A Moray theatre group is preparing a “homecoming” performance of a musical about Robert Burns, which was devised by Michael Jackson and David Gest and brought to life in Lossiemouth.
The Rock Academy performing arts school began work on Robert Burns The Musical two years ago, and will showcase it at Elgin Town Hall for the first time tomorrow night.
The production was originally dreamt up by the Mr Jackson and his friend Mr Gest during the 1990s, but was shelved after the death of would-be director Gene Kelly in 1996.
However, Mr Gest subsequently decided to revive the project and was placed in contact with Rock Academy co-owner Tish Tindall, who has created a reworked version of the show.
The production’s two young leads said yesterday the upcoming performance would be the first time some of their friends and family had seen the musical.
Lossiemouth 21-year-old Luke Cockram has played Robert Burns since the show debuted in Aberdeen last January.
He has taken on the role of Scotland’s national bard at shows in Edinburgh, Kilmarnock, Aviemore and Findhorn over the past 18 months.
But he insisted that tomorrow’s performance will have a special meaning to him.
He said: “It feels like the show is finally coming home.
“We are all very familiar with Elgin Town Hall and we are buzzing about performing there, a lot of friends and family who are yet to see it will be attending.
“I have some friends from America who have timed a visit to Scotland especially to see the musical in Elgin, as they are big Robert Burns fans.”
Elgin 20-year-old Charlotte Nicol, who plays Burns’s wife Jean Armour, promised a “fantastic, feel-good show”.
She has also been involved with the production since it began, and stated that previous shows have always enjoyed a positive response from audiences.
Earlier this month, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead singled out Rock Academy staff and students for praise in parliament.
He tabled a motion recognising the drama school’s efforts, and hailing the “phenomenal success” of the Burns musical.
The doors at Elgin Town Hall will open at 7pm tomorrow night, and Robert Burns The Musical will begin at 7.30pm.