Thank U, Next

Imagination is wonderful and can lead to the most incredible of thoughts.

So, it must have been brilliant for the young people who benefited from the foresight of The National Theatre of Scotland.

Dubbed the theatre without walls, this wonderful creative asset is making a real difference to the lives of people who want to act, sing and dance, yet face barriers to do so.

With no home of its own, the theatre brings the stage to the community to showcase Scottish culture at its best, with venues as different as airports and tower blocks to submarines and swimming pools.

The latest project is Thank U, Next, a costume drama with cosplay instead of corsets, allowing the performers to be whoever they want and to express it through, acting, dancing and singing.

The idea kicked off at Bellahouston Academy earlier in the year and was such a success that the youngsters of Cumbernauld Academy wanted a go.

With a two night performance assisted by professional performers and two Bellahouston students, at The Lanterhouse Theatre, the youngsters gave their interpretation of what they would like to be.

They had a free run of a huge costume department to pick what made them the most comfortable and what followed was a night of raw energy, song and dance.

Following a classic storyline of teenager who wants to hang out with friends, but the parents say no, the performance revolves round normal family life.

Bursting with colour and an imaginative set, the gang made up of Madeleine Birrell, James Bradley, Dan Brown, Sarah Doak, Luci Donohoe, Connor Duffy, Izabella Hall, Neve Heron, Gwenn Kirkpatrick, Noah Lappin, Phoebe MacLean, Craig McCorquodale, Lauren McDonalds, Brooke McKellan, Aimee Myburgh, Rhys Noonan, Angeline Pontello, Maillie Rennie, London Rice, Casey Jane Scott, Ella Stewart, Katie Thomson, Sophie Waddell and Caitlin Wilson, gave an hour of real passion.

Students from New College Lanarkshire also joined in the act and filmed behind the scenes, providing thought provoking insights into why the youngsters had decided to go on stage.

A fabulous idea and show and one which moves to Grangemouth High School in March 2025. For more information on Thank U, Next, please visit: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com.

Author Bio:

Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.

Photographs by Tim Morozzo