Pop Idol Gareth Gates is about to take to the stage at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls once again in a show that celebrates the best songs in musical theatre.
Gareth, who has sold more than five million records and has had an impressive stage career, will appear in the 10th anniversary tour of Mad About the Musicals on October 24.
Speaking to Vibe, Gareth said: “Show like this are always good fun. We take the best songs from some of the world’s best musicals and put them all in the one show.
“It’s kind of like the best-of-the-best performed in one night. That’s why it’s great for audience who that are fans of the musicals.”
Gareth has performed on stage in big productions like Legally Blonde, Les Mis and Joseph. We asked him for five of his favourite musicals, including ones he’s been in and one’s he’d love a go at.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
“I’ve been a fan of musical theatre for quite some time. It all started when I was eight. At my school, they were putting on a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
“I had no idea I could sing or even enjoy singing so I went along to the rehearsals and landed the lead role in the show. From then, my love for music and singing just blossomed.
“I was asked by Andrew Lloyd-Webber to play the part of Joseph in the West End. It was my West End debut.”
The Phantom of the Opera
“Phantom is one of the oldest shows around and I think any show that’s been around that amount of time and has stood the test of time is worth mentioning.
“Andrew Lloyd-Webber is a great composer. I really like his work.”
Wicked
“I love the different take on the two witches, obviously from The Wizard of Oz. They have taken a classic storyline that everybody knows. I think the storyline is very clever.
“The music is by a guy called Stephen Schwarz who, within the musical theatre world, is a legend.”
Les Miserables
“Les Miserables was certainly a highlight. I was involved in the 25th anniversary production of it and we created a brand new show that was different to the version in the West End.
“Being a part of that was really special. I then had the opportunity to go to the West End and play the role there as well. It was then the World’s longest-running musical. Being a part of that is quite incredible.”
Miss Saigon
“I love Miss Saigon. It’s the same writers as Les Mis and it’s got the songs that everybody knows. You play them and the musical theatre fans know all the words.
“It’s got an epic storyline and I think in its day it captured the imaginations of a lot of people. It’s quite rare that a musical does that, I guess. I haven’t been in it.
“I’d love to play Chris in it, however I just heard they’re closing it in the West End in February.”
Mad About the Musicals is at Fairfield Halls on October 24. Tickets cost £26.25. Go to www.fairfield.co.uk or call 020 8688 9291.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel