lindajan

Just read this brilliant article in OK! magazine. It was lovely to read although quite heart-wrenching in places when Gareth describes his worries about his voice - he obviously puts on a brave face when responding to questions from fans and plays down how serious his problems were. It is good to read that things are improving and that he is being sensible about what he is doing. The photos are stunning too - they are such a gorgeous couple. Interesting to read that they are buying a flat in Manchester too. I think this must have been the interview Gareth mentioned a couple of weeks ago, as it certainly took place since his return from Malaysia. The magazine is available on its own for £1 or as part of a pack for around £2.50. The one in the pack has a different front cover with the picture of Gareth and Faye in the top right-hand corner, I'm assuming therefore that the article inside is the same. It's great that Gareth, along with Faye, has featured on OK! again.

How could I have forgotten to say how gorgeous Gareth looked in his costumes as Prince Charming - I hope that someone manages to get some photos of him in character or that Gareth himself posts some piccies. On the whole I was very impressed by the costumes for the entire cast. Also it seemed that Gareth was getting in some practice for his role in Footloose, as he did quite a bit of dancing in the panto - don't believe him when he says he can't dance, he performed brilliantly. Dancing may not come naturally to him and we know he isn't a trained dancer, but his natural rhythm and his willingness to put in hours of rehearsal result in faultless routines. Also remembered that Gareth sang an edited version of Unchained Melody (edited so that he didn't have to hit the high note). The theme of time going so slowly was portrayed by others in the cast, in the background, passing the slipper between them in slow motion. Amazingly I noticed this as most of the time Gareth is on stage my eyes are riveted on him and I forget to look at what is happening on the rest of the stage!

After barely two weeks of rehearsals, the first performance of Cinderella at Crewe was stunning from start to finish with only a small wardrobe malfunction which left Cinderella having to clutch her skirt around her for part of one scene. There was so much to keep everyone entertained - the songs were all ones that the children knew, the humour was hilarious, amusing both young and old(er), and the main cast were all experienced performers (in panto, on stage and TV). Buttons, played by Andy Booth, was excellent being well-cast and delivering everything the role demands with skill and energy. Jimmy Tamley, as Baron Hardup, used his ventriloquism skills to great effect even getting two (adult) audience members involved. As well as Cinderella, Dandini, the Ugly Sisters and the Fairy Godmother, the on-stage company was completed by a group of dancers and also a team of children - everyone playing their part admirably. (I should never have doubted Crewe's ability to put on an outstanding show.) Whoops! I've missed someone out. Gareth looked stunning as Prince Charming (and don't worry his hair was 'delicious' after his trip to the hairdressers). He is such a wonderful performer, portraying the regality of his role, total fluency in his lines, excellent comic timing (there was one sketch in particular that made us laugh until our faces ached) and beautiful singing. He did sound a bit hoarse though and his voice wasn't very dominant in group numbers. It was wonderful to see him performing in my local theatre. It was lovely to have the company of Chris, Yvonne, Val and Doris this time - the only dampener (literally) being the constant heavy rain. After the show I was the only one of us prepared to brave the wait at the stage door (where I met Anne and Peter who were going to the evening show). Just as we were beginning to decide we should give up Gareth appeared with Alice Baker (Cinderella). He gave us hugs and indicated that he couldn't speak (which Alice confirmed and which explains the hoarseness I mention earlier). I got the impression that he was on complete vocal rest between performances. I had a few words with him and he replied amazingly well using just hand gestures and facial expressions! Then they went off to get something to eat, presumably, before the evening show. I'm going again, with my daughter, next Saturday and then I'll be able to tell you the songs Gareth sang - she's much better at recognising them than I am. It was a thoroughly entertaining panto - including shetland ponies as can be seen in Chris' post above.

Only guessing but I think it will be for one (or more) of the local newspapers to promote the panto starting next Saturday. I'll look at the papers when I'm in Crewe next week.

What a brilliant article which describes the Gareth we all know and love so perfectly. It's lovely that the writer has really put in his research and included stuff that's never usually commented on. Thanks for finding and posting this, Chris.

I think the trip to Thailand is, in part at least, a celebration by family and friends of Wendy's 50th birthday - I'm sure she has mentioned it on Facebook. At least one of the friends that's joining them is Brendan Roylance who now lives in Australia (I've seen tweets from him recently). I don't think Gareth ever manages to go away on a family holiday without also having some sort of gig lined up as well! Anyway it will be a lovely break for him after MATM and before panto and everything he's doing next year. Great interviews by the way, thanks for posting them Chris.

