Prior to heading overseas, the Australian production of Les Miserables has made one final stop over at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Lyric Theatre. Compared to the more comical productions of Anything Goes and Strictly Ballroom the Musical which have called the theatre home in recent months, this is a much more serious show, and in my opinion is a great choice for anyone who loves watching something for its storyline and sheer vocal prowess.
During a media call a few weeks ago for Les Miserables, I was fortunate enough to get a few minutes to speak with Simon Gleeson, who portrays Jean Valjean in this production. You can read the transcript of this interview below.
I had originally done a video recording of this interview, however due to time constraints I have had to scale back and do an ordinary transcribed interview this time around. I hope to have a video version uploaded at some point in time however.
So, what has your experience performing in Les Mis been like so far?
It’s been amazing, its been awesome. Its such a wonderful production to be a part of, Cameron Mackintosh does extraordinary productions and spares no expensive in giving audiences a wonderful time at the theatre. Its been magic, its been great.
It must be good that after the Brisbane season, you get to continue the Les Mis experience overseas.
That’s right, its very exciting. I’ve never actually been to Manila before, so I am really looking forward to going there and returning to Singapore, and just to see how the show translates for new audiences. So yeah, we’re really looking forward to it.
So what do you think has allowed Les Mis to stand the test of time?
I think basically its very human, its a story about hope and redemption, and they’re things that all of us grapple with. So I just think there’s also the element of music, the music is etched into our psyche now after 30 years, so its just a sweeping emotional tale that people can really latch on to.
What have been some particularly memorable moments you have had while working on Les Mis?
Every night’s memorable. Opening night’s pretty special, opening in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and this Friday will be equally so here at QPAC. I think Brisbane audiences generally, the times I have worked here, have been amazing and really embraced whatever shows in town. So I think we’re all looking forward to that being quite memorable.
You’ve had a few preview shows the last couple of evenings. What has the reception in Brisbane been like so far?
Its been wonderful. Its packed, people get swept away by it. Its also a wonderful theatre, its large but it feels really intimate, sounds great and looks amazing in there. Its actually been quite a smooth transition into Brisbane, and audiences seem to be loving it.
Do you have a particularly favourite scene in the show?
Yeah, I do actually, and oddly enough its not one of the main ones. Its the time that he first meets Cosette as a little girl. I think that changes Jean Valjean’s life, and its nice to smile at. I think that’s most probably my favourite.
Do you have any advise for those looking to get into musical theatre?
I do. Beware of anyone who says this is the only way to get in. There are many ways to do it. Hard work is important, passion is important, and just learn as much and remain as curious as possible. Curiosity is the key I think.
