has gone from a position where he was fighting to retain his DP World Tour card to sitting 28th - a climb of 85 spots - in the Race to Dubai. He's now on course to make the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and leads the Closing Swing, the winner of which secures entry into all events on the Back 9 and a $200,000 bonus, with one event to go. Yet, at the end of the BMW International Open in Munich at the beginning of July, the East Lothian-based player was in a real downbeat mood, declaring: 'My golf is just not there just now.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was a timely confidence boost, therefore, when he finished just outside the top 20 in the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, where he is attached, and, over four challenging days in the North-East, Forrest certainly showed that, on his day, he's got an all-round game that would stand him good stead on the biggest stages in the sport. 'Yeah, I know,' he said, smiling, in reply to being asked if he could believe he'd have been in a position to pick up a trophy in such a short space of time. 'I'd not had the best of seasons and it is just a reminder how crazy this game is and how quickly things can turn around. When you are going through something like that, it feels a lot further away than it actually is. But sometimes you just need something to spark it or flip the switch. Those three weeks after the Scottish Open, I managed to get some good work done. Grant Forrest celebrates his second DP World Tour win with family and friends at Trump International Golf Links |'I also went down to Woburn and spent a day there with Titleist and we made a few tweaks to the equipment. You always think it is you when you are struggling, but there were some gains to be made with the equipment side and it has definitely made a big difference this week, especially in these conditions.' The weekend win, which came with a new caddie, Shane O'Connell, on the bag, catapulted him from 294th to 168th in the Official World Golf Ranking, having been a career-best 134th in the global standings early last year. He finished 36th in the Race to Dubai after his first Scottish success in 2021 before slipping to 96th the following season, but, on the back of a bigger second victory on home soil, it would be no surprise if he really kicked on. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Yeah, I mean it is tough to win out here,' he replied to being asked what he could learn from the period after the Hero Open. 'You forget that you do it once and you think you should do it again straight away or the next year. But it's not that easy. A lot of things have to fall into place to win. You have 150-odd guys every week that you need to beat and golf is such a fickle game. 'Biggest cheque I've picked up in my career' 'A bounce here and there and I had a couple go my way last week. That can be the difference. It's just trying to remind yourself that, while it is not easy to win, it is more about trying to put yourself in that position.' As he'll be aiming to do again in next week's Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry but, for the time being, he deserves to savour this success. 'It is the biggest cheque I've picked up in my career and a week like this is what you do it for,' he declared. As for his phone call from Trump, Forrest admitted: 'It was a bit of a whirlwind to find out I was doing it. Obviously quite surreal. You are speaking to the president of the US and how many US presidents own a Scottish golf course?'

Vicky Pattison's 'Bond girl' tummy-control swimsuit has a hidden meaningful detail
Vicky Pattison's 'Bond girl' tummy-control swimsuit has a hidden meaningful detail

Daily Mirror

time2 days ago

  • Daily Mirror

Vicky Pattison's 'Bond girl' tummy-control swimsuit has a hidden meaningful detail

Vicky Pattison is fresh off her trip to Iceland and has been hailed as giving 'bond girl vibes' by fans for her flattering tummy-control swimsuit which hides a meaningful detail After taking part in the amazing Coppafeel trek across Iceland last month, Vicky Pattison opted to spend a few more days resting and relaxing in Reykjavik before heading home. During her trip she shared plenty of pics, with one in particular catching the attention of fans. Posing in one of the country's famous lagoons, one fan commented 'Bond girl vibes' on the snap of her emerging from the water, whilst others asked for details of her swimwear. Thankfully for those looking to create their own Bond girl moment, we've tracked down Vicky's exact swimsuit and it's still available in all sizes. In the photo, Vicky was wearing Next's Zipped Shaping Tummy Control Swimsuit, which you can still pick up for £40 in sizes six to 24. The swimsuit has tummy control mesh which helps to sculpt and support your body, with high cut legs and scoop neckline for a flattering fit. The non-wired design has fully removable pads in the chest, but this hasn't just been done for a case of personal preference or easy washing. The internal chest pockets are extra wide to allow those who've had a mastectomy to insert their own prosthesis if they prefer, or adjust the cups to fit the shape that feels most comfortable for them. Considering Vicky's Coppafeel trek was to raise money and support for those struggling with breast cancer, it was the perfect choice of swimsuit for the occasion. Of course Next isn't the only place you can pick up swimsuits with these design features in mind. At Marks & Spencer, the Post surgery Tummy Control Belted Swimsuit is £35 and features both a tummy control panel and non-wired padded cups for added comfort. The dual pockets are also specially built-in to allow your prosthesis room, with added stretch to keep everything feeling secure. At Land's End, the Grecian V-neck Slender Swimsuit, £85, also features a soft cup bra with prosthesis pockets and is made from a high-compression material to hold everything in place and make you feel comfortable. If you want a little less compression, it's worth sizing up. However Vicky's Zipped Shaping Tummy Control Swimsuit from Next is also available in a choice of three different colours. Her ecru version, which features black piping around the edges and a contrasting black zipper, was perfect for nailing the Bond girl vibe. You can also pick it up in other colours, including khaki green with black trim and zip details, or bright pink with bold red piping and zip for a more colourful, playful look. Shoppers have also praised it, with one saying: 'Good design and nice colour. I ordered a size bigger than usual as there was a note on the description to say this is a smaller fit than usual. I didn't find that to be the case and so returned it for the next size down- which is fine!' Another added: 'I love the colour and style. Didn't realise it was 'tummy control', feels pretty normal to me. The pads in cups move around which is annoying, I suppose that's in case you want to take them out but as a result they need rearranging after wearing / rinsing etc Good cut, good fit, nice style. Am pleased with it and it was a reasonable price so overall would recommend.' There's only one review not giving it a full five stars, which simply says: 'Is a nice swimsuit.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store