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."
