Dallachy Lecture 2010

When Colin Ingram re-entered The Glasgow Academy after just over twenty years, his laid-back attitude and endearing personality prepared the audience for a lecture which, by the end, had changed many pupils', and parents',  outlook on what they wanted out of life.  Mr Ingram’s story is one which motivates anybody, as the scale of what he has achieved in twenty years is remarkable.

After leaving a theatrical mark on the Academy, he graduated from Edinburgh University in Law and International Finance before qualifying as a chartered accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Whilst obtaining this degree he kept focused on both his work and his ambition of succeeding in the theatre environment, partaking in many sketches at the Edinburgh Festival.  His step-by-step guide to his success was invaluable to all of the pupils as it showed the importance of always having a back-up plan if embarking on an unpredictable career path.  However, his lecture primarily impacted on those aspiring to become actors or producers, making them believe that if he succeeded they too could triumph.

His theatrical success is abundant but some of his most memorable and significant achievements came when working with Disney, Cameron Mackintosh, Kevin Spacey and being executive producer of the West End hit 'Billy Elliot'.  Despite the many highs in his career, ultimately like anybody else there were the low points, which he stated made him want to give up.  This was a sharp realisation that success isn’t achieved on an easy road, and a career in the West End is no easy feat.
Through these tough times in which he travelled globally in the search for success, he met his wife; this brought home to the audience that although you should strive for your ambition, you need to keep in mind what is best for your life.  A career is fundamental, yet happiness through family is priceless.  The end of his presentation displayed a picture of his family and he stated poignantly, ‘My best creation to date is my daughter’.   

The extent to which Mr Ingram has embraced all opportunities and achieved an exceptional amount in a relatively short space of time was inspiration to us all.  His speech embedded within us the principle that you really can achieve anything if you truly want it and are prepared to work hard.

His most recent production, the musical 'Ghost', comes to London’s West End in 2011 and promises to be a truly spectacular show filled with never-before-seen, on-stage illusions.

Megan Dunbar (S6)