Theatre News

Former Les Misérables Cosette returns to West End production with four hours' notice

Yet again – the performing arts community is shown in all its majesty

Charlotte Kennedy
Charlotte Kennedy
© Ruth Crafer

Les Misérables will not be beaten by the pandemic, it seems.

Charlotte Kennedy, who played the role of Cosette two years ago (in the older production of the show) was called up with mere hours' notice to play the role at the Sondheim Theatre due to a raft of cast absences. The long-running hit presented a concert production to audiences today.

Kennedy, who has also appeared in a South Pacific concert, tweeted: "Listen I was in the office at 10:30am booking couriers and by 2:30pm I was onstage at The Sondheim…WHAT A TIME."

Last week, Bradley Jaden was forced to take on the role of Enjolras due to missing leads.

Update: John Owen-Jones will be returning to appear in the show with no rehearsal this evening.

Owen-Jones said in a tweet: He said in a tweet: "Covid-19 has ravaged West End theatre the last few weeks with many shows forced to cancel. So tonight, although I've not sung the role for over a year and with no rehearsal… I shall be onstage at the Sondheim Theatre playing Jean Valjean in Les Misérables."

Cast members, be they leads, ensemble, covers, alternates or swings, have been doing incredible work over the last few weeks keeping lights on across the nation, while theatres cope with a surge in cases and missing cast members.

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