It’s not been smooth running when it comes to the role of Thénardier in the new production of Les Misérables at London’s Sondheim Theatre. After doctors telling actor Gerard Carey he must rest his voice until the end of February, Matt Lucas saved the day by reprising the part but has now suffered a back injury. Cue the arrival of Ian Hughes who recently played Thénardier to great acclaim in the current sell-out UK and international tour. Phew!
Matt Lucas stepped in to play the role of Thénardier for a few weeks when Gerard Carey was unable to perform before the first preview of the new production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre last month due to vocal injury caused by contracting pneumonia. Last week Lucas regrettably sustained a back injury which has meant he is unable to continue in the role.
Consequently, Ian Hughes will now join the London company to partner Josefina Gabrielle (Madame Thénardier) from today, 10 January 2020, until the end of February when Carey is expected to return to the role as originally announced having over the past few weeks been on complete rest to avoid any long-term damage to his vocal chords. The press night on 16 January at the Sondheim Theatre is confirmed to go ahead.
Cameron Mackintosh said: “To lose one master of the house is unfortunate and two perhaps careless! I am delighted to be bringing Ian Hughes to the wonderful London company to partner Josefina Gabrielle in order that Les Misérables can officially open at the Sondheim Theatre next week as planned.
“I am sure it will be third time lucky! I am so grateful to Matt Lucas who abandoned his holiday plans to help us out and am looking forward to welcoming back Gerard to the company at the end of February. I wish them both speedy recoveries.”
Hughes will be out of the Les Misérables tour during the upcoming five-week engagement at Theater 11 Zurich and will return to the tour when the production opens in Norwich at the beginning of March. The role of Thénardier for the run in Zurich will be played by Cameron Blakely.
The cast of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre also features Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, Shan Ako as Eponine, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier, Harry Apps as Marius, Ashley Gilmour as Enjolras and Lily Kerhoas as Cosette. Rachelle Ann Go will return to the role of Fantine for seven weeks in the spring and will take over the role next summer.
