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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hamilton town centre welcomes thousands for summer gala
Singers, performers, market stalls and family fun took centre stage at the Summerfest event Thousands of visitors descended on Hamilton town centre to enjoy a host of performers, stalls and family attractions at the town's summer gala day. Organisers say they were 'blown away' by the success of the event, which transformed Quarry Street into a busy outdoor market and entertainment space for the day. The successful event is part of the month-long Summerfest being run by business organisation Hamilton Our Town – and which continues this weekend with a pirate-themed family treasure trail on Saturday, July 26. Gala day visitors enjoyed performances from Abba and Ariana Grande tribute acts, singers Conner Wilson and Sisters of Soul plus favourites from The Greatest Showman, plus shows and street workshops from Glasgow Capoeira, dancers MLU Squad and visits from entertainers Steve Who, Walking Theatre Co, Think Circus, face painters and a balloon artist. The town's popular monthly market was in full swing with a range of stalls selling crafts, food and gifts, and seating and deckchairs along Quarry Street allowed visitors of all ages to enjoy performances centred around the historic bandstand. Hamilton Our Town described the summer gala as 'our busiest event of the year so far' – saying it brought an estimated 5000 extra visitors to the town centre on the day. Event organiser Malcolm Thomas-Harley said: 'We were blown away by the public response to our gala; the performers were top notch, as were the markets. 'It was fantastic to collaborate with local partners like Hamilton Information Project for Youth, Specsavers, and the Holiday and Flight Centre Hamilton, who provided free children's activities that added to the day's vibrant atmosphere. 'Summerfest is showcasing nearly 40 events and activities to help highlight everything our town centre has to offer and we encourage everyone to come into town, discover something new, spend locally and help us continue to grow a successful Hamilton.' Next in the busy town-centre programme is Saturday's treasure hunt, inviting families to search for hidden coins scattered across local shops and cafes for the chance to win the grand prize of a Nintendo Switch. Entry forms will be available from the bandstand on Quarry Street with the event running from 11.30am until 2.30pm. It will then be followed by the culmination of Summerfest with Pride South Lanarkshire taking place across Hamilton town centre on Saturday, August 2.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
All the world's a summer camp
There was a dissection going on in the director's lounge on the second floor of Theatre Aquarius. No blood. But by the end, a lot of guts. As in confidence. The seven teenage girls seated around music teacher Treasa Levasseur were working through the lyrics of 'This Is Me,' from the Broadway musical and film 'The Greatest Showman' (starring Hugh Jackman, Zendaya and Zac Efron), figuring out how to move from one section to another. Levasseur pushed a few keys on her phone and the music spit out from a powerful speaker on the ground by her keyboard. 'Everyone feeling good about their parts?' she asked. 'Not terrible,' one girl groaned. Teenagers. These teens were one of three groups of children participating in this year's Theatre Aquarius summer camp. Three programs are offered this year: Glee-atre, a weeklong song-acting-and-dance program; a weeklong comedic acting class based on commedia dell'arte; and a creation camp, where students write the songs and story for a musical, then act and direct it in two weeks. (You read that right.) As well, each of the programs is divided by age group. There are teens (14 to 17 years old), 'middles' (10 to 13 years old) and 'littles' (six to nine years old). Levasseur asked two girls to approach a microphone for their solos. They sang. She got them to do it again. And again. Each time, pushing: 'Can you repeat that with conviction?' 'Can you give me a Superman pose?' Speak the lyric, Levasseur asked: 'I am brave, I am bruised; I am who I'm meant to be: this is me.' 'What is the feeling under this lyric?' 'Confidence,' they answered in one voice. 'Can we dial up the confidence?' You could hear the volume in your feet. Camp starts the same each day, with a group circle of all the campers, teachers, volunteers and 'emerging leaders,' or junior teachers. Last Tuesday, the day started with a round of duck-duck-goose and what's known as the clapping game, where a camper claps at their neighbour, the neighbour 'receives' the clap and then repeats the move to their neighbour and on around the circle the clap goes. Such games are normal warm-ups for acting students, no matter what age. Then the kids break up into three areas of the theatre under the direction of three teachers: music with Levasseur in the lounge; dance with choreographer Katie Edwards in the Studio theatre; and acting, under the direction of Stacy Smith on Aquarius's main stage. Stacy Smith leads the 'middles' through a session on acting. Each session culminates in a showcase where the kids perform the songs they've worked on all week for family and friends. One recent morning, the 'littles' group, comprising 16 or so girls, performed stretching exercises under the direction of emerging leader Juaneta Noman. A butterfly exercise — seated with the soles of their sneakers touching and the knees bouncing up and down — turned into a discussion about pizza toppings. Faves: cheese and pepperoni. And then 'I only like mushrooms when they're on pizza.' Noman asked the girls what kind of animals populate the world of 'The Lion King.' Answers ranged from 'courageous lion' to 'farting warthog' and 'wise meerkat.' After each answer, they moved about the stage channelling that animal. Noman pointed out that there are ways for actors to 'be' an animal on stage without crawling on hands and knees: finding a characteristic of that animal and inhabiting that. A girl pointed out that sloths sleep all day, then lay on stage. Noman seemed completely unfazed by the easy distractions. To her, being a teaching assistant to Stacy Smith was a matter of creating a welcoming environment for the children, something Smith echoed. Being on stage acting can be scary, she said. Smith said she isn't so much interested in building their confidence to get on stage than in establishing 'safe spaces where we can create.' Theatre games open the door. Theatre Aquarius campers look over the lyrics to 'I Just Can't Wait to be King.' Because the culmination of this particular session, Glee-atre, was a song-and-dance showcase, Smith's acting class was designed around getting the student performers to inhabit the lyric. One of the lyrics from the middles' song — 'Try Everything' from the movie 'Zootopia' — says 'I mess up tonight, I lost another fight.' The question to the tweens was whether they should aim to interpret that lyric as a character in the film or relate to it personally. The answers were mixed, but soon enough Smith got her neophytes to understand that in musical theatre, as in any drama, you'll lose the audience if you can't convince them of the authenticity of the emotion. To do this, she had them break down lyrics into a set of emotions they could act out in what are called 'tableaux,' like a staged still life. 'I messed up tonight' and 'I lost another fight' became opportunities to physically know what a lyric meant. Then, each actor was required to perform a dramatic reading of the lyrics. 'Don't just say the text, but make it personal, to your own story.' Later, the 14 girls and two boys stood before their campmates acting out 'I messed up tonight, I lost another fight, I still mess up, but I'll just start again.' Acting like they meant it. Acting like there were no truer words in their still-young worlds. Openings for the single-week comedy acting camp and the two-week creation camp, July 21 to Aug. 1, remain. For other summer camps in the Hamilton area, check out or .