You'll love the show when you see it, Elaine. They're doing nearly 50 venues next year so it's very likely there will be somewhere near enough to you. It's a shame that you can't see the show, Khelda, and I'm glad that you enjoyed reading about it. The video trailer does give a flavour of the show - all the singers have excellent voices and they all love being part of it. Karen Courtney sells the CD before the show, during the interval and afterwards too (£10). It has 13 tracks one of which isn't in the show and Gareth doesn't feature on 'Half A Sixpence' as it was a late decision for him to sing it in the show.

I promised to write a review after I'd seen the first two Mad About The Musicals shows then forgot about doing it for a few days, so decided to wait until I'd been to Crewe as well. I've already posted an updated set list of the songs that Gareth took the lead on or was involved in. You will have seen from this that the show is very different from similar shows that Gareth has done before – there was far more collaboration between the artists (duets and group numbers) and proper links between sections of the show. Where there was more than one song from a musical they were grouped together. Between these there was excellent banter from Michael Courtney often involving Gareth and/or the audience. Much of this was ad-libbed – it has never been completely the same at any of the shows I've seen – with Michael reacting to something happening on stage or a comment from the audience. He has gone into a lengthy impersonation of Frank Spencer in the middle of a song at one venue and mimicked his fellow performer at another, on both occasions causing her to double up with laughter – I don't think she knows what to expect from one show to the next. At Redditch, the first venue, whilst duetting with Gareth, Michael repeated Gareth's first line, commented on it, then sang his own line – a genuine mistake, I think, as I haven't seen it happen since. Of course, he also has a fantastic singing voice which he used to good effect throughout the performance. The three ladies – Nichola Lagan, Kerry O'Dowd and Rosanne Priest – all have stunning voices, which are very different from each other but have been matched well with the songs they sing and are all given the opportunity to shine. Throughout the show the singers are brilliantly supported by a live band, which shares the stage. The five members – the MD and keyboard player, lead guitar, bass guitar, second keyboard player and drummer – are very talented and are also given the opportunity to showcase their skills within the songs and at the start of both Acts. Then there is Gareth, looking extremely smart in a grey suit (a different one at Crewe to the one he wore at the start of the tour – even better, in my opinion). He didn't have the costume changes that the ladies had to cope with, just swapping his grey shirt and black bow tie during the interval for a white shirt and straight black tie. His hair looks lovely with the sides and back being longer than we have seen for some time (perhaps in preparation for Footloose). But I've got ahead of myself because you do in fact hear him before you see him. Gareth starts the show and from start to finish he sounds incredible. His voice is back to somewhere close to its former strength with the delicious mellow tone we all love. Although Gareth isn't completely happy with it yet, forever the perfectionist, it certainly doesn't disappoint – a relief for everyone after his vocal cord problems. As ever he oozes charisma, charm and stage presence. It must be so difficult in a concert setting to bring the right qualities to each song but Gareth manages it every time, whether it's emotion, passion or humour he gets it right without fail. There are some wonderful interactions with Michael but I won't go into details for those of you still to see the show – much better as a surprise! Did I notice any difference after three weeks? The rapport between the singers was obvious from the start but has developed as they have got to know each other and the show better. I've already mentioned Michael's banter, which seems to change every show, and now is really natural especially with Gareth who has relaxed into the part he plays. Karen (Courtney), the lady who seems to do everything except get up on stage, said at the first show and repeated at the others that Michael and Gareth get on really well together – this is totally clear to see when they are on stage. They also have enormous respect for each other with neither trying to dominate. The stage-set at the early shows (and on the video trailer released today) had banners at the back with the musical or song on it – these were missing at Crewe (permanently or just a problem for this one show?). At the beginning of the tour Rosanne was not in 'We Will Rock You' but, by Crewe, Michael had padded out his banter before this section giving her time to change her dress and join them on stage. This has always been a well-constructed show that was fully rehearsed before it went on the road but has become thoroughly honed after playing to many enthusiastic audiences and usually sold-out houses. I've seen Gareth after two of the shows at the stage door where he was his usual patient self, willing to sign autographs, have a chat (although his stammer is bad) and pose for photos. At Yeovil we had the pleasure of seeing Missy in the interval helping Karen to sell the brochures and CD. She was taking great care to do the job correctly and is a gorgeous young girl – a real credit to her parents. She'll break a few hearts in the future though, just like her daddy! This is a sensational show and I love seeing Gareth performing songs from the musicals again after quite a gap. The show ends with numbers from 'Les Miserables' and I'm still blown away by the sound created by five singers and a five-piece band. It is so rich and full you could easily believe that there is a full company on stage. If you are still to go, you have a treat awaiting and, if you've been unable to get to a show, I hope this has given you a taste of what it was like – and, remember, it's touring again next year.

