Taking to the Stage
Nativity shows aside, the high school production is the first time most of us experience doing drama; the chance to embody a character rather than purely watching or reading about one. It's that first opportunity to both test your performance skills and witness the teachers have a nervous breakdown. Airdrie Academy has for many years had a fine tradition of music and drama productions. Please step onto our stage and hear some of the stories from former pupils and teachers…
1950s
The school concert, held annually in June, was a highlight. No pretentions of grandeur with ‘Gilbert and Sullivan’ but down to earth variety depicting the work of the school. Performances by the school choirs were conducted by the one and only “Claude” Gibson and excerpts from Shakespeare were performed by the dramatic society. Gymnastic displays for all years were an occasional feature. There were also “front of the curtains” skits, which were hilarious but not considered curriculum related! A definite bonus was time out of class for rehearsals.
Bobby Forrest, pupil 1952-58
The arrival of English teacher, Mr J. Inglis in 1943, heralded great strides forward for a senior Drama group, formed with the assistance of Miss Sneddon. This group provided annual productions of a quite staggering quality from the young people involved. These were almost always presented in the Community Centre, Clark Street.
Airdrie Academy Dramatic Club first performed T. S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" in 1955 with a distinguished cast including J. Dobbie, S Ross, D. Russell and one, Andrew Robertson, who went on to become a professional actor. The same D Russell - obviously a natural performer appeared in the next year's production: The Firstborn' by Christopher Fry.
1957 saw another Christopher Fry play, ‘Thor With Angels', on stage in Airdrie; then in 1958 the club produced Fire in Heaven' by Dannie Abse, which was a Scottish Premiere - quite a coup for a school dramatic society. This was followed in 1959 by 'The Ascent Of F6' from the pens of W. H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood.
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A young E. Findlay appears in the cast list of the 1960 production of Tobias and the Angel' by James Bridie. E. Findlay was rewarded for her efforts with a much bigger part in The Old Man Of The Mountains' by Norman Nicholson, which was produced in 1961; then in 1962 she delighted and astounded everyone who saw her in the title roleof Shaw's ‘St. Joan'
From Golden Jubilee Magazine
1960s
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In my 4th, 5th and 6th years I was part of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas put on by Alistair McLeod with Mrs McMillan and then Miss Milton. In 1967 ‘The Gondoliers’, 1968 ‘The Mikado’ and 1969 ‘Patience’. An abiding memory from that time is when all the Gondoliers were dressed in fancy costumes in Act 2, Alistair McLeod selected me to be the cook. All I had to wear was a plain white shirt and trousers. I admit to being jealous of the others.
Jim Smillie, pupil 1963-1969
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One of the low points of school was being belted by Betty Pearson for being a bit of a smart alec adolescent – thoroughly deserved! She didn’t speak to me for two years but my involvement in school shows changed that and we have been lifelong friends. I loved helping out behind the scenes.
James Rodger, pupil 1966-1972
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1965 The Pirates of Penzance
1966 Iolanthe
1967 The Gondoliers
1968 The Mikado
​1969 Patience
1970s
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I remember a teacher called Alastair McLeod. He taught French and directed the school operas. I was an extra in one of Mr McLeod's operas. It was in 1970, called ‘Merry England; and I had to do Morris dancing!
Margery Goldie, pupil 1965-1971
1971 The Yeoman of the Guard
1972 Ruddigore
A confession!
Much to my disappointment, I was never allowed to take part in the school opera, because of my parents’ strict religious views. Or maybe I just assumed I wasn’t allowed; I don’t remember asking but it just seemed to me that these kind of things were out of bounds. Anyway in 6th year I somehow found myself helping with the props and having a great time. To this day I remember most of the words of the songs. The show was Ruddigiore ( Gilbert and Sullivan) and in the final scene the cast had to raise a celebratory drink, which I had to prepare. Somebody (can’t now remember who) thought it would be a good idea to add some perfume to the drinks and to my shame I went along with this, and watched the cast having to put on a brave face having taken a gulp of this disgusting liquid. No great harm was done but the shame has stayed with me for over 50 years and left me with a real distaste for practical jokes.
