lindajan

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, Gareth's appearance on Don't Forget The Lyrics is on Sky Three in the early hours of tomorrow morning (26/04/11) at 1.50am. Linda

Clocks go back on Sunday morning, so some internet listings won't show the correct time until your computer has updated. Really looking forward to this - Gareth on TV is always good news. Linda

My first visit to see Les Mis was at Queen's in 2008. We sat in stalls row D and had a great view of the stage, however I suspect that you would have to look up a bit from the front row and there may be parts of the stage that would be difficult to see. However I'm sure that Cris will have a great time. One of the cast members tweeted to say that they were doing a dress rehearsal with Gareth, so that must have been why he went in so early. I'm excitedly awaiting news of how tonight's show went. Linda

Stage door at the Queen's is round the back. If you walk down the side of the theatre, then turn left, the stage door is almost immediately on your left. (After the matinee show at the Barbican on 30th September, I went back to Euston via Queen's Theatre to remind myself where it is and see where Gareth will be performing next.) From what I have been reading elsewhere, Simon Bowman is not highly rated as JVJ and has a lot of time off (he was very ill earlier in the year). The understudies for the role seem to get better reviews. Lucie Jones is considered by many to be too 'poppy'. Don't think either of these will be as good as JOJ and Katie. How exciting that Gareth starts today. Looking forward to reading some reports. Linda

Thanks, Khelda, I knew I was being thick. Gareth's replies make more sense when you read these. Also thanks to Snowdrop for your comments and advice. Linda

Yes, it is a brilliant photo and thanks to Val for posting a larger version of it. I'm sure I'm being thick but how do you look at the messages that Gareth receives on Twitter? Linda

I completely agree with what you say here. I really hope that Gareth continues to work in musical theatre and gets offered lots more roles. I'm sure he loves performing this way and it gives us lots more opportunities to see him on stage. Gareth has done this exactly right - choosing the tour means he was seen by loads of people, got the recognition he deserves and was part of the process of developing the role of Marius in the touring production, but now he also gets the chance to play the part in the original production. While I desperately want to be able to buy his recordings, I would be completely satisfied if he recorded and released some of the musical theatre songs that he has sung in various places recently (with possibly a few original tracks thrown in for good measure). If his musical theatre career continues to grow and develop, he will not need to earn his living as a recording artist, so chart position will be less important. Whatever he does I shall continue to support him in every way I can. Linda

Yes, Eternal, that was me. I was going to ask Val if she was in the group of ladies outside the theatre after the show, but you got in first, so I assume you were there as well. I knew at the time that I should have said something to you all. As I had seen Gareth before the show, I was just hoping to congratulate him on another marvellous performance and take some more photos. Not surprised that he was taking the opportunity to snatch a few minutes sleep between shows though. The cast that did come out all looked very tired as you said - they all manage to turn on the enthusiasm and magic when on stage though. Unfortunately I don't recognise most of the cast when in civvies, although I did congratulate John Owen Jones when he went past. Just before I left I saw Katie Hall arriving for the evening show. Just remembered another overheard conversation in the theatre. A lady behind me couldn't understand why this production was happening when the show is on in the West End. One of her companions said that this was the touring version and she obviously didn't realise that there had been a tour. I can't quite understand why she was at the performance, as she didn't seem to know anything about it. She then thought that the show was going to transfer to the O2, again she was put right by one of her group. Didn't actually hear what she thought of the show. Snowdrop, I hope you had a great time at the final show today. From Gareth's tweet this morning, he was obviously performing today. I know how you feel though, until I got to the theatre and saw him named on the cast list, I was dreading that something was going to stop him being there. By the way, it was at the matinee on Thursday that Cosette's understudy was performing - Katie was on in the evening. Val, it was Leigh Rhianon Coggins (not Porter) that played Cosette on Thursday. I quite liked her voice but her performance wasn't as good as Katie's overall. It doesn't seem possible that the final performance is happening as I write this (I'm listening to the CD, which is great but I wish they hadn't edited it quite so much). Today will be extremely emotional, I was sad enough on Thursday that it was coming to an end but......there's Queens to look forward to and the panto Better start saving up - not sure how I'm going to explain to my husband that I need to go to see Les Mis yet again! Linda

