b"ROB MCDOUGALLDANIEL BELLEDB: Ive had quite a few favourite moments but it would probably have towill last a lifetime. People walk out changed from having seen Les Mis be the first time I ever went on as Valjean in the Australian production. Iin a way few other musicals can boast. The material is also so relevant dont remember the show. I do remember the curtain coming down andto our world, our relationships with power and to our relationships with the cast getting in around me to hug me. It was incredibly special. each other. In a world increasingly focused on which of us is the most 6. What are you most looking forward to about Les Misrables? disadvantaged, the themes of this show have a lot to say.RM: Daniel and I have been wanting to play these roles against eachDB: I was one of those teenagers that could sing you the whole show other since we understudied in Australia, and so we both jumped at thefrom memory. It is always a privilege and always something I cherish chance when Neil Gooding spoke to us about this production. Workingbeing able to experience.with one of your best friends on stage in this way is something people8. Why should people come and see this production of Les don't often get the chance to do, so its very special. It's also a wonderfulMisrables? cast and makes a massive sound, so its quite exciting to be in the roomRM: Luke Joslin is coming at this production with a very clear and honest where everyone is going full blast. interpretation of the work, that really shows the world for how it is, not an Stars has always been one of my favourite pieces to sing, and I feel Iidealised musical theatre version. There's a lot of truth in this production have a much deeper understanding of it now having done the show forthat people can take a lot out of. Our musical director is also incredibly so long, so that moment of the show is always very uplifting for me. competent, and has a record of producing incredibly tight orchestras, a DB: Ive done the show a lot and I still am excited by it. I think it wouldmust for a show like this. The cast is stellar, and many of them would have to be working with Rob McDougall and having Luke Joslin direct it. Ihave been at home in the professional show. It will truly be a sight to see. think it will be very special. DB: I think the design, direction and music will all be very special here. 7. What is it like performing in such an iconic musical and one thatIts also Les Mis. Isnt that a good enough reason?is so universal and timely?9. If you could describe Les Misrables in 3 words what wouldRM: I was told before starting the Australian tour that Les Mis wouldthey be?change my life, and I had no idea how correct that would be. I was aRM: Stark, hopeful and honest.different person coming out of that show than I was going in, and whilstDB: Powerful, colossal and beautiful.part of that is age and experience, a lot of it has to do with the subject matter of the show. It's so personal, so emotional and so heavy a piece,Les Misrables plays at Riverside Theatres from February 1429. that to play it properly we as a cast had to throw ourselves into some very intense emotions on stage in front of each other. It builds bonds that 41"