Articles

This story was published: Tuesday, 28th August, 2007, DUMBARTON REPORTER

DUMBARTON AND VALE'S GOT TALENT

by Kirsteen Paterson

A WEALTH of talent was on display at the area’s annual Variety Performance last week.

On Friday acts young and less young stepped on stage at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton, to show off their skills.

Dutch pop star Natalie James, from Bonhill, was among the performers and performed her new solo material for the first time.

The charismatic vocalist split from award winning four piece Bad Candy just months ago after starring together in a top rated TV series and becoming one of the country’s most popular pop bands. She worked with fellow professionals Jim Smart and Louise McFarlane to organise the event, which is the second of its kind.

Comic Scott McCaffary, dancer Kelli Gallacher, George Michael impersonator Colin Ross, cheerleaders the Rock Allstars and singers Lynsey White and Alana Wright also appeared. Busy Alana, who regularly appears at radio roadshows and community galas, cancelled other gigs to be at the event, and had to sprint offstage to head to a friend’s wedding straight after her set. She said: “I really wanted to be at this. There are so many talented people here and I’ll be involved as long as they want me to.”

Life is a cabaret at Denny Civic Aug 23 2007, By Marc McLean

 THE CREAM of the area’s top talent are coming together on Friday night to stage West Dunbartonshire’s own variety performance.

Singing sensations, colourful cheerleaders and a comedian are among the acts that will take to the stage in Dumbarton’s Denny Civic Theatre for a night of entertainment.

Chart topper Natalie James, who had two top 10 singles in Scotland and went on to become lead singer of Dutch girl band Bad Candy, makes a welcome home return. She is joined by Jim Smart, whose Freddie Mercury stage act has received rave reviews, and well-known Alexandria vocalist Alana Wright.

Married couple Des and Louise McFarlane bring their renowned cabaret show to the stage, while singer Colin Ross appears after winning the Hypnosong Starsearch talent competition.

Organiser Jim Smart, of Jamestown, said: “Last year’s great feedback is the reason we decided to stage the performance again this year. It was only supposed to be a one off but now it’s going to be an annual event. “It’s mainly singers this time around but we are aiming to make it as different as possible every year. “It should be a great night.”

Five young winners from the West Dunbartonshire’s Got Talent contest, Paul Reilly, Sian Ross, Shane Ferguson, Kara Taylor and Charlie McFarlane, will also be making appearances.

Bonhill girl Natalie will be performing her latest recording, Love is a Battlefield, after ending her two year pop adventure with Bad Candy. She said: “I wrote the song with Jon, my flatmate in Holland, and I’m looking forward to singing it at the show. “At rehearsals the kids have been so enthusiastic and that’s giving us all a wee buzz too.

“This kind of show is a great way to showcase talent in the area and there’s definitely a lot of it.”