Got back from Les Mis (matinee) at the Barbican about an hour and a half ago - this was my third trip having been to Manchester and then Birmingham earlier in the year. Only booked on Monday but got a fantastic seat in row D of the stalls. Shortly after sitting down, I heard a man in front of me saying something like: '....they're flying Nick Jonas in from America but the guy in this is much better.' A lady further along the row said, 'Yes, Gareth Gates is good.' The man had presumably been talking about the O2 concert. He seemed to be quite a fan of theatre and musicals. He had seen Les Mis at the Barbican about two weeks ago and had been worried that it wouldn't be as good as the original, but had left thinking that it was better - and had come back for more. I also think that he will be going to the O2 concert. Another lady further along my row commented in the interval that she hadn't realised that Gareth was in the show. Anyway the show was once again brilliant, in fact it was probably better than the previous shows I had seen, and the theatre was very comfortable with lots of legroom. It goes without saying that Gareth was fantastic and his acting, although great previously, was even more assured and very expressive. Cosette was played by Leigh Rhianon Coggins, who was very good but seemed strange as I'm obviously used to seeing Katie Hall playing the part. In the scene where Gareth is playing a guard when Fantine is nearly arrested, one of the female performers whispered something to him which made him want to laugh - he was finding it very hard to keep a straight face! His acting when Eponine dies is so emotional and he manages to maintain his sadness and anger in the scenes that follow. I had managed to catch Gareth arriving before the performance and got a couple of autographs, but didn't see him afterwards probably because he was having a sleep (as per his tweet). Jonathan Alden (factory foreman) was talking to a friend after the show and was saying how tired he was with all the extra rehearsals for the O2 concert - something about them working a 72-hour week. I think he also said that Katie Hall is now playing Cosette in the concert and Earl (Javert) is playing the bishop (but I may have misheard). Can't think of anything else at the moment. Only to say that I had a wonderful day, I can't believe the tour is almost over. I am so glad that Gareth is joining the West End cast (I congratulated him and he seemed very pleased). Linda

It's brilliant that Gareth has the role of Marius at the Queens. I seem to remember an interview where he said that he had been offered both roles and had chosen to do the tour - I think he has really impressed CamMac and so has been given the Queens job. I think that this might have been referring to Gareth going to the Queens and it not being a reference to the O2 concert: Quote scottgarnham Just saw @Gareth_Gates rendition of 'Empty Chairs...' on the Michael Ball show. Really great job!! Look forward to working with him in Oct! Scott Garnham is playing Feuilly at the Queens and he is another Yorkshire lad, so I'm sure Gareth and him will get on like a house on fire! Linda

Thanks for showing us your great photos, Dorral. My daughter and sister-in-law both tried to take photos of me with Gareth but they didn't work. Never mind, I got a lovely hug! Also thanks to those who posted the review and photos from the local paper. Once again Gareth got excellent comments. Linda

Just got back from Wolverhampton and can't add much to what Eternal has already said. It was a brilliant evening with Gareth fantastic of course (I'm sure he was wearing his wedding trousers and possibly waistcoat - whatever he looked stunning). Every time he performed he got a great reception and once again he really acted out his songs. The rest of the cast were pretty good too with the students acquitting themselves very well - one of the Year 11 boys had an amazing voice and will surely be heard again. Afterwards we went to the stage door where they was quite a crowd waiting to see Gareth. Eventually he came out and was very patient with everyone, signing and having pictures taken - even though there was a security man trying to speed up proceedings! When it was my turn, neither my daughter nor sister-in-law could get their cameras on their phones to work. I didn't mind too much as I got three hugs from Gareth All three of us had a great time. I am so grateful that Gareth is prepared to take part in shows like this when he is so busy touring with Les Mis. Love Linda

If anyone is intending to listen to the French radio broadcast tomorrow live, can I remind you that France is one hour ahead of us. The programme should therefore be on at 11am to 12 noon our time(as long as the French broadcast time is 12 noon to 1pm). It will be great to hear Gareth, John and Rosalind. Love Linda