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
This outdoor cinema is a ‘great day out' and an ‘amazing value' school holiday activity
If you're looking for things to do with the kids during the school summer holidays, an outdoor cinema is a fun activity for all the family, and you can get tickets for four for under £60 With the school summer holidays looming, it's time to start planning for some great activities that'll keep the kids busy and having fun, not to mention give the adults some well earned enjoyment too. If you want to make the most of the sunshine, heading to an outdoor cinema is a unique and fun activity that lets you have all the fun of heading to the movies whilst still enjoying the warmer weather. With Red Letter Days, you can currently get your hands on four tickets to Adventure Cinema's Outdoor Cinema for £58.99, which works out at just £14.75 per person. Not to mention you can get an extra 10% off when you use the code EXP10, although this is a limited time offer so you'll need to be quick! The extra 10% off takes it to £53.10 for four people, or £13.27 per person, making it a great affordable day out for the family. Red Letter Days also offers a best price guarantee, which means you'll be paying the same if not less than booking directly with any of their experiences. The voucher is also valid for 12 months, so there's no pressure on when to use it, and it allows you to book the experience at any of Adventure Cinemas 56 locations across the UK. That means if you're away on a staycation and come across one of Adventure Cinema's Outdoor Cinemas, you can use it there, or you can simply wait until you have a free day during the holidays and use it then. The locations are scattered across the country from Plymouth to Dundee, so you should always be able to find one nearby. Although what's on will depend on which location you visit, there's always a whole host of family friendly films available. You can pick from classics, thrillers and action movies, and there's showings both during the day and in the evening. If you want a more typical cinema experience, you can also visit Virgin Experience Days, where there's offers on different cinema franchises for groups of all sizes. From luxury experiences where you'll get champagne or cocktails with your popcorn, to saving on a simple trip to the movies with popcorn and snacks, there's an experience for everyone. However, the beauty of Adventure Cinema's Outdoor Cinema is that you get to be outdoors, bring your own snacks and popcorn, throw down a picnic blanket and just enjoy your time together doing something a bit different and special. Red Letter Day shoppers have also praised the experience, with one saying: 'It was a lot of fun, the space was great and the quality of the film was fantastic. A great day out.' Another chimed in: 'Watched The Greatest Showman at the open air cinema which was great.' With a third adding: 'We got these tickets through red letter as they were overall £15 cheaper but unexpectedly we received VIP tickets which was amazing as we got prime front reserved deck chairs and a bag of popcorn each. So amazing value and we had a great evening out. Giving 4 stars as booking process is slightly convoluted!' The final review is also positive, saying: 'Bought as a birthday present. Code received really quickly and was able to book event easily.'
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire theatre group Ups and Downs celebrate Pride of Scotland award
The group for young people with Down's syndrome and their families earned the P&O Cruises inspiration award in their 30th anniversary year 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.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
See - Sada Elbalad
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ariana Grande, Josh Gad to Lead "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Animated Movie
Yara Sameh Ariana Grande and Josh Gad will lend their voices to the film adaptation of 'Oh, The Places You'll Go.' Based on the Dr. Seuss classic, the animated musical will be directed by 'Wicked' filmmaker Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton. Warner Bros. will release the movie on March 17, 2028. Plot details haven't been revealed, so it's unclear how the film will take inspiration from the beloved picture book. 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' revolves around a young adventurer navigating the ups and downs of life and offers inspirational messages to readers like, 'You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.' With those platitudes, the book has become a popular gift for graduates or anyone at an inflection point. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind 'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'The Greatest Showman,' are writing original songs for the big-screen adaptation. Additional cast members — likely many of whom can also carry a tune — will be announced at a later date. This project reunites Chu with Grande, the star of 'Wicked: Part One.' She'll reprise her role as Glinda the Good, alongside Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba, in 'Wicked: For Good' on November 21. The Grammy winner and Oscar nominee was also recently cast in 'Meet the Parents 4' opposite Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. Gad is best known for voicing Olaf in the 'Frozen' franchise and originating the role of Elder Cunningham in Broadway's enduring hit 'The Book of Mormon.' He also played LeFou in Disney's live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' remake. Chu has previously teamed with Warner Bros. on 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights.' The director has attached his name to dozens of film projects at the moment, including a 'Hot Wheels' live-action adventure, a Play Doh animated feature, a Britney Spears biopic and another stage-to-screen musical in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
