Apparently, The X Factor returns to our television screens this weekend – so Mrs Smith reliably informs me. One of the stars of last year’s show is appearing this week – for one week only – at the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh’s west end.
Anton Stephans (for it is he) features in the top-rated musical show Guys Sing Dolls along with West End golden boy Tim Newman, Drew Gowland and the self-effacing but loveable Gerard Bentall in the unique show by Beyond Broadway Productions.
How is it unique, I hear you ask? Well, when one thinks of divas one assumes of women. However, Messrs Stephans, Newman, Gowland and Bentall proved at the Ghillie Dhu that men – with the right melody and right lyrics – can give even the likes of Bette Midler a run for their money!
All the songs in the hour plus show were enjoyable but I particularly enjoyed the new arrangements of Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’, Stephen Sondheim’s ‘You Drive Me Crazy’ and ‘Let it Go’ from the Disney film Frozen.
Anton Stephans is best known for the impact he made on last year’s X Factor. The big lad in the kilt was once a backing vocalist for the likes of Tina Turner, Elton John and Sting but he clearly has the talent to become a star in his own right.
He shared the spotlight at the Ghillie Dhu with Tim Newman (stage star of Memphis, All the Fun of the Fair and Footloose; Drew Gowland, co-founder of the MGA Academy of Performing Arts (and he put on a convincing performance when he was ‘sent’ to the bar by his colleagues who mockingly gestured he wasn’t good enough!); and Gerard Bentall (Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Fame)
All four ‘male divas’ were mightily impressive yet, despite their huge collective talent, didn’t take themselves too seriously and were keen to send themselves up at every opportunity. This made for a very enjoyable show and Friday evening’s appreciative audience didn’t hesitate in giving the boys a well-deserved standing ovation at the end.
The downside is Guys Sing Dolls is only in Edinburgh this week – and the final show is on Saturday 27 August. So if you want to see the show be quick! Ticket information here
Edinburgh Reporter rating: ****
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
