For one night only, direct from The Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath, everyone is invited to join ANGUSalive for a variety show of local talent – The Webster Memorial Theatre’s Big Night In.
Talented locals from Angus will provide an evening of music, illusion and dance entertainment on Saturday 15th May, 2021 at 7.30pm. This free event will be broadcast on Facebook Live for anyone in Angus or further afield to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.
Among the well-known local names are Norman Bowman, Danny Laverty, Violet Thomson, Maggie Findlay, Michael Brandie, Megan Cant, The Crabb Family and Dancemania.
From Arbroath, Norman Bowman was awarded a scholarship to train in Musical Theatre at The London Academy of Performing Arts. He has appeared on stage as Tony in a UK tour of West Side Story, Danny Zuko in Grease and Carmichael in Mama Mia to name just a few of his starring roles.
Danny Laverty, who has raised an amazing £18k to fund vital equipment for NHS Tayside with his live steam shows on Facebook, will be returning to the Webster following the first live steam show from the theatre in July last year.
Born and raised in Ayrshire but now residing in Carnoustie, Maggie Findlay has been singing since she was eleven years old. Maggie has appeared as a guest artiste with many organisations locally and worldwide including Keltic Fiddlers Orchestra, Tayside Symphony Orchestra, Arbroath Instrumental Band, Angus Minstrels and Houston Heather & Thistle Club. Maggie says: “There is nothing better in life than making music, when I sing I feel uplifted and cannot imagine life without it.”
Sixteen-year-old Megan Cant from Monikie, a 5th year pupil at The High School of Dundee, was the winner of Arbroath & District Musical Festival’s coveted Blue Riband in 2020. She has competed at the Arbroath and District Musical Festival over the last few years and really enjoys performing for the adjudicators and audiences.
The concert is possible thanks to Performing Arts Venues Relief Funding received from Creative Scotland last year to fund innovative and creative ways of delivering services under COVID restrictions. ANGUSalive is using this funding to bring together socially distanced events in a different format than traditional shows.
Audrey Hood, Theatre and Venue Manager with ANGUSalive, said: ”I am so excited to be part of this amazing concert showcasing the talent we have right here in Angus. The Arts Industry has taken such a hit during covid with our doors still closed and our theatre remaining dark. It is an honour to be able to highlight the Webster Theatre once more and to remind everyone what it’s like to have a night of entertainment straight from the stage. James Hutcheson our Stage Manager and Richard Allan our Musical Director have both been an amazing support and this event would not have been possible without their help.
“We’d also like to give a big thanks to our freelance tech team. Paul Smith from Apex Accoustics, Duncan Gillies from DGLX and Andrew Allan from AML Events, to all of our acts for giving us their free time and of course to Creative Scotland for our successful funding bid which meant we could bring this event to you, safely in your own homes whilst following COVID-19 Regulations. So sit back, get comfortable and be ready to be entertained in true theatre fashion.”
Lucy, Matthew, Euan and Heather of The Crabb Family will perform a track from Chess and another by Simon and Garfunkel. Between them they have won awards and titles at various music events, featured on the STV2 ’Live at Five’ television programme and worked in various roles within music education across the North East of Scotland. Euan has written an additional flute part for their performance of the Chess piece.
After the success of his Edinburgh Fringe sell out performances, Michael Brandie returns to the Webster Memorial Theatre for a virtual performance. Michael will take viewers on a journey of magic and feats of the downright bizarre. Known for his quality geek banter, Michael will not only leave you in a state of wonder as he astounds you with magic but he will also leave you aghast as you watch his act through your fingers.
Local Dance School, Dancemania, will present their three street dance crews - Fearless, Fusion and Fierce.
JJ Christine, choreographer ofDancemania added: “Having not performed in over a year, our dancers can’t wait to bring some life and energy back into the theatre. We have really missed all aspects of the theatre from performing, being with our close friends and having a place to express ourselves but we have had a chance to recharge and reflect. We look forward to once again being a part of the Webster Theatre family . Dancers will perform a routine from the Greatest Showman - Come Alive which we feel is very fitting for our first time back on stage.”
Other well-known local names who will be appearing on the night are The Swizzel Sisters, Arbroath Musical Society and Arbroath Instrumental Band.
Tune into ANGUSalive Webster Memorial Theatre and Venues page at 7.30pm on Saturday 15th May to celebrate the diverse talent that comes from this corner of the country. There is no charge but donations to ANGUSalive which will help to continue changing lives by inspiring healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices can be made at https://angusalive.enthuse.com/donate#!/
ANGUSalive
ANGUSalive (SC046133) is the culture, sport and leisure trust for the county of Angus and has been operating since December 2015.
