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Samantha Barks to return to 'Les Misérables' for limited number of performances

Samantha Barks has previously starred in Pretty Woman on Broadway, Frozen in London and, most recently, the world premiere of The Greatest Showman.

Olivia Rook
Olivia Rook

Samantha Barks will return to the West End production of Les Misérables for eight performances only from 18-23 May. She will play the role of Fantine.

Barks, who has starred in Pretty Woman on Broadway, Frozen in London and, most recently, the world premiere of The Greatest Showman, will then join the cast of the Les Misérables Arena World Tour at Birmingham Utilita Arena, London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

Boublil and Schönberg’s musical, which includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do You Hear the People Sing?", and "One Day More", tells the story of a convict and his desire for redemption.

Barks said: “Returning to Les Misérables in the West End feels like a true full-circle moment. Sixteen years ago, I first stepped into Éponine’s shoes, with so much still to learn. Now, I return with a deeper understanding of the story and its heart, to take on Fantine— I always wanted to return one day as Fantine, and it feels even more meaningful in this chapter of my life as a mother. This show has shaped so much of my journey, both on stage and on screen, and I’m incredibly grateful to revisit it with fresh perspective. London is where it all began for me, and to be back here telling this story again is incredibly special for me.”

Barks joins Ian McIntosh as Jean Valjean, Sam Oladeinde as Javert, Harry Hepple as Thénardier, Lizzie Bea as Madame Thénardier, Thiago Phillip Felizardo as Marius, and Izzi Levine as Cosette, Jess Folley as Éponine, and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Enjolras. Martha Kirby will continue to play Fantine from 25 May.

The company is completed by Hollie Aires, Hazel Baldwin, Ella May Carter, Nicholas Carter, Matthew Dale, Irfan Damani, Lily De-La-Haye, Lila Falce-Bass, Sophie-May Feek, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Seán Keany, Chris Kiely, Sam Kipling, Mia Lamb, Sarah Lark, Ollie Llewelyn-Williams, Matthew McConnell, Aaron-Jade Morgan, Adam Pearce, William Pennington, Jordan Simon Pollard, Lewis Renninson, Danielle Rose, Georgia Tapp, Noah Thallon, Imaan Victoria, Danny Whelan, and Ollie Wray.

Book Les Misérables tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Samantha Barks in Les Misérables. (Courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

What is Les Misérables about?

Do you hear the people sing? The iconic West End classic returns with a fresh staging and design. Even if you’ve seen Les Mis before, you haven’t seen it like this. This global hit tells a timeless story of redemption and revolution, complete with famous songs like “I Dreamed A Dream.” Get your tickets to Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre today.

How long is Les Misérables?

The running time of Les Misérables is 2hr 50min. Incl. 15min interval.

Where is Les Misérables playing?

Les Misérables is playing at Sondheim Theatre. The theatre is located at 51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA.

What's the age requirement for Les Misérables?

The recommended age for Les Misérables is Ages 7+. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult ticketholder (18+). Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted..

How do you book tickets for Les Misérables?

Book tickets for Les Misérables on London Theatre.

What are the songs in 'Les Misérables'?

Les Misérables is a sung-through musical featuring many classic songs like “Bring Him Home,” “Stars,” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” Read our complete guide to the songs in Les Misérables.

Who wrote 'Les Misérables'?

Les Misérables is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. The musical was written by Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) and Alain Boublil (French lyrics), with Herbert Kretzmer providing the English-language libretto.

Who directed 'Les Misérables'?

Trevor Nunn and John Caird directed Les Misérables on stage, and the duo won a Tony Award for their work on the show in 1987.

When did 'Les Misérables' open in the West End?

Les Misérables opened at the Barbican Centre on 8 October 1985, then transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985. It later moved again to its current home at the Sondheim Theatre on 3 April 2004.

Is 'Les Misérables' appropriate for kids?

This production is suitable for children over the age of 7. An adult must accompany any children under 16, and children under 3 will not be admitted into the auditorium.

Is 'Les Misérables' good?

An epic spectacle, Les Misérables continues to leave audiences breathless after over thirty years with its beautiful score and captivating story. Read our five-star review of Les Misérables.

Is 'Les Misérables' a true story?

Whilst Les Misérables is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, this fictional work dives into the inequalities of 19th-century France, including the June Rebellion of 1832.

Is 'Les Misérables' an opera?

No, Les Misérables is not opera but is categorised as a sung-through musical. The show seamlessly weaves spoken dialogue with various musical styles to tell the story. Find out more about the songs in Les Misérables with our song guide here.

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