LES MIS AT 30: Cast Recall Their Fondest Memories!

We speak to current and former cast members of Les Miserables about their favourite memories of their time in the show!

Peter Polycarpou (original cast): For me it was being sat just behind Colm Wilkinson every night on the barricade as he sang Bring Him Home. Every night he made the hairs on the back of my neck stick out. What a gift. I'll never forget that.

Sabrina Aloueche (former Eponine): As Little Cosette my favourite memory was being allowed to stay till the finale and running out to take my very first bow on my last show. As Eponine, it was simply being asked to be part of the show for its 21st year in town, with such an incredible company, hearing the whole score around you night after night, incredible feeling.

Annalene Beechey (former Cosette): Les Mis was my first job. 2nd cover Cosette on the Dublin/Edinburgh tour 1993/94 and it changed my life. I had listened to the recording and imagined what it would be like to be in the show for such a long time and at the age of 18 my dreams came true. And it did not disappoint. Hearing that music sung and played live, as opposed to a recording, and contributing to the sound was and always will be extraordinary. I then played Cosette for two years at the Palace Theatre in London's West End 1996-1998 and had the time of my life. A truly special show with wonderful people. Proud to be an ex-'Glum'!

Pic from Annalene: playing Cosette opposite Mario Frangoulis

Jon Robyns (former Marius and Enjolras): One Day More never ever gets old. Every time I sang it, either as Marius or Enjolras, it gave me an ear-to-ear grin. When you sing that number, you know you're part of something special. Best end of any act. Ever.
Catch Jon in 'Singular Sensations' at the Charing Cross Theatre on Sunday Oct 25.

Carrie Hope Fletcher (current Eponine): I got to be in the show! That'll be something I tell people when I'm in my 80s. Even if I do nothing from the day that I leave until the day that I die. And the friends that I've made on the show. You spend every day with these people. I see them more than I see my actual family.

Rob Houchen (current Marius): When Claude-Michel Schonberg came to see us. Having him there, sitting in front of you, nodding his head, you try not to get distracted - I couldn't believe it was happening. He gave us insights and back-stories we'd never have got otherwise. That's something I'll always treasure. And my first night - when you finish One Day More, there's a buzz in the air and it's pure adrenaline. That's something I'll never forget.

Scott Garnham (former Feuilly, understudy Marius and Enjolras - and BWW:UK Award winner!): My fondest memory was the first time I got to play Marius. My parents had driven down from York to catch the evening performance. I was seated up stage as the revolve turned ready for 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" and I looked out to the a full audience spotting my mum and dad seated centre in the stalls. They looked so incredibly proud. I remember thinking to myself I must take a mental picture of this - here I am about to sing one of the most famous songs in musical theatre in the West End production of Les Miserables. My 13-year-old self wouldn't have been able to believe it.

Gina Beck (former Cosette): When I was a teenager I used to sneak in to watch Thursday matinees of Les Miserables when it was in the Palace Theatre. The NYMT office was in the same building and they would let us into the upper circle! Back then I never could've imagined that I would be involved in celebrating both the 21st and 25th Birthdays and even have a small part in the feature film. What a privilege, what a show! Happy 30th Les Miserables, and long may you live!