< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY AN INTERVIEW WITH… You’ve had a long and multifaceted career in music, from releasing chart-toppers to success in musical theatre. When did your passion for singing begin? As a child I had a debilitating stammer. School was very tough, I was badly bullied and sometimes beaten because of my stammer. Fortunately, at the age of eight I discovered I could sing, and this changed my whole world, because finally I could get out of me what was in me; I could get words out of my mouth. My love for music really started because it became my only form of expression. I then went on to do lots of great things, selling records, with five number ones, did big arena tours, and then ended up doing quite a bit of theatre, which was great. I did Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde, and Footloose to name a few. I’m now producing shows, including this show I’m bringing to Grimsby — ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’. My biggest hit and first ever number one was a song called Unchained Melody, which was made famous by the movie Ghost, and this got me thinking that some of the world’s greatest love songs are from movies, and that synergy between music and film is very, very powerful. We’ve put together a great show full of those big hits from the likes of Titanic, A Star Is Born, Armageddon, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, to name a few, so we’re very excited. In producing ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’ yourself, what has that process been like, and how has it differed to preparing for other shows in your career? It’s very different. In the past I’ve just showed up to whatever venue they’ve sent me to and performed, and you go home without a worry or a care. Being the producer is completely different, the prep leading up to the show is vast. It’s a beast in itself, looking at the marketing, the best way for spreading the word of the show. Putting together the cast has been fun. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some great people over the past 23 years and so I’ve handpicked the best people for this tour. The cast have done big shows on the West End like the Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Grease, Footloose, and the band have played for big West End shows too. Producing is fun, it’s a lot of work, but when it goes well it’s quite gratifying. There must have been a wealth of love songs to choose from for the show. How did you narrow it down? There are too many songs really, and part of being the producer and putting it all together is you have to order or have the sheet music written for the band. I’ve massively over ordered because I couldn’t decide which songs, so I’ve had to whittle it down. The show is about an hour each act, so we’re probably talking 14 songs in each half, and trust me, I managed to find a good 50. It’s tough, but we’ve chosen some of the favourites. To find out which songs we went for, you’ll have to come to the show! What song are you most excited to sing at the show? There’s a couple of songs I’m very excited to sing. The song Aerosmith did for Armageddon, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, I’m really looking forward to singing that. I’ve always wanted to sing it actually. Steven Tyler is a hero of mine and his voice is incredible, so doing that one will be fun. I’m also looking forward to the duet Shallow from A Star Is Born. We have a girl called Maggie who has done Wicked on the West End, and she’s a great singer, so I’ll be playing guitar and singing that with her, so that’ll be a nice moment too. What are you looking forward to about performing at Grimsby Auditorium? I love Grimsby. I’ve spent quite a bit of time here in the past. I performed here two years ago in this very venue, the Grimsby Auditorium. I’m from Bradford, so not too far away, and it’s always great to perform to a northern crowd. I find the more north you go, the more up for it they are and I’m hoping to get that from the Grimsby audience. Alongside this show, you continue to further expand your repertoire, and are now developing a musical called Speechless, exploring the challenges faced by a young man with a stammer. Could you tell us a little bit about it? We’re still writing, but I had the idea probably eight years ago, An interview with chart-topping singer Gareth Gates Gareth Gates gained national fame as the runner-up on the first season of Pop Idol in 2002 before going on to enjoy a successful career in music and theatre, with numerous chart-topping singles, platinum albums, and leading roles in major West End productions. Ahead of his new show, ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’, which will visit Grimsby Auditorium on Thursday 27 March, Lincolnshire Today caught up with Gareth to talk about the show, his long career, and what the future holds, including a meaningful new musical focusing on a subject close to his heart — stammering. