Teenagers to star in LIVINGSTON’s Les Miserables
The West End is coming to Livingston – and you could have a starring role!
A special production of the hit musical Les Miserables Schools Edition will be performed at Howden Park Centre in the first week of September 2017, with a Livingston Players Production designed to showcase the local youth talent in the area.
The Livingston Players have been performing plays and musicals in Livingston for the last 46 years but this is the first youth show they are sponsoring and it is sure to be a massive hit with audiences.
Les Miserables is a piece about change, passion and standing up for who you are, so it is no surprise it is the favourite show of theatregoers worldwide and is the country’s favourite musical - the full performance of Cameron Mackintosh’s famous story will feature a cast and crew of local young talent – made up entirely of local students and young people.
The major project is being spearheaded by award-winning director John Hutchinson, who has worked on shows such as Sweeney Todd, Chess, My Fair Lady and Jesus Christ Superstar. John will be supported by Lynne Hurst as choreographer and Jemma Lapslay as musical director, both also very experienced in the world of musical theatre.
The Livingston Players are calling on young people in West Lothian and beyond to audition, with the first workshop event taking place on Saturday 8th April 2017 2pm - 5pm at Livingston United Parish Church, Deans, Livingston. Anybody who is interested can attend this initial workshop where we will explain the plans, sing through a few songs and discuss audition details for those going for major parts.
Auditions are planned for the following - Saturday 15th April 2017 1pm – 5pm with the rehearsals being on Sunday afternoons 1 pm - 5pm over the summer months.
There are roles for singers, actors and dancers, as well as plenty of off-stage opportunities including crew, designers, costume makers and stage managers.
You MUST be attending school and under the age of 18 when auditioning and the first rehearsal as there are strict rules enforced by the company providing the licence to perform the show.
John Hutchinson said: “To make this amazing we are looking for brilliant youngsters. We are making an impassioned call on all young people between the ages of 13-17 to get involved and tell us what they have to offer. You might be happier sewing costumes than singing a solo, or selling programmes than standing on a barricade. Whatever you want to contribute, we want you to be involved.”
It’s no secret that The Livingston Players are incredibly passionate about the arts and the career opportunities they can bring. Culture can be a powerful force for change and they hope participating in this will be an enriching and enlightening experience, a confidence booster and potentially, for some, the first step in a long and fulfilling career in the arts.
The Livingston Players have complete faith in our local organisations and John’s professional team and are going to work hand in hand with them to ensure the project happens.
This is a phenomenal opportunity for Livingston and we know our young people are going to grab it with both hands.
The show will run at Howden Park Centre Theatre from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 10th September 2017.
SEE YOU AT THE WORKSHOP!