I've just edited the song list after seeing the show again in Crewe on Friday, but as it is on the first page of this message I've quoted the up-dated version below. Gareth sounded wonderful, although he still thinks his voice is not quite there yet - ever the perfectionist.

In addition to the list that Chris has posted, Gareth should also be doing the following dates in Footloose: 14/03/16-19/03/16 - Footloose - Palace Theatre, Manchester 12/04/16-16/04/16 - Footloose - Bournemouth Pavilion 12/07/16 - 16/07/16 - Footloose - Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House These have been announced (Manchester was confirmed by Footloose Twitter account) and the dates that Gareth will be appearing are on the Footloose website.

Just heard that interview on PeakFM with Gareth is on just after 5pm.

I've been to this wonderful show twice - the first night at Redditch and then Yeovil. I've tried very hard to remember which songs Gareth sang or was involved with. Please add any that I've forgotten. Now that I've been to Crewe as well, I'm editing the song list. (As you may realise, changes are in blue.) One Night Only (Dreamgirls) - first song of show, started by Gareth then joined by Michael and the girls You're Nothing Without Me (City Of Angels) - Gareth and Michael Why, God, Why? (Miss Saigon) (as full of emotion as ever) Half A Sixpence - Gareth and Nichola (showed his personality and cheekiness, great facial expressions) Granada - Gareth and Michael (hilarious) We Will Rock You - Michael with Gareth, Nichola and Kerry (and Rosanne at Crewe - Michael did more banter to give her time to change her dress) Hammer To Fall (We Will Rock You) - Gareth with Michael, Kerry, Nichola and Rosanne Only The Good Die Young (We Will Rock You) - Rosanne and Nichola with Gareth, Michael and Kerry Bohemian Rhapsody (We Will Rock You) - Kerry with Gareth, Michael, Rosanne and Nichola We Are The Champions (We Will Rock You) - Gareth with Michael and girls Interval Think Of Me (Phantom Of The Opera) - Gareth and Nichola All I Ask Of You (Phantom Of The Opera) - Gareth and Rosanne Starlight Sequence (Starlight Express) - Gareth and Michael Heaven On Their Minds (Jesus Christ Superstar) (introduced by Michael as one of the best versions he'd heard - no pressure then) At The End Of The Day (Les Mis) - full cast led by Michael A Heart Full Of Love (Les Mis) - Gareth and Nichola (not performed at Crewe) Empty Chairs At Empty Tables (Les Mis) Finale (Les Mis) - full cast (starts with Valjean's death scene then reprise of Do You Hear The People Sing?, Gareth only in second part) One Day More (Les Mis) - full cast (the encore) I thought there was another song from We Will rock You that Gareth took the lead on but for the life of me I can't remember what it was - so if anyone can help ................ I've now added this and the one he was involved in. As you can see, Gareth does a lot of singing in this show, so it's not surprising that after four shows he has commented that his voice is tired and needs a rest. At least he has a couple of days off, but then there are many more to come. I'll try to write a review soon but thought you might like a song list. (This is not the complete list, just the songs Gareth was involved in.)

You are in for a real treat - fabulous show, I'll be there with you in spirit - three nights running in person would probably be a bit over the top!

Wow! No time to write a full review at the moment - but what a fantastic show. The rapport between the cast members and especially between Gareth and Michael created a wonderful atmosphere - and they obviously have huge respect for each other. Chatted to Karen (Courtney) during the interval and she said that they both get on so well together. Gareth's voice sounded amazing, back to his beautiful mellow tone, and his stage presence was as always brilliant. I read in a recent interview that he said he is a showman, which is so true when he gets on stage taking the audience on a real journey. Loved hearing Gareth singing songs from the musicals again - many of which I'd never heard him sing before. Thanks also to Chris, Yvonne and Sharon for the great company - and, yes Heather, I hope Gareth didn't literally mean his 'oldest' fans!

Only just listened to this. The Lyceum manager is interviewed at about 1h 8min then Gareth at 1h 14min 45s for about 5mins.

I listened to Gareth's interview on The Cat this morning and made a few notes, so the following is the gist of what he said. (I think the interview must have taken place in a canteen as there was a lot of clattering of pots and pans in the background!) Again Gareth said that this will be his 6th panto and as he said that he had played the prince in all of them, so he's quite used to that role, I think he might be forgetting Aladdin where he only becomes a prince when he marries Princess Jasmine. Rehearsals don't start until the end of November but he has seen and read the script and the panto will be fun for children and adults - a great evening out. When asked what had been the craziest thing to have happened to him in a panto, Gareth replied that all sorts of things had been shouted and everything from underwear to eggs had been thrown on stage. The songs in the panto will include well-known hits of the time and classics - plenty of songs that everyone will know (but he didn't give away any specific details). Gareth's response to a question about the Big Reunion was that 5th Story had been fun but that it had run its course. He has always been a solo artist and only did it for the show. He is now back to the day job - performing solo. He then said that he had been a successful recording artist and had moved into the musical theatre world. In his professional future he wants to do a bit of both, keeping his foot in both doors. Gareth finished by saying that he has always enjoyed panto and that Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Hope that gives you an idea of the interview.