Janet Nicholls pupil 1966-72
1973 The Gondoliers
In 1974 there was no performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan work by the Academy Operatic Evening Society, but in March, audiences were treated school to the school choir’s Musical Menagerie.
In 1975 The Pirates of Penzance took the stage again; followed by
1976 Iolanthe
1977 The Sorcerer
1978 H. M. S. Pinafore
1979 The Gondoliers
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I was at the Academy in the 70s and one of the most memorable teachers for me was Mrs Pearson who taught music but more significantly in my mind ran the Senior Choir and put on G&S operas each year which were extremely successful. I can still sing all the songs from Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe. Wonderful memories! My favourite part of being at school apart from friendships.
Moyra Waite, pupil 1973-1979
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I absolutely loved the music department and spent a lot of time there at lunchtime in the choir and practising for school shows. I was in the cast for Orpheus and the Underworld; the Gondoliers and HMS Pinafore. Loved (but was slightly in awe of the musical director) Betty Pearson and the producer Tom Dingwall.
Linda Strachan pupil 1974-1980
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You can’t say anything about the Gilbert and Sullivan shows without mentioning Mrs Elizabeth Pearson and Mr Alistair McLeod. A formidable double act that started in 1968 with ‘The Mikado’.
Arthur Bannister, pupil 1978-1985
1980s
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Another break from this new tradition came in 1980 with a production of ‘Orpheus in the Underworld' by Offenbach:
Linda Strachan, pupil 1974-1980
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I was generally quite shy in school. Talking part in the productions really helped to build my confidence. There was a great atmosphere amongst the cast and crew. It has been great reminiscing and making so many connections with people I know from school through this project
The first production of ‘Moonzapoppin’ was in 1981, followed by Lloyd Webber's 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in 1982 in a double bill with Trial by Jury', an old favourite.
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Iain Sloan, pupil 1978-84
The first time round of the ‘Moonzapoppin’ show, I was caught wearing a half plastic football with an attached wire coat hanger on my head and a black binbag as a costume, much to the amusement of my parents in the audience.
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Alan Leslie, pupil 1975-1982
Concert in the common room: I crewed for Pogle's Wood gig in the old house block in 1981. I think it was in Rochsoles (top floor on the left). My hair at its optimum favourite ever! Pogle's Wood (Mark 2).
Scott Blair (drums),
Ian Todd (vocals),
Alan Fermie (guitar, vocals).
Pogle's Wood (Mark 2).
Colin Watson (left, keyboards),
Colin Ness (bass),
Scott Blair (drums) ...
‘The Dollar Princess' by Park and Fall was produced in 1983 and was followed by a return to the old faithful, The Mikado', in 1984. This in turn led to the 1985 show, 'H. M. S. Pinafore’.
Advert photo for the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser for the 1984 show, ‘the Mikado’.Meet the three little maids. Kay Hood, Aileen McLeod, Rae Bannister
1984 ‘The Mikado’ cast photos
1985- HMS Pinafore (cast included Jason Leitch and Arthur Bannister)
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Claire Lees, pupil 1982-1988
I found the HMS Pinafore programme when going through some boxes that were in the loft and it brought back so many memories. I remember we danced a horn pipe dance. Such a laugh! So many good memories!
Pamela Maclean, pupil 1980s
I have several photos, newspaper clippings and the programmes I kept from HMS Pinafore and Moonzapoppin. Loved doing these shows
Joanne Watson- pupil 1982 to 1988
My best memories are the skip trips, freezing cold mornings playing hockey and the school shows. My friends and I took part in Moon za poppin (think that’s the correct spelling) that Mr Clements had written. It was a great production and great fun - I can still remember some of the songs!
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TSB sponsored the school of rock in 1986.
Scott Hamilton, school captain at the time remembers….
Scott McNicoll is top left of picture and Scott Hamilton top right.
The band that year were called ‘Blue Way’ - Fraser, Stuart, Colin and myself. We named the band after a cigarette brand that Stuart ‘allegedly’ brought a 20 pack of home from a trip in France.
