Snowdrop

A bit late - I was on holilday and everything's been hectic - but I went to the last show in Manchester with Maggie. I was a bit wary, as some reviews suggested Gareth wasn't in it much. He obviously wasn't in it quite enough for my liking, but was present for quite a lot more than I'd assumed from reports, which was a pleasant surprise. In his opening number, he sang so beautifully, it was a joy. He also added class whenever he did sing during the rest of the show. It was interesting, because in some ways, Warner is similar to Eddie (Loseverille). Warner is equally arrogant, and self-centred and ambitious, but not nasty (deliberately), and while a bit short-sighted and lacking wisdom, he's not stupid. Everyone else was good too, although I did find the female ensemble a bit brassy sometimes. Less is sometimes more, especially when you are singing in a particularly annoying American accent! I'm sure the accents were deliberate, but it did assault the senses at times by over-singing. The actress playing Elle was brilliant, and same for Brooke. I wasn't sure what to expect from Jennifer Ellison vocally. I'd seen her in the play Boeing, Boeing before, and she was brilliant, and was similarly good in this. Not the strongest vocally, but more than adequate, and more pleasant on the ear than some who may technically be stronger vocalists.. She was a little drowned out in the second one by the over-singers, but the nature of the number meant that didn't matter too much. Professor Callaghan was good too, but I have to admit to being slightly disappointed by the Emmet. He'd had good reviews, so I was surprised. He acted well enough, and came across as sweet, but the best way I can think to describe him vocally is plain and not particularly comfortable with what isn't a particularly big sing. It's entirely plausible he had a bad throat that night, or was simply vocally tired. He wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but the contrast between him and Gareth was substantial. When Gareth was first announced to be doing Legally Blonde, some of the theatre websites assumed he'd be Emmet. If they do another tour any time soon, it would be interesting to see Gareth in that role, which I think he could do with ease. Being the last night of that leg of the tour, the audience was very enthusiastic, and Gareth and everyone else got a great reception. Gareth (and a few others) got a cheer when they first appeared on stage. The dogs were particularly popular too! I think it's interesting that some of the reviews said that this incarnation of the tour is better than what they'd seen a year ago. I'd like to think it's all down to Gareth, but I think it's the kind of show that could easily stray from good fun into naff if the production values drop. The songs are quite good, if not spectacular, but a couple of them go on too long (especially the multiple reprises of "Legally Blonde" being belted out. Some have said it's very different to Loserville. I actually think it has many similarities. The type of music is different, but the general tone, and the characters are in the same vein. Superficially, the plain Holly is different to Elle, but both of them are on a quest to be taken seriously, and it's all about seeing the person within and not judging a book by its cover and the sweet, if a bit dull, clever boy getting the girl. Not forgetting the not very subtle moral of both stories is that you should just be yourself and do your own thing and follow your dream etc etc. Warner's girlfriend even started off mean and bitchy to Elle just as Eddie's girlfriend was mean and bitchy to Holly. Then both saw the error of their ways! But you don't go to see a show like this for their amazingly original plots. In fact, if they are too original, you will end up confused, and both shows seem to know what they are about, so aren't trying to fool anyone.

I'm sorry, it's one thing not to advertise hospital visits etc, as there is no benefit from it being in the press. I can assure you that I did think about it before saying what I had to say. In fact, it was giving it a moments thought that led me to that very conclusion. The people organising this event were working really hard to promote it, tweeting Gareth the link to their web-page, which had Gareth's name as the main draw. It doesn't take a great deal of thought to realise they WANTED a lot of Gareth's fans there. They wanted lot of people there, whether they were fans of Gareth specifically, or any of the other West End stars, or the person from Hollyoaks, or the professional footballers who had all got involved knowing that people would pay to see them play because of who they are, rather than watch any old bunch of lads playing Sunday league football. I happen to think it's a shame that some of Gareth's fans who might not be on his fan sites missed out on the chance to see him because they didn't find out until his last minute tweet. I also think it's a shame that great charity made a bit less money because of it. While I know that sometimes fans can be a bit embarassing, I really don't think there is anything to worry about if a handful shout out his name during a football match. I used to go to football a lot when I was younger, and it's perfectly acceptable! If any of the other players were going to feel snubbed because Gareth had fans there supporting him, they weren't getting the point of the fundraiser. I'd much rather think that Gareth overlooked announcing the match because he's not that good at plugging his events (it's not just charity stuff that isn't announced) than assume that he's so embarassed by his fans he doesn't want them showing him up in front of his friends. As I said before, it is possible Gareth didn't know he was taking part until the last minute, in which case it was wrong of the organisers to advertise Gareth as taking part. However, I was specifically talking about whether or not it's good that Gareth might have deliberately kept quiet about his involvement.

