Actor John Barrowman MBE sends message to Speyside High talent show contestants
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SPEYSIDE High School's talent show contestants have received a message of support from world-famous actor John Barrowman MBE.
Mr Barrowman (53) announced S2 pupil Arwen Burns, who performed Seussical The Musical, as the winner of the school's talent show and shared a few words of inspiration with the pupils.
Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy and West End actress Kerry Ellis also supported the show, which took place virtually after the school's first musical – Legally Blonde – had to be postponed until December due to lockdown.
In a video message, Mr Barrowman said: "Hello everybody at Speyside High School in Moray, Scotland.
"I understand that Legally Blonde was cancelled (postponed) and you hosted a virtual talent show. Well, that is just awesome.
"As long as you're keeping the arts going, even virtually, online, through your phones and computers, that is amazing.
"But know that one day things will get back to normal. It will get better and things will get back to normal.
"Maybe one day I will get to see some of you in live theatre because you will go onto bigger and greater things, no matter what you choose to do."
The virtual show took place on Wednesday, July 1, and was live on YouTube.
A number of pupils took part – with Arwen the winner, Ailsa MacLeod (S4) in second, Kyle Wilkinson (S6) in third and a special mention given to Leo Ford (S2).
John Naples-Campbell, head of performing arts at the school, said: "Our first school musical, Legally Blonde, was postponed due to lockdown and we had to find a way to celebrate the creativity and talent of our students.
"They worked so hard in rehearsals and we wanted to keep the momentum so we thought of a virtual talent show.
"We got a message from Laura Bell Bundy, the original Elle Woods on Broadway, who reinforced the importance of resilience and passion to keep the show going. The students thought her message was great, and just what was needed to keep up their spirits.
"We got Kerry Ellis, West End leading lady, to launch the contest and we had lots of entries that covered musical talent, acting, dance and athletics.
"We wanted someone to announce the winner as our guest judge so I contacted John Barrowman MBE, as a fellow Scot, artist and frankly a national treasure. He spoke about the importance of the arts at this time and the need to celebrate achievement.
"It was really exciting to have people like Laura, Kerry and John recognise our young people and the talent we have here at Speyside High School.
"Being away from school since March and not seeing everyone we felt this was a really positive and exciting way to end a very different school year from what we were used to."
