Latest news with #LesMis
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic comedian looks unrecognisable as he sports rotten teeth for new role - but can you guess who it is?
This iconic comedian looked unrecognisable as he shared a snap of himself in costume complete with rotten teeth to Instagram on Sunday. The funnyman who is best known for his unforgettable sketch characters and catchphrases is currently performing in Arena shows of Les Mis in Sydney and Melbourne. From a foul-mouthed schoolgirl to a Welsh homosexual there are no ends to his acting talents, not to mention appearances in Hollywood blockbusters Gladiator 2 and Bridesmaids. He most recently reunited with his comedy partner after a fallout much to the delight of fans, who hope the pair will be back on screens together soon. But can you guess who it is? From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Of course, it's none other than Matt Lucas, 51, who is best known for his creating and starring in Little Britain alongside David Walliams, 53. Little Britain - which aired on BBC Three and One - had 44 episodes, which aired over three seasons between 2003 and 2006. In February, the pair reunited for a new podcast Making A Scene, 15-years after they rounded off their sole season of Come Fly With Me - a mockumentary about a fictional airport and airlines. Earlier this month Matt, who is playing Monsieur Thénardier in the musical, was replaced mid-performance by his co-star Connor Jones after experiencing health issues on stage. Taking to Instagram he explaining that he had to bow out after feeling his voice 'deserting' him mid-performance. He wrote: 'I've been having a magical time in Les Miserables in arenas in Sydney and Melbourne. He continued: 'In over 30 years I've never had to bow out during a performance but tonight, as I was singer Master Of The House, I could feel my voice deserting me, 'So if Thenardier looked very different in Act 2, that was because the amazing Connor Jones took over. Matt, who is playing Monsieur Thénardier in the musical, looked worlds away from his usual self Matt reassured fans that he is now resting and hopes to return to the stage soon, adding: 'I'm now in bed resting up, and hope to be back on stage soon.' The tour began in Sydney last month and continues in Melbourne through May 25, before moving to Brisbane for five shows. The Australian leg is a limited five-week engagement celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original London production. It comes after David and Matt teased an epic Little Britain revival during a live appearance on Lorraine earlier this year. The two, who created and starred in the BBC comedy series, chatted with Lorraine Kelly, 65, on the ITV show about their new podcast. During their appearance on the morning talk show, Lorraine was desperate to know if the programme would ever make a return, after it was pulled from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox in June 2020. David said: 'Would you like to see it? We'll do it especially for you.' Matt added: 'If we were to do it again, maybe on stage, or something like that. 'We did a tour 20 years ago, it was great fun, I think that would be a good way to do it again.' He wrote: 'In over 30 years I've never had to bow out during a performance but tonight, as I was singer Master Of The House, I could feel my voice deserting me' Earlier on in the interview Lorraine told the stars: 'Little Britain has had a new lease of life on TikTok. There is a whole new generation getting it, laughing.' David replied: 'Well my son is 11. Everyone at his school is talking about it. As you rightly said, TikTok, people are sharing on TikTok. 'It's a whole new generation discovering it. I think those social media things are great for one/two minute clips.' Lorraine confessed that she remembered when she was watching it that George Michael and Elton John appeared on the series. Lorraine said: 'Some of it is a bit you'd get into trouble if you did that now. But a hell of a lot of it is still as funny as it ever was. If you don't want to watch it, don't watch it.' David confessed: 'I don't know about you, but someone says every day is there going to be more Little Britain. 'Every day someone comes up to me in the street.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Welsh Eurovision star's advice to Remember Monday
Eurovision star Lucie Jones has advised this year's UK act Remember Monday to "have fun" when they perform in Switzerland on Saturday night. "I said engage in as much of it as you possibly can, because it's very easy to feel overwhelmed," said the singer from Pentyrch, Cardiff. Country-pop trio Holly-Anne Hull, Lauren Byrne and Charlotte Steele have said they are hoping to place in the top 10 in the final in Basel. Jones represented the UK in 2017 with her performance of Never Give Up on You, finishing in 15th place. She said speaking to Remember Monday a few days ago threw her right back into her Eurovision moment. "They're obviously so excited and apprehensive, because it's such a huge opportunity and pressure," she told Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales. "You've got to get it right in those three minutes and it's for your country and the whole world is watching, it's a lot to process in the moment." Jones' rise to fame began on talent show X Factor in 2009 and she has since carved out a successful career in musical theatre, starring in a string of hit shows from Legally Blonde to Les Miserables. It was during a run of the latter that Jones first got to know Remember Monday's Holly-Anne Hull. "Holly and I did Les Mis Mis together in lockdown times, so we're pretty close," she said. "I'm obviously wishing them all the best of luck." Speaking to BBC Radio Wales earlier this year, Remember Monday described Jones as "a gem". "She's given us so many words of wisdom and really looked after us during this process, so there's a lot of tea to spill with her when this is all over," they said. The full interview with Lucie Jones will air at 12:00 BST on Saturday or, you can catch up on BBC Sounds Meet the 'invisible crew' who have 35 seconds to prevent a Eurovision blunder Eurovision act Remember Monday: 'The closer we get, the hungrier we become' Ncuti Gatwa withdraws as UK's Eurovision jury announcer
