Post by carol on Jun 27, 2013 15:06:58 GMT
What an amazing interview with Gareth, this is Enjoy!
love Carol xxx
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Interview: Gareth Gates
Since coming second in the first series of Pop Idol back in 2001, not only has Gareth Gates had a hugely successful career as a recording artist, selling over 3.5 million records in the UK, but he has also had an incredible career in musical theatre.
Gareth’s theatre career began when he took over from Lee Mead to star in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He then created the role of Marius in the International 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables and went on to play the part in the West End. His other theatre credits include Eddie in Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Cain in Children of Eden (Prince of Wales) and Warner in Legally Blonde (UK Tour). Most recently Gareth starred alongside The Osmonds in the UK Tour of Boogie Nights.
Next month Gareth will star opposite We Will Rock You’s Rachel Wooding in the short UK Tour of Momentous Musicals. The show, which sees West End stars perform some of the most popular songs in musical theatre, will visit the New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday 17th July, the Princess Theatre, Torquay on Friday 19th July, the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on Monday 22nd July and the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Thursday 25th July.
Recently I spoke to Gareth about what people can expect from Momentous Musicals, when his love for theatre first began and what roles he has his eye on and would like to play in the future...
Having performed in Momentous Musicals last year, are you looking to touring the UK with the show next month?
Yes, the show was such a great success and we had incredible feedback which is why we've added a few more dates this year. I'm really looking forward to it because I had so much fun doing it last time.
Has the show changed since last year?
Yes, myself and Rachel Wooding are the only two returning cast members from last year. We have John Owen-Jones, who I did the Les Miserables tour with and Ashleigh Gray, who has starred in West End shows including Wicked, joining us. I can't wait to get started!
Can you give any hints as to what you will be performing?
Obviously John is known for Phantom and we've both been in Les Mis so there will certainly be songs from those two shows. One of my favourite musicals in Miss Saigon so I will be performing ‘Why God Why?’. Rachel is in We Will Rock You right now so she will probably sing a few songs from the show. We are also doing a couple of numbers from Smash!
What can people expect from Momentous Musicals ?
One of the great things about Momentous Musicals is that we are actors and singers who have actually performed in the shows we are singing songs from, meaning we have the relevant knowledge and experience. Anybody who loves musicals will enjoy the show.
After Wimbledon you are touring to a few other theatres around the country. You have starred in many tours over the past few years, is this something you enjoy?
Yes it’s always good fun and I enjoy being out on the road. I like playing to regional crowds. They differ everywhere you go, in fact even Wimbledon is more of a regional crowd than the West End. It’s nice to bring the West End to places such as Manchester, Bradford and so on because the audiences really seem to appreciate it.
You have also starred in a few West End productions. Which do you prefer, being in the West End or on tour?
There is something quite special about being in the West End and it’s great to have it on your CV. But I equally love touring and performing to all the different audiences!
You've played some very iconic roles throughout your career, as well as creating a few roles. Looking ahead are there any other dream roles that you've got your eye on?
I have been fortunate. First I played Joseph in the West End which kicked off my musical theatre career. Playing Marius in Les Mis was brilliant, especially because we were creating a brand new version of the show. It was great to then play the role in the West End. I loved Loserville because it was a brand new show and nobody had played my part before. I had good fun playing Warner in Legally Blonde, the role was more of a speaking role than a singing role which brought new challenges for me with my stammer! But I showed myself that I can do it and it’s given me the confidence to play more acting roles in the future. There is still so much more that I want to achieve in theatre. I would like to be a part of Phantom at some point and I would love to play Chris in Miss Saigon.
And of course they're bringing Miss Saigon back to London!
Yes I've heard about that!
What are some of your favourite shows in London at the moment?
I've been out of London for a while which means I haven't had the chance to see some of the new shows such as The Book of Mormon. I saw it on Broadway but I need to go and see it in the West End! I have been really good friends with Louise Dearman ever since we did panto together in Wimbledon. She is currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked and my daughter loves the show. I take her all the time and Louise gets me free tickets which is always nice!
Was it always your plan to get into musical theatre?
Well I've always enjoyed musical theatre. At school I was always a shy kid who couldn't really speak at all. In my first school they did a production of Joseph so I decided to go along to the auditions... and that’s when I first discovered that I could sing! Music became my form of expression and release but it was because of Joseph and musical theatre that I fell in love with music. I am very fortunate that my work as a recording artist has opened up lots of doors for me in musical theatre.
How amazing that you then got to then play Joseph in the West End!
I know, I remember being in a meeting with Andrew Lloyd Webber and I wasn't sure whether I would be able to do it, but it was such a dream role for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring performers?
Work hard, I've put a lot of practice in over the years. When I was growing up I was always singing as well as playing the guitar and piano. I joined choirs and always performed in bands, it’s important to put the time in and get as much as experience as possible.
Finally, what is it like having such an incredibly loyal fan base?
It is very nice! Whatever I do they show amazing support regardless if it’s pop music or musical theatre. I'm currently writing a new album which is nice because I've been in theatre for about four years now. Of course I am going to pursue my career as a musical theatre star but I also enjoy writing my own music. Whether it is theatre or my solo concerts it is just really nice that my loyal fans support and appreciate it!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Visit www.MomentousMusicals.com for further information and tickets.
