Milngavie young talent set for musical theatre extravaganza

Teenager Finty Smith will join stars from London’s West End in Glasgow Philharmonia SCIO’s show “Movies to Musicals”.

The all-singing, all dancing theatrical show is on at Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March.

It will include a range of favourite soundtracks, from Legally Blonde to Grease, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Les Miserables and many more.

Finty (15) told the Milngavie & Bearsden Herald: “This is my first year in the cast and I have felt so welcomed.

"The rehearsals have been amazing and I can’t wait to get onto that stage.”

As well as the talented local performer, the audience can enjoy performances from BBC Celebrity Masterchef winner and Eastenders star John Partridge, and Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera stars Rob Houchen and Jade Davies.

Charity Glasgow Philharmonia has given thousands of young performers opportunities for free over the past 10 years and continues to make waves in the performing arts .

The producer of Movies to Musicals, Ross Gunning, 27, is excited to get back together with the musicians and singers after many performing arts shows were cancelled because of the covid pandemic.

He said: “After a difficult time for the Arts industry, it’s lovely to be back, and this time at our new venue of the Alhambra Theatre! The audiences are definitely in for an incredible show.”

Two other East Dunbartonshire youngsters are taking part in the show – Bishopbriggs youngster, Christy Bullock-Walker (16) and Daniel Haggarty (14) from Kirkintilloch.

Christy said: “I have been a part of the Movies to Musicals kids cast since 2018 and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. This show has made me grow so much as a performer and helped my confidence so much.

“I am so excited to be sharing the stage with amazing West End stars that inspire me so much.”

Daniel added: “The opportunities that I have been given have been some of the best experiences of my life. Thank you so much to Glasgow Philharmonia.”