Ewan Mcgregor - Mcgregor Gushes After Stage Premiere

Hollywood star EWAN McGREGOR was filled with pride after his debut in the latest London production of classical musical GUYS AND DOLLS last night (01JUN05) - because all his hard work paid off.

The 34-year-old Scottish actor has signed a six month contract to play gangster playboy SKY MASTERSON in the 1950s extravaganza at the West End's Piccadilly Theatre - his first stage performance since appearing in the London Comedy Theatre's production of LITTLE MALCOLM AND HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST THE EUNUCHS in 1999.

After the rewarding opening night, McGregor feels the gruelling months of singing lessons and rehearsing demanding dance routines have been fully justified.

He says, "I had never imagined doing a musical on stage. It had never really crossed my mind, but I am so glad that it has come up because I have never had a better time - it's fantastic.

"The first night can sometimes be a bit uptight but tonight was fantastic. It's a lovely show for us to perform. It's so well-written and so well-paced."

The Guys And Dolls production - also starring ALLY McBEAL beauty JANE KRAKOWSKI in her West End debut - sees DAMON RUNYON's musical return to the London stage after a 23 year hiatus.