BWW Interviews: Daniel Koek on LES MIS And His Cabaret

Playing Jean Valjean in Les Mis is a notoriously gruelling experience, and Daniel Koek confirms that.

"I wanted some time out of being in a show," he admits. "Going back into Les Mis probably won't be on the cards for me this year, but I want to go back to that part when I'm more ready and recharged - you really need to be able to give it everything."

He'll be working with Charlotte Jaconelli - the star of the Landor's She Loves Me - this year, with a single coming out next month and a few concerts in April and May.

"She's an absolute doll and a great talent," he enthuses.

So if you want to catch Koek in action this year, you should probably catch him in cabaret.

Fortunately, you can do that tomorrow night at the Pheasantry where he plays his second gig there in the space of a week and a half.

"I've never performed at the Pheasantry before - it's such a lovely space," he says. "Coming out of Les Mis, for me I was really keen to develop skills, not only as a solo vocalist but as more of a front man. Performing the same show eight times a week, or at college, you don't learn that. It's something you need to do. There's a room full of people you need to get and keep onside - it's a different skillset altogether.

"I'm going back to Adelaide, where I'm from, to perform in their annual Cabaret Festival this year - so I was keen to do as much as I could this year to get myself up to scratch. I get a kick out of all performing - the whole intimate thing is a really nice vibe. You can see people, have some banter with them - it's a more personal experience than when you're standing up there delivering a performance."

Daniel Koek plays the Pheasantry on Thursday 26th February. His single with Charlotte Jaconelli, 'All I Ask of You', is out on March 23rd, and his album 'High' is out in April.

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