A Moment that Changed His Life
Gary is a prime example of the saying 'You are never too old to start a new career'. At the age of 51, Gary heard a song on the Andrew Marr show that had such an impact on him, that he told his wife, he had to see if he could learn to sing the song.
To achieve this, Gary took six group singing lessons. The fear was high but the pleasure slightly outweighed the fear. He then took another set of six lessons where at the end, he sang a song in front of friends and family. The song he first heard on the Andrew Marr Show was the song he sang. It was Bring Him Home from Les Miserables.
The date of his first performance was March 2012. It was the first time his wife of 29 years had heard him sing.
After this singing experience, and the joy Gary got from it, he began going to open mic nights to build his confidence. The first open mic night Gary attended was at the beautiful cabaret room in the heart of London’s theatre district, at Le Crazy Coqs. “Oh boy was I shaking, but according to people listening to me, I looked calm and composed. When I got off of the stage I was buzzing”, Gary said in an interview.
Soon after this first time on a stage, he attended an open audition for a new musical commissioned and produced by The Old Vic. “When I got there it was full of young, beautiful, thin people, many of whom had graduated in theatre studies. What was I doing there?”.
Gary decided being embarrassed wouldn’t get him anywhere, so he jump in heart, soul and two left feet. Yes, there was dancing too. “I worked hard, I ‘danced’, laughed and sung my little heart out. I left there having had so much fun, not expecting a call – I got the call”.
He went to the recall where there were significantly fewer people. “I did everything I was asked to do. I didn’t feel silly, which was a revelation to me”.
Once again, Gary left the recall thinking nothing would come from it. “We’ll call you in about a week”, the casting lady told him. Three days later, Gary got a call. "We'd like to offer you a role in the show. Would you like a lead role or an ensemble role" - Gary took the ensemble role.
Making Connections
There is something about live music and theatre that feeds the soul, both as a performer and as an audience member
"His voice and beautiful tone moved me"
"Oh what a night so much laughter"
"We can't wait to see Gary's next show"
"We didn't know Gary but had a great night"
"What a voice and very funny too"
"We didn't want the show to end"
Gary's wife heard him sing for the first time in 2012. They had been together 29 years at that time.
Gary's had his first lead role was as Aimable in the highly reviewed Stephen Schwartz musical, The Baker's Wife. Originally, he auditioned for the role of the Priest.
Gary's very first show was in the musical 'Epidemic' produced by The Old Vic. Gary said he didn't have a clue what he was doing when he went to his very first audition, but the casting team liked what he did. Very surprised to get a callback, he was offered one of the lead roles, but opted to join the ensemble, having very little confidence in his ability.
"It is really worth wondering why Bland came into the business so late, but he is a shining illustration of the good old saying that “it’s never too late…."
” His voice, rich in texture, can croon all the way from the sweet and mellow to the grand and striking. Furthermore, his stage presence falls in between the cute boy-man and the guy next door, appealing to a wide variety of audiences.
Not only can he sing, but he can tell a story and instinctively connect with his audience. A thoroughly enjoyable night out."
Cabaret Scenes Magazine -
Thanasis Kalantzis
“Bland’s warm tone and crystal-clear voice is perfectly suited… He’s also incredibly likeable as a performer: natural and relaxed, welcoming and inclusive.”
Musical Theatre Review – Craig Glenday
The enchanting and award winning actress Janie Dee introduced Gary in one of her own cabarets as:
"The most beautiful baritone voice I have ever heard".
Artwork from Gary's:
'Anthony Newley & Me Show'
When asked how he would describe Gary Bland's voice, the reknowned Musical Supervisor Mike Dixon said:
"Mellifluous is a very deserved word!"
Artwork from Gary's:
'Matt Monro & Me Show'
