lindajan

I'm loving these vlogs that Gareth is doing - and isn't his speech good on them.

Gareth is involved in 15 songs in the current tour (based on the shows I've seen). Last year he was in all of these plus three more. It is a DVD of the show not a CD.

I went to Mad About The Musicals again last Friday in Telford. I had an easy drive down mainly on A roads and arrived sometime after 4pm. As it was the start of rush hour, I parked near the theatre (rather than going into the centre of Telford) and had a bit of a wander around. Once again I did not spot a single poster advertising the show - not even outside the theatre. I did however find the stage door which was tucked well away round the back of the building with the tour vans and minibus parked outside. I also virtually bumped into Rosanne and Manny (the lead guitarist) and said that I was coming to the show (they seemed surprised to have been recognised). Eventually it was time to go in. Karen was once again there selling programmes, etc. (I'm surprised there were none on sale in Stevenage, Elaine), although they were £4 each rather than £3 that I paid in Warrington. I'm also delighted to say that there is a DVD on sale (£15) of a recording of the entire show from last year (I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere so I checked with Karen that it was OK to say something about it). Of course I bought one. I haven't watched it properly but have skipped through it a couple of times and it is excellent (think trailer but much longer). Apart from the two songs from Jekyll and Hyde that I mentioned in my earlier post and Nichola is in it rather than Kate, it has everything from this year's show plus Granada, Hammer To Fall (with Gareth taking the lead), We Are The Champions and Empty Chairs At Empty Tables (all of which feature Gareth) and also Now (sung by Michael and Rosanne). I told Karen that I was extremely pleased that they had produced this - I shall certainly be watching this very often and evoking special memories. There is not much to add about the show (sadly once again the theatre was only about half full, although there were plenty of cheers and applause, especially when a certain young man was on stage). When Bruce (the musical director) introduced his monkeys, Gareth came on to be compared with the chimp named Gareth. There were also plenty of 'beard' jokes from Michael. During Starlight Express the two sides of the theatre were lit up with hundreds of twinkling stars. After the song Michael commented that Gareth had just said the campest thing as he walked off - something like "Weren't the stars lovely", which led to a bit of ad-libbing and mickey-taking by Michael (all in fun though). The set list was exactly the same as in Warrington (you are correct, Elaine, that Gareth sang less songs than last year). After the show I went to the stage door and, apart from one girl waiting nearer the car park, I was the only person there. Gareth's car was parked outside and after a while he came out and we had a quick chat. Then it was time to drive back home - again a much easier journey than the previous week. Absolutely love this show and could watch it time after time.

Whilst I love everything that Gareth sings, I especially like to hear songs I've not heard him sing before and I now love all the songs he sings in Mad About The Musicals (even those new to me). This show is now in its 10th year, so can't just feature the best known songs from musical theatre or it would be criticised for not changing over the years. I think it contains a good mix of the well-known and the less-known. Also, for balance in the show, there is only one other number from Jesus Christ Superstar whereas there are five other songs from Les Miserables.

Glad you have enjoyed my report of seeing MATM in Warrington. Elaine, I was comparing the show to the version performed last year not to Momentous Musical -. have a great time seeing the show in Stevenage tomorrow, I'm going to Telford tonight.

