Theatre News

Gareth Gates to return in new tour of Footloose musical

The ”Pop Idol” runner-up will reprise the role of Willard alongside Maureen Nolan

Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Gareth Gates is set to reprise the role of Willard when Footloose embarks on a UK tour next year.

Gates starred in the production earlier this year alongside Maureen Nolan, who will also reprise her role of Vi Moore on the tour.

The musical is based on the 1984 film of the same name which starred Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer, and sees city boy Ren move to a rural town where dancing is banned.

Our review of the production recognised the Pop Idol runner-up as 'super' with a 'mellifluous voice and above all very funny'.

The production opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 21 April before touring to York, Wycombe, Richmond, Hornchurch, Buxton, Llandudno, Coventry, Swansea, Guildford, Bromley, Belgium, Eastbourne, Basildon, Chester and the Peacock Theatre, London. (Gates will not appear in Wimbledon or Chester.)

Click here to buy tickets

Further casting is to be announced.

Footloose will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 21 April before touring the UK and to Belgium.