Moray performing star's virtual stage performance helps raise money for NHS during coronavirus pandemic
AN aspiring stage performer from Moray has been playing her part in an NHS fundraiser during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Former Elgin Academy pupil Lori Davidson took to the virtual stage with her Edinburgh production company last weekend to raise a four-figure sum for the health service.
The 22-year-old MGA Academy of Performing Arts student was part of Beyond Broadway’s production of Broadway Bound, a performance of seven musical theatre classics which was moved online in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
The production attracted an audience of 850 viewers, many of whom made donations amounting to £3000, which was split equally between the NHS and The MGA Foundation, which helps fund performing arts education opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Lori is in her third and final year at the MGA Academy and was among 60 young performers from across Scotland to play a part in the show.
“I feel so lucky that we still had the chance to put together this show," she said.
"The team has worked so hard and I think the outcome is going to be great. Social media and online work is now a huge factor in performing arts, so for me who is just about to graduate it was a great chance to work under the deadline pressures.
“We were all super involved with all elements of the show so every single member of the cast is singing, dancing and acting.
“I signed up to Beyond Broadway last year and I was lucky enough to play Elle Woods in their production of Legally Blonde which was the best experience ever.
"I signed up because I have lots of friends who have been doing it for a few years and they were obsessed.”
Lori, who is set to graduate with a Musical Theatre degree in June, has set some ambitious targets for her stage career.
“I hope to be on stage for the foreseeable future,” she said. “I am in a very lucky position to be with a great agency, Infinity Artist Management, and I am really looking forward to see what the future holds for my performing career.
"Beyond Broadway will always be a huge part of my performing memories. They have taught me a lot and the shows really boosted my confidence.”
In the past, The Beyond Broadway Experience has brought sold-out shows to the capital’s biggest theatres, such as The Usher Hall and The King’s Theatre, while giving aspiring performers the experience of featuring in a professional show.
The experience gives young singers, dancers and actors the chance to work with professional directors, choreographers, musical directors, theatre designers and performers.
Murray Grant, director of Beyond Broadway, said: “We were determined not to let down the young performers, who were all so keen to gain a taste of featuring in a professional production.
"By taking The Beyond Broadway Experience online, we delivered a form of performance that has become popular with theatres and companies in recent weeks.
"Lori and the rest of the cast worked so hard while being put through their paces, rehearsing online and filming and recording everything themselves while in isolation.
"We are really happy to be able to support our country’s brilliant NHS through the generous donations by our audience on the night.”
This July, The Beyond Broadway Experience plans to stage a production of High School Musical at the city’s King’s Theatre.
