DREAMGIRLS Star Durone Stokes Re-imagines 'Family'

Durone Stokes has spent the past two years in the West End production of the award- winning soulful musical Dreamgirls. Playing the role of C.C White, Stokes impressed audiences with his velvety vocals and the endearing warmth of his portrayal. Following his departure from the show, Durone has recorded and produced a reimagined version of one of his main songs: 'Family'.

Listen below!

Durone has recorded the song believing that its central message - of unity, of growth, of mutual dependence - is incredibly important in this uncertain and turbulent political landscape.

He co-produced the song with leading UK music producer Byron Hosking - who has worked with prominent British soul musicians including Natalie Williams (formerly of Incognito) and Louise Goldby. Durone explains: 'I worked with Byron to build the track from scratch, looking at tweaking the structure of the song so that it could work well outside of the context of the show.' With evocative guitar work and percussion, Stokes modernises the song while still respecting its gospel roots.

Born in South-East London, Stokes grew up singing in church before studying at the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts. He starred in regional productions of Grand Hotel and Aladdin before being asked to join the original London cast of Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre, produced by theatre impresario Sonia Friedman. Durone dedicated his performance in Dreamgirls to his late brother, who inspired him to pursue a career as a performer.