POP heart-throb and teen sensation Gareth Gates will take audiences on a two-hour whistle stop tour from the heart of London’s West End to the glitz of Broadway next week.
The Bradford-born pop star will take to the stage with a full supporting cast and live band at the Palace Theatre next Thursday (October 1) in a celebration of the very best songs from shows old and new.
Mad About the Musicals will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a five week production kicking off in Redditch where audiences can enjoy Gareth performing their favourite numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil and Schonberg.
“I’ve heard the Palace is a really beautiful theatre and I’m really looking forward to coming to Redditch,” Gareth said. “We are currently half way through rehearsals and everything is going very well – I’m thrilled about it.”
The 31-year-old first shot to fame in 2002 when he appeared in the inaugural series of ITV’s Pop Idol where he was placed as runner-up to Will Young.
Gareth became a household name and went on to sell over five million records worldwide and is the youngest ever male solo artist to debut at number one.
The singer-songwriter told the Standard he is excited to get back on road as he enjoys touring and looks forward to meeting different audiences every night.
He added: “We are performing with the band for the first time later today (September 21) and will be rehearsing with them all week – it’s great to be working with such talented people.”
Gareth will lead the production alongside Michael Courtney and promises the show will appeal to all ages as the bill includes renditions from Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You.
The curtain goes up at 8pm and tickets are available online at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk or in person or at the box office on 01527 65203, priced £24.75* and £23.75* (disc).
