From the furnace to Figaro, steelman eyes opera stage

A STEELWORKER has vowed to reach the summit of the operatic world by following the footsteps of Welsh singing sensation Paul Potts.

Mark Jenkins, 33, is currently in the same situation as the former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, who lived in Port Talbot.

Former amateur rugby player Mr Jenkins, who works at Port Talbot steelworks, is now being trained by some of the best opera-singing teachers in the world.

“I suppose that Paul Potts has given me a lot of inspiration because of what he has achieved,” said the 33 year-old.

“Paul was told by [Luciano] Pavarotti that he would never make it, but through sheer perseverance he did, so I’d like to think that I could take a leaf out of his book.”

Mr Jenkins has played rugby for his home side, Kenfig Hill, in Bridgend, for some years, but he knew that he had another talent he’d like to explore.

He said: “When I used to play rugby my mates would always tell me after games or if we were in the club having a little singalong to use my choir voice.

“About six years ago I plucked up the courage to go for a classical singing lesson, where I was told by soprano Lynn Boudreau that I potentially had a worldclass tenor instrument but had no idea how to use it. From that point I studied up to three hours a day, learning different operas, techniques and languages.

“I was fortunate last summer to receive a grant from a company called Opera Mint to attend a summer course in Bolzano, Italy, which was a transformative experience.

“The director of Opera Mint, Sara Cletherol – who has helped me a great deal – sent a video of me singing to the director of Welsh National Opera, David Poutney.

“I have just been offered a place in this year’s International Academy of Voice summer course run by worldrenowned tenor, Dennis O’Neil.

“Dennis is seen as one of the world’s best vocal coaches so hopefully my time with him and another trip to Italy coming soon will prepare me for my audition.”