Hi, I went to see MATM at Warrington last Thursday. It was a beautiful day which rather made up for the problems on the M6. Luckily I'd already worked out an alternative route because I knew there were roadworks causing delays, so when the motorway was closed I was prepared. I arrived before 4pm but had been worried for much of the journey that the MATM team might have got stuck somewhere. Anyway after walking through Warrington and checking where I wanted to park later, I found myself very close to the venue where I was pleased to see vans and the minibus parked outside and could hear sounds from inside Parr Hall of the band (warming-up/rehearsing/doing a sound-check?). I then went back to my car at around 5pm to move to another car park. (If you are ever in Warrington do NOT try to drive at rush-hour!) There was a silver lining though - because it took so long to drive the short distance to the car park, I was able to park on the road very near the venue instead. Gareth's new car was parked outside by this time, so I knew that he was there too. It looks very smart and I noticed several people giving it admiring glances (even openly staring at it) as they passed. It was lovely to meet up with Val and Doris before the show and also to chat during the interval and afterwards (thanks for your company). For some reason this show had not sold very well, the hall was probably less than half full (other venues have done very much better). I must say though that in my walk around the town I did not see any posters advertising the show (there was one outside the venue, which isn't on a busy thoroughfare). The seating in the stalls was on the level (I was on the third row) but was surprised by the height of the stage, we thought we'd only be able to see the tops of their heads! It turned out to be OK, although I've no idea what shoes Gareth was wearing. The show is almost the same as last year, starting with Gareth (looking very dashing in his suit, black shirt and bow tie) singing 'One Night Only' during which he is joined by the rest of the cast. The only difference is that Nichola Lagan (the blonde one) has been replaced by Kate Smiddy (another blonde one). I posted a set list for the previous part of the tour, so I'll just mention the changes (I don't think that all of these are permanent). The following songs were not performed: 'Now' 'Granada' 'We Are The Champions' 'Empty Chairs At Empty Tables' all but the first being songs that Gareth features heavily in, also Gareth did not take the lead in 'Hammer To Fall'. Additions were: 'Take Me As I Am' (Jekyll and Hyde) performed by Michael and Rosanne (in place of 'Now', I think) 'A New Life' (Jekyll and Hyde) performed by Kate In general, Kate was a straight replacement for Nichola, except that it was Kerry who performed 'Maybe This Time'. I think, and hope, that some of the omissions are because Gareth's still suffering from his cold (I'm sure I've read somewhere that he has performed 'Empty Chairs' on this tour). However he sounded fantastic when he sang and you wouldn't have known that he had any problems. The whole show was great once more. Gareth must be missing the dancing from 'Footloose' though because he started dancing in 'One Night Only' (along with the girls) and tried to get Michael involved. Whilst the girls have lots of costume changes, Gareth just changes to a white shirt and straight black tie for the second half. When we left after the show, Gareth's car had disappeared although we couldn't see how he could have left so quickly. After a while there was a small group waiting in the foyer and just outside. Then one of the theatre staff said that Gareth doesn't usually come out and ushered everyone outside - we still waited. A few minutes later Gareth, Karen and some of the technical crew came out. Gareth happily chatted to, signed programmes and had photos with everyone. He confirmed to me that his voice problems are because of his cold. His beard looks OK, although I'm not that keen on beards and prefer the clean-shaven look - he's still stunningly handsome though! It was a brilliant evening not even marred by my foolishness in returning home on the M6 and getting delayed by lane closures. I can't get enough of this show - so I'm going again on Friday in Telford! Linda xx

Thanks for doing this, Chris - it's lovely and very appropriate.

Thanks to everyone involved in posting this article from OK! It's lovely to be able to read it, although I'm disappointed that Gareth's management didn't let us know that it was going to be published - I'd have bought the magazine if I'd known. It's a lovely interview, so pleased that Gareth says that his voice is getting stronger and stronger. There are also lots of interesting comments about Footloose, Missy, Faye and Cuppanut. As for Strictly, it would be wonderful to see Gareth on the show. Thanks again.

The RRP quoted is £4.20 for 15 teabags. The point of exhibiting at the Food and Drink Expo is to find retailers that are interested in stocking the product and what terms and conditions they would want. It is, I believe, extremely hard to get into the big supermarkets, especially with a brand-new product. There was a TV programme a while ago about Tesco and the demands it makes on suppliers (which weren't nice). I think that Cuppanut would appeal to health food shops and independent cafes, at least to begin with. The positive aspect is that coconut is one of the 'in' health foods at the moment.

Have an amazing time tonight, Val, and know you'll look after Doris.

Looks like Mylo may grow up to be as stunning as his uncle - there are definite similarities between them and both gorgeous babies.

I've got a copy of the magazine and will try to scan and post next week (as you say, when the mag is no longer available). Yes, the tweet does relate to the article in Now.

I got a copy of Now today. The interview is lovely with Gareth talking about Missy.

Lovely interview with Gareth expressing his genuine affection for and thanks to his old school and teachers.

These vlogs are great - I'm so pleased that Gareth has taken the time to record them for us. Apart from stumbling over coconut and Cuppanut (not easy words I suspect for a stammerer) in the latest vlog, his speech has been excellent in them (perhaps he finds it easier when he's not trying to answer questions, just saying whatever he wants to).

