Les Miserables

Ian Hughes to step into Thénardier role in Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

Third time's the charm for Les Miserables, as Ian Hughes will step in for a limited engagement to play Thénardier at the Sondheim Theatre. Hughes takes over the role from Matt Lucas, who was previously scheduled to take over the role for six weeks.

Ian Hughes to play Thenardier

Ian Hughes will reprise the role of Thénardier, joining the London cast of Les Miserables while appearing in the current international tour. In the West End, he has appeared in Guys and Dolls, The Lion King and The 39 Steps, as well as A Midsummer Night's Dream, King Lear, The Comedy of Errors and The Winter's Tale with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Hughes will take over the role of Thénardier from 10th January, taking over the role from Matt Lucas, who has sustained a back injury while appearing in Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre.

Speaking about Ian Hughes joining the Les Miserables cast, Cameron Mackintosh said:  "To lose one master of the house is unfortunate and two perhaps careless!  I am delighted to be bringing Ian Hughes to the wonderful London Company to partner Josefina Gabrielle... I am sure it will be third time lucky!"

Originally billed as part of the Les Miserables cast at the Sondheim Theatre, Gerard Carey is expected to return to the production at the end of February.   

Les Miserables returns to London

Following an open-ended run in the West End of over 30 years at the Barbican, Palace Theatre and Queen's Theatre, Les Miserables waved the red flag for the final time on 13th July, to make way for theatre renovations. A 16-week engagement of Les Miserables: All-Star Staged Concert took place at the Gielgud Theatre earlier this year, with performances to 30th November.

A brand new production of Les Miserables began previews at the newly-named Sondheim Theatre on 18th December, with an official opening scheduled for 16th January 2020. Les Miserables is currently booking at the Sondheim Theatre to 17th October 2020.

Current Les Miserables cast

The current cast of Les Miserables stars Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, Shan Ako as Eponine, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier, Harry Apps as Marius, Ashley Gilmour as Enjolras and Lily Kerhoas as Cosette.

They are joined by Kelly Agbowu, Ciarán Bowling, Richard Carson, Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Harry Dunnett, Jessie Hart, Jessica Joslin, Sarah Lark, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Luke McCall, Leo Miles, Claire O'Leary, Shane O'Riordan, Kathy Peacock, Sam Peggs, Mark Pearce, Emma Warren, Sake Wijers, Mared Williams and Samuel Wyn-Morris. 

What happens in Les Miserables?

With an iconic score by Boublil and Schönberg featuring songs including 'Bring Him Home' and 'I Dreamed a Dream', Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean as he starts a new life in revolutionary France. Followed by Inspector Javert, Valjean joins the students on the Parisian barricades in an epic musical that tells stories of love, freedom and equality.

Les Miserables tickets

Les Miserables is at the Sondheim Theatre.

Les Miserables tickets are available now.

Originally published on

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