Fanastic photos, and it's brilliant Gareth was able to go back and join up with his former cast-mates to do this. I have to disagree that it was "good" he kept quiet about this until the last minute. It is possible he didn't know he was going, but it's more likely he just didn't think about it. While it's very noble not to talk about doing things for charity, this sort of event is a fundraiser that relies on the public turning up and donating, which means they need to know it is happening. Gareth wasn't invited for a simple kick about the park, or even for his footballing skills (sorry Gaz). He was invited because of his connection to the show, and his own celebrity. I saw at least one person on twitter say they'd have come if only they'd known sooner as they lived less than ten minutes away. It's a shame they missed out, and also a shame they weren't there to contribute towards the fund. I'm guessing this was something organised with Gareth directly, so that might explain why it didn't go up on his website, but as soon as he knew he was planning to do it, he should have made sure it was added.

Thanks - no idea why there isn't a thread. I think all discussion must have been hidden away in other threads.

It's great we've been told when to expect a proper announcement and the date for ticket sales. Saves us frantically googling for information to make sure we have enough warning!

The Guardian seems to be running ticket offers for the O2 and Blackburn, which is a bit of an odd combination, but perhaps it will be added to! http://www.guardiant...nights-tickets/ It lists three dates for Blackburn, one being December this year, so not quite sure what that is about, lol. Edits: Val, it looks like we are barking up the same tree. Edits again: those dates are also on ticketmaster - it does appear to be a different production by the same name.

Looks interesting - something to keep an eye out on. BTW, we don't have a forum for uncomfirmed rumours. "News" is where we put actual new information, and ideally give a source for this. Chat is not for rumours, but for discussion of things that aren't news. I suppose a very vague rumour could go in Chat, if the person wants to start a conversation, giving their opinions on that possibility, but generally it's for chit-chat, and giving opinions on what outfit Gareth is wearing, or things that aren't quite related to Gareth. Back on topic, I did see someone tweet Gareth something about this the other day, so it is more likely to be him than the other one!

It's easy by public transport. Just get yourself to somewhere on the Jubilee line! If the tube is good enough for Rhiannah ...

This sounds really interesting. The Osmonds were before my time, so I can't exactly say it's my bag, but they were/are very definitely consumate professionals, and seem like good fun too, so I'm sure it will be a great show. If it comes near me, I'll definitely make the effort to investigate further! I do wonder, the way it's phrased, if it's a bit more like the Will & Gareth tour rather than a traditional support slot. It seems much more common these days for acts to team up to go on tour, so there might be a bit of interaction!

Fantastic, thanks.

I'm not sure if I've seen that one before, but I'm definitely sure that it is indeed, BEAUTIFUL! Thank you.

I don't think Heather is talking about the programme Val - more leaflets advertising the show. Did anyone catch the repeat of the interview on Radio Plymouth? I was visiting family, so it wasn't possible for me to tune in live and I've not looked for any catch-up yet.

Thanks for the review Val. It's great to get our first proper fan report. And well spotted Khelda - hopefully someone will be able to tune in.

