Aviemore star vies for Performer of the Year
It was meant to be "just for a bit of experience", but an Aviemore singer’s audition for Young Scottish Musical Theatre Performer of the Year has landed him in next week’s final!
"I was really chuffed to get the invitation," Ruairidh McDonald told the Strathy.
"My teacher had suggested I should put myself up for it as a good way to gain some more experience in my studies, so I auditioned. They offered London or Glasgow – where I’m a student at the Dance School of Scotland – but as I happened to be in London at the time I went along to the Prince of Wales Theatre to sing my two numbers.
"It all went well, but I was really not expecting to be invited to the final. I think it’s just great."
The 18-year-old student will sing his two numbers again on Sunday week (May 13) at the SEC Centre’s Lomond Suite in Glasgow, where the judges will be treated to "Lucky to be me" from Leonard Bernstein’s "On the town" and "A world without you" by "Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz.
"There are some very good people in the final so I don’t expect to win, but I’m really chuffed to be there with them," said the Aviemore star, who is no stranger to success.
One of the strath’s finest Music Festival "ambassadors", he delighted his local fans with an appearance in an online mobile phone commercial which included no less a soccer star than Lionel Messi, and had a chart success with folk favourite Fiona Kennedy and her "Fly Lady Fly".
Kennedy – daughter of the legendary singers Calum Kennedy and Anne Gillies – is so taken with the young Strathspey prodigy that she will be there for the final.
"It’s great that she wants to come along," said Ruairidh. "I’ll have to sing well now!"
Win or not, the future is looking great for the young star as, after successfully concluding his three-year course he prepares to leave the Glasgow college for London, where he will begin an Honours course at the Guildford School of Acting.
Proud Mum Kay told the Strathy: "It’s great news about the final. Ruairidh was selected from over 30 performers to be one of just four finalists.
"It was open to any Scottish student of 18-21 years studying a musical theatre course anywhere , so it really is quite an achievement, up against kids who are about to graduate,"