00:08:00 - 00:08:35 Announcement of Gareth being on show and what will be talked about 02:06:20 - 02:11:10 Interview with Gareth - Part 1 02:11:10 - 02:16:50 Footloose by Kenny Loggins then travel news 02:16:50 - 02:22:35 Interview with Gareth - Part 2 02:25:50 - 02:26:00 Thanks to Gareth for being on Think these times are about right (give or take a few seconds). It was a good interview with Gareth speaking quite slowly to control his speech (no real stammering problems).

Gareth's certainly venturing into new areas. Not sure whether I'd like this - of all the herbal and fruit teas I've tried I only like peppermint. However I think coconut is very popular at the moment and hopefully will do well for Gareth. Whatever, I think he's got a good business brain and wouldn't risk more than he can afford. I wish him all the best. He couldn't be more hard working! Footloose has a week off next week. I wonder if Gareth will have a rest or whether he has more projects to pursue.

This is a brilliant article, especially as it says that Gareth was initially offered the part of Ren. I've known this for ages but didn't feel that it was appropriate for me to say anything, therefore I'm really pleased that it has come up in an interview and been reported. It gives an indication of how highly regarded Gareth is within musical theatre. Thanks for posting, Val.

Just read this and it's so lovely to read many reviews saying that Gareth steals the show, especially as this is a new type of role for him. Getting really excited about seeing Footloose in Cardiff in two weeks time.

Thanks for your lovely report, Elaine. It's great that you've been able to see Footloose so early in the run. I'm sure it was really good to see Gareth in another type of role, I think he knows what he wants to do and makes a determined effort to achieve his goals. I also believe that he is resting his voice to a certain extent with only one solo in this show and, in panto, he only did four songs where he took a major part (it even seemed that he was holding back in the group numbers, usually you can pick out his voice easily over everyone else). What a shame you didn't get to see Gareth at the stage door. Though he generally seems to have a good reason when he leaves by another exit, it's still disappointing for anyone waiting - better luck next time.

I have just booked seats for eternal, Val, *gareths melody*, dorral, ValR and me for Wednesday, 29th June 2016 at 7.30pm. Seats booked are: Row D 17,18 and 19 Row E 18.19 and 20 which are in the centre of the rows (Rows A and B are not being used). If anyone else is planning to book you'll know where we are to join us (or avoid us, if you'd rather!). Looking forward to seeing anyone who can get to this show and/or the meet-up. Linda

Great idea - definitely up for this.

Thanks for this brilliant review, Barbirgirl. Isn't it just wonderful when you hear other people saying lovely things about Gareth and being surprised by his talent? I don't see the show until Cardiff in just under four weeks time but have never had any doubt that Gareth would be fantastic in it. He is so professional and hard-working and will have rehearsed his dance moves until they were perfect. He is very modest about his dancing ability (because he has not had formal training and it doesn't come naturally to him) but he does have musicality and rhythm meaning that he gets there in the end. I also watched the film the other week and enjoyed it and understand the story. However I was disappointed that the singing was all on the backing track - it just seemed to be about the dancing. It was obvious to me that the stage musical version was going to be much different with the actors singing the songs but I think it is extra special that they also play the instruments. I am so looking forward to seeing it. Also love so many of the tweets from people not knowing what they would get from Gareth's performance and being impressed.

This is the date of the final show in Bridlington, so it looks like he'll be doing a matinee and evening performance before hot-footing it over to Leeds to DJ. Our Gareth really doesn't know the meaning of taking it easy! Hope some of his younger fans can make it to this, although I'd love to see him DJ I don't think this is quite my scene.

Lovely interview which I saw late last night. Thanks for posting on here, Khelda. Love these comments: ".........the Crewe Lyceum have more than lived up to the hype producing, in this production ofCinderella, what could be the best pantomime in the North West." ".........a first-rate cast.........." and "Headlining the show is Gareth Gates, who is a perfect Prince Charming. He oozes charisma and pulls the rôle off with aplomb......" Pleased to see that a reviewer has noticed and commented on Gareth's brilliant stage-presence.