An award-winning theatre group has wowed audiences in a “dream come true” moment as they performed at sea for the first time. Ups and Downs, made up of young people with Down syndrome and their families, took to the seas aboard P&O Cruises ship Arcadia to celebrate winning a Pride of Britain Award last year.
Standing ovation for first performance at sea
Audiences clapped and sang along as the 57-strong cast from the group, based in Hamilton, took to the stage with favourites including Ring of Fire, Material Girl and Burning Love. A moving rendition of A Million Dreams from the musical The Greatest Showman was a highlight of the performance.
One passenger said: “We saw the solar eclipse at sea last week, which was amazing. But the Ups and Downs show was even more special.”
A beacon of joy since 1995
Ups and Downs was founded in 1995 with the goal of becoming a beacon of joy and inspiration for young people with Down syndrome. They provide a safe and nurturing space where members can experience rehearsing and performing live shows in a theatre setting.
More than 70 young people and their families take part, with weekly sessions in Hamilton and an annual sell-out show at the Town House in Hamilton every spring. In June 2025, the group won a Pride of Scotland Award.
From Pride of Britain to the high seas
That was followed up by a Pride of Britain Award in October, presented by singer Rag’n’Bone Man and rapper Aitch whose sister Gracie has Down syndrome. Ups and Downs joined Arcadia during a stopover in Greenock last week, as the ship was en route from Iceland to Cork, in the Republic of Ireland.
Their performance on board Arcadia was part of a spectacular day of celebrations for the group. After being welcomed aboard by the ship’s captain, they enjoyed an exclusive party, dancing along to live music.
A day of celebrations and memories
Then it was time for their own performance for delighted passengers, followed by a lavish three-course dinner. They finished the night with front-row seats for a special Music of Scotland show in the Palladium, where they were invited on stage once again for a final salute from the audience.
Vicky Moffat, President of Ups and Downs, said: “It was a day we’ll never forget and the memories will last for ever. Our cast had the absolute best time.” Cast member Paul Fraser said the experience was “a dream come true”.
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes, and will be screened on STV in the Autumn.
