Preview: Tom The Musical

Now an actress in her own right, the pair met through a mutual friend, “We got talking and the rest is history,” smiles Orton, who has toured to the Capital previously.

“I’ve even been to the top of Arthur’s Seat,” he says, “Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful city and I consider it a home from home.”

Tom The Musical, tells the story of Tom Jones and, being Welsh, it’s the ideal role for Orton.

“We are born with Tom’s voice ringing in our ears and his legend coursing through our veins,” he laughs. “I have albums of his on my iPod and don’t remember buying them. I think they just magically arrive whenever you drive over the Severn Bridge.”

An essence of Jones is what Orton aims to bring to the stage.

“I’m playing a young version of him so it’s not necessarily the Tom that first pops into people’s heads. I’m relieved audiences are enjoying what I’m doing.”

It’s Not Unusual, I Who Have Nothing and Spanish Harlem are three of the actor’s favourite Jones’ songs, he adds, “But Tom could sing the phone book and I’d probably buy it.”

There to hear his rendition of those classics will be Carlyne, who still works front of house.

“It’ll feel great, knowing she’ll be there supporting me. I just hope she won’t be too embarrassed by the thrusting on stage.”

Tom The Musical, Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, today-Saturday, 7.30pm (matinee 2.30pm), £20.50-£40.50, 0131-529 6000