Heather

We had a good journey to Cardiff and although cold, it was bright and sunny. After checcking into our hotel we went to look around the shops and have a meal. On the way back we drove round to see where the stage door was, just in case Gareth came out after the show. We were moved on in no uncertain terms by a man, as security is very strict there. Our seats in the Upper Circle were very good, we had a great view, and the whole viewing area encircles the stage, so even from the side you get a good view. When we sat down, a lady started talking to me, and she asked if we had seen it before. I did not mention Gareth at this stage, but she did. She explained that her daughter was playing the crone, and she got out her prograsmme and pointed to the picture of Gareth, saying, " He is the one to watch, my daughter says he has been just amazing in rehearsals, it's like he's been doing the part for years. " I told her I was a big fan, and she then told me how all the cast love him, he has taken them all out, and won't let anyone pay for anything. She must have spent about 10 minutes singing his praises, and I couldn't help thinking I had definitely sat next to the right person. I told her how we had tried to find the stage door, and been sent away, and she told me about some double doors that led out to it, and I was just wondering if I would have the courage to slip through them later. The show was absolutely amazing, it's so powerful and dramatic, and also heartrending at times. If Gareth was nervous, it certainly did not show. He has a very active role, it requires a lot of acting, which he carried off easily. Everyone sings their speech, and he did his beautifully. His voice was clear, pure and just beautiful, his face etched with emotion, his body hunched and full of despair, he was just brilliant. Gareth gets better and better every time I see him. I am still trying to recover from the impact this show had on me. Keith also loved it, and thinks Gareth is a top bloke! When the show was over, Keith discovered that the camera was still in the car, so he set off to get it whilst I made my way down. Should I risk being told off and go to the stage door, I wasn't sure. I decide to pluck up the courage, as we only live once, and I wanted to tell Gareth just how good he was. There were a group of ladies who were surging through holding their programmes discussing how good Gareth was. I decided they must be fans, and followed them. I must explain the reason why I was so terrified is because I am shy, and usually with people like Ann, Elaine and Vera, and Keith had gone to get the camera, so it took a lot for me to do this. We waited for about 10 minutes, and I told them I was waiting for him, and they told me they were waiting for their children ,who were in the show. I realised I was the only fan waiting, which made me even more nervous. Just as Keith turned up, a security man and woman who were not very polite, booted us all out back through the doors into the foyer. I was in despair, as I was pretty sure that Gareth would come out into the car park and go, he didn't need to come through the swing doors. Suddenly the lady I had sat next to was there, and seeing how disappointed I was, rang her daughter's mobile. She told her about me, and a message was passed to Gareth that someone was waiting to see him. This made me even more worried, as I was wishing some of my other friends from the forum were with me. I felt Gareth might be disappointed to only see one fan. John Owen Jones came out, and a young man asked Keith to take his pic with him, which he did, and then one of the women, sorry don't know her name, and she was also in a pic with a fan. Whilst Keith was taking the pic, I saw Gareth coming through the doors, and he saw me straightaway, and came over and gave me a hug. My nerves disappeared, and as I thought I was the only fan we had a little chat. Keith took my pic, but had 3 attempts, however 2 of them did come out. In the meantime unbeknown to me, a lot of women had thronged together further up, and as I said goodbye to him, he moved on, and when I looked back he was absolutely surrounded by fans, although I do belive they were people who had seen him in the show, and wanted to meet him too. Gareth's performance made a huge impact, so he has won himself even more fans. He is made for Musical Theatre,, and I could not be more proud of him, and I told him so. We had an amazing time, but I would advise anyone who goes to read the story first as it is so fast moving, it won't make much sense unless you do. Gareth did not come on until much later in the first part, but when he did, the audience cheered and supported him every time he sang. He is just magic on stage. I am now going to try and post the pics, and there is a pic of the programme, which costs £3-50, and a souvenir brochure which is £5. I feel so priveleged to have shared his first night, and will never forget his amazing performance!

You are welcome. I hope you are well. x

Cardiff was sold out in June for the first night, as when I phoned up, they said I had the last 2 tickets.

I heard someone say in The New Year, although that is a bit vague isn't it? I think it's great that Gareth has been in that and also Family Fortunes/ :smile:

Yes it was great!

