Val4Gareth

Don't know what the St Albans & Harpenden were listening to with this review of Gareth's voice. Good job the audience didn't agree. http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/leisure/theatre/10874050.Review_of_Gareth_Gates_in_panto_at_Alban_Arena/?ref=twtrec

Few nice pictures of rehearsals on the M&M FB page

Hope this is one of the costumes Gareth will be wearing on the show.

Great its finally been announced. Can't wait to see him on there again.

I think that was the time that update was posted. I presume they mean they'll announce it before this evening is over.

It let me copy it, but didn't post the pictures that were on there. Line up revealed tonight! 18:00 - 10 DEC 2013 We will be revealing the celebrity line up for Dancing on Ice 2014 tonight. The final series of the show will be an ‘All Stars’ special. Celebrating the very best of its celebrity skaters, the final series will see a mixture of finalists and show favourites from its entire run. The 9th series which starts in the New Year, will be the last of the glittering ice skating competition and it promises to go out with a bang. Previous show winners will want to retain their title, runners up will have old scores to settle and show favourites will want to wow viewers with their very best on the ice. Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley will be rink-side to preside over all the action and the Judges will be on hand to deliver their verdicts. Ice cool - Phillip and Christine Viewers are in for an absolute treat this year. I'm over the moon we'll be welcoming back to the ice some of our very best skaters and characters from over the years. – Philip Schofield Olympic skating superstars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will return one final time to help train our celebrities. This year the legendary sporting duo will also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Olympic Bolero win during the show’s run. Olympic stars - Torvill and Dean With mind-blowing performances and awe-inspiring tricks from our skating professionals and celebrities, the final series will be the most spectacular yet as our stars spin, jump and headbang their way to the ultimate accolade – Dancing on Ice All-Stars Champion.

Getting close to an announcement I think. Been lots of talk on Twitter today.

@Gareth_Gates25m Layed in bed. Sick :-( someone cheer me up!