It was a great laugh. The final was held in Edinburgh and the Academy team shared a dressing room with the eventual winners. The winning band were from Aberdeen and were pretty good! This picture made me smile. It holds so many memories.
I also have the original programme from the time. Really doesn’t seem that long ago!
1990s
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It had been long since Academy pupils heard the roar of the audience, so it was with delight and enthusiasm that audiences in June 1991 when Airdrie Academy welcomed the school show - a double bill featuring the Academy Concert Band and highlights from ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie'.
Shona Mair, pupil 1990s
In ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ I remember driving Scott Roberts, the spotlight operator nuts because I never came on the same bit of the stage every night! I know it’s late but I am sorry about that 😊
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Scott Roberts, pupil 1985-1991
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The show went on despite a pupil falling through the ceiling and breaking his collar bone when he was trying to fix a projector!I remember the programme had typo “Born Fee” instead of “Born Free”.(I typeset the programme - and got paid for it!) I was in 6th Year.
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One of the standout memories for me was the production of a play I had written called ‘The Haunted Hotel’ in 1994. It was a true whole school production because of the numbers of staff involved in all aspects of the show as well as the range of pupils who took on the acting roles from first year through to fifth year.
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Jane Burns, English teacher 1985-1995
Billed as a 'spooky comedy', the talents of so many people made the production match any professional play of the era: original music and poster design by Art Teacher Tony Regan as well as set design by the Art Department; our two drama teachers Mrs Lorna Watson and Dawn Ferguson were responsible for direction and movement. The standard of acting from pupils of all ages was a revelation.I am still proud to this day of the hard work and dedication of all involved...including my two sisters Monica and Lucille who made the souvenir keys of The Haunted Hotel which I presented to those involved in the show. Memorable moments indeed!
Kirsty McGill, pupil 1991-1997
I'm sure I played the ghost Lady Dorothy searching for her long-lost love Robert. I also wore my mum's wedding dress as my costume.
Laura Grant, pupil 1990s
My finest acting hour! I played Lydia the maidservant ghost who had been murdered by her boyfriend.
Linda Muirhead, pupil 1990s
I was involved backstage on this. I’ve got a few pictures somewhere of cast in costume, and the programme I think. Will try to hunt them out. Led me to a 25-year (so far) career in stage management- which I now teach!
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​Colin Bruce, pupil 1990s
Ha I was the ghost hunter in this I bought the VHS of the production I'm sure I still have it somewhere I will hunt for it (no pun intended)
Arthur Bannister, science technician 1991-2013
In the late 1990s and early 2000s Airdrie Academy put on a number of ‘Musical Masquerades’ with excerpts from different West End shows. Each would have a theme such as ‘Magic Moments’ or ‘Disney’. Excerpts from Cats, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera were common.
With each passing year, the school shows got bigger and better. You would never recognise the old assembly hall. We erected a tent inside it with all the stage lighting and artwork from Mr Alan Thomson from the Art Department. We got choreography lessons from Mrs Irene McMillan from Hamilton Operatic.
These were some of my favourite times at Airdrie Academy.We always had an after-show party in A1 after the last performance of a show. We would have so much fun singing all the songs! I remember once when we were singing excerpts from ‘Les Misérables’ at the after-show party. Chris Towndrow and I were outside in the playground waving our big red flags and singing at the top of our voices. Awesome memories!
We had a night like Mr Holland’s Opus when Betty Pearson retired in 2000 with memories, songs and musical excerpts from years of school shows. Lots of former pupils and staff returned to say goodbye. It was fantastic!
Jonathan Naylor- music tutor and band leader
We ran a very popular concert band starting in the mid-90s. They attended several recitals and competitions and were very successful. One major festival was in Italy.So many stories come to my mind from that time! I can’t believe I have been working with Airdrie Academy pupils for over thirty years now!
Iain Ness, former pupil 1990s
I played in the band in the early/mid 1990s Paul Towndrow was one of the leading musicians at the time.
