On Sunday (21 Dec), local performer Lewis Aves performed in the show-stopping finale from the multi-award-winning musical Les Misérables at The Royal Variety Performance.
The performance featured a company of over 400 performers, including guest stars Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly, along with the West End and Paris casts, plus 11 amateur companies from all over the UK, performing a phenomenal medley celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary.
Lewis led the 400-strong company as Jean Valjean singing the opening to One Day More, a role which he performed in the recent production of Les Misérables at Norwich Theatre Royal produced by Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society (NNOS) in collaboration with Sound Ideas, Echo Youth and Threshold Theatre Company, as part of the UK-wide Let the People Sing project for the musical’s 40th Anniversary.
The Royal Variety Performance is now watched by over 152 million TV viewers worldwide, making it the most successful and longest-running entertainment show.
Linda Campbell NNOS Chair and Production Manager said: “We are incredibly proud of all 29 cast members who represented the Norwich production of Les Misérables, Let the People Sing at the Royal Variety Performance and especially Lewis, who was not only a phenomenal Valjean, but who was invited to be a featured artist in the spectacular finale. What an amazing opportunity for him, and we are so happy he has got the recognition he deserves.”
Speaking about the performance, Lewis said: “Opening One Day More at the Royal Variety Performance was a complete honour that I can hardly put into words. Sharing the stage with icons who have been such a huge part of this show’s history was a surreal ‘pinch-me’ moment.I’m very pleased that being part of the Let the People Sing project with NNOS & Les Misérables has led me to this amazing opportunity.“
Local audiences won’t have to wait long to see Lewis back in action. He will return to the Norwich Theatre Royal stage as Billy Bigelow in the NNOS production of Carousel, running from 24 to 28 February.
Book online at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630 000.
