Russell Watson to Make West End Debut as Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES

Salford tenor Russell Watson is said to be soon taking on the role of Jean Valjean. For Watson's latest album, Only One Man, Les Miserables composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg wrote new songs for him and allowed him full access to their already existing list of compositions. It was they who encouraged him to go for the role of Jean Valjean. Watson told the Evening Standard, "Claude-Michel keeps saying, 'When are you going to do Valjean?' He said I'd be perfect because I now have the life experience to draw on. Valjean is a tortured soul."

Russell Watson recently just recovered from two life-threatening brain tumors. The experience has taught him to keep moving forward, one step at a time, and to never lose hope. Watson has released may albums prior to this experience, including tracks in both English and Italian. His most recent albums are Anthems, La Voce, and Only One Man- the latter of which is set to be released November 2013.

Looking back at everything he has been through and accomplished, Watson is excited for the opportunity to play Jean Valjean. In discussing the part with the Evening Standard, Watson stated, "I went to see Cameron Mackintosh about doing LES MISERABLES. We've had a good chat about that. It's something I'd like to do. It would give me a huge amount of satisfaction to play a role like Valjean. I would do it in the West End, towards the end of 2014."

To read the article from the Evening Standard, click here.