Review from West End Frame http://www.westendframe.com/2013/12/review-moviesandmusicals.html Review: An Evening of Movies and Musicals at Christmas at the Apollo Victoria Theatre An Evening of Movies and Musicals at Christmas Apollo Victoria Theatre Reviewed on Sunday 1st December 2013 Last Sunday some of the West End's biggest stars came together with a fifty piece orchestra to celebrate some of the biggest songs from some of the best loved movies and musicals of all time. To welcome the festive season a few Christmas songs were added to the line-up. The evening was a huge success and was the perfect way to welcome in the festive season. The orchestra, conducted by Matthew J Hampson, filled the huge stage at the Apollo Victoria and as they began playing the Star Wars theme I think the entire audience were taken aback by their tremendous sound. The evening showcased a good mix of songs and was broken up by instrumental sections which paid tribute to various movies including Jurassic Park, James Bond and E.T. The West End Gospel Choir also brightened up the theatre with their huge passion and presence for several numbers. The first West End star to step foot on the stage was current Les Miserables cast member Sarah Lark who famously partook in 'I'd Do Anything'. Sarah gave a lively rendition of 'Blow Gabriel Blow' from Anything Goes and later returned in the second act to belt out a powerful yet heartbreaking 'As Long As He Needs Me', proving she would have been a worthy winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber's BBC casting show. My only complaint is that we didn't see more of Sarah throughout the evening! She has the most incredible voice and loveable personality which brightened up the stage. Louise Dearman returned to the Apollo Victoria, where she previously made history when she became the first actress to play both Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked, for the evening. She first treated the audience to 'Home' from The Wiz which also features on her new album 'It's Time'. I loved the song on the album but loved it even more live. 'Home' fits Louise's voice perfectly and showcases her impressive vocal range and effortless vocal talents. In Louise's own words, she couldn't return to the Apollo Victoria without paying tribute to Wicked. Firstly it was interesting to watch her take on 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' from The Wizard Of Oz. She then later belted out a fearless version of 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked which left many open mouthed. While Gareth Gates (pictured above) is best known for his music career in recent years he has become an established musical theatre performer, having played leading roles in Joseph, Les Miserables, Legally Blonde and Loserville. I am always very technical when it comes to reviewing vocal performances, and I was completely taken aback by his incredibly soulful rendition of 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow'. His vocal gymnastics were highly impressive! He then treated the audience to a strong performance of 'Unchained Melody' (why not?). The entire show was stolen by John Owen-Jones (pictured right). Despite having played both the title role in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables thousands of times it is remarkable that he still performs numbers from both musicals so sincerely. After performing songs such as 'Bring Him Home' and 'Music Of The Night' so many times it would be easy to give a lazy rendition but John certainly did not hold back. The softer side of John's voice is so gentle and crystal clear whilst there is not a word to describe the power and strength when he hits those huge notes. John also performed his new single 'O Holy Night' which was one of my favourite performances of the evening, I have since downloaded the song which showcases his phenomenal range and ability to tell a story through song. An Evening of Movies and Musicals at Christmas was hosted by the one and only Christopher Biggins who was in his element! He belongs on stage! At one point during the evening John Owen-Jones made a joke about Biggins who erupted into fits of laughter backstage. His mic wasn't on but you could still hear his bellowing, famous laugh right from the back of the stalls. I have attended several of these theatrical concert shows this year and am yet to see one which doesn't feature a Les Miserables section. However, if I did I think I would be disappointed as even out of context Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil's score is overwhelmingly touching. The Christmas section which ended the evening was truly heart-warming. None of the performers took themselves too seriously which was nice as it made the atmosphere more relaxed. An Evening of Movies and Musicals at Christmas was a hugely successful event. There weren't too many awkward moments and the audience seemed to leave with smiles on their faces. Four West End stars and a fifty piece orchestra is always going to be a recipe for theatrical bliss. I can think of worse ways to spend a Sunday night! Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The first review is in from The Stage http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/39282/cinderella?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheStageReviews+%28The+Stage+%2F+Reviews%29 CinderellaPublished Monday 9 December 2013 at 12:04 by Katie Colombus St Albans pantomime comes highly recommended this year. Producers Paul Hendy and Emily Wood have outdone themselves with a stellar cast and spectacular production values. The show is chock-full of truly funny jokes, local references and well-known songs that fit into the Cinderella tale. It has the required cultural references such as What Does the Fox Say?, as well as a guest appearance by “Bruce Forthright and Twice Daily” for a ballroom dancing skit. The multi-talented cast has the entire audience joining in with the participation (even the most unwilling dads and grumpy grandpas) and there’s even a bit of fake snow for some super-psyched scouts in the middle aisles. It is a sophisticated production, well directed, cast and choreographed. The dancing is slick and to a high standard - even in the younger members of the cast. Gareth Gates is dreamy as Prince Charming, living up to his moniker, and CBeebies’ Andy Day as his loyal servant Dandini is excellent - appealing most to TV-watching children, but also amusing for the adults. Jemma Carlisle’s Cinderella is gorgeous, doll-like and has a sweet lilt to her singing, while Laura Jane Matthewson’s northern fairy godmother is hilarious and Bob Goulding’s Buttons is a hoot. Design aspects are lavish (set and costumes by Helga Wood), with the ugly sisters’ costumes particularly noticeable. The gruesome twosome (played by Matthew Daines and Sam Rabone) are adorned in the brightest of garbs, resplendent at different times in velour vegetables, hideous hunting gear and leopard-print leggings. Cinderella’s gowns - and the transition into them - are dazzling, and the scenery is magnificent, with impressive props such as two miniature, white Shetland ponies to pull the carriage. Evolution’s Cinderella is a delightful dalliance full of jolly jokes and family-friendly japes - it’s a super Christmas treat.

Thanks for posting it up Maria. Its actually Beauty & The Beast. They've named it wrongly. It was so beautiful to listen to live.

Nice article from The Public Reviews http://www.thepublicreviews.com/movies-and-musicals-apollo-victoria-london/ Movies and Musicals – Apollo Victoria, London Reviewer: Fran Beaton The Public Reviews Rating: What a delightful way to spend an evening. Movies and Musicals at the Apollo Victoria theatre sees some of the biggest names in musical theatre take to the stage alongside the LSG orchestra and the West End gospel choir, charging through classics from Les Miserables, Phantom, and Rent as well as movie classics such as the theme tunes from Star Wars and Jurassic Park. It is wonderful, and rare, to have the orchestra on the stage. LSGO has some much talent among it that it is shocking to learn this is not a professional orchestra. Despite out of their usual repertoire with these musical theatre classics, each song was performed with enthusiasm and elegance, respectful of the singers and clearly enjoying every moment. There is so much talent among the leads, it is an absolute joy to watch. The casting is intelligent in that the four leads are so different in their style and tone that they compliment each other wonderfully. Hearing Louise Dearman attack ‘Defying Gravity’ sends shivers down the spine. Her voice is, unsurprisingly, technically spot on and she appears to be able to tackle just about any piece from the most notoriously hard song in musical theatre to an emotional version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ alongside Gareth Gates. And speaking of Gates, my ten year old self was far too excited to hear him perform ‘Unchained Melody’. Having not seen him in a musical before, I was delighted to hear how beautifully he tackled Marius’ songs. Sarah Lark is utterly adorable and chose charming pieces such as ‘As Long As He Needs Me’. Her performances are slick and competent and her voice has the most beautifully crisp tone. But it is John Owen Jones who steals the shows. He gets the balance perfect between singing the Phantom and Les Mispieces that he is know for alongside slightly more unusual pieces such as a James Bond song. Towards the end he performed his new single, ‘O Holy Night’ and I could have sat and listened to him sing that song forever. His performances are flawless, his rapport with the audience engaging, and his voice rivalled by none. Were one to find fault in this evening, it could be found in the West End gospel. Though clearly talented and making a wonderful noise, the choir takes some warming up in the first act. By the second act, they were more in their element. There are remarkable soloists among the group but it appears they are more comfortable with the gospel repertoire than with the musical theatre. That said, when they get into it, they make an amazing sound and perform with such enthusiasm that the audience cannot fail but love them. Movies and Musicals is a great idea, especially since it seems out of vogue at the moment to revisit such classic musical theatre pieces. It is a shame that this is the only night of the performance in London. It would work wonderfully as a weekly Sunday night engagement and with lead singers such as were present for this one, they would be sure to bring in the crowds.

