The BBC have issued a press release detailing Stephen Gately’s involvement in the forthcoming BBC7 radio play Doctor Who: Horror of Glam Rock.
Horror of Glam Rock is just one of six all new audio adventures for Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor airing on digital radio station BBC7.
Produced by Big Finish the stories also star Two Pints of Lager actress Sheridan Smith as companion Lucie Miller.
Gately’s involvement in the project was first reported in this months Doctor Who Magazine.
The full press release reads:
“Stephen Gately, who found fame as one fifth of pop phenomenon Boyzone, enters the world of Doctor Who for a new radio series on BBC 7 early in 2007.
Now making a name for himself as an actor in television, film and on stage, Stephen plays Tommy Tomorrow, a youthful glam rock hopeful in Doctor Who: Horror of Glam Rock.
Stephen has even recorded a special song for the story, his first solo track since Stay in 2001.
A horror and sci-fi aficionado, Stephen leapt at the chance to work on BBC 7’s new series of Doctor Who.
“I said yes immediately,” recalls Stephen, “because I wanted to do it – plus, if I didn’t, my other half would kill me! He’s such a big Doctor Who fan.”
So what’s his character like in the story?
“Tommy,” explains Stephen, “is a musician who doesn’t really gel with many people. He’s very inward-looking and writes his songs using a Stylophone. Then suddenly he starts getting messages from beyond planet Earth.”
Stephen recorded a brand new song for the story – Children of Tomorrow – with music by Tim Sutton and lyrics by Barnaby Edwards, who also directs the story.
“I’m so chuffed that I get to sing a song in Doctor Who,” admits Stephen.
“That made it even better! And it’s a good T Rex style glam rock song that’s quite funky.”
Director Barnaby Edwards says: “Stephen’s vocals on Children of Tomorrow are breathtaking.
“He’s a great singer, as everyone knows, and his range is just fantastic but I’ve never heard him sing as powerfully as he does on this song.
“He pulled out all the stops for us and the results are superb.
“We were delighted when he accepted the role,” he continues.
“Stephen’s got that rare blend of charm and talent. He turns in an excellent performance and was a joy to have in the studio.”
Once Boyzone disbanded, Stephen moved on to pursue a successful solo career as both an actor and recording artist.
In 1999 he provided the voice for Blackavar in the animated TV series of Watership Down and in 2003 he opened a revamped Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the West End, playing the title role.
He then took over the role of the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2004-05) to great critical acclaim.
Stephen has recently completed filming a horror movie called Credo, due for release in 2007.
For Doctor Who: Horror of Glam Rock, Stephen is joined by an impressive company of actors.
In addition to Paul McGann as the Doctor and Sheridan Smith (Two Pints of Lager, Grown Ups) as his companion Lucie Miller, the cast also includes Clare Buckfield (2 Point 4 Children), legendary comic actor Bernard Cribbins and the inimitable Una Stubbs.
Doctor Who: Horror of Glam Rock, BBC 7, Sunday 14 January 2007, 6.00pm and midnight“
