Gossip: Gareth Gates musical heading to the Garrick?
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London Theatre Direct
Ex-Busted star and Son Of Dork frontman James Bourne's original musical Loserville may well be heading to the West End if rumours are to be believed. Co-created with Elliot Davis the show is based around Bourne's group Son Of Dork's 2005 album Welcome To Loserville which spawned two UK top 10 hits. Set in 1971 it tells the tale of computer geek Michael Dork who comes up with an invention that might just save the world...if he has time to put it together at the same time as crushing on girls and dealing with a self-important bully.
The show recently opened at the West Yorkshire Playhouse where it ran from late June until 18th July this year. The plan was always to find a West End home for the show if audiences reacted well to it, and after alleged talks with the Phoenix Theatre fell through, it looks like the Garrick Theatre which is looking for a replacement for Chicago, may be the show's destination. Reports suggest that another West End show that had been eyeing up a transfer to the Garrick may have its nose put out of joint if Loserville can close the deal.
Although the Garrick will not confirm any possible replacements for Chicago as yet it is assumed that if Loserville takes up residency then its original cast are likely to come with the show. Ex-Eastenders star Aaron Sidwell who played the second incarnation of Steven Beale in Eastenders plays Michael, with angel-faced pop prince Gareth Gates as his nemesis, the cocksure Eddie. Rock School alumni Lil' Chris, Inkheart actress Eliza Hope Bennett and Legally Blonde touring cast member Charlotte Horwell were all part of the show's original cast.
Chicago vacates the Garrick on 1st September, so an early October opening for Loserville would seem likely if the show does claim the venue. We'll keep you posted!
Book tickets for Chicago here