jenjo

I went to my second performance in Manchester last night and enjoyed it just as much as the first time on opening night. I managed to spot Gareth in a couple of extra roles but he was very well disguised! I thought he was even more self assured and confident than the first performance and I thought the scene with Eponine's death was so moving.His voice, as always ,was fantastic - no hint of a sore throat. Just loved every moment of it and could happily go every night - sadly I have to wait until August!!!!!

Lovely report Doris. Thanks for posting. Looking forward to going again next week when I can try and spot Gareth in all the other roles that I missed. I think they only had the other programme for sale on the first night at Manchester - not the souvenir programme - unless I missed that too!! I'll certainly be buying that with all those lovely pics! It is great to hear all the reports of people recognising Gareth for the talent he is - just a shame it took so long.

I love being able to see all these lovely snippets praising Gareth- thanks Maggie and everyone for sharing them.

What a lot of fabulous reports. Thanks for posting and bringing them over from OS.

Thank you so much. How wonderful!

Love it!!!!

My head has been buzzing all day. I just loved every moment and it all passed so quickly. The man behind me had obviously seen it several times and was giving his companion who hadn't seen it,the benefit of his opinions. He wasn't being particularly mean about Gareth - just didn't think he would be up to the job but at least he had the good grace to admit how wrong he was! John Owen Jones was fantastic too and Gareth can only gain by working alongside such a great performer. I thought the whole cast were wonderful. I couldn't fault anyone. I don't know what the chap who wrote that review before criticising most of it was watching. All the leads were very strong. I loved the scenery and all the effects they used. Wish I could go again tomorrow!

Just arrived home after a fabulous, fantastic night. I have seen Les Miserables several times in Manchester and in London and it has always been my favourite musical by far. I was just a tiny bit apprehensive about whether I would mind some of the changes but I just loved every single minute of it. The whole cast is wonderful - I don't think I could find any weakness in it at all. The staging is beautiful, the music, the powerful emotion of it all... and as for Gareth, he was fantastic. Quite apart from his beautiful voice, he more than holds his own and what a privilege for him to be working alongside John Owen Jones. I thought he was a great Marius, so handsome and sensitive. Before the performance I heard a man sitting behind me ( who had seen several other productions of Les Mis ) say he didn't think Gareth would be strong enough for the part - but at the interval I heard him say several times how impressed he was with Gareth and how he had suprised him at how good he was. I think I can honestly say that it was the best show I have ever seen - I am lucky that I am going again in the last week here in Manchester and again in Salford. I can't wait. Forgot to say they got a well deserved standing ovation. Will post any other bits as they come to me - my mind is still in a whirl!

I'm going on opening night and then in the last week - I've developed a tiny cough where I have a coughing fit about three times a day and now I'm paranoid that I might cough!!! Any recommendations for best cough sweets.

Ohh, thank you - just text hubby to bring me one home!

I have the paper!!! Lovely picture of Gareth as Marius that I will scan tomorrow, Heading : Gareth just the ticket as Les Mis heart-throb Here's former pop-idol Gareth Gates as you've never seen him before. The heart-throb ex popstar has gone all mean and moody to star in award-winning musical Les Miserables which heads to Manchester next week. Gareth plays student revolutionary Marius in the show which celebrates its 25th anniversary tour this year. I reckon he's set to get female hearts a-fluttering again with his Darcy-esque look in his 19th century attire...(followed by a paragraph about the show in general) Gareth gets to sing his own show stopper in the production- Empty Chairs at Empty Tables I will scan the whole article with pic tomorrow. Still can't post from here on OS, so I'd be grateful if someone could post it there for me

Just been told that there was an article about Les Mis with a picture of Gareth looking very handsome as Marius in last nights paper. Apparantly they are full of praise for Gareth. I am hoping that my source has still got the paper. Did anyone else see it?

Fantastic news! :hyper:

Thanks for the link Carol.What a great and powerful report. I have seen Les Mis about half a dozen times and it is my all time favourite musical. I can't wait to see the whole new production but particularly see Gareth as Marius. I have booked twice for Manchester - opening night and the final week in Feb. So excited...

Carol, fabulous report. Been anxiously waiting to read it! Can I just ask you about his solo, empty chairs. How did he perform and what sort of reception did he get? Thanks.

You're so good at finding these Snowdrop - I have been trawling with little success. So glad we have some positive reports before I go out this afternoon. Thanks :smile:

Ohh, thanks for those snippets Snowdrop. Hope we hear some more.

Lovely interview - I thought Gareth did really well and only struggled at the beginning. Some stills are on rex features http://www.rexfeatures.com/search/?kw=gare...rch_newest.y=17

" Marius recovers in Cosette's care " It's at this point that Gareth gets to sing his solo " "empty chairs at empty tables" as he tries to come to terms with the fact that he is the only one of his friends to survive the battle.

What a wonderful report Dorral. I couldn't be there myself so it is great to read all your reports. They bring it to life for the rest of us who weren't there and you all have little extra bits to add to help us imagine what it was like. Thanks everyone

Thank you so much for your great report Snowdrop. It sounds like it was a wonderful night and I'm so pleased it went so well for Gareth.

I stayed up REALLY late last night hoping for a snippet! Can't wait for some reports.

Article about Les Mis in the Manchester Evening News http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/ne...eads_for_palace

What fantastic news - I adore Les Mis and what a wonderful part for Gareth What a great achievement to be given the part. :hyper: