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Interview: Emily Owens from the cast of Les Misérables coming to Birmingham Hippodrome

Via Lauren for Birmingham Hippodrome

From August 9th Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical will make its return to the city for a three-week summer run at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals, seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, featuring iconic songs including; I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House.

For Kings Heath actor Emily Owens, the production will mark her Hippodrome debut in her home city. We sat down with Emily ahead of the tour’s visit to Birmingham.

How does it feel to be performing in your home city this Summer? Have you performed at Birmingham Hippodrome before?

I’ve never performed at the Hippodrome before, but I have performed at other venues around Birmingham. I was part of The Young REP as a teenager so have performed lots at The Birmingham Rep and also at The Alexandra and The Symphony Hall, but I’m really excited to tick another off the list!

Birmingham was the venue I was most excited to perform in when the tour list came out so when it was cancelled because of Covid I was really upset, so I’m glad the company and the theatre were able to reschedule!

It’s going to be a really special three weeks for me as the Hippodrome is where I first saw Les Misérables when I was a child, sat at the sound desk and possibly where my love for musical theatre stems as I would always see the touring shows there. Performing at the Hippodrome is going to be particularly special for me because all my family will be coming!

What role do you play in Les Misérables?

I am in the ensemble so get to play lots of roles throughout the show – from an old woman to a factory worker and the only female that dies on the barricade.

I also understudy the role of Madame Thenardier.

How would you describe Les Misérables to someone who hasn’t seen it?

It’s a story about compassion, hope and standing up for what you believe in all set to beautiful music written by Claude Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil.

There are themes of community and redemption, moments that will tug at your heartstrings as well as moments of lightness and comedy.

What’s your favourite moment in the show?

Oh, it’s definitely the barricade – it’s the longest scene with so much to do, most of the cast is involved. The scale of it is incredible, and the effects that are used during the battles are really spectacular.

Were you a fan of the show before being part of it?

Yes! This was my dream job, and I was so excited when that call came to say I was actually cast in the show. Having seen the show so young, it has always been important to me, and it feels great to be able to be part of such an amazing show and bringing it to my hometown.

Why do you think Les Misérables is still so loved today?

I think because the show carries such a universal message that anyone can come to see it and find characters that they can relate to.

Everyone is fighting a fight against an injustice, be it big or small, and the message that “even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise” fills audiences with hope and solidarity every night.

Les Misérables is at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 9 August until Saturday 27 August. Book tickets via: birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/les-miserables-2