Les Misérables is coming to Alexandra in 2023, after Waiata Theatre Productions was successful at securing the rights to the world-wide musical phenomenon.

It has been years in the making for the two men behind the small theatre group, Bruce Potter and Duncan Anderson, who have applied ever since they put on their first show back in 2019.

People may remember the Mikado that was staged at the Earnscleugh Hall and then toured around Central Otago. 

In July 2021, after a year’s delay following Covid restrictions, the group also brought Jesus Christ Superstar to Alexandra for the first time, performing to an almost full house every night at the Clyde Memorial Hall.

But Les Misérables is next level and, as Bruce explained, the most popular show ever.

“It will be much bigger. But we’re pulling it off in a very different way because the space is a lot smaller. Early on we realised that we’re not cut out to do this exactly the way that others have done it.”

There will obviously be no orchestra, no microphones either - just natural voices, and a large projector will display scenes on the back wall to create the atmosphere.

With professional Les Misérables shows worldwide being cancelled in many countries because of Covid (including Australia in recent years), the nature of the ‘rights’ had also changed.

This meant that Waiata could use a backing track, and Bruce said out of all the Les Misérables shows he has been involved in (five in total), this one will be the most intimate.

“There will be no big stage, no smoke and mirrors,” but with 40 people from around the Southern region already putting their hand up to audition, there’s bound to be some huge talent.

“The Les Misérables story is so strong, and the emotion. The audience will be immersed in it...”

Bruce last played the lead of Val Jean when the West Otago Theatrical Society brought Les Misérables to Tapanui in 2018.

This time around he’ll be auditioning for a part just like everyone else, as well as carrying out the role of musical director. It will be his fourth time in the role if he gets it.

“Often the roles that you do best are when you have a lot of yourself in the role,” he said, explaining how some people will stay in character the entire time the show is on, while others slip in and out naturally.

“When you are acting you can only act what you know.”

Both Duncan and Bruce have been involved in many high profile musicals in their day, performing, producing and directing. They are confident they can make Les Misérables a success.

It’s a huge process in applying to stage a show like this. Firstly, you have to submit an application to Music Theatre International (MTI), as well as the owner of the rights (Cameron Mackintosh).

Bruce said it is then assessed on three things: Is it going to make them look good; can they make money off it; and can the small theatre company pull it off?

“We’ve learnt a lot with positioning of sound. We want perfection,” Bruce said.

“This has been a dream for a long time to do it ourselves. We never gave up.”

The show will be created on a $28,000 budget and have a cast of 30 on the stage, with many other people involved in front of house, sound and lighting.

“It’s the kind of show [where] all the emotions are brought to the table. Comedy, pathos and melancholy. People die, some people live but it will all be done in a way that is amazing.”

Auditions will be held in early September and the show will run from May 5 to 21 with the option of an extra week if ticket sales are strong.