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PICTURES: The top turns at 'Stars in their Eyes' fundraiser for Inverness children's charity SNAP


By Philip Murray

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Bea Clark as Dolly Parton. Picture: Callum Mackay..
Bea Clark as Dolly Parton. Picture: Callum Mackay..

How the evening's charity musical extravaganza unfolded.

A spectacular talent show raised more than £33,000 in aid of SNAP, which runs youth events, clubs and activities for Highland youngsters with additional support needs.

Here is how the night on stage unfolded:

William Durrand opened the show as Elvis. Picture: Callum Mackay
William Durrand opened the show as Elvis. Picture: Callum Mackay

Opening the show, High Life Highland area manager William Durrand got the crowd roaring, coming out as Elvis with the song ‘Burning Love’.

Midway through his number, he was joined on stage by dancing SNAP young adults, Courtney and Orla, as he merged into the chorus from the song ‘Proud Mary’.

Emily Story and Angus Binnie as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Picture: Callum Mackay
Emily Story and Angus Binnie as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Picture: Callum Mackay

Second up Emily Story, Kingsmills Hotel’s training and development manager, performed alongside her cousin Angus Binnie as Johnny Cash & June Carter with ‘Jackson’ – a duet with Angus playing his own acoustic guitar.

Related article: Super 'Stars in Their Eyes' performers help to raise £33,000

Kojo Agyei. Picture: Callum Mackay
Kojo Agyei. Picture: Callum Mackay

Next up, the crowd were treated to a romantic ballad from football coach Kojo Agyei who performed a song close to his heart by band Heatwave – someone who is no stranger to the stage, having appeared as a backing dancer in West End musicals.

Lorna Newlands as Cher. Picture: Callum Mackay
Lorna Newlands as Cher. Picture: Callum Mackay

Bringing the crowd back to their feet, Lorna Newlands wowed the audience with a transformation into Cher performing ‘Gypsies Tramps & Thieves’ along with some energetic dance moves.

Chris Smith and Stephen Laurie as Robbie Williams and Johnathan Wilkes. Picture: Callum Mackay
Chris Smith and Stephen Laurie as Robbie Williams and Johnathan Wilkes. Picture: Callum Mackay

The next dynamic duo, Chris Smith & Stephen Laurie, raised the roof with a performance of Robbie Williams' and Jonathan Wilkes' version of ‘Me and My Shadow’.

Steve Walsh performed as Frank Sinatra, with daughter Sophia as his backing singer. Picture: Callum Mackay
Steve Walsh performed as Frank Sinatra, with daughter Sophia as his backing singer. Picture: Callum Mackay

Going on to win the show, Steve Walsh was next up and joined on the stage by teenage daughter Sophia who provided backing vocals to his performance of Frank Sinatra ‘That’s Life’ which began with acapella verses from ‘Fly me to the Moon’.

Sophia, who aspires to become an actress, received huge praise from the judges and audience for her radiant personality and confidence on stage.

Brian Paxton as Freddie Mercury. Picture: Callum Mackay
Brian Paxton as Freddie Mercury. Picture: Callum Mackay

Brian Paxton, a recruitment manager from Nairn, was the next contestant to wow the audience – transforming into Freddie Mercury, showing off some incredible vocals on the track ‘Somebody to Love’.

Bea Clark as Dolly Parton. Picture: Callum Mackay
Bea Clark as Dolly Parton. Picture: Callum Mackay

Closing the show, one of the most striking transformations of the night was Bea Clark, who returned to the Highlands for one night only to show the audience what working ‘9 to 5’ was like as Dolly Parton.


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