Elaine rang me late on Thursday night to say she had tickets for Mr and Mrs, so after making some rearrangements to my weekend, it left me free to go. Saturday morning was unbelievably warm, just like a Spring day, so I decided not to wear my boots and big coat, just opting for light shoes and a jacket. Bad mistake! We managed to get lost and took the long route from Waterloo to the studio, and it had just started to drizzle. It was a very pretty part of London on the South bank, so I enjoyed the walk and the sights. We got there much too early, and they told us to come back at 6. it was then 4, so we looked around a few novelty shops, and then went for a coffe and a sit. We had both bought sandwiches, but after trying in vain to get a bowl of soup, I brought out my lunch and ate it, as no-one seemed to care. It was a bit like Faulty Towers. We also had another funny incident, which I'm sure Elaine won't mind me saying about. The tube station was packed, and I wasn't sure we would get on it. Elaine moved forward and said, " Is there romm for 2 more in here?" and as she did so, the door closed on her, and all I could see was her agonised face with her eyes nearly popping out of her head with fear, on the other side of the door. I was going to tell her to wait for me at the next station, where we had to change, but a kind passenger managed to get the door open and so she could get back out. We then got on the next Train. When we went back to the queue the rain had decided to really come down, and where we stood on the corner queueing, the wind was howling, and it was so strong, it broke my umbrella. A lot of the people didn't know who was on, so we primed them about Gareth, and I was so proud that when they came on, Gareth and Suzanne got the loudest cheers, and it wasn't just us! It was lovely see see Gareth and Suzanne appearing together in a show. We know Gareth's personality, but now we can see Suzanne's. They both looked amazing, what a beautiful couple, and the whole show was funny and very entertaining. We were on 5th row, and had tried to get nearer , but they were not having it and we sat at the side. Later I was glad we did, as I managed to catch Denise Welch' s eye, and she smiled and waved. I was determined to let Gareth and Suzanne know we were supporting them, so when they went off afterwards to the side, Elaine and I both waved, and we caught his eye, and Suzanne's too, they both smiled and I could tell by his face he recognised us, which is always a lovely feeling. I am now minus an umbrella, and I had to drive home through blinding rain with no lights on a lot of the country roads, but who cares! Seeing Gareth has made my weekend, and seeing what a happy and close couple they are. My thanks again to Elaine for inviting me, and I was more than happy to meet you at Liverpool Street.

you've got me very excited Chris. I really want this to happen for Gareth! :heart:

Thanks for that Inge. I wish everyone could have come, but hopefully when we describe it on the forum, it makes them feel they were there too.

Lovely to read all your reports. Here is mine. After meeting Ann from her train, we offloaded our bags at the hotel, and after a welcome cup of tea, went to meet up at the stage door. Elaine, Emma and Linda were already there, and then Sarahjane, Maria and Andrea came up shortly after. It was lovely to see them all, so we had a good natter. Vera texted me to tell me that Gareth had already gone in, so we discussed whether it was worth staying there. I must admit my tummy was rumbling, as in my haste to get out early today, I had forgotten my sandwiches, forgotten to make them I mean! Anyway, suddenly, just like an angel from heaven, Gareth was there. He spoke to us all, that is what is so lovely about him, he lets you know that he rememebers you, bless him! I pushed Emma forward for her pic, and managed to get it for her, and then got one of Ann with him too. Hope you got the emails girls. I also took one of Elaine with him. Gareth put his arm round me for a pic, and then Elaine came in the other side, so it was a joint one. Everything happened so quickly as usual, so I may not have had one on my own with him, but I'm very happy with that one, and it's always lovely to see him. Sarah joined us just after Gareth had gone, and I'm so sorry you missed him Sarah, it was very bad luck. When we entered the theatre, I saw Val, Doris, Chris, and Gareth's Melody briefly in the foyer, just long enough to say hallo. We were sitting in the gods, but actually, thanks to a new pair of wonderful contact lenses, I could see every expression on Gareth's face. We had a long wait for him, don't they always save the best until last, but the whole show was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think even if I wasn't a fan of Gareth, I certainly would be now! He came on looking amazing. His hair had been cut, I meant to say before, and it looked wonderful. He looked very healthy and positively sparkling when we spoke to him, and he looked like a handsome god, impeccably dressed, and his love scene with Ima was very lifelike, it took my breath away. Such a lovely song, their voices together were just exquisite, and I experienced every emotion possible. Then Gareth sang WHy GOd Why, and his voice was so pure and beautiful, it reduced me to tears. His voice just gets better and better. In the past he has been likened to George Michael, and Michael Jackson, but in my opinion, last night he was Gareth Gates, a person unlike any other, and in a class of his own. As usual he brough the house down, and it's plain to see that Gareth will have a wonderful future in any musical he takes on. He is just so versatile and hardworking, and an absolute perfectionist. Well done to Gareth, it was an absolute privilege to be able to see another wonderful performance by you! Ps. Soi glad I saw Mo and Gill outside, and do hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

Thanks for that! I see she is mentioned with Gareth. Will she be playing opposite him, as i hear he has a love interest? I know she is an understudy, but she will get a turn too.

Just voted again.

