WHEN Fiona McGregor was a little girl, her dad Ian would often take her along to amateur theatre productions in need of child actors.
His passion for performing would soon be passed down to his daughter, who would go on to set up her own stage school in Johnstone in 2013.
Now she is sharing her love of theatre with scores of Renfrewshire youngsters and adults, with the drama group’s latest production proving to be a hit at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Stage Avenue’s musical adaption of Legally Blonde, based on the 2001 American movie starring Reece Witherspoon, sold out during last month’s run in the capital.
Fiona said the cast and crew worked hard to make the production a success, with weekly rehearsals starting back in May.
The 31-year-old Johnstone woman told The Gazette: “Legally Blonde was a complete sell-out at the Fringe, which we were pretty overwhelmed about. It couldn’t have gone any better.
“I think it helped that a lot of people love the movie.”
Amateur theatre has been a source of enjoyment for Fiona from a young age, despite not being a member of a local youth theatre or being able to take part in high school shows.
The former Thorn Primary pupil said: “Amateur dramatics has always been in my family, as my papa did it and my dad has been doing it for around 50 years as a hobby.
“Trips to the theatre have always been a big part of my life and I think my first role was in a play held at Paisley Arts Centre when I was around eight.
“When I went to Johnstone High, they didn’t put on any shows, so I would take part in amateur dramatic productions outside school.
“I was able to perform in shows at Glasgow venues such as the King’s Theatre, Theatre Royal and the Mitchell Theatre.”
Fiona would go on to study at West College Scotland, where she graduated with an Honours degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance.
Eager to share her love of amateur theatre with youngsters who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to perform, she organised a 10-day musical theatre summer school at St Paul’s Church, in Johnstone, nine years ago.
“From that, parents of the children asked me if I would run classes, which started at Elderslie Scout Hall but we’re now in Johnstone Masonic Hall,” said Fiona.
“We’ve managed to hold on to a lot of the children, with our oldest member about to turn 17 after starting with us when he was seven.
“Drama has so many benefits for children, such as helping to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
“I’ve always been a big believer in everybody having their moment to shine and being able to enjoy the fun of the performing arts.”
Since 2013, the youth section of Stage Avenue, which accepts children aged three and over, has led a number of well-received productions, including The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book and Matilda Jr.
The company has also expanded into producing shows with adults, which Fiona decided to stage at the Edinburgh Fringe after performing in a production of Sunshine on Leith at the festival several years ago.
Stage Avenue’s list of productions at the annual arts event includes Sister Act, Disenchanted and Stepping Out.
Fiona, who usually doubles up as both producer and choreographer for the Fringe productions, juggles her theatre commitments with a job as a primary school teacher.
She said: “My two passions have always been working with children and in the theatre, so now I’ve been able to merge them.
“My hope for the future is that we just keep letting as many people as possible experience the joy of performing arts without having to go through the pressure of rigorous auditions to join youth theatre.
“The aim of Stage Avenue is to basically have fun and there is definitely a feeling of everyone who comes along being part of a family, which is lovely.”
Next year will see the company celebrate its 10th anniversary and Fiona is hoping its 2023 Edinburgh Fringe show will suitably mark the occasion.
“I honestly could not be prouder of what has been created so far,” she said.
“I’d like to thank the brilliant acting department lecturers at West College Scotland for encouraging me to continue with following a performing arts path, with particular thanks to Peter Pringle, who pushed me to launch Stage Avenue from the moment I told him about it.
“Grant Longwill has been helping with Stage Avenue since the start and I’ve had constant support and encouragement from my mum Elizabeth and dad Ian.
“If I could offer any advice to anyone then I’d say that, if you really want something in life, make sure you work hard, trust the journey and don’t ever stop believing.”
Leeon Hey, one of Fiona’s former lecturers at West College Scotland, added: “Fiona was a wonderful student who was determined and driven.
“Being with us from her HNC to BA Honours has given her the valuable skills needed to run her own company, giving so many kids and adults some wonderful opportunities.”
Anyone who is interested in joining Stage Avenue should email stageavenue@hotmail.co.uk or send a message via Facebook at facebook.com/stageavenueperformingarts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here