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' will close on the West End after seven years
It's been some time since a really big West End musical has closed on us, but alas: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has just announced that it'll be ending its run this September after seven years at the Aldwych Theatre. That's no mean feat – a handful of behemoths like Les Mis have enjoyed decades-long runs, but with its mix of massive pop hits and gripping true story, the autobiographical Tina has enjoyed a lifespan far greater than the average musical, and it must stand as one of the more successful jukebox shows in history, beaten only by Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Buddy and Jersey Boys. It certainly feels like it opened in a different world – legendary rock singer Turner was still with us on its press night, where she made one of her final public appearances. Now it's due to be off, but it leaves in good order, with a final four months left to go before it departs London as the longest running show to ever play the 1,200-seat Aldwych. On the plus side, where one door closes another opens and we're liable to see something new at the theatre shortly thereafter. There is no word yet on what it'll be and the the usual theatre rumour mills are largely stumped: historically the Aldwych tends to to play host to musicals, though a play could easily plug the gap temporarily; there are a lot of Broadway hits sloshing around that could easily move in, or a new show like A Knight's Tale, currently having out of town tryouts in Manchester. Tina announcing its departure strongly suggests the next show is a done deal, however, and we'll probably hear something about the next one relatively soon.
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."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Some ‘Les Mis' cast members plan to boycott Trump's attendance at Kennedy Center performance next month
When President Donald Trump descends on the Kennedy Performing Arts Center next month for a high-dollar fundraiser and a performance of 'Les Misérables,' he won't be seeing the usual cast performing, sources told CNN. At least 10 to 12 performers in Les Mis are planning to sit out the show on June 11, the night that Trump attends at the Kennedy Center, the sources said. The cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out, according to the sources. The move highlights friction between the Trump administration and members within the center as the president has made an aggressive push to reshape it, thrusting the Washington, DC-based performing arts complex into the middle of culture wars. The boycott follows Trump's decision to effectively take control of the Kennedy Center as part of a widespread effort his administration has undertaken to bend American institutions – including cultural, legal and educational pillars – to the president's will. Less than a month into his presidency, Trump installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center thanks to a newly constituted board, including several new Trump appointees who replaced trustees appointed by Democratic presidents. He also named Richard Grenell, a longtime confidant already serving in multiple administration positions, to the director role earlier this year. The same night that Trump will attend the performance of Les Mis, he will also hold a fundraiser to benefit the Kennedy Center. The fundraiser was first reported by ABC News. 'We are definitely using the Les Mis opening as an opportunity' to shore up the center's finances, one person familiar with the plans told CNN. During his 2016 campaign, Trump used music from Les Mis during his campaign rallies, which the co-creators of the musical objected to, according to the Guardian. CNN reached out for comment to the Kennedy Center, the company producing Les Mis and the union that represents the cast members. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has both publicly and privately complained about the state of the Kennedy Center, while Grenell previously asserted that it has 'no cash on hand, no reserves.' 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST,' Trump wrote on Truth Social in February. 'RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!' President Donald Trump walks though the Hall of Nations as he visits the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on March 17. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Artists including Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds have resigned from their leadership roles or canceled events at the space in response to the changes, while the center has canceled performances, including the children's musical 'Finn.' High-profile shows like 'Hamilton,' meanwhile, scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center after Trump's takeover. During a visit to the center in March, Trump criticized Hamilton, the hit musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that is a modern telling of the country's founding through the eyes of Alexander Hamilton, including a multi-ethnic cast. 'I never liked Hamilton very much,' Trump told reporters. 'But we are going to have some really good shows,' Trump added. 'I would say this, come here and watch it, and you'll see, over a period of time, it'll improve very greatly physically. And we're going to get some very good shows. The thing that does well are Broadway hits.' For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at
