Popular Centrestage front-man, singer, keyboard player and performer extraordinaire, Rory McLaren, will be taking off eight of music's most flamboyant super-stars in his new show entitled Takin' Them Off, which opens a two night run at the Guild Theatre on 7th and 8th June.

East London-born McLaren "takes off" and pays tribute to the larger-than-life performers including Elton John, Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, Chris De Burgh, George Michael and Josh Groban.

While Rory has a superb singing voice and confident stage appeal, he is as adept on the piano as he is at strutting up front - he shows off his keyboard skills in a scintillating tribute to Mr Showman himself, Liberace.

Liza Minelli is also given a spot on the musical catwalk.

McLaren has been a regular visitor to East London since returning to the Eastern Cape to join the Centrestage stable two years ago.

He has performed in a series of Centrestage hit shows, including Forever Fab - Your Ticket to Ride with The Beatles, Absolutely Abba, The Magnificent 7 and most recently Hey Tonite - A tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, which returns to the Guild Theatre for a single follow-up performance on 9 June.

Rory's tribute to Michael Buble and Robbie Williams, Robbin' the Buble, was critically acclaimed during its run at the Playhouse last year - while his collaboration with Donna Africa, When 2 Stars Collide, has yet to reach the East London boards.

"Taking Them Off" is described in its Grahamstown Festival pre-publicity as Rory's "Coming of Age" show, with the talented performer using all the tricks he has learned along the way to deliver a varied entertainment package which will engage the audience on many levels.

Highlights of the all-new show include Chris De Burgh's Spanish Train, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Josh Groban's When You Say You Love Me, Liza Minelli's New York New York, George Michael's Amazing and a smashing Elton John set.