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Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rising Ayrshire star, 10, delivers emotional performance in Les Misérables
Niamh Lee has been praised by critics and contacted by industry professionals. Kilmarnock rising stage star, Niamh Lee, received standing ovations after utterly mesmerising portrayal of Little Cosette in the 40th anniversary production of Les Misérables. Ten-year-old Niamh was praised by critics and contacted by industry professionals following her role in Les Misérables at The King's Theatre last week. Niamh's journey to the King's Theatre stage has been anything but ordinary. Despite her age, she's already racked up an impressive list of credits, including her show-stealing lead role as Annie earlier this year – a role that first thrust her into the spotlight and showcased her boundless energy and natural charm. In collaboration with Pantheon Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow Light Opera Club (GLOC), PMOS, and Theatre South Productions (TSP), The Lyric Club presented Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, Les Misérables as part of the nationwide 'Let The People Sing' project celebrating 40 years of this iconic show. The Scottish performances at The King's Theatre took place from April 23 until April 27. Niamh told Ayrshire Live: "I loved all of it. Every week I loved the rehearsals with my friends, and to work with such a brilliant director, choreographer and musical director was just so much fun and I learned so much. "Singing the songs at home and in the car on my way to rehearsals each week was great fun, my whole family just love the soundtrack to Les Mis." While talking about her role, Niamh said: "I loved playing Little Cosette as she isn't a character you get to play often and there was something about her which is really special. She is so brave and optimistic, despite having such a hard life. She's a little bit like Annie in that way, but it's a very different type of role to play and I loved being her. "I try to imagine what it will be like in my head when I'm in the wings before I go on stage. I want to really become Little Cosette in her world. Working so closely with Katy (Madame Thenardier), Kris (Thenardier) and Alan (Jean Valjean) made it easy to get into character as they are so experienced. "I would love to play older Cosette in the future. Alice who played her was such a stunning singer and was so lovely backstage. She looked after me and was so kind, and it was just such fun to share these shows with her." Niamh's dad Barry added: "It was such a spectacular production. I had the opportunity to see Les Mis in the west end in London just two weeks previously, and of course that was incredible. But this Glasgow production was somehow even more impressive. "The cast were just so talented – every singer, every song, every note, it was sensational. And of course, I had the pleasure of being there night after night when Niamh was on stage so was lucky enough to see the show several times, and it was truly special. "I think it had such proud Scottish heart and energy in it, and everything from the cast to the orchestra, to the costumes, to the staging, was just incredible. I think the standing ovations at the end of every show told their own story for anyone lucky enough to have been there." It's been a "whirlwind" period for Niamh as she has been approached by talent agents in London who saw the show and want to work with her. Barry said: "There have been some very interesting conversations and contact made with us from all over. I think it goes to show the scale and quality of this show, and the impact it had, and it's so nice that these industry professionals have reached out to us about Niamh. "She just loves what she does, so will take next steps in her stride, and the important thing is that she keeps enjoying herself." He added: "One thing is certain after this landmark production, Niamh's performance was repeatedly singled out for its poise and emotional intelligence, with one critic writing, 'to see such depth from someone so young was remarkable. A truly unforgettable Cosette.' "Niamh's performance stood out not just for her delicate vocals, but for the heartfelt emotion she brought to one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre. "A standing ovation not just for the cast, but for the creative vision and heart that made this production such a resounding success. Bravo to all involved."
Daily Record
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Dream come true for Ayrshire youngster after being cast in Les Misérables
Niamh Lee will take to the stage as Little Cosette in Les Misérables at The King's Theatre in Glasgow from April 23 until April, 27. Kilmarnock's own Niamh Lee is looking forward to captivating audiences once again, having been cast as Little Cosette in the huge upcoming production of Les Misérables at The King's Theatre this week. In collaboration with Pantheon Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow Light Opera Club (GLOC), PMOS, and Theatre South Productions (TSP), The Lyric Club is thrilled to present Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, 'Les Misérables' as part of the nationwide 'Let The People Sing' project celebrating 40 years of this iconic show. The project will see 11 community-wide productions of Les Misérables mounted across the UK, with the Scottish performances at The King's Theatre from April 23 until April 27. Based on Victor Hugo's timeless novel, Les Misérables tells a powerful story of love, redemption, and revolution, set against the turmoil of post-revolutionary France. And 10-year-old Niamh describes working on Les Misérables as "a dream come true". Niamh has been attracting national attention following her starring lead role as Annie at The King's Theatre in January 2025, where critics and audiences alike hailed her performance as "exceptional and captivating". Niamh is the youngest of three talented sisters, all of whom share a love for performing. But even among such a creative household, her passion has always been evident. From a young age, she showed an incredible ability to express deep emotion through song and dance — a skill that has set her apart in the competitive world of musical theatre. Niamh trains and rehearses tirelessly to hone her craft, attending Take A Bow in Kilmarnock and Janice Marshall Stage School in Irvine, where she has developed her singing, dancing, and acting skills. Les Misérables production brings together an exceptional calibre of performers, some of whom have worked on West End and UK touring productions, making this an incredible learning experience for the young actress. One of the most exciting surprises for Niamh has been meeting her chaperone, who happens to be a very talented professional singer Niamh used to admire and follow online. What started as starstruck fan admiration has now blossomed into a genuine and special friendship, and Niamh feels incredibly lucky to have such a supportive and inspiring mentor during this process. She said: "The whole cast are just amazing. "Everyone is so talented, and they've been so kind to me. "I'm learning so much from them, and I feel so lucky to be part of this show. Hearing them at rehearsals is amazing, and I can't wait for the audiences to see this show." Niamh is especially excited to perform in Les Misérables as it is her beloved papa's favourite musical. She said: "I've grown up listening to my papa and then my big sisters sing the great songs from Les Mis and so to now be a part of this show is really exciting. "I enjoy all the songs and just love singing them at home and in the car. I know my papa will be supporting me all the way and singing along with me in the audience as he knows every single word." Her parents Kristine and Barry, expressed their gratitude for the love and support Niamh has received. Barry said: "The encouragement from everyone has been incredible once again." "After the success of Annie, and the huge support Niamh received during that period, people have been very kindly reaching out from all over, and it means the world to us and to Niamh. "Niamh is just loving every minute of another incredible experience, and we are very proud of her hard work and commitment to the many hours of rehearsals. "She is surrounded by a truly exceptional team and cast and is very lucky to have the opportunity. "Les Misérables is the world's longest-running show for a reason – it's a true heavyweight musical, and we are all looking forward to taking our seats and enjoying the show this week, it promises to be very special." Amid the excitement of her latest role, Niamh has also taken time to honour the memory of her beloved ballet teacher, Miss Katie, who sadly passed away last year. Niamh said: "Miss Katie always believed in us. "She encouraged me and my sisters to be our best and always cheered us on. I know she's watching, still cheering me on just like she always did." Her family echoed this sentiment, adding that Miss Katie's encouragement was instrumental in shaping and nurturing Niamh's love for performance from a young age. The dedication and passion that Miss Katie instilled in her young dancers lives on in Niamh's performances today.
