Jack Lowden makes appearance in Earlston High School show

Lowden’s former teacher – who retires at the end of next week – said his ex-pupil had kept in touch.

He said: “We are in contact regularly.

“But it’s nice to know no matter how far he’s gone already, he remembers his roots. It’s lovely.

“At first he was saying, should you not be getting a pupil to do this? But it is meant to be an older person.”

Lowden was involved in every shool show during his time at Earlston and played multiple roles in the likes of South Pacific, Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls and Buddy.

Head teacher Alex Johnson said Mr Thomson would be sorely missed when he retired.

“A lot of the good reputation of the school comes from the shows,” he said.

“We have had a huge number of young people who have gone on to West End productions.

“It’s a huge breeding ground for talent and also inclusivity.”