Post by Leanne on Jan 6, 2008 2:52:18 GMT -5
The show must go on for panto star
By Craig Christie
Published: 21 December, 2007
WHEN someone asks Moray acting student Alison Munro to 'break a leg' before a performance, they can only hope she doesn't take it literally.
After starring as heroic Arabian adventurer, Sinbad, in her latest production, 19-year-old Alison, a former pupil of Elgin High School, was happy to take her final bow in one piece.
In 2005 she took part in a 'black box' theatre show with the Scottish Youth Theatre, which involves performing in darkness with only glow tape markings to guide actors to the edge of the stage.
"The step which takes you off the stage had been moved, but the markings were still in the same place," Alison said. "So I followed them and fell, breaking four toes in the process.
"I didn't tell anyone, even though it was very, very sore – I just had to carry on. Eventually my director noticed how swollen my foot was and made me go to hospital."
Currently studying for an HND in acting and performance at Glasgow Nautical College, Alison secured the lead role of Sinbad in a production at The Tall Ship visitor attraction in the city's harbour district.
And she is already coping with fame and recognition, after one young fan spotted her as she shopped for groceries.
"I was in the supermarket when this wee girl came up to me, tugged my jacket and said 'Excuse me, are you Sinbad?'
"She explained she had come to see me with her school and told me how much she had enjoyed it. She was even looking at me as if I was Sinbad.
"I was shocked that someone had recognised me in my normal gear, because I did look completely different – it just shows how much kids pay attention."
Alison had to show versatility in the part, combining her singing, dancing and acting talents with the demands of playing a male role.
"I had to do a lot of thigh slapping and had to learn not to stand like a girl! It was a different style of acting, but with all the audience involvement it was loads of fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy it."
Another Elgin-born thespian, Kevin McKidd's, spectacular rise to fame has given her the incentive to work hard and try to emulate his success.
"He has been a bit of an inspiration to me, especially being from Elgin as well. His career has been just amazing, and I would love to follow in his footsteps.
"For now, I'll finish my course in June and then I will have the choice of going to uni and trying to get a degree or getting out and finding some work."
The teenager's progress has been a source of pride for her parents, Liza and Gary, who live in New Elgin's Birkenhill Place.
From her days of watching their daughter play Master Landau in the High School's production of 'Dracula Spectacula' in 2004 to travelling to Glasgow for her recent performance, the couple have backed Alison's bid for fame all the way.
"When she phoned to say she had got the part of Sinbad, she was over the moon," said Mr Munro. "But she didn't need to have the lead role; she just loves being part of the action, even if it's just helping out backstage. She just loves being involved."
"Alison is passionate about her drama," added Mrs Munro.
www.northern-scot.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3680/The_show_must_go_on_for_panto_star.html
By Craig Christie
Published: 21 December, 2007
WHEN someone asks Moray acting student Alison Munro to 'break a leg' before a performance, they can only hope she doesn't take it literally.
After starring as heroic Arabian adventurer, Sinbad, in her latest production, 19-year-old Alison, a former pupil of Elgin High School, was happy to take her final bow in one piece.
In 2005 she took part in a 'black box' theatre show with the Scottish Youth Theatre, which involves performing in darkness with only glow tape markings to guide actors to the edge of the stage.
"The step which takes you off the stage had been moved, but the markings were still in the same place," Alison said. "So I followed them and fell, breaking four toes in the process.
"I didn't tell anyone, even though it was very, very sore – I just had to carry on. Eventually my director noticed how swollen my foot was and made me go to hospital."
Currently studying for an HND in acting and performance at Glasgow Nautical College, Alison secured the lead role of Sinbad in a production at The Tall Ship visitor attraction in the city's harbour district.
And she is already coping with fame and recognition, after one young fan spotted her as she shopped for groceries.
"I was in the supermarket when this wee girl came up to me, tugged my jacket and said 'Excuse me, are you Sinbad?'
"She explained she had come to see me with her school and told me how much she had enjoyed it. She was even looking at me as if I was Sinbad.
"I was shocked that someone had recognised me in my normal gear, because I did look completely different – it just shows how much kids pay attention."
Alison had to show versatility in the part, combining her singing, dancing and acting talents with the demands of playing a male role.
"I had to do a lot of thigh slapping and had to learn not to stand like a girl! It was a different style of acting, but with all the audience involvement it was loads of fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy it."
Another Elgin-born thespian, Kevin McKidd's, spectacular rise to fame has given her the incentive to work hard and try to emulate his success.
"He has been a bit of an inspiration to me, especially being from Elgin as well. His career has been just amazing, and I would love to follow in his footsteps.
"For now, I'll finish my course in June and then I will have the choice of going to uni and trying to get a degree or getting out and finding some work."
The teenager's progress has been a source of pride for her parents, Liza and Gary, who live in New Elgin's Birkenhill Place.
From her days of watching their daughter play Master Landau in the High School's production of 'Dracula Spectacula' in 2004 to travelling to Glasgow for her recent performance, the couple have backed Alison's bid for fame all the way.
"When she phoned to say she had got the part of Sinbad, she was over the moon," said Mr Munro. "But she didn't need to have the lead role; she just loves being part of the action, even if it's just helping out backstage. She just loves being involved."
"Alison is passionate about her drama," added Mrs Munro.
www.northern-scot.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3680/The_show_must_go_on_for_panto_star.html