Tuesday 08 03 2022
The premiere of international hit TV show Outlander has been boosted by starring roles for University of the West of Scotland (UWS) students – who staged live performances of the drama’s famous opening credits.
A total of 24 current and former UWS students performed as part of a flash-mob at Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow – as well as at the show’s star-studded red carpet premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival. The glitzy event was attended by household names including star actor Sam Heughan and Outlander author Diana Gabaldon.
The UWS team, from the University’s highly regarded Performance courses, donned traditional Highland dress for the routine, as they delivered a stirring rendition of the show’s theme tune – the iconic Sky Boat Song – alongside drummers and pipers.
The opportunity arose through UWS Performance Programme Leader Dr Stephen Langston, who arranged and musically directed the five-minute piece. He worked closely with world-renowned immersive theatre director Tom Salamon, and production firm Cartwheel and Co, to bring the complex routine to life.
Dr Langston said: “Outlander is a TV phenomenon, and has attracted thousands of new visitors to Scotland, eager to visit the stunning locations at which it is filmed.
“I am absolutely delighted that UWS has played such a prominent role in the launch of this much-loved show’s sixth season, and it really highlights the talent of our BA Performance students and graduates.
“The students and graduates who participated still underwent an audition process, and they should all be proud of what they have achieved.”
“It was actually my first professional job as a performer, and I couldn’t have asked for something more memorable."
Mhairi Gilmour, UWS Performance student
Student Mhairi Gilmour, who participated in the performance, said: “I am truly honoured to have had this opportunity; it was an amazing experience.
“It was actually my first professional job as a performer, and I couldn’t have asked for something more memorable.
“I am hugely grateful to Dr Langston and the Outlander team, who gave us this amazing opportunity, and brought this brilliant routine to life.”
The UWS BA Performance course is designed to help students explore performance critically and practically, and features masterclasses led by leading industry staff and professionals.
The programme recognises the important role that having practical experience has on securing a graduate career, and strives to offer real-world professional settings in which students can hone their practice.
You can watch a video of the performance here.
Click here for further information about studying Performance at UWS.