UPDATE (14 APRIL): Sadly, history repeats itself as the organisers have taken a last-minute decision to cancel this year's rescheduled event. Their announcement, citing "circumstances beyond our control" states that ticket holders will be contacted in the coming days and offered a full refund (although last year it was net of fees).The much anticipated Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival is back! Postponed from 2022, I am delighted that the first of the original headliners - including, of course, a certain Mr Lee Mead - are returning for the re-launched event in 2023 at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
In addition to Lee, and with more to be announced, the starry, stagey line-up includes Kerry Ellis (We Will Rock You, Wicked) fresh from her toe-tapping turn in Anything Goes, Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro, for one of their last ever performances, Olivier Award-winning singer and actress Cassidy Janson (& Juliet, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Avenue Q), plus Over the Rainbow contestants and musical stars Lauren Samuels (Bend It Like Beckham, Grease, We Will Rock You) and Sophie Evans (Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Dance).
UPDATE 02/11/2022: Newly added to the line-up - Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls, Waitress, Hairspray).
The amazing line up will perform their favourite musical theatre songs on the Main Stage, accompanied by the fabulous London Musical Theatre Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium, Dominion Theatre).
Mike Wilson, producer of Gaiety Festival said: "We are delighted that Gaiety Festival is back, and bigger than ever! Our production team continue to work tirelessly to stage an event unlike anything seen before, a festival where musical theatre fans from across the country can immerse themselves in the best entertainment and experiences on offer. Today's announcement is just the beginning, and we can't wait to share even more exciting news over the coming months as we count down to the big day. It's going to be spectacular!"
Away from the Main Stage, you'll find an acoustic atage, community bandstand, silent disco, traditional funfair, theatre village, food and drink stalls and much more besides - read more on the festival's website.
Lee's full concert and events schedule (including past appearances) can be found at - CONCERT & LIVE EVENTS
Published: 08/01/2022; last updated: 17/04/2022