It is a shame the stage door got a bit scary, but I'm very proud of how well mannered to many of Gareth's fans are, letting children and teenagers and those meeting Gareth for the first time go ahead of them. It really did get very manic, and the security man had to ask people to clear space just to let other cast members leave the building! Unfortunately a few people did miss out on getting a photo and autograph this time, but we all know how good Gareth is and there will be other opportunities. I'm only just managing to do my proper review now as I've been all over the place. I didn't intend to write quite as much about what happened after the show, but got carried away - not that I count that as a review. It is interesting to hear a little about what happened at the stage door and other fans have to say, but I think it's safe to say that as fans, we are mainly interested in the show itself! It was unexpected, but quite exciting to realise Gareth was singing Unchained Melody again. I wondered if he'd change it much from how he's sung it in the past. I thought he might change it to make it more theatrical - I've not seen the musical Ghost, so I wasn't sure if they use a different arrangement, or if Gareth would use that, or attempt to block it as if in a show, or simply stick to his own, or do something new with it. IMO, it was fairly similar to his more recent live versions that most of us will have heard if we've been on YouTube etc, but it was a joy to hear it in the flesh and with a live band. There were a few squeals of delight from some of the teen girls in the audience as he started to sing it. Another blast from the more recent past was Close Every Door from Joseph. After watching Gareth playing Eddie in Loserville, I thought I'd like to see Gareth doing Joseph again. I'd love to see how his extra acting experience, and practice of being that arrogant and cocky young man, with a twinkle in his eye, would change his performance. In the meantime, I made do with Close Every Door - with a few extra clothes. I would perhaps have liked it if they'd repeated how they did it at the Adephi with the acappella start. Gareth's voice is so beautiful that it can keep the attention of a whole theatre without any back-up required. It was still glorious and when Gareth hits the sweet spot of a note, I melt. I don't think I was alone. We're probably all quite familiar now with Gareth's "Empty Chairs" and the arrangement was again similar to the anniversary CD. I have to say that the band did very well considering they were smaller than a traditional show orchestra. I did feel that I missed the strings when Gareth was singing "Why God, Why", however, I was yet again blown away by how Gareth can make such a big theatre standard sound as if it were written especially for him. I remember way back on Pop Idol, Pete Waterman saying that Gareth sang "Yesterday" as if it were written for him. I recall some people claiming it was unfair because Gareth was being given songs that suited him, whereas the reality was and still is that Gareth has a fabulous ability to make great songs sound as if they were written with him in mind. It's his skill as a singer, that he makes it look and sound so easy. Gareth really got into the part, and he's definitely more comfortable now acting out songs, even in a concert environment in his smart suit. I'd so love to see him in Miss Saigon as Chris. *sighs* It was great fun to hear Gareth singing "For Good" with Rachael. It was a nice take on it, and they were clearly having a lot of fun. Apart from Gareth, my favourite performances were Daniel singing "Tell me it's not true", Emma singing "Mein Herr" and "Hushabye Mountain", Rachael singing "No One But You (Only the Good Die Young) and Daniel and Jonathan's very fun "Starlight Sequence". I'd have loved to have heard Gareth singing an extra couple (of hours worth of) songs. However, we've been very lucky with everything Gareth's done lately, and his very busy schedule might have been the limiting factor and just being able to squeeze it in between Loserville and Legally Blonde is a remarkable achievement. I get dizzy just thinking about how Gareth managed to juggle it. Just reading the back of the programme, Speckulation Entertainment, who produced the show, have done quite a few other one off shows with West End performers, and they were the ones behind "A Spoonful of Stiles & Drewe" and of course the album! Fingers crossed for more.

I don't have time to write a full review now, as this is a flying computer visit, but suffice to say the show was wonderful. Gareth showed his class and why we love his voice so much, and had us all melting. It was a fun show, not too serious, but slickly done. There wasn't any chat between songs, so it was very fast-paced, but I do think it would have been nice if they'd maybe taken a moment or two to say a little something. The other performers were very good and the kids from the Arts Ed programme did very well - I expect there were some very proud parents in the audience. Gareth and the others, but especially Gareth, were very well received. A lot of people, especially in the stalls gave a standing ovation at the end. We were Dress Circle, which was very full, as were the stalls. I didn't get the chance to see Upper Circle - I spent enough time chasing those interval drinks! The stage door was heaving. I only went to have a look and hopefully to watch Gareth sign autographs for others, but it was so busy you couldn't really see him - except every now and then his head would appear! I did over-hear some teens coming away from getting their programmes signed, telling their parents that "Gareth called me babe!" and generally being very giddy and excited, which was lovely. Then as an afterthought, one of them shouted across "thank you Gareth", because she realised she was so excited, she forgot to say at the time! After the show, we went for a wind-down drink in a place opposite the theatre. After a while, Gareth and others from the show (and Suzanne) appeared on the balcony bar that's above the entrance, so we got to do a bit of post-show, "arm-chair" stalking. There isn't a great deal to say about that, but it looked like everyone was very happy and enjoying a very well earned drink themselves!

Could you post the link please? Thanks.

Great photos there.