CHRISTY Bullock-Walker is not at all fazed by the thought of choreographing one of Glasgow’s biggest musical theatre shows.

The 18-year-old, who is a student at Hamilton Theatre Arts in the West End, will be putting 70 children and young people (who are sharing the stage with West End and Broadway stars such as Kerry Ellis and Sabrina Carter, of Wicked fame, and Les Miserables legend John Owen Jones) through their paces at the Movies to Musicals 10th anniversary spectacular in the SEC Armadillo.

It is a long way from her first, tentative steps into musical theatre as an anxious 12-year-old, she agrees.

Glasgow Times: Christy, front centre, with fellow cast members in a previous showChristy, front centre, with fellow cast members in a previous show (Image: Movies to Musicals)

“When I see how far I’ve come, it makes me feel really grateful for everything Movies To Musicals has done for me,” she says. “I suffer from anxiety and I was always really scared of singing, although I loved to dance.

“Everyone at Movies to Musicals makes you feel confident and safe, we’re like a big family.

“And to get the chance to perform alongside big West End and Broadway stars is really special.”

Glasgow Times: Christy Bullock-Walker will be choreographing more than 70 young performers in the showChristy Bullock-Walker will be choreographing more than 70 young performers in the show (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

Glasgow’s Movies to Musicals, which gives children and young people from all backgrounds the chance to perform in top venues with stars of stage and screen, was founded by Glasgow Philharmonia conductor Ross Gunning in 2014.

It has produced a string of sell-out shows ever since and recently wowed judges and viewers alike on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Around 2000 young people have come through its doors during the last decade.

Glasgow Times: Some of the performers meeting Ant and Dec at Britain's Got TalentSome of the performers meeting Ant and Dec at Britain's Got Talent (Image: ITV)

Its patrons include former EastEnders actor John Partridge and West End director Sam Hiller, and special guests over the years have included Faye Tozer, from Steps, and  River City star Gayle Telfer Stevens.

Glasgow Times: Faye Tozer, from Steps (with Christy, to her right and other cast members in action)Faye Tozer, from Steps (with Christy, to her right and other cast members in action) (Image: Movies to Musicals)

Its 10th anniversary show, at the Armadillo on February 17, 2024, will also include a 22-piece orchestra and a 100-strong choir.

Ross, who runs Movies to Musicals on top of his full-time day job as an events manager, said: “It’s crazy we’re celebrating 10 years – it has gone by so quickly. I’m really proud of what we have achieved. No-one else does what we do - we are the company putting Scotland at the forefront of musical theatre.”

Glasgow Times: Christy with Movies to Musicals founder Ross GunningChristy with Movies to Musicals founder Ross Gunning (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

He adds: “It’s about so much more too. Many of the young people who come to us struggle with confidence, and we’re really proud of the fact we provide a safe and open place for everyone to just be themselves.

“And seeing the growth in some of these kids, like Christy, for example, watching them become triple-threat dancers, singers and actors, is what keeps me doing this. It’s hard, especially trying to find funding, but I absolutely love it.”

Glasgow Times: Christy with Movies to Musicals patron John PartridgeChristy with Movies to Musicals patron John Partridge (Image: Movies to Musicals)

Christy, from Bishopbriggs, plans to move to London after she graduates.

“I want to go for it,” she says, determinedly. “I know it will be hard, but my training, and my experience in Movies To Musicals, has really helped prepare me.

“Who knows what will happen? But I want to try. I can’t wait.”

Movies to Musicals 10th Anniversary show is at the SEC Armadillo on February 17. Visit the SEC website for tickets.