Linsay McKenna, former pupil 1990s
I played from about 1998 or so to 2002. I played lots of the competitions for Boosey and Hawkes. I remember going to Manchester with both Airdrie Academy Senior band and North Lanarkshire Wind Ensemble. Good times!
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Lesley Breslin, pupil 1995-2001
I may be completely wrong, but I think we played in the senior band from around 97-2001.I played Clarinet. Some strong memories of playing Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Titanic. When the ensemble came together, I remember it being a goosebump moment.Absolutely petrified for spot checks when Mr. Naylor wanted us to play individually to make sure we had practised.I remember laughing way too much in band with Kevin O'Neill, Alison Lindoe, Amy Laird, Pamela Strachan, Pauline Robertson and Colin Telford especially during the Christmas rehearsals in the church.
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2000s
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Pamela Strachan, pupil 1996-2002
I loved this time playing in Airdrie Academy concert band! also remember playing The Fairground Suite and Space Odyssey 2001. Did we not go to a regional band competition and come first or second? #bandgeeksandlovingit!
We won a silver award!
Colin Telford, pupil 1996-2002
I remember one time when Amy Laird pushed me off the stage only for someone to rush on to check that my clarinet was undamaged. The other band member kept telling me to keep moving round didn’t think I would fly off the stage. I think I nearly got thrown out of band for laughing so much!
Gail Simpson, English teacher 2004- present
I remember the very first time Kelly Smith and I persuaded the English department staff to take to the stage in a staff talent show in 2005. We dressed up in school uniform and hastily cobbled together a set to ‘School’s Out for Summer’. The pupils were delighted to see some of their favourite teachers in a new light including Mrs Morrison, Mrs Randall, Mrs Firth and Mrs Shand. I also remember our faces when Cath Watson arrived at school dressed up in full costume- a uniform she had borrowed from her daughter who was p6 or p7 at the time! We got a huge cheer and a roar of applause on stage. Isabel Morrison had the genius idea to throw lollipops into the crowd. I think that’s why we were awarded first place!
In 2006 we were in full production mode with the fancy new stage set in our new building. Am sure we enlisted the help of Elaine McGuire to stand on stage dressed as a ghost while the theme from ‘Ghostbusters’ blared out of the sound system. She was dancing alone and the kids were wondering what was going on. Some of our department then ran into the crowd armed with water pistols and buckets of sweeties. It was an absolute hoot! At one point Elaine tripped over the hem of her costume and couldn’t get back up for laughing. Keiran Ferguson was compere and he stepped over her to introduce the next act. I couldn’t breathe I was laughing so much!
In 2007 we choreographed and performed a whole set to the medley from Grease. It was so much fun! I was a T Bird and the costume was made of masking tape. Kelly, Monica and I joined up with Elaine McGuire to lip sync to ‘Shangalang’ She had persuaded a very reluctant Martin Britton to join in and he stood at the back of the stage like a rabbit in headlights. He didn’t move a muscle for the whole performance!
In 2008 it was ‘Hey Mickey!’ We were expertly choreographed by Nicola Miller. She had been a dancer and dance tutor for years. She was highly exasperated at trying to coordinate our group and the final performance ended up with us walking in a circle around our probationer teacher, Raymond and waving pom poms!
Linzi Charnley, pupil 2003-2009
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I left Airdrie Academy in 2009. I have quite a few photos from my time there at both the old building and then the new (current) building. I was heavily involved in the music department (I am now a secondary music teacher) and have plenty more photos. The shows I have included are ‘We Will Rock You’ - 2008 and ‘Les Miserables’ -2009.
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Ann McMillian Pupil 2004 to 2010
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I have a lot of wonderful memories from my time there. Miss Abbas (now Mrs Park) ignited a love for music that led me to take up the saxophone - Friday night band was always brilliant fun! I won Young Musician in 6th year and I still remember how hard the staff in the music department worked on those evenings and how much they supported us.