Click here to read our recent review of the Momentous Musicals live cast album.
love Carol xxx
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Interview: Gareth Gates
Since coming second in the first series of Pop Idol back in 2001, not only has Gareth Gates had a hugely successful career as a recording artist, selling over 3.5 million records in the UK, but he has also had an incredible career in musical theatre.
Gareth’s theatre career began when he took over from Lee Mead to star in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He then created the role of Marius in the International 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables and went on to play the part in the West End. His other theatre credits include Eddie in Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Cain in Children of Eden (Prince of Wales) and Warner in Legally Blonde (UK Tour). Most recently Gareth starred alongside The Osmonds in the UK Tour of Boogie Nights.
Next month Gareth will star opposite We Will Rock You’s Rachel Wooding in the short UK Tour of Momentous Musicals. The show, which sees West End stars perform some of the most popular songs in musical theatre, will visit the New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday 17th July, the Princess Theatre, Torquay on Friday 19th July, the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on Monday 22nd July and the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Thursday 25th July.
Recently I spoke to Gareth about what people can expect from Momentous Musicals, when his love for theatre first began and what roles he has his eye on and would like to play in the future...
Having performed in Momentous Musicals last year, are you looking to touring the UK with the show next month?
Yes, the show was such a great success and we had incredible feedback which is why we've added a few more dates this year. I'm really looking forward to it because I had so much fun doing it last time.
Has the show changed since last year?
Yes, myself and Rachel Wooding are the only two returning cast members from last year. We have John Owen-Jones, who I did the Les Miserables tour with and Ashleigh Gray, who has starred in West End shows including Wicked, joining us. I can't wait to get started!
Can you give any hints as to what you will be performing?
Obviously John is known for Phantom and we've both been in Les Mis so there will certainly be songs from those two shows. One of my favourite musicals in Miss Saigon so I will be performing ‘Why God Why?’. Rachel is in We Will Rock You right now so she will probably sing a few songs from the show. We are also doing a couple of numbers from Smash!
What can people expect from Momentous Musicals ?
One of the great things about Momentous Musicals is that we are actors and singers who have actually performed in the shows we are singing songs from, meaning we have the relevant knowledge and experience. Anybody who loves musicals will enjoy the show.
After Wimbledon you are touring to a few other theatres around the country. You have starred in many tours over the past few years, is this something you enjoy?
Yes it’s always good fun and I enjoy being out on the road. I like playing to regional crowds. They differ everywhere you go, in fact even Wimbledon is more of a regional crowd than the West End. It’s nice to bring the West End to places such as Manchester, Bradford and so on because the audiences really seem to appreciate it.
You have also starred in a few West End productions. Which do you prefer, being in the West End or on tour?
There is something quite special about being in the West End and it’s great to have it on your CV. But I equally love touring and performing to all the different audiences!
You've played some very iconic roles throughout your career, as well as creating a few roles. Looking ahead are there any other dream roles that you've got your eye on?
I have been fortunate. First I played Joseph in the West End which kicked off my musical theatre career. Playing Marius in Les Mis was brilliant, especially because we were creating a brand new version of the show. It was great to then play the role in the West End. I loved Loserville because it was a brand new show and nobody had played my part before. I had good fun playing Warner in Legally Blonde, the role was more of a speaking role than a singing role which brought new challenges for me with my stammer! But I showed myself that I can do it and it’s given me the confidence to play more acting roles in the future. There is still so much more that I want to achieve in theatre. I would like to be a part of Phantom at some point and I would love to play Chris in Miss Saigon.
And of course they're bringing Miss Saigon back to London!
Yes I've heard about that!
What are some of your favourite shows in London at the moment?
I've been out of London for a while which means I haven't had the chance to see some of the new shows such as The Book of Mormon. I saw it on Broadway but I need to go and see it in the West End! I have been really good friends with Louise Dearman ever since we did panto together in Wimbledon. She is currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked and my daughter loves the show. I take her all the time and Louise gets me free tickets which is always nice!
Was it always your plan to get into musical theatre?
Well I've always enjoyed musical theatre. At school I was always a shy kid who couldn't really speak at all. In my first school they did a production of Joseph so I decided to go along to the auditions... and that’s when I first discovered that I could sing! Music became my form of expression and release but it was because of Joseph and musical theatre that I fell in love with music. I am very fortunate that my work as a recording artist has opened up lots of doors for me in musical theatre.
How amazing that you then got to then play Joseph in the West End!
I know, I remember being in a meeting with Andrew Lloyd Webber and I wasn't sure whether I would be able to do it, but it was such a dream role for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring performers?
Work hard, I've put a lot of practice in over the years. When I was growing up I was always singing as well as playing the guitar and piano. I joined choirs and always performed in bands, it’s important to put the time in and get as much as experience as possible.
Finally, what is it like having such an incredibly loyal fan base?
It is very nice! Whatever I do they show amazing support regardless if it’s pop music or musical theatre. I'm currently writing a new album which is nice because I've been in theatre for about four years now. Of course I am going to pursue my career as a musical theatre star but I also enjoy writing my own music. Whether it is theatre or my solo concerts it is just really nice that my loyal fans support and appreciate it!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Visit www.MomentousMusicals.com for further information and tickets.
Click here to read our recent review of the Momentous Musicals live cast album.