I totally agree with you that Gareth should have been introduced in the same way the others were. To be honest I didn't think Biggins was the right choice for a show like that and he didn't say anything spontaneously. Just read from a piece of paper and messed that up sometimes and a comment he made to Louise about her body parts was totally inappropriate. Also agree about Oh Holy Night. Didn't enjoy it at all. I too was surprised Faye gave me an address for the card as it was totally off her own back. I didn't ask her for it. Just told her I'd forgotten to pick up the card and she said Gareth would want me to send it to him. She must know what he would have thought so I'm not that worried and certainly wouldn't pass it on to anyone else, To answer your query about the two shows Barbiegirl, I didn't think this one was as good as Momentous Musicals. It was good and maybe it was because it wasn't Gareth's show like MM was, but I enjoyed MM more. Thanks for putting up your pictures Elaine. They are lovely. Think Katy Segal is in the back of one of them. You can see how smart Gareth looked in them.

Thanks for that great report Elaine. It was nice to meet up with you and Linda again. I can't add anything more either to what you've both said other than to say I'm still reliving the great night in my head, Just so wished Gareth was the one singing Oh Holy Night. We saw Ann and Vera who was sat in front of us but not to speak to, but I have to say what a lovely friendly person Ann's husband Peter is, Went out of his way to raise his hand and say Hello even though he was quite some way away from us. Only problem for me was my journey once again. My train up was delayed for 1 hour and 57 minutes. Eventually got there about 40 minutes before ValR had booked our table to eat, so it was a mad dash to change and get out again. Consequently I forgot to take Gareth's Christmas card which I'd taken with me out of my bag, Didn't realize until I was sat in the Theatre, so I'm going to have to post it to him now. Can't wait till next year and we start hearing about some more events to book for. I too want to thank ValR for all the arrangements she made for us all.

Had a great time last night. Gareth's voice gets stronger all the time. When he sang One Day More with all the cast his voice stood out above all the others. Loved Beauty and the Beast, but particularly loved hearing him sing His Eye Is On The Sparrow live. On the train home at the moment so will post more later.

Thanks Maria. Don't think there's any doubt we'll have a brilliant time. Been looking forward to this for so long.

There still seem to be three votes missing. Don't understand it. Not sure how you were able to vote again either Barbiegirl. It tells me I've already voted.

That's a fantastic article Chris. I've tweeted it.

How come its showing that 13 people have voted yet there are only 10 votes on the two pictures. Anyone know?

That's brilliant. Thanks for posting Chris. I've put the info on Twitter.

Have voted.

I'm not sure exactly what they mean by that. The question I asked was `Will Gareth be singing a Christmas song', so I'm assuming they have a sketch where several are being sung by members of the cast and Gareth will be one of the ones involved,

Bit of a taster for the show. @moviandmusicals December 1st is upon us - I'll leak some rep!! @LouiseDearman & @Gareth_Gates will be doing their version of Beauty & The Beast!! #amazing @moviandmusicals @Gareth_Gates will be reliving some amazing tunes...something to do with a sparrow....and a melody....possibly a few chairs..... @moviandmusicals @valjcooper @LouiseDearman @Gareth_Gates I can confirm that he will be part of our new commissions...yes.

I think I counted 36 shows in total. Several in Manchester Birmingham and London Maria .

It does look gruelling doesn't it. I suppose it will depend what plans Gareth has for an album as to whether he can commit to a tour. If indeed this is what he's going to be involved in.