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 71 AN INTERVIEW WITH… and it took going into lockdown for me to actually have the time at a piano, at a guitar, to be able to write it. I wrote eight songs, took it to a good friend of mine who’s a big West End producer, and he said “don’t speak to anybody. I’ll commission it right now!” We then had meetings with scriptwriters, to find the best person for the job, and we came across a guy called Samuel Adamson. He’s done a lot of work for the National and the Old Vic — a very prestigious playwright. I’ve been working with him for the past year and a half and we’re finally at a stage now where we’re going to do a workshop at the end of this year, and then hopefully we’ll have a show on the West End in 2026 if all goes to plan. It’s very exciting and to be talking about a subject very close to my heart — stammering — and educating people on what exactly it is is very important to me. The music is great so I can’t wait for the world to see it. You’ve performed in major musical theatre productions for a long time now on the West End. What is it that keeps drawing you back? Musical theatre is where it all began for me. I couldn’t speak at all as a kid, and it was actually the show Joseph my first school were putting on a production of, and my music teacher kind of saw that talent in me, nurtured it, and gave me the role of Joseph. Then some 15 years later I was in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s office with Andrew, and he auditioned me for the role in the West End, and I got Joseph! It was a full circle moment, and I owe a lot to theatre. It’s my first love and I’ll always come back to theatre. To be now producing theatre shows is a real thrill too. Are there any other projects in the pipeline? The writing is taking a lot of focus right now because I want to get that so right. The thought of having a West End show of my very own is mind blowing, so a lot of effort is going into that, and this tour I’m producing. I’m also in talks with another producer about co-producing some big West End shows that we’re hoping to bring over from Broadway, so that’s opening a new avenue. I’d really love to produce panto at some point as well and produce tours like the one I’m doing but for other acts, so that’s something I’m going to be looking at. As someone with such a longstanding career in music and theatre, what advice would you give to people who want to get into the industry? Firstly, I think work ethic is everything in this industry. You really have to be prepared to work because there’s always somebody more hard working than you, or better than you, and so by putting in everything and whatever effort is necessary you know you are giving yourself the best opportunity to succeed. I work ridiculously hard. Sometimes too hard. I have to tell myself to slow down a bit, but I’m hoping to retire in a few years! Is there anything else you want to share with the readers of Lincolnshire Today? I’m just really looking forward to being here in Grimsby on Thursday 27 March. It’s a really fantastic show, perfect if you’re into love films, if you’re into movies. Either bring your partner or bring your girlfriends and come and have a great night with us. I think it’s going to be a real fantastic night. ‘Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies’ will visit Grimsby Auditorium on Thursday 27 March, with tickets available now. 72 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th MARCH 2025 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the purple squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 Friends may drag their feet but you can also breathe a sigh of relief because something that has been niggling at you will surface proving that your instincts were right all along. A new admirer will stop at nothing to win your attention. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 Don’t rush in with offers of help unless you can really provide what’s intended. Create space for a fresh new chapter to commence affecting both your personal and professional life. Gemini May 22 - June 21 You’re in an impulsive frame of mind and need to guard against being overstretched, but neither are you prepared to slow down because there are so many outstanding jobs that need your attention. Others my grumble about work, but not you. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 Get ready for a brand new adventure. You’re not prepared to waste any more time settling for second best. Fresh enthusiasm, new projects and big ideas turn you on because it allows your creative talents to work at their best. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Expect a huge increase in your fortunes as lady luck is smiling favourably at you. Gradually, you are changing the way you are thinking about how to conduct the rest of your life because an enormous dark cloud has finally lifted. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 Whether you are attached or single, love is in the air. No longer are you trapped by your past emotional hang ups because it’s now evident how much you have overcome your nagging self-doubts and are now ready to take a chance in life. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 A relationship is showing signs of developing into something far more meaningful, but don’t be rushed into making decisions you still may harbour doubts about. If someone is not prepared to wait until you are ready, question their motives. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 If there is one thing that you dislike, it’s being told what to do. People mean well and want the best for you, but the rebel in you and the need to do things for yourself and in your own way will always win hands down. Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 Something has changed and there is nothing wrong with wanting a bit of personal space. Always surrounded by people, at times you find their demands draining. By avoiding a complicated romantic situation, you’ll save yourself a lot of anguish. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 Past experiences have taught you an enormous amount and you are no longer prepared to tolerate someone else’s bad behaviour. People who thought that they could easily manipulate you are in for a big surprise. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 A friendship or romance may have run its course, but it’s also important you take personal responsibility for what went wrong instead of laying the blame at someone else’s doorstep. Nobody can move forwards with one foot stuck in the past. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 Your fate lies in your own hands. Spend time with friends whose companionship you enjoy. Remain secretive and mega discreet regarding personal finances as others do not need to know your business nor your true long term intentions. N2O2V 157628349 289314567 436759821 875463192 641592738 923187654 394875216 762931485 518246973 258374169 914862537 367195284 592436871 731528946 846917325 179683452 685249713 423751698classified British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com fortheBid The essentialgu d o Gr f LINC. WWW otb COLNSHIRETODAY WEDDINGS/ NET.Y If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: Weddings To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 73 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Angie Cooper on 01472 310310 © stock.adobe.com/indomercy Victoria Young HeadVictoria Jubilee Head Victoria Veiled HeadEdward VII George VCommon Reverse Dates Vary from 1880 to 1935 GOLD SOVEREIGNS Coins bought and sold for investment and collections. All gold and silver items bought in any condition. Call David on 01673 857 497 or 07939 087 757 for a free quote Gold bought and soldCockroach closure Messingham Zoo found itself “inundated” with requests last month after re-launching its Valentine’s Day service. The light-hearted offer helps people get over or get back at their exes by naming cockroaches after them…and then feeding them to the zoo’s meerkats! Launching the event, the zoo posted online: “do you have an ex that’s behaved like a cockroach? For just £5 we will name a cockroach with your ex’s name and feed it to our meerkats......and send the video to you.” Proving popular, the zoo said it had been inundated with cockroach feeding requests for Valentine’s Day, with people clearly appreciating the option for a more unique form of closure post-breakup. Superstitious housebuilders Superstitious property developers have been told by a group of local authorities that they cannot skip house number 13 on new projects. The, unlucky for some, number is still steered clear of by many homebuyers, however South Holland District Council, East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council have now banned developers from missing 13. After a joint Street Naming and Numbering Policy document published by the councils stated that the number is not to be avoided, the Director at Lincoln-based Lindum Homes, Mark Foster, told the BBC it was actually still common for planning authorities not to allow the number. The hesitance around the number isn’t surprising, with research by Rightmove finding that number 13 homes were valued around £5,000 lower on average, while the 13th day of the month is the least popular day to complete on a home purchase, and cautious movers point to Friday 13ths as the least popular Friday to move. watercooler 74 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Have we missed anything? Send your rib-ticklers to m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk By the A peculiar penguin A Lincolnshire engineer has gained a surprising new colleague while working thousands of miles away in Antarctica. Alan, from Woodhall Spa, has travelled to the icy land to work on a project for the British Antarctic Survey, constructing a new building for Rothera Research Station and resurfacing its runway. While undertaking his work, however, a gentoo penguin has joined him on the job site, insisting on helping by sitting in the bucket of an excavator. Given the name Collin, Alan told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: “Collin is a particular type of penguin who seems to think the 50,000kg excavator is either his parent or some sort of friend of his.… He insists on trying to get really close to it and even sit in the bucket.” © stock.adobe.com/Nick Dale © stock.adobe.com/Walkerlee © stock.adobe.com/PeppygraphicsByyourside then,nowand inthefuture Learn about our free Will Writing Service at ambucopter.org.uk/will Ourfirsthelicopter,1994 LNAACT REG CHARITY 1017501 BOOK NOW! 0300 300 0035 grimsbyauditorium.org.uk Like us @GrimsbyAuditorium Follow us @GrimsbyAud @grimsbyauditorium Subscribe to our Mailing List *Booking fee may apply/includes restoration levy. Only one concession at any one time. 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