Ayr College students rock it up at sell-out musical

Jun 26 2009

STUDENTS raised the roof when they staged their very own version of rock musical We Will Rock You.

The HNC acting and performance students from Ayr College sang and danced their way through four sell-out shows.

The concert was held in the college’s own purpose built theatre and students impressed the audience with their energy and professionalism.

Curriculum manager Michael McHugh said: “We were delighted with the show.

“It was a really ambitious choice, especially as the class aren’t musical theatre students, but they rose to the challenge and gave some unforgettable performances.

“This performance is really the highlight of the year for HNC students and they have been working towards it for the whole year. As well as performing, the students produced the show, they designed and arranged their make-up and costumes, contributed to the choreography and took charge of the organisation of the shows.”

And he insists that the support backstage helped make the show a hit.

He added: “We were lucky to have some wonderful professional support this year.

“Kennedy Aitchison, who worked as a musical director in the West End of London for many years, led the students through a series of voice workshops, and rehearsal pianist Pamela Dunsmuir also helped the students with the musical numbers.

“We also had the assistance of Alan McWhirter, who is a professional lighting designer.

“A number of college staff and students also helped make the event a success.

“Paul Hoolahan, sound production lecturer, designed the sound for the show, and a group of HNC sound production students took charge during each performance.

“Two performing arts lecturers also lent their expertise to the production – Rhona Cleland as choreographer and Nikki McCabe as director.

“Also, the HND acting and performance students helped out both on and off stage, despite having a busy rehearsal schedule themselves.”