Gareth Gates To Join Connor McIntyre And Les Dennis In CINDERELLA

Manchester Opera House have today revealed that Gareth Gates will join the cast of Cinderella as Prince Charming, alongside Coronation Street bad boys Connor McIntyre and Les Dennis who were previously announced as the Ugly Sisters.

Gareth Gates rose to stardom in 2002 as runner-up in the UK's first Pop Idol. In a phenomenal career which followed, he has sold more than 3.5 million records in the UK, released three albums and had four UK number one singles.

Alongside his pop career Gareth has been seen on ITV1's Dancing on Ice and The Big Reunion 2014 for ITV. Gareth's theatre career has seen him play Marius in the 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables for Sir Cameron Mackintosh, as well as roles in Loserville at West Yorkshire Playhouse and the UK tours of Legally Blonde and Boogie Nights the Musical. He has regularly toured in the concert Mad About the Musicals and also starred in the UK tour of Footloose. Gareth opened his new performing arts school, Fates Academy, in Salford Quays last year.

Cinderella will be once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world's biggest pantomime producer, continuing their partnership with Manchester Opera House following last year's production of Dick Whittington, which recently won the Manchester Theatre Award for Special Entertainment.

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment's pantomime division said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Gareth Gates has agreed to bring his singing talent to our Manchester pantomime this Christmas. I'm sure Gareth will be the perfect ally for Cinderella as she battles the formidable Connor McIntyre and Les Dennis in the guise of her ugly step sisters."

Sheena Wrigley, Theatre Director for the Palace Theatre and Opera House, added "As well as being a terrific singer, Gareth has built an impressive theatre career and also has a great affinity to Manchester, having opened his performing arts academy in Salford Quays last year. He is a fantastic addition to our cast, alongside the previously announced Connor McIntyre and Les Dennis, and we're excited to present another high-quality production to our audiences this Christmas."

Don't miss your chance to see Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. The clock is ticking... book your tickets to the Ball today!

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