So far, 2014 is shaping up to be a pretty impressive year music-wise in the Highlands, with a host of top-drawer acts – such as the legend that is Tom Jones – set to appear.
The trend continues this week at Eden Court Theatre when north fans get the opportunity to be the first to see a show that’s tipped to be a must-see west-end hit, before it reaches London.
Opening tomorrow night is the smash-hit new musical 20th Century Boy, which stars a host of west-end musical, theatre and television stars, including Warren Sollars, Sue Jenkins and Luke Bailey.
The new musical exploding on to the stage is based on the life and times of glam-rock legend Marc Bolan and will feature a classic 1970s soundtrack that will have them rocking in the aisles from the first drumbeat.
Four decades after his premature, tragic death, the show lifts the lid on some of the myths surrounding Marc and his band, T. Rex, while taking the audience on a journey through Marc’s fascinating life.
The show is the culmination of five years of development and is based on an original idea by Brian Dunham, Colin Giffin and Nicky Graham.
Producer Nicky said: “Every day, I used to drive past the tree on Barnes Common where Marc tragically lost his life.
“The site has become a shrine for Bolan fans from all over the world.
“We were inspired to hold a sellout concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire to celebrate Marc’s life and, from there, the idea of the musical was born.”
The original production had two highly successful and critically acclaimed runs in 2011 and 2012.
This new show, featuring some of Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s most iconic hits including Ride a White Swan, I Love To Boogie and Get It On, will tour the UK after opening in Inverness.
Taking the lead role of the rocker, poet, electric warrior, king of glam and godfather of punk is Warren Sollars, who is a post-Bolan baby.
“I knew his music pretty well, as my mum played a lot of Bolan records,” said Warren, who has appeared in Mamma Mia! and From Here To Eternity.
“Mum is my musical influence, as when I was growing up she always played old-school music and enjoyed a good old singsong while running around with the vacuum cleaner,” said Warren.
“I prefer old-school rock and Motown to today’s music, if I’m honest.”
Bolan was arguably the biggest rock star the UK had ever seen.
Before his tragic death in 1977, just days short of his 30th birthday, he’d been living life at breakneck speed, creating a series of iconic images, a string of number-one hits and was followed by an army of obsessive fans.
“It’s a big pair of platform shoes that I’m being asked to fill,” said Warren.
“It’s a daunting but incredible task that I’ve been given, but it’s one of those roles that don’t come around very often, so I’m delighted to be in the show.
“Marc was such a great icon and loved by everyone.
“He always wanted to be famous, so tried a lot of different personas. To give me an insight into his personality, I’ve listened to his music every day, read books about him, watched the Born to Boogie film and lots of old TV clips which have shown different sides to Marc, who was a very complex character.
“He also changed his voice a lot. For example, in songs like Debora, he uses a bleating voice while using a more sexy voice in the likes of Get It On.
“I don’t want to mimic him, but recreate his essence.
“His style was as much a big part of him as his music, so I can’t wait to get into the platforms and glitter.”
The last word goes to Marc’s son, Rolan Bolan, who said: “It is amazing that certain music can stand the test of time throughout all of our lives, for particular songs and artists can represent a special time and place that we all hold dear.
“Musical tastes change throughout a lifetime, but there is always a band that stays close to our hearts and the music of T. Rex and my father, Marc Bolan, is still treasured by fans and continues to find many more admirers.
“Through song, laughter and tears, we come together to remember and keep a little of Marc in our hearts.”
20th Century Boy is at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, tomorrow and Saturday. For tickets contact the box office on 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk