
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
1:00 AM 18th January 2025
arts
Interview
From Pop Idol To Producer: Gareth Gates Takes Centre Stage In A New Chapter
Group Editor Andrew Palmer caught up with Gareth Gates at York Barbican ahead of two new shows he is bringing to the north.
![Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini]()
Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini
Twenty-three years after shooting to fame on
Pop Idol, Gareth Gates is embracing a new role behind the scenes—while still commanding the spotlight. The Bradford-born singer, who first captured the nation's hearts as a teenager, is now producing his own tours and developing an autobiographical musical that promises to break new ground in disability representation.
"I decided to really get my hands dirty and put myself through it purely to learn the ropes," Gates says of his venture into production. After an 18-date tour last autumn celebrating the music of Frankie Valli, he's now juggling two concurrent productions: a reprise of the Valli show and a new creation, 'Gareth Gates: Love Songs from the Movies.'
The transition from performer to producer hasn't been without its challenges. "Marketing is a real learning curve," he admits. "In the past, I'd just been booked, turn up, do the job, and head home." But the creative freedom has proved intoxicating. Gates takes particular pride in his casting choices, blending established West End performers with emerging talent. "I've cast really talented people – one has done
Phantom of the Opera, another
Wicked. But I also like to give the next generation an opportunity."
![Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini]()
Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini
Perhaps his most personal project is
Speechless, an autobiographical musical seven years in the making. The show, which explores Gates' journey with stammering, has been commissioned by a major West End producer and is being developed with playwright Samuel Adamson. "From when I first came into the public eye, I think my greatest achievement was heightening the awareness of stammering," Gates reflects. "When I was a kid, there was nobody around in the public eye with a stammer – it's a very lonely place."
Gates is sitting opposite his speech coach, Chris Cooksey; both were on the McGuire Programme designed for those who suffer from a stammer. At one point, as Gates enthusiastically speeds up, Chris calmly says, “Too many words beginning with S,” which prompts Gates to slow down. “It's an absolute nightmare, this infernal affliction, but we both use the techniques, and I can spot them in Gareth,” Chris comments.
The McGuire Programme is a brand new way of tackling the mindsets of people who have a speech impediment that teaches a new way of speaking and breathing, after which course members are sent out to introduce themselves to over 100 people, and then at the end they are put on a soapbox in the middle of the town centre to gain confidence in public speaking.
“It’s the most liberating feeling you know,” Gates assures me.
Speechless promises to tackle the subject matter with both gravity and levity. Gates describes a scene set in speech therapy that transforms into a musical number, featuring characters who struggle with different consonants. At this point, Gates deftly demonstrates his own version of vocal percussion through a form of beatboxing, mimicking the sound of the therapy session. "If there's anybody that can write a song to laugh about stammering, that's me," he says with a smile.
His roots as a chorister at Bradford Cathedral laid the groundwork for his career. "Music was my only form of release as a kid," he recalls. "I couldn't speak at all; my stammer was that bad. I couldn't get my personality across." At age nine, he discovered he could sing, and the cathedral nurtured that talent. A particular highlight was performing a solo for Queen Elizabeth II during the 1997 Maundy service.
![Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini]()
Gareth Gates
Photo: Joe Menghini
Now, having reached 40, Gates reflects on a career that began when he was just 17. "I experienced more in the first three or four years than most people do in their lifetime," he says. His focus has shifted to building a legacy, not just through his musical but also through his various business ventures, including property investments.
Even with his expanding portfolio, performing remains central to his identity. Between shows, he can be found on his laptop, handling production emails and planning future projects. The only true downtime comes when visiting his daughter, who appears to be following in her father's footsteps with a budding performing career of her own. At which point the proud father picks up his mobile to show me a video of his daughter performing in
Footloose.
"I've been very fortunate to have the life I have now," Gates muses. As he prepares for the opening of his movie love songs tour this February, culminating in a special Valentine's week performance at York Barbican, it's clear that this former
Pop Idol has found his stride as both artist and entrepreneur.
The stammering chorister from Bradford has become a multifaceted entertainment professional, proving that sometimes the most meaningful second acts are the ones we write ourselves.
Gareth Gates Sings Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Gareth Gates, joined by an exceptional cast of West End performers, pays tribute to the legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in a show that celebrates their iconic sound and unforgettable hits.
From classics like Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, and December 63, this show promises to be an electrifying homage to one of music’s most iconic groups.
Expect roof-raising vocals, dazzling choreography, and a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of pop music. Backed by a talented live band, audiences are sure to leave the theatre saying, "Oh, What a Night!"
Halifax Victoria Saturday 01 March 2025 7.30pm. Book here
Lancaster Grand Theatre Monday, March 3 7:30 pm. Book here.
Lytham Lowther Theatre 31st March 7.30pm
Book here.
Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies
Gareth Gates delivers iconic love songs from the world of cinema. With his soulful voice, magnetic stage presence, and a live band alongside West End singers, this show brings together romantic ballads and energetic up-tempo hits from classic films.
Featuring tender moments like Unchained Melody and iconic tracks like Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, this show transports audiences through the timeless love stories of the silver screen.
Enhanced with stunning visuals, the production promises an evening of nostalgia, emotion, and pure entertainment, appealing to hopeless romantics and fans of lively, feel-good tunes alike.
Wakefield Theatre Royal. Monday 10 February 2025 7.30pm Book here.
York Barbican 16 Feb 2025 7.30pm. Book here
St George's Hall, Bradford 14 March 7.30pm Book here.
Grimsby Auditorium 27 March 2025 7.30pm. Book here.
Sheffield City Hall, 28 March 7.30pm. Book Tickets.
Playhouse, Whitley Bay, 2 Arpil 2025 7.30pm Book here.