Les Misérables 2014 Australian Cast Announcement

An exclusive look at the incredible Les Misérables Australia launch and cast announcement that took place on Monday 14 October at The Chapter House, Melbourne. Hosted by Simon Burke, featuring special guests, Les Misérables composer, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Victorian Premier Denis Napthine. Playing the iconic role of Jean Valjean is established actor and musical theatre star Simon Gleeson. Simon has worked extensively in theatre, film and television in Australia and the UK, including performing in London's prestigious West End. Simon has been nominated for two Helpmann Awards for Mamma Mia! and Love Never Dies, a Sydney Theatre Award for Love Never Dies and most recently a Green Room Award for Chess. NIDA-trained Hayden Tee will play Valjean's lifelong antagonist Javert. Hayden has appeared in many musical theatre and opera productions around the world, including Being Earnest, My Fair Lady and in 2005 he played Marius in the 20th anniversary West End production of LES MISÉRABLES. Starring as Fantine is Patrice Tipoki. Known to Australian audiences from lead roles in The Lion King and Wicked, Patrice has been preparing for the role of Fantine since she was a little girl. Hailing from a musical family, she first saw LES MISÉRABLES in Brisbane at the age of 6 and ever since would perform songs from the show for anyone who would listen. Playing Madame Thénardier is the irresistible Lara Mulcahy. Lara has appeared in countless stage, TV and film productions including three Baz Luhrmann films, Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby. Lara won a Green Room Award for her performance in Mamma Mia! Joining Lara in the role of the villainous Monsieur Thénardier is Australian theatre and cabaret favourite, Trevor Ashley. Co-writer and star of the recent stage hit, Little Orphan Trashley, Trevor has appeared in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, Hairspray: The Musical and Jerry Springer: The Opera. Making her professional debut, WAAPA 2012 graduate Kerrie Anne Greenland will play Eponine with fellow graduate Emily Langridge cast in the beloved role of Cosette. Emily was recently seen in The Production Company's Gypsy. Chris Durling is excited to be playing Enjolras, the passionate student leader of the revolution, in Melbourne next year. Chris has recently performed in the Australian and New Zealand productions of Jersey Boys, Grease, as well as a member of the popular children's group The Crocmen with Bindi Irwin. Playing the love struck revolutionary Marius is Helpmann Award nominated performer Euan Doidge. Euan has appeared in recent productions of Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line and Grease. Twenty-four of Australia's finest talents join the LES MISÉRABLES ensemble.