West End theatre has a fabulous record of featuring live performances from famous stars that have made their mark in other areas of the performing arts such as films and music. Hollywood actors such as Kevin Spacey, Josh Hartnett and Jessica Lange, and successful singers such as Jason Donovan and Madonna have also graced the West End stage.
But the latest musician to try his hand at West End acting success is Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates, who from February 2009 is taking the lead role in the latest stage production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, at the Adelphi Theatre.
Although this is his first starring role, Gates is no stranger to the West End boards having made his debut in July 2008. In a one-off performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, Gates played a part in a charity gala celebrating the works of George Stiles and Anthony Drew, and that brief taste of West End glory obviously gave him a hunger for more.
Gates replaces former reality TV winner Lee Mead, who was propelled into the West End starring role after winning the viewers' vote in the TV show, 'Any Dream Will Do'. Despite losing to Will Young in the 2002 Pop Idol TV show, Gates has still managed to sell over 3.5million records, building up an army of loyal fans in the process that will no doubt be eager to catch his performance as Joseph.
However, well known stars are not just taking to the stage in the West End as they are also proving the driving force behind some prominent productions. As if anyone heading to the capital on London theatre breaks wasn't already spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular musical productions, Hollywood superstar Whoopi Goldberg has thrown another one into the mix by bringing a stage version of her massive 1992 hit film 'Sister Act' to the West End. The successful actress will not be cast in the musical but as the producer, considering she is heavily involved in getting the stage show up and running.
Of course, 'Mamma Mia', featuring the music of Abba has already experienced prolonged success in the West End and 'We will Rock You', which presents a tremendous medley of 32 Queen songs has also racked up incredible commercial success - becoming the longest running musical to play at The Dominion Theatre during August 2005.
Despite the economic downturn of recent times, demand for West End theatre productions seems to be remaining steady. Perhaps it is the sheer joy and escapism of the productions that help those who watch them to leave any financial woes outside the theatre.
But the latest musician to try his hand at West End acting success is Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates, who from February 2009 is taking the lead role in the latest stage production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, at the Adelphi Theatre.
Although this is his first starring role, Gates is no stranger to the West End boards having made his debut in July 2008. In a one-off performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, Gates played a part in a charity gala celebrating the works of George Stiles and Anthony Drew, and that brief taste of West End glory obviously gave him a hunger for more.
Gates replaces former reality TV winner Lee Mead, who was propelled into the West End starring role after winning the viewers' vote in the TV show, 'Any Dream Will Do'. Despite losing to Will Young in the 2002 Pop Idol TV show, Gates has still managed to sell over 3.5million records, building up an army of loyal fans in the process that will no doubt be eager to catch his performance as Joseph.
However, well known stars are not just taking to the stage in the West End as they are also proving the driving force behind some prominent productions. As if anyone heading to the capital on London theatre breaks wasn't already spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular musical productions, Hollywood superstar Whoopi Goldberg has thrown another one into the mix by bringing a stage version of her massive 1992 hit film 'Sister Act' to the West End. The successful actress will not be cast in the musical but as the producer, considering she is heavily involved in getting the stage show up and running.
Of course, 'Mamma Mia', featuring the music of Abba has already experienced prolonged success in the West End and 'We will Rock You', which presents a tremendous medley of 32 Queen songs has also racked up incredible commercial success - becoming the longest running musical to play at The Dominion Theatre during August 2005.
Despite the economic downturn of recent times, demand for West End theatre productions seems to be remaining steady. Perhaps it is the sheer joy and escapism of the productions that help those who watch them to leave any financial woes outside the theatre.
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