THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM
Tueday 27 - Saturday 31 May 2025
Audition - General Information
Applications have now closed
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Nottingham Operatic Productions’ amateur premiere of Les Misérables in May 2025 at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
In here you will find everything you need to understand how we are auditioning Company, Ensemble and Principal roles for the show. You can read about the concept for the show, background on our Creative Team, and guidance from our Director and Musical Director to answer questions about the audition process.
Please go through these pages carefully - they have been designed to make sure you understand how the production will work, what the demands are on performers, and information to make your audition as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Of course, with a production as large-scale as Les Misérables, it’s quite possible we’ve missed something, so if you have other questions, please get in touch by email on lesmis@nottinghamoperatic.com.
If required please click the link below for a downloadable version of the audition information and process.
A Production for the East Midlands
We are so excited, in the year we mark 100 years of performances at the Theatre Royal, to have been invited by Cameron Mackintosh to be one of 11 lead societies in the UK to create a brand new, original production of the world’s best loved musical, Les Misérables in May 2025. This once in a lifetime opportunity is part of the nationwide 40th birthday celebrations for the show. We are staging this in collaboration with Carlton Operatic Society, The Cast and the Theatre Royal; our production must not be a replica of the previous or current West End versions, and our original staging will have 9 performances starting on Tuesday 27 May, finishing on Saturday 31 May 2025.
Nottingham Operatic first started talking about this exciting opportunity with the rights holders for well over 12 months. The production team has been developing the concept, which has been approved by the Cameron Mackintosh team, and our Director is working closely with our designer on the set, costumes and lighting. Our Musical Director spent a day in London, working with Stephen Brooker and members of the London Les Misérables cast on a music workshop. This has been invaluable in helping to shape how we will approach auditions over the next 3 months.
As you can see from the website, the Cameron Mackintosh design office has produced fantastic artwork for our advertising and social media, and we are pleased to announce tickets for Les Misérables are now on sale. Don’t forget to see the Society in action this October in Guys and Dolls.
Our current plan is to double cast (or understudy) where possible, and to create a large performing ensemble of about 100 to bring Dave Covey’s production vision to life and deliver the musical standards set by our MD, Morven Harrison. You can read about the Creative Team and Dave’s exciting vision by clicking on the link below.
Double casting / understudies / swings for all the key 9 principal roles both reduces the risk of absence or illness affecting the show quality and also provides more opportunities for showcasing talent. We acknowledge that this approach can extend rehearsal time, and this will be reflected in the budget / support available to those performers.