Samantha Barks To Sing National Anthem At Women's FA Cup Final!

One of the stars of the 2012 film version of LES MISERABLES will sing the national anthem at this year's SSE Women's FA Cup Final.

Samantha Barks, who played Éponine in the Oscar-winning film, will sing God Save The Queen ahead of kick-off (2pm) at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Saturday 14 May.

The match, which this year is a London derby between thirteen-time winners Arsenal and holders Chelsea, will be live on BBC One.

Barks first made her name in the BBC reality show I'd Do Anything before appearing in the West End and touring productions of LES MISERABLES, Cabaret, Chicago and Oliver.

She recently appeared in Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, where she was a runner-up to series winner Arsenal captain Alex Scott and she will be touring the UK in June to promote her new album.

Barks said: "It's an honour to perform at Wembley Stadium on what will be such an exciting occasion. I feel especially privileged have the chance to support women's football and my wonderful friend Alex."

Before the game, Capital FM breakfast show DJ Lilah Parsons will provide the music for supporters at the stadium.

Parsons has DJ'd at many live events including Paris Fashion Week and she also has a successful and varied presenting career, including a weekly chart show for MTV and a number of awards ceremonies.

Parsons said: "I'm very proud to be supporting women's football at Wembley Stadium. I'll be playing some great tunes to get the girls energised before kick-off!"

This year, thanks to The FA's partnership with SSE, all children can attend The Final for free. Adult tickets are priced £15 and group booking discounts apply.

June 2016 sees home-grown star and West End luminary Samantha Barks release a brand new studio album and raise the curtain on a nationwide tour.

Since rocketing to fame as a finalist on the BBC's talent show themed television series I'd do Anything in 2008, Samantha Barks has starred in some of the most loved productions on the West End stage and beyond. Widely acclaimed for her breathtaking voice and emotive power, Samantha's heart-rending portrayal of Eponine in LES MISERABLES earned her an international reputation as a world-class interpreter of song. Having made the role wholly her own, Samantha was duly asked to reprise thepart by theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh for Tom Hooper's Academy Award winning film adaptation (also starring Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne and Russell Crowe). Delivering a standout performance amongst a star-studded cast, Samantha's appearance saw her announced as Empire Magazine's 'Best Female Newcomer' and nominated for an illustrious Screen Actor's Guild Award.

Now with over twenty million hits on both Spotify and Youtube and universally lauded touring productions of 'Oliver!' and 'Cabaret' under her belt, Samantha returns to the stage in June to bring her outstanding talent as a live performer to concert halls across the country. Incorporating songs from her most celebrated roles along with other classics of musical theatre and film, Samantha has put together a show that not only demonstrates the full range and quality of her voice but also speaks to her spirited personality and charming aura.

Driven by her passion for musical theatre and the timeless songs it has inspired, the show brings together the grand and great melodies of the genre into one spellbinding set. Performing tracks that are included on her forthcoming album - released on the 10th June 2016 by United Agents Records - the tour promises to bring a fresh spark to old favourites, as Samantha lends her own lively and modern approach to songs such as 'As Long As He Needs Me', 'This House Is Empty Now', and of course, LES MISERABLES' 'On My Own'.

The tour takes in some of the UK's most striking venues, including Leed's Grade II* listed City Varieties Music Hall, New Brighton's historic Floral Pavilion, and the Victorian era Shoreditch Town Hall in London. Taking her famous command of the stage on the road, this is a rare chance to see Samantha on her own terms as she performs personally selected favourites from her celebrated roles in musical theatre, and debuts never before heard tracks from her forthcoming album.

2016 TOUR DATES:

8th June: Theatre Royal NORWICH

11th June: Gaiety Theatre ISLE OF MAN

13th June: Churchill Theatre BROMLEY

14th June: Grand Theatre SWANSEA

16th June: Floral Pavilion LIVERPOOL

18th June: The Capitol HORSHAM

20th June: New Alexandra Theatre BIRMINGHAM

24th June: Shoreditch Town Hall LONDON

25th June: G Live GUILDFORD

26th June: Richmond Theatre RICHMOND

28th June: Leeds City Varieties LEEDS

29th June: Lancaster Grand LANCASTER

30th June: The Botanics, Summer 16 ST ANDREWS

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