Tag: Queen Margaret University graduate

Tickets on sale for new Stef Smith production that brings Queen Margaret University history to life

QMU welcomes audiences to new Stef Smith production at Traverse Theatre

Rising stars of stage and screen will dazzle audiences next February as they perform a new Stef Smith production at the Traverse Theatre, bringing Queen Margaret University’s 150-year story to life. 

Drawing on QMU’s rich history, from its origins as a cookery school for women, through two world wars, student activism and a global pandemic, ‘Head. Heart. Hand.’ explores how generations of students responded to the challenges and changes of their times with resilience, passion and hope.  

Created by award-winning playwright and QMU graduate, Stef Smith, the production will be performed by QMU final year Acting and Performance students at Scotland’s new writing theatre, the renowned Traverse Theatre, from 19–21 February 2026.  

Stef Smith studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Queen Margaret University and won an Olivier Award for the show ‘RoadKill’ just a few years after graduating. 

Her plays include ‘Nora: A Doll’s House’, ‘Swallow’ and ‘Enough’; and her recent screen credits include ‘Float’, the BBC Scotland drama, which shines a light on the lives of LGBTQ+ teens living in rural communities and for which she won a BAFTA for Best Writer. 

Stef said: “Coming back to QMU feels a little surreal. I can hardly believe how much time has passed since I graduated, yet in many ways it feels like no time at all!

“Much of Scotland’s theatre scene is built on new writing, so it’s vital that students gain experience working directly with a living playwright.

“I hope this opportunity gives them a real sense of the professional world they’re about to enter – it has been brilliant to see the next generation of students bringing such energy and creativity to the project.” 

The development of Head. Heart. Hand. forms part of the QMU150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.

As part of QMU’s commitment to accessibility, the university will be offering 150 £1 tickets to its students for the Thursday afternoon dress rehearsal. These can be booked directly through QMU and are not available via the Traverse box office. 

At its core, Head. Heart. Hand. is a story of perseverance, action, and the enduring belief in education as an act of hope. It promises to be a moving celebration of QMU’s legacy – and the students who shaped it. 

Purchase your ticket on the Traverse Theatre website –

https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/head-heart-hand-spring-26 

Performance dates:

19 Feb 7pm | 20 Feb 7pm | 21 Feb 2pm and 7pm

Venue: Traverse Theatre

Tickets: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/head-heart-hand-spring-26

Age recommendation: 14+

Edinburgh graduate Andrea helps launch music therapy practice

Andrea Jardine, a MSc in Music Therapy student who graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in July, was recognised for her help in setting up a new music therapy practice while she was on placement with the NHS.

Twenty-five-year-old Andrea, who is a self-employed violin teacher in Edinburgh, was presented the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award by QMU – the only university in Scotland to offer a music therapy course.

While on placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Andrea helped set up a music therapy practice – the first in the region for over a decade!

Andrea, said: “In our final year on the MSc Music Therapy course, we were able to experience setting up a music therapy practice in places that haven’t had such a service before.

“It was nerve-wracking being the only music therapist in the hospital at the time, but it was a great opportunity to create more awareness of the work we do, alongside a variety of other professionals – from occupational therapists and nurses, to psychiatrists.

“I was able to work in a variety of settings with a wide range of patients of different ages and with different needs, witnessing just how much music can help improve a person’s health and well-being. I learned to work autonomously while also working as part of a wider team, and it was great to learn how to manage referrals and a caseload of my own clients.

“My final year placement was a truly special experience. I hope that by doing my placement there, it has paved the way for art therapies to be introduced to Dumfries and Galloway. It would be wonderful if music therapy could become a permanent service in the region!’’

A passionate advocate for art therapies and its potential to help with rehabilitation, Andrea is also a Trustee for the Scottish Music Therapy Trust, and one day hopes to run her own music therapy practice, working with neurodivergent children or adults with dementia.

Andrea, said: “The academic staff and lecturers at QMU have been the absolute highlight of my university experience. I initially had applied to a music therapy course in England for a change of scene – given I have lived in Scotland my whole life – but after visiting QMU for the first time, I quickly changed my mind.

“The support and guidance that I’ve experienced at QMU couldn’t have been replicated at any other university, particularly as I am neurodivergent myself. I loved the benefit of working with the art and drama therapy students at QMU, exchanging knowledge and ideas, and the smaller cohort size was a huge plus.”

On the day of Andrea’s graduation from QMU, she celebrated with her family and classmates at an impressive ceremony held in Edinburgh’s beautiful Usher Hall, attended by QMU’s Chancellor and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith CBE. Andrea was one of 1300 students who graduated in person from Queen Margaret University across three ceremonies in July. 

Dr Philippa Derrington, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the MSc in Music Therapy within the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at QMU, said: “Introducing music therapy to a new setting is an important part of students’ preparation for practice, and the final year students do this so well, year on year, often leading to further employment opportunities.

“Well done Andrea on winning this award – I look forward to hearing where your career takes you next!”