Australian Les Mis Stars for International Stages

Australian Les Mis Stars for International Stages

As Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Boublil & Schönberg's Les Misérables prepares to open at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane on November 10th after seasons in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, the producer has announced that three leads from the Australian production will continue their Les Mis journey on international stages at the conclusion of the Australian season.

As previously announced Simon Gleeson, who won a Helpmann Award for his heartrending portrayal as Jean Valjean, will lead the production for seasons in Manila and Singapore from March next year. Simon will star alongside Rachelle Ann Go, direct from the West End production, and Earl Carpenter from Broadway.

It has now been announced that Hayden Tee will take his portrayal of Javert to New York where he will assume the role from February in the Broadway production.

Patrice Tipoki will be heading to London to star as Fantine in the West End production, which just celebrated its 30th Anniversary, from February, until May when she will join the production in Singapore.

In Australia, Cameron Mackintosh has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of the country’s biggest stars, including Marina Prior and Anthony Warlow after casting them in Les Misérables. Two years ago, he cast Simon, Hayden and Patrice with the same intent and they are now poised to follow the same path.

“One of the joys of the huge success of the new Les Misérables is the revelation of a new generation of major Australian talents including Simon Gleeson, Hayden Tee and Patrice Tipoki who has brought a unique dignity to her movingly sung Fantine.  I'm delighted to announce that after the season in Brisbane, Patrice will be playing the role in London where the show has just celebrated its record breaking 30th birthday while Rachelle Ann Go, who is currently playing Fantine there, will go to Manilla to join many of the Australian company there.   It is always a pleasure to share the wealth of Australian talent around the world.” Cameron Mackintosh said.

“Hot on the heels of this news I am delighted to also confirm that Hayden Tee is going to bring his acclaimed performance of Javert to Broadway when he joins the company at The Imperial Theatre in February. Hayden has wowed audiences in Australia and is bound to leave Broadway audiences in awe. This wonderful Australian company has been a joy to work with,” he continued.

The production won awards in five categories at the 2015 Helpmann Awards including Best Musical, Best Male Actor in a Musical, Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.

Executive Producer Michael Cassel said “It’s thrilling that just two years ago we introduced the Australian company of Les Misérables and as we prepare to farewell Australian audiences with our final season in Brisbane, the talents of this stellar cast will continue to wow audiences on tour in Manila, Singapore and now, on Broadway and the West End. I couldn’t be prouder.”

One of the world’s greatest musicals, this new production of the much-loved blockbuster features glorious modernised staging, orchestrations and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

Les Misérables will open on November 10th at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre.

Tickets on sale now qpac.com.auor 136246

Images: Simon Gleeson (top), Patrice Tipoki and Hayden Tee check out Stage Whispers. Lightbox Photography.