We did a school show of Les Miserables in either 2008 or 2009, I can't recall which. That was one of the most amazing projects I have ever been a part of. Everything came together so well - the music, the cast, the production etc. were all outstanding. I now work alongside Mrs McRobbie who helped co-ordinate it all, we talk of it often with great fondness!
Arthur Bannister,
science technician 1991-2013
The new building offered us a proper stage to put-on full-scale musicals, pantomimes, concerts, plays, talent shows, and staff shows. Highlights for me from that time are ‘Les Misérables’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. This picture shows me at the set up of the stage props for ‘Les Misérables’. What an experience!
2010s
Kimberly Truesdale, former pupil.
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We performed ‘Beauty and the Beast in June 2010. It was a fantastic experience. Special memories of fantastic pupils and teachers support to make all of these school shows happen.
Keiran McMath, pupil 2000s
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In 2011 the certificate drama classes put on a pantomime called ‘Dozy Rozie is Sleepin’ ya Beauty’. We all contributed to the script and put on special performances for local primary school pupils. It was an amazing experience to be part of and very funny!
Michael Doran, Maths teacher
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I remember helping out backstage at ‘We Will Rock You’. The cast that year were amazingly talented. We managed to source a motorbike as part of the props. Lots of people had fun posing for pictures on that! The pictures show some of the Maths department staff and me on the infamous motorcycle.I also remember watching some of the cast perform ‘I Want to Break Free’ in the social area on their last day. Absolutely amazing!
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Kieran McMath, pupil 2007-2013
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So on our last day of school, we thought the old standard pranks such as water balloons didn't really sum up our six years at Airdrie Academy so we took to the balcony at lunch time, completely unexpected by anyone, and Kirsten Brown belted out 'I Want to Break Free' whilst Adam Perry, Erlend Smith and I danced around dressed as women. Thanks Airdrie Academy.
Cara Stewart, pupil 2010-2016
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I’m a former pupil from Airdrie Academy and was in many school shows through my time at high school along with my sisters Hannah and Heather Stewart. I played ‘Frenchie’ in Grease in 2013 and it was a great experience. Adam Perry was teen angel
From 2014-2018 Airdrie Academy stage performances included the annual Christmas concert, Young Musician of the Year, charioke and the popular end of year ‘Airdrie’s Got Talent Show’ where staff and pupils bravely got on stage to compete for the coveted trophy!
Jimmy Rodger, Maths Teacher
This is me with Andrea Watt who taught in the Maths Department at the time. This picture is taken in the afternoon of "Fun Day " - June 2015. The show was ‘Airdrie Academy’s Got Talent. Our act was Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers performing " Islands In The Stream " bringing undiluted joy to everyone! We were worthy winners!
Daun Ferguson, Drama teacher
This photo was taken in 2018 at the annual ‘charioke’ organised by the Airdrie Academy school captains. Our act was Tina Turner and friends. Kevin Beattie doesn’t take much convincing to don a pair of stilettos. What a hoot! We were crowned the winners.
Michelle Green, Maths teacher
2019- School talent show. The Maths department did high school musical. I played Gabriella and we had such a laugh choreographing and performing together. The response from the pupils is always so positive. They love seeing their teachers up on stage!
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Hairspray 2019
Jacqueline Clelland, drama teacher
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The ‘Hairspray’ production was fantastic. We had so many pupils who wanted to take part that the lead roles were split between different actors. We sold out for three nights in a row plus an afternoon performance. It was a real whole school effort. The corridors were ringing with music from the show!
2019- Stars in their eyes
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That year we went on stage as the 'Spice Girls' minus sporty who got stage fright at the last minute. The shows were always fun and a great end to the term
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Cath Watson, English Teacher
2020s
There was no school show in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic and all related restrictions.
In 2022 there was a smaller scale production of Alice in Wonderland which ran with a junior and senior cast. It was great to have pupils back on the stage at Airdrie Academy!
In June 2024 the expressive arts department are putting on a 175th Showcase. This event will include a display from art students where you can be part of a silent auction to purchase your favourite piece. There are also musical and drama items being delivered that will celebrate 175 years of school shows.
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