Michael Le Poer Trench News

Hurrah for the green shoots in our beleaguered industry. Lots of venues are mounting new shows and bringing back our favourites over the next few weeks and months - albeit with social distancing and safety measures in place. Here are some of the live theatrical goodies on offer.

Shan Ako was starring as Eponine in the West End's Les Misérables before theatres were closed down. Now, everyone can enjoy her performance in the filmed version of last year's staged concert, so we caught up with her to hear all about her favourite music, how she found her own Eponine, and her super-positive pre-show ritual.

Back in 2019, the former Queen's Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue was temporarily closed down to transform the building into the Sondheim Theatre and give its favourite tenant, Les Misérables, a major revamp.

Much of the conversation around the incoming of the revamped Les Misérables production to the West End has revolved around the revolve a?' or lack thereof. But this slicker touring version (first seen in 2009, for the 25th anniversary) is a beautiful fit for Cameron Mackintosh's marvellously refurbished Sondheim Theatre, and the show's indelible score and stirring human drama are, if anything, showcased more strongly than ever.

It's official. Former Broadway and West End Phantom Peter Jöback is going to star in a Swedish revival of the original replica production of The Phantom Of The Opera in Stockholm 2016.

British actor Earl Carpenter's start date in Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Claude-Michel Schönberg & Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES in the role of Javert has been pushed to Friday, August 15 due to visa issues, it was confirmed today.

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc., will welcome West End star and Platinum-selling Swedish recording star Peter Jöback to the New York cast this summer. Mr. Jöback will assume the title role for a limited engagement from Monday, April 29 through Saturday, August 24, 2012.

Charles Shaughnessy of 'The Nanny' fame talks about his role as Henry Higgins in the North Shore Music Theatre production of 'My Fair Lady'

Nikki just finished a run as Fantine and is prepping for her first solo cabaret on April 9.