Gossip: Busted star bringing Gareth Gates to West End?
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London Theatre Direct
Former Busted and Son Of Dork member James Bourne's new musical Loserville is set to open at the West Yorkshire Playhouse later this month with a view to a West End transfer. The show stars ex Pop Idol runner-up heartthrob Gareth Gates as well as Rock School star Lil' Chris and Eastenders actor Aaron Sidwell.
Written by Bourne and Elliot Davis the show will also feature Inkheart actress Eliza Hope Bennett and Legally Blonde touring cast member Charlotte Horwell. Musically inspired by Bourne's second group Son Of Dork's album Welcome To Loserville, the 1971-set show follows computer geek Michael Dork through the trials and tribulations of crushing on girls and dealing with rich kid bullies whilst he is inventing something that may change the world as we know it. Sidwell stars as Michael Dork while Gates plays Eddie, Michael's nemesis who will tread on anyone to get to the top.
James Bourne shot to fame as part of guitar-pop trio Busted alongside Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson. He has written 4 UK number ones and has written songs for other artists such as Melanie C, The Jonas Brothers, JC Chasez and McFly. Gareth Gates lost out to Will Young in the first series of Pop Idol but has since sold over 3.5 million records in the UK and has enjoyed success on the West End stage in productions of Joseph and Les Miserables. Aaron Sidwell played the second incarnation of Stephen Beale in Eastenders between 2007 and 2008.
Directed by Stephen Dexter the show currently has no West End venue or dates confirmed but initial buzz makes a transfer look likely. The show will preview at the West Yorkshire Playhouse's Quarry Theatre on 18th June before opening on the 26th. It will run there until 14th July.
As soon as a West End run is confirmed we will of course let you know!