Blantyre actor Gary Bennet to star in lead role

Nov 5 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A TALENTED Blantyre actor will take to the stage later this month at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow.

After a hugely successful sell out run playing Roger in the rock musical 'Rent' at the Gilmorehill G12Šin May, Gary Bennet is set to tread the boards in ‘Copacobana’ at the city theatre.

Gary has landed the lead role of Stephen/Tony in Barry Manilow's Musical Comedy which runs from November 17-21.

This will be his third lead role at the King’s in the space of two and a half years having played Bernardo in 'West Side Story' in 2007 and Roddy in 'Boogie Nights' in 2008.

‘Copacabana’ is Inspired by the unforgettable opening of Barry Manilow’s Grammy award-winning hit song and tells a tale of old-fashioned love, jealousy and murder which unfolds amidst dazzling costumes, spectacular sets and sensational choreography.Š

Gary said: “Copacabana is very different to shows I have appeared in before but I have always wanted to do a show like this.

“As I am a romantic at heart andŠI'm a big fan of the old 1940's-50'sŠMGM style movie musicals starring idolsŠI greatly admire such asŠFrank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Gene Kelly.Š

“I play two characters in the show. Stephen, a songwriter who lives in present day NewŠYork and his imagined alter ego Tony who lives in 1940's New York.Š”

Besides performing in theatre, Gary plays solo acoustic gigs in and around Lanarkshire and Glasgow and he now also sings with the 20 piece 'Cosmopolitan Big Band'.

The band have a monthly residency in Cafe Source, Glasgow and have just recently played a charity night atŠCeltic Park.

‘Copacabana’ will also see a young Hamilton woman make her debut at the King’s Theatre in a principal role.

The University of the West of Scotland journalismŠstudent,ŠMaria Boyle, will be taking on the role of Latina bombshellŠConchita Alvarez.

This will be Maria's third appearance in the King's alongside Gary having played Shark Girl, Teresita in ‘West Side Story’ and danced in the chorus inŠ'Boogie Nights'.

Maria graduated as a professional dancer in 2006 from Dance For All Theatre School, Edinburgh.

Following this, Maria worked in Disneyland Paris where she danced in the parades and played the part of some Disney characters.

Since then she has danced in shows such as Italian opera 'L'Orfeo' and experienced her claim to fame this year with dance trio 'DAMladies'.

Maria is absolutely thrilled to be playing her first principal role at the Kings and can't wait to take to the stage.