I am absolutely delighted that Gareth has the part of Marius in Les Miserables. I think that he will be wonderful in the role and that he will perform the songs and act brilliantly, truly portraying the necessary emotions - we'll be needing the tissues again, I'm sure! I saw Les Mis in the West End last August (on the same afternoon that I saw Lee Mead in 'Joseph' in the evening). You couldn't get two more different musicals - but both fantastic in their own way. We already know how successful Gareth was as Joseph and I'm certain that he has all the right qualities to be great as Marius. I wanted an excuse to see this musical again (several times probably) and Gareth being in it is the best reason I can think of! For those of you who haven't seen Les Mis before, I would strongly recommend listening to the CD of the original cast recording and reading the explanatory notes, as the story is quite involved and there is no narrator to explain what's happening. I did this last year and I'm sure that it enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the show - and the songs are pretty good too. I'm so pleased to know what Gareth's next major project is, as I felt really bereft when 'Joseph' ended. It is somehow comforting to know what he will be doing next. Linda

Fantastic news! Saw the announcement on MySpace this afternoon but, as I was about to go out, couldn't post anything on here. Congratulations to Gareth and Suzanne on the birth of Missy. She can't fail to be beautiful with the parents she has. She's obviously already really considerate - managing to arrive at a time that didn't disrupt the show!! How brilliant that Gareth performed tonight, ever the professional and not wanting to let the fans down. Wishing all three of them a long, happy and healthy life together. Linda

Absolutely brilliant! Gareth's version of Close Every Door is fantastic - I've never heard it sung with such emotion and feeling before. I really need to get to see Joseph. I have tickets for both performances on the last day but I have to go before then. Great interview as well - and didn't Gareth look amazing! Hope he will be doing some more performances because that really showed a different aspect of his talent and voice. Linda

I found the following yesterday from someone who was at the opening night (I don't think it has been posted before): You can find the actual review at First Night Review - you need to scroll up a bit to find it. Thought it had some lovely comments, though I don't agree with "arguably not so good looking"!! Love Linda

Great photo and I, too, am loving that he is described as "actor and singer". Thanks for finding it. Linda

Thanks to everyone for your reports of seeing Gareth in 'Joseph' this weekend and also for the photos. It is lovely to keep reading about how brilliant Gareth is in the show and that he is impressing, and often surprising, everyone (non-fans, of course) with his voice. Linda

Thanks Maggie for the sound clip. Linda

Just found a short video clip reporting on Gareth's first official night in 'Joseph'. Joseph First Night On the right-hand side of the page there are some videos from reelkandi.tv (hope the link works). Linda

Thanks for your great report, Khelda. I was hoping that you would be able to post something tonight. It sounds like you had a fabulous time, along with the rest of the audience and Gareth too! I'm so pleased that he was so well received. Not surprised that you want to go again - I know that I want to go more than once. Linda

Not long to go now! This is so exciting :frantics: . Gareth is going to be fantastic. Linda

Very encouraged by these reviews by fans of Lee. Thanks to everyone who has found them and posted them here. It is great that they think Gareth gave a good performance and that he has potential - even some good comments by people who had no intention of seeing Gareth in the role. It's understandable that Gareth would have been nervous but that will definitely improve over time. When I saw him in 'Cinderella' (near the end of his run in the panto) he came over very confidently. I saw Lee in 'Joseph' last summer and was impressed by how much his voice had grown since 'Any Dream Will Do'. I had thought he was good on the TV show (and voted for him), but it was amazing what a year of live performances had done for him. This is a brilliant opportunity for Gareth and I get so excited every time I think about him in this show. Leaving the theatre last summer, I thought that it would be fantastic if Gareth could play 'Joseph' sometime - and now he is! Looking forward to seeing the show soon. Hope everyone who is going to tonight's performance has a great time and look forward to reading your reviews. Linda

There is a programme on ITV1 tonight (Monday) at 22.35 for 15 minutes entitled "Soccer Aid 2008: Robbie Williams". Linda