Missed this but good to know something about what happened. 'Gareth confirmed its his 6th Panto.' I don't like to correct the fantastic Mr Gates but he kept getting this wrong last year as well. This year is his 7th panto: Wimbledon - Cinderella 2008-9 Woking - Snow White 2010-11 Milton Keynes - Aladdin 2011-12 Canterbury - Sleeping Beauty 2012-13 St Albans - Cinderella 2013-14 Croydon - Snow White 2014-15 Crewe - Cinderella 2015-16 I don't know which one he keeps forgetting about but I have been to them all - then again so has he! Thanks for posting about the radio appearance.

Lovely recordings that have evoked so many memories of Gareth's acoustic tour last year.

Just found this, thanks for posting - love every opportunity to see and hear Gareth perform. (And I agree with you, Chris, about that outfit )

Pleased you liked your poster, Val, and that it cheered you up. Gareth is so thoughtful and immediately wrote a lovely message when we said it was for you. He laughed when I commented on him singing 'Valerie' too! Thanks for your report and pictures, SarahJane. So pleased you had a lovely day and safe journey home. Linda

That's very true, Val, although there were signs up about photography and recordings not being allowed so it may be a general request at the venue. Whatever, I wouldn't want to go against Gareth's wishes if he didn't want to be recorded at the moment. Happy birthday, Chris - don't know why I didn't ask when it was when you mentioned it! Hope you get that phone call. Linda

Of course you didn't, Chris - anyway it was far more likely to be the other way round. It's been lovely that a few people managed to get photos, didn't notice that happening and certainly not anyone filming. It was a great shame that they announced that recording was prohibited. Whenever your birthday is this week I hope you have/had a lovely day. Linda

Good to see you yesterday too, Maria. Lovely pictures - thanks for sharing them.

What a brilliant gig this was. Despite suffering with his throat and a back injury from the gym that he blamed Pete for, Gareth gave a tremendous performance. From the moment he burst, as Chris said, onto the stage he brought the place to life. Having noticed the grand piano on the stage, I hadn't dared to hope that Gareth would play it (just assumed that's where it lives). Then just before his set, a member of the stage crew put his iPad on the stand and I'm almost certain I squealed or cheered. We were in for a treat. My daughter and I have had a long discussion about what songs Gareth sang and which he played piano for. The following are what we can remember, including whether he played piano, although they are not in completely the correct order. Free Sunshine Say It Isn't So (Piano) Anyone Of Us (Piano) Unchained Melody Suspicious Minds She's Like The Wind / All Of Me / That's When You Know (Piano Medley) Hold On Tight Sentimental Valerie Angel On My Shoulder (Piano) Thinking Out Loud (Piano - wishes he'd written it himself) Summer Of '69 Livin' On A Prayer Don't Stop Me Now Spirit In The Sky (as an encore) Although Gareth was obviously struggling with his voice (rubbing his throat and drinking lots of water), he still sounded amazing and maintained a good banter between numbers. He even had a laugh at his inability to control the mic stand at one point and made fun of the fact that he was a wreck with his bad throat and back (which caused him problems when he tried to reach down for his bottle of water). The venue was great with friendly staff and the atmosphere when Gareth performed was electric and I was still buzzing after more than three hours driving home. (It was lovely having you with me, Chris, making the day a shared experience). I had loved Gareth playing keyboards on his Greatest Hits tour in November but hearing him on a proper grand piano was purely magical and mesmerising - the piano was positioned so that we could see his hands as he caressed the keys. Probably because he had the piano to play, and possibly to protect his voice, he sang less rocky numbers and I wondered at one point whether he'd sing any, but he can't resist the urge to get everyone on their feet at the end for the last three songs and then the encore. Gareth and, of course, Pete (who is a fantastic guitarist and backing singer) always manage to create a wonderful feeling in the venue with everyone taking part and involved. Afterwards there was a long queue waiting to buy CDs and posters, get them (and tickets, etc) signed, have photos and a chat. We were close to the end but Gareth still had time for us and no-one felt they were being rushed away. Gareth obviously delights in performing and is always generous with his time to thank those who've come to see him. He is such a genuine and humble young man, who has once again created memories I shall have always. Linda

A special song as well, Val! xx