Thanks so much for that information. I like it that Gareth's name appears first! I wonder what songs he will be singing?

When the Cardiff ones were on sale, if you remember Doris, you told that that there were only single seats left on line. I was on holiday at the time, so I sat on the beach with my mobile and rang up. I waited so long I used all my call tyime up, so when I got the last 2 seats in the house, I really didn't mind that they were up in the gods. At least I would get to see him! Maria could you not ask for an early Christmas present, so you could book now? That is all I can think of.

Do hope you manage to get a ticket Maria. I could only get tickets in the gods for Cardiif, but I will still enjoy it. I got the last 2 seats. Good luck! xxx

Michael Ball was on This Morning last week talking about his experiences in musical theatre. I was hoping then he might mention Gareth, but it was just before his role as Marius was announced, although there had been rumours. I did not really go to musicals until Gareth was in Joseph, and then I couldn't stay away! I don't know much about LM , but I am sure with Gareth and his beautiful singing voice, I will like it. :heart:

Just to let anyone who wants tickets know that Sat 12th is sold out. I got the last 2 tickets, but had to phone up as all the online ones were gone. Referring to Gazman's post, I wonder whether Gareth might take Suzanne and Missy with him?

Totall agree Chris! I'm so glad that Gareth has earned new respect, and got the credit he deserves for his brilliant and unique intrepretation of Joseph. As far as Musical theatre is concerned, i'm sure it's onwards and upwards for him! :heart: :heart:

Thanks for that. I think I'll have to do some overtime to pay for it!

2 nice reviews, thanks so much!

I hope you had a nice time, and that your mum is well. :heart:

I did look for you Inge, didn't know if you were coming or not. I believe Snowdrop went, and was in the dress circle, I was up there too, but have never met her, so don't know what she looks like.

. What a lovely day we had yesterday with the sun shining, but there was a sadness in my heart tinged with regret that it was the last day of Joseph. I met Ann, and we made our way to the theatre. I was hoping to catch Gareth on the way in, as I had promised Kate I would get her a signed programme. When I saw the amount of people I was not so sure, as the road was lined as well as the pavement, and the mass right by the stage door was thick with many people. Gareth arrived, and although I couldn't get any where near to him, I held out the programme, and after a while, managed to catch his eye. He signed it straight away, saying. " No worries babe." and he even spelt Katie the way I asked him too. What a star! I did not ask for a picture as there were so many others there, and I thought it might give people who have not had one a chance. I did manage to push Ann into his arms, and she had one, as they are very precious to Ann. I was sorry that Emma wasn't close enough to get one, but in a situation like that, Gareth hasn't got the time to see everyone, and there is always the man calling him in. I'm sure there will be other times, as Gareth is not going anywhere. The matinee performance was a lot of fun. Ann and I sat in row B. First of all the brothers' wives came out on the revolving stage reading hello, Ideal Homes, and suchlike, which made us all laugh. Later, in the show where the brothers show Joseph's coat, Gareth was valiantly singing, " I look handsome I look smart." and they covered his face up, which was great because their expressions said it all. There was also the scene when the brothers had their loaves of bread, and one of them bent his in half like a banana. In both performances Gareth sang his heart out, and put his heart and soul into the show. His acting is brillant, his voice just gets better and better, and i heard quite a few people on the way out say that they hadn't realised just how good he was. I'm sure I saw tears inhis eyes when he took his bow, and I certainly had them in mine! I'm sure this tremendous debut he has made will stand him in good stead for the future, and I'm so delighted he has won himself lots of new fans to add on to all the " Faithfuls." I would just like to say I had a wonderful day, and it was lovely to see everyone. I saw Chris and Val, Doris from a distance to wave, Emma, who spent some time with us, and is a lovely girl! Andrea and Sarahjane, Gill and Dave, Maureen and Alan, as well as Elaine and Brian, Vera and Mick, and dear Ann, bless her. It was great to meet Hazzy from GPG, got a glimpse of Maggiemags. I just hope I haven't forgotten anyone. It was a lovely day spent with lovely people, and I can't wait to do it all again soon! I did take one pic of the crowd waiting for Gareth, but one lady turned round, and she may not want to be posted on the forum. I hope i have posted this in the right place.

I wonder if that is why Gareth song was 19 Minutes?

Thanks for posting. I'm going on holiday, but will watch it first.

What wonderful news this is! I've been floating about ever since I heard, just can't seem to get on with anything properly! Missy goes beautifully with Gates. So pleased for Gareth and Suzanne, they will be such lovely parents to that little girl. Most of all, so happy for Gareth that he has found such happiness in his life with Suzanne, and now becoming a Dad. No-one deserves it more, as he gives out such a lot of warmth and love to everyone else! :heart: