Tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan (44) is a professionally trained classical and musical theatre singer and actor born in Wales, who has become highly acclaimed since he moved to Marbella 4 years ago. In November Steve was taken on by top London agent Louise Gubbay who flew over especially to se e him perform at this year´s Essential Marbella Awards and signed him on the spot.  Read the exclusive interview Stephen gave to i-Marbella below!

1. What brought you to Marbella? 

I have lived in Marbella permanently for almost 4 years, but I spent the first 9 months flying back to the UK each week. It maybe a cliché  but we came for a better quality of life and to provide a stimuli for my singing career on which I had really not pursued for the previous 4 years. 

2. What do you like in Marbella the most?

Spain has provided the direction and focus that was missing in terms of my singing. I am a different performer than I was a few years ago, and much of that is due to being here. Sorry not to say the weather or the fantastic wine and food, all of which plays a part obviously. But for me it has been a catalyst for me to grow both as a person and a performer.

3. Did you always know you want to be a singer? If you weren't a singer then you would be ...

Music had been part of my life from the day I was born. My dad was singer in a band as a teenager and there was never a time when music of all kinds wasn’t playing. My sister and I learned the words to Flying Purple People Eater at a very young age! I followed in my dad’s footsteps and started singing at 14. To be honest I have never wanted to do anything else but sometimes life has a habit of getting in the way and your path is no longer a straight forward one. If I didn’t sing I would be an accountant (probably!)

4. What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far?

This is a tough one as from a professional capacity I still think I have much more I want to achieve. Personally, having the guts to give up my job with a leading Investment Bank, go to drama school and do a post graduate course in Musical Theatre. Also being invited to be part of the top 100 of Marbella was a great honour for me.

5. What kind of ambitions do you have?

I have really only ever had one ambition from a professional point of view and that was to be a successful performer. Fame and fortune has never worried me, just to be in regular employment enough to provide a reasonable standard of living. One particular ambitio n of mine is to play Thenardier in Les Miserables!

6. What is your advice to young singers to make it in the entertainment business?

Whatever field you are drawn to, Musical Theatre, Opera or contemporary pop learn your trade and perfect your craft! In terms of musical theatre the competition is fierce, so to just be able to sing is not enough, you have to be an all rounder and that means singing acting and dancing! Go to an accredited drama school, get yourself an agent and start the round of auditions. Also learn to accept rejection, which in this profession is very high. It doesn’t means you are not any good, it just means you are not right for the part. If it’s your dream and you have the talent, then don’t ever give up! 

7. What kind of hobbies do you have? How do you spend your free time?

If you listen to Nick (my manager) he would say my hobbies are watching soaps!For example Emmerdale, Coronation St, Eastenders, Hollyoaks, Casualty etc. While it maybe true! When I am not rehearsing, most of my very limited free time is spent with our three dogs, though I have recently started learning the guitar!

8. Do you have any favourite places to go out to eat/dance in Marbella?

My favourite place to eat is not really in Marbella but on the road up to Casares a wonderful little restaurant called Venta Garcia. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere great. Dancing???!!!! Last time was at the excellent Suite, after the Essential Marbella Awards.

9. What is your motto in life?

No day but today! You Tube the track ‘No Day but Today’ by Idina Menzel. There’s only us, there’s only this forget, regret, or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, no day but today. I was lucky enough to perform in the musical ‘Rent’ from which this song is taken, this is a message that so many of us need to try and understand and really appreciate!

10. What plans do you have for the New Year's Eve? Any resolutions?

This year is going to be a quiet and relaxed New Year. As a performer Christmas and New Year’s Eve is usually your busiest times. I have spent far too many New Year’s Eves working. This year I have decided to have the night off and Nick and I are going out for dinner with friends. 

Resolutions? I have not been on the main stream theatre stage for a few years now, it would be nice to get a West End contract!