Young Langholm performer Finlay Eagleson will embark on a professional stage career in September after securing a coveted place at one of Scotland’s top theatre schools.
Former Langholm Academy pupil Finlay, 21, will be studying Musical Theatre at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh.
Finlay studied performing arts at Carlisle College and has performed locally with Centre Stage Community Theatre and LAODS (Langholm Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society).
“I was overjoyed when the acceptance letter came through,” he said. “I thought this was for me, I’ve got a place and someone sees something in me.”
Finlay said he was keen to keep learning skills that would allow him to better his performance: “I know The MGA Academy is going to be working me so hard but I like hard, physical work.”
Staff at The MGA Academy were impressed with Finlay at an intensive audition at which he performed Close Every Door For Me from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and a monologue from the play Living Hours.
“It was like no audition I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “I expected to be nervous but it was relaxing and I felt completely at home as soon as I got there.”
Drew Gowland, co-founder and managing director of The MGA Academy, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Finlay onto one of our Musical Theatre courses. For more than a decade, we have been providing students like Finlay with exceptional training on par with London’s leading dance and drama schools.”
Recent graduates of The MGA Academy include Disney film star Thomas Doherty (The Lodge, Descendents 2) and West End stars Fergal McGoff (Matilda, Mamma Mia and The Bodyguard) and Rhiannon Chesterman (Mrs Henderson Presents and Grease).