One Day More is a solo musical theatre and film compilation show performed by singer Gary Stoker; a rich, dynamic, and emotionally resonant evening, a personal journey through iconic scores, unforgettable characters, and the stories that shaped both stage and screen.
The stage is elegant but simple. There’s no need for elaborate sets; the voice, the music, and the performer’s connection to the material do all the heavy lifting. The show is crafted like a narrative, less a concert, more a curated storytelling experience. The performer doesn’t just sing the songs; he inhabits them, weaving anecdotes from his own life, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his West End career, and reflections on the emotional impact of the material.
The repertoire of One Day More spans golden age classics to contemporary masterpieces, with a blend of beloved stage hits and cinematic anthems. For example:
- From the Stage:
- “Being Alive” (Company, Sondheim) – raw, introspective, climactic.
- “Music of the Night” (The Phantom of the Opera) – soaring, sensual.
- “If I Can’t Love Her” (Beauty and the Beast) – powerful and plaintive.
- “Corner of the Sky” (Pippin) – youthful ambition and searching.
- “Bring Him Home” (Les Misérables) – quiet, spiritual intensity.
- From Film Musicals:
- “Pure Imagination” (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) – whimsical and nostalgic.
- “This Is Me” (The Greatest Showman) – anthemic and empowering.
- “Moon River” (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) – intimate and timeless.
- “You Know My Name” (Casino Royale) – power and intensity.
- Unexpected Gems or Cross-Genre Choices:
- Perhaps a reimagined pop ballad or a cinematic theme transformed with theatrical flair.
- Or a medley—a “hero’s journey” montage that moves from Disney to Sondheim to Bond.
Gary shifts effortlessly between grandeur and intimacy. He may belt out a rousing rock opera number, then bring the room to stillness with a tender ballad. Moments of humour, vulnerability, and charm punctuate the performance—he’s not just a singer, but a storyteller, a character actor, and a host.
For the audience, it feels like being let in on a secret, like they’re not just watching a show, but sharing a night of passion, artistry, and memory with someone who has lived and breathed these roles. It’s part nostalgia, part discovery, and all heart.
By the end, it’s not only a celebration of musical theatre and film, it’s a celebration of the performer himself: his voice, his craft, and the journey that brought him here. The final note fades, the lights dim, and the audience rises, not just applauding a setlist, but the soul behind it.
Sample audio:
Gary Stoker: Les Miserables London 2004