As one fifth of Boyzone, Stephen Gately is a household name. Boyzone were one of the most successful boybands in history who, over seven years, notched up no less than six number one singles, four number one albums and played to millions of fans the world over. He's now left the world of music behind him and is turning into a bit of a thesp.

After wowing the audiences in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last year, the out and proud singer has just opened in the hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, playing the role of the Child Catcher. Gaydar Radio’s Neil Sexton caught up with the star to find out more.

You’ve moved from pop to theatre. How did that happen?
Well, I did Joseph for about six months last year and really enjoyed it, so I decided to go for the role of the Child Catcher - and I got it! It’s very unusual for me, but it’s great fun and people will see me in a different light – they’re not used to seeing me evil! (Laughs) Well I’m not, but in the show I am!

So you’re actually doing a lot of acting?
Yes, I’m doing a lot of real acting. But it’s fun. Really, really fun. The costumes are amazing and the cast are very friendly and totally wonderful. I went to see the show a few weeks ago before we started rehearsals and I had such a great time. I’m really pleased to be a part of the whole experience.

Is it a good family show to be involved in?
Yes. Jason Donovan is starring at the same time and Christopher Biggins is also in it, which is great, and the rest of the cast are lovely!

What’s it like working with Jason Donovan?
Really nice, he’s a cool guy and very friendly.

I used to fancy him when I was younger...
Did you!? I’ll tell him that when I next see him.

Does your character get much stage time with Jason?
Not so much. I have the whole stage to myself for my one big number - which is kind of fun - and then I have some interaction with the rest of the cast. But with Jason himself it’s more just chats in the green room.

You’re almost unrecognisable in the Child Catcher make-up and costume. How long does it take to put on?
You’d be surprised because it’s not long at all - about twenty-five minutes! I have a really good make-up team who know exactly what they’re doing. I have a prosthetic nose and prosthetic ears, a bald cap with wig on top - it’s a really good costume and the leather tails and big hat are amazing. It’s all so well made.

I don’t look at all like myself when I’m in costume – thank God – I wouldn’t want to!

Is it liberating to be quite so different a person?
It’s fun. We’re still in the middle of rehearsals so I haven’t performed the role yet in full make-up and costume. But I’m really looking forward to putting it all on as I think it’ll really help me get into character, allow me to be more evil – or try to be more evil!

You’ve had the adulation of the pop star and you’re now taking on theatre roles. Why the move?
I’ve always admired people who work in theatre because it’s so tough performing on stage every night. It’s totally different from being in a boyband and it uses a different singing style from pop music. I’m just really pleased to be a part of it and having this opportunity. I just hope that people will see it, like it and like what I’m doing!

Now I have to ask the obligatory Boyzone question, so are you and the boys all friends again?
(Pause) Erm, I don’t know. (longer pause) I think so, kind of. We’re all on talking terms put it that way. Whether we’ll perform again I don’t know, but I chatted to the guys earlier in the week so we are talking.

They all seem to be doing well for themselves
They’re all doing individual things, which is good. It’s hard coming out of a boyband to remain ‘up’ and happy about your life. It’s such a weird feeling when it’s not there any more.

It must be weird to be brought back down to earth?
It is, but I went out and tried a solo career, which was okay, then took a few months off before going into Joseph and now I’m doing this, so I haven’t really taken an awful lot of time out! Saying that,  I do like to have time to chill out because travelling the world with the group for eight years was a long time. It’s good to relax!

You very publicly came out about your sexuality in a national newspaper. Have people treated you differently since you became more open about yourself?
Not really. I get a lot of nice comments form gay people saying, “well done” and “fair play to you”. I had Sir Ian McKellen come up to me at Elton John’s ball and say, “congratulations” and I was like, you know me? You know who I am? (Laughs) He’s a lovely guy by the way, an absolute gentlemen, really sweet.

I’ve had a lot of good press off the back of coming out and everyone I know has supported me: friends, family, newspapers and the public. I’ve been very lucky.

What’s it like being in a show at the London Palladium – one of the most famous theatres in the county?
I know! It’s amazing, it really is. It’s a beautiful theatre and I’ve got a lovely dressing room. Chitty is such a big production that I’m very lucky to be involved in such a hit!

Were you a fan of the original film?
I was! But the Child Catcher used to really freak me out as a kid - as I think he did for a lot of people - so playing him is really weird, I can’t get used to it at the moment. From being terrified to playing him! It’s weird…

So is musical theatre where you want to be?
I don’t know. I’m going wherever my life takes me at the moment. I’m still writing songs and I have a TV production company so I’m doing various bits and pieces. But the bottom line is I want to be on the stage and singing – that is what my whole life is about. It is in my blood, I could never give it up.’

How long are you going to be at the Palladium?
I start on the 7 September and finish in January, but I might stay on longer…

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the MGM/United Artists Motion Picture by Ian Fleming
London Palladium
Argyll Street
London, W1A 3AB
020 7494 5020

The show opened on 16 April 2002. Stephen Gately performs from 7 September 2004-16 January 2005.

Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm. 

Buy the DVD of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang online and save money. Or why not treat yourself to the  London cast recording? While you're at it, can we tempt you with Stephen Gately’s CD, New Beginning.

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