A DUNDEE man has turned his dreams into reality and graced a West End stage in London.
Brian James Leys, 32, of Fintry, has described the experience as “surreal” as he mingled with some of the biggest names in Motown — including Smokey Robinson.
Brian is now performing in Motown: The Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre in London, performing eight shows a week in front of sell-out crowds.
It all seems a far cry from the former Braeview Academy pupil’s early days in the drama department but Brian knew he would make a living out of singing.
Brian told the Tele: “I attended the Graham Street Campus College, which is where it all seriously started.
“I was there in 2006 for two years doing a modern musicianship course.
“I learned such a great deal when I was there and spent a lot of time in the recording studio.
“Within this environment, I started uploading videos on YouTube and then my agent discovered me through social media.”
Brian faced eight gruelling auditions for Motown and faced stiff competition from other performers. But, after facing rejection from the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, he kept going.
Brian plays a number of roles within the musical, including Four Tops Renaldo “Obie” Benson, but his main role is to tell the story of Norman Whitfield, the record producer of Motown, who wrote the timeless hit Papa Was a Rolling Stone, by the Temptations.
Brian added: “This is my first West End show and the whole thing is just a bit surreal at the moment. I have been speaking to Shelly Berger, who was manager of The Supremes, and he has been telling me first-hand stories of Marvin Gaye — it’s incredible.”
Brian’s mum Pauline, 52, who recently saw her son perform in the show, said: “Brian was the first person I saw on the stage and the tears immediately started. I was so proud. The wee laddie from Fintry, I said to myself, ‘your wish has come true’.
“It’s hard work but we are just so proud of him.”