The world’s favourite musical returns to Lisburn

Once again, directed by local Ian Milford, and choreographed by Rebecca Leonard, the 70 strong group of talented youngsters will wow audiences with the anthems ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Stars’, the rousing ‘Do you Hear the People Sing’, the emotional ‘Empty chairs and Empty Tables’, the boisterous ‘Master of the House’, along with the ethereal and heart-rending ‘On my Own’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’.

Chairperson, Anne McCleary said the group had opted to return to the show because of popular demand. “It seems like only yesterday that we last performed Les Mis in Lisburn, but it is actually five years since Chris Milford played Jean Valjean, and Raymond Walsh played Javert,” said Anne. “In fact, both Chris and Raymond (as well as several other cast members, such as Nuala and Niamh McGowan, Rhiannon Chesterman, and Joanna Hyndman) have graduated from drama school since that production, which shows the strength of Fusion. However, Fusion’s new production of Les Mis is on a brand new set, and while many of the cast were in those earlier productions, the principal line-up is entirely new.

“That’s one of the great things about Fusion, we can see young people develop, and see talent emerge. Despite the turnover of cast our standards remain high. I have no doubt that this next production will be fresh and vibrant, living up to Fusion’s reputation.”

The cast will be rehearsing intensively after Christmas in their premises at the Lisburn Enterprise Park, and Anne said: “We owe a huge debt to local support from organisations such as Lisburn Enterprise Organisation who lease us premises, and the Lisburn Arts Advisory Committee who support us financially. Without them, we would be limited to rehearsing in church halls, on an occasional basis, and without access to the set for rehearsals. The access to set is key to our success.”

The principal line-up comprises Boyd Rodgers as the central character Jean Valjean, Rory McCollum as the policeman Javert, Conor Carson as the lovesick student Marius, Jessica Webb as Eponine, Hannah Conlon as Fantine, Aisling Quinn as Cosette and Conal Corr and Jordan Mackin as M. and Mme Thenardier. Aideen Nolan plays Little Cosette, and Gavin McNally plays the urchin Gavroche.

Director Ian Milford added: “This promises to be an exciting and emotional production, and I can’t wait to see the performances in the Island Hall.”

Les Miserables runs from February 6-9 and tickets (costing between £10 and £14) are now on sale from the box office on 92509254 or online on www.tickets.lisburncity.gov.uk.