Singer Mark is ‘hitting the high seas’

Mark has just announced that he has been chosen from hundreds of hopefuls who auditioned to be part of the entertainment team aboard the luxurious liner.

Owned by the Cunard Line, the Queen Victoria boasts seven restaurants, 13 bars, three swimming pools and, of course, a fully equipped theatre.

Mark, who completed another hugely successful stint in Belfast’s Grand Opera House’s record-breaking pantomime this year, paid a brief visit back home to the north coast before beginning rehearsals for his opportunity of a lifetime.

Former Coleraine Inst pupil Mark told the Times: “I will be joining three other singers on board the Queen Victoria, along with 12 dancers and a 21 piece orchestra.

“The audition process took about three weeks with five auditions.

“I had to learn eight songs that the company requested. I also had to do a movement workshop and a vocal harmonies workshop.

“It was all pretty intense stuff - especially when you heard the other competitors.”

But Mark, who has appeared locally with Ballywillan Drama Group and Portrush Music Society, certainly impressed the Cunard executives and he now travels to Northampton in a few weeks to start a two month rehearsal period during which time the company will learn five different shows.

At the end of June, once the rehearsal period has finished, Mark and the rest of the company will begin a six month tour which will take in practically all of Europe including the Norwegian Fjords, France, Spain, Greece and Italy.

“Then we get two months off in January and and February 2014 before we go back on board in March next year and head to Australia,” he explained.

“After that, we make our way to New Zealand, Hawaii, America, South America, the Carribbean and so on.

“That takes us to April and we are still waiting for the itinerary from April until September when the contract finishes.”