Cameron Cheery About Les Miserables Cast Change

The cast of the West End's longest running show is to be given a new injection of talent this summer...and on closer inspection, there may be just one or two familiar faces in the wings.

It was announced yesterday that two parts in the hit musical Les Miserables are to be taken over by BBC talent hunt cast-offs. The role of grown-up 'Eponine' will be played by Nancy Sullivan who made it through several rounds of auditions on the current smash TV show I'd Do Anything. The part of 'Cosette' will be played by ex-finalist on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, Leanne Dobinson. We must add that this is not Leanne's first stint in Les Miserables. No, in fact, she made her West End debut playing the young 'Eponine' long before she was ever tangled up in the BBC's televised talent hunt.

Legendary producer of Les Mis, Cameron Mackintosh, said "It is very exciting to see new talent coming through into the West End at the moment." He went on to say (in a remark that was surely aimed at well known detractors such as one Kevin Spacey from the Old Vic), "Thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber and the success of BBC television programmes, brand new audiences are coming to the theatre."

Delicately detailing the bravery and romance of life in France during the turbulent times of the Napoleonic wars, Les Miserables centres around the life of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his struggle to escape the past. It is one of the most famous and best-loved shows ever and in 2005 placed first in BBC Radio Two's hunt to find the nation's favourite musical.

The cast changes are due to take place from 23rd June 2008.

Published by: Nathan Brooker