There’s far more ability than disability on show when the Ups and Downs take to the stage.
The group for kids with Down’s Syndrome loves nothing more than performing and capture the hearts of their audience when they do.
And that’s exactly what they’ll be doing this week, with the arrival of their 19th annual show.
Take 19, at The Town House in Hamilton, will offer a rare opportunity to see the cast from the all-singing, all-dancing Lanarkshire group.
As well as performing a medley of musicals, including tracks from Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Grease and We Will Rock You, the 96-strong cast will swing to the sounds of the 1920s and jive to James Bond themes.
The youngsters will be accompanied by Glasgow singer Edward Reid, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, and is patron of the charity.
Edward first got involved with The Ups and Downs in 2011, after one of his relatives gave birth to a child with Down’s.
The group was initially formed in 1995 by three school teachers and attended by just 14 kids.
Nearly 20 years on, it’s still providing a creative outlet for youngsters with Down’s Syndrome and cast numbers have swollen to almost 100.
President Angela Jack , whose son Aaron joined the group nine years ago, said: “This is the show we spend all year rehearsing for so it’s going to be fantastic.
“Ups and Downs is an amazing group, offering support for the kids because it helps them form friendships, and also for their parents if they need to talk to someone going through a similar experience.
“The kids melt people’s hearts. They’re an absolute pleasure to watch.”
n The Ups and Downs Take 19 show runs at The Town House from Monday March 10 to Saturday March 15 at 7.30pm, except Wednesday. For tickets, call 07407 472 409.
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