BEHIND THE SCENES: The CHILDREN OF EDEN Gala Concert!

This weekend, the rarely-performed Children of Eden hits the West End for a one-off gala concert in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK.

It's packed with West End names such as Kerry Ellis, Oliver Thornton, Louise Dearman, Gareth Gates and Brenda Edwards, all joining together for this charity event - plus a huge chorus.

"There are 76 people on stage," explains Anton Stephans, who's playing Father. "I am on stage continuously. It's very ambitious, and the cast is incredible, with so many fantastic Broadway and West End credits between them."

Does the concert nature make a difference to how they rehearse? "It's a gala but it's very different to any concert anyone will have seen before – it's a full show with script, everything, set. You never get that in concert, it's enormous, and exciting."

Playing Father is the realisation of an ambition for Stephans. "This is a role I've always wanted. I was going to do it for a concert six years ago but when I fell ill I had to say no, so I'm so glad it's come round again."

John Wilding, a contestant from last year's X Factor, is making his West End debut in the show as Abel (along with former Pop Idol Gareth Gates as the murderous Cain). "It's been very full-on," he admits. "This is an amazing cast - so I'm feeling the pressure a bit, it's a little bit intimidating! The vocal stuff is lower than I'm used to singing, so I'm really stretching my voice out."

His casting was slightly unusual. "Drew [Drew Baker, the director] approached me via Twitter to ask if I was available and interested, and I jumped straight on board."

Even though the novelty of seeing the show might be an attraction for musical theatre aficionados, the charity element is close to the cast's hearts.

"Crohn's and Colitis UK has done a lot for my family," says Aaron Sidwell, who plays Ham. "My mother-in-law has colitis and my wife has Crohn's, so it's nice to be able to give something back in the way I know best."

"It's going to be a great show," promises Wilding, "and we're hoping we can raise lots of money for a great cause."

Children of Eden is being performed at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday January 29 - go to their official website for more information and tickets.

To post a comment, you must register and login.