News

Sylvia Young, the British showbiz icon who launched the careers of countless musicians and actors, has died at 86.

In a statement, Young’s daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle confirmed her passing, writing: “It is with great sadness we let you know that our incredible Mum, Sylvia Young OBE passed away peacefully this morning 30th July 2025.

Born in East London, Young initially began providing classes in 1972 and officially founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School in Drury Lane, central London nine years later. The school, which doubled as a talent agency, moved to Marylebone two years later.

With Young at the helm, the school helped launch the careers of late British singer Amy Winehouse, popstar Dua Lipa, Doctor Who actress Billie Piper, TV presenter and actress Denise van Outen, Alex Rider star Alex Pettyfer and many others.

In 2022, she was awarded a special recognition Olivier award for her contribution to the performing arts,...

This year’s Oscars telecast incorporated reunions of cast members from classic movies such as “The Godfather,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Juno.” Last year’s Tony Awards actually did something similar, bringing together cast members from different Broadway classics such as “Hairspray,” “Ragtime,” “Rent,” and “Wicked” for performances as the industry was fighting to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the Tonys will be presenting their landmark 75th annual ceremony this year, I think it would be even more fitting if they reunite more co-stars from Broadway classics of yesteryear to perform or even present awards. Here are some suggestions. Vote in our poll at the bottom of this post to let us know which you’d most like to see.

SEE2022 Tony Awards: Full awards season calendar revealed

Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury – “Sweeney Todd”

In 1979 Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler‘s adaptation of Christopher Bond‘s 1973 stage play won...

This week, the Broadwaysted crew is absolutely thrilled to be sitting down with the incredible star of Broadway and the West End, Frances Ruffelle We're pouring out Milagro Tequila and super embarrassed that we somehow misplaced our corkscrew as Frances spills about the experience of creating the iconic role of Eponine and winning the Tony Award, starring in the original West End production of Starlight Express, and her amazing performance piece 'Frances Ruffelle Lives in New York' celebrating its final New York performance at The Green Room 42 on Sunday, October 20th...

What good is sitting alone in your room this week If you don't already have plans to see a Broadway show, come out to see your favorite Broadway stars in a cabaret act instead. After Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Highlights this week include Eva Noblezada, Reeve Carney, Frances Ruffelle, Phoenix Best, and original Sondheim cast members.

What good is sitting alone in your room this week If you don't already have plans to see a Broadway show, come out to see your favorite Broadway stars in a cabaret act instead. After Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Highlights this week include Eva Noblezada, Joanna Gleason, Frances Ruffelle and many more...

Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle is back in town with her stunning solo performance 'Frances Ruffelle LiveS in New York' an intimate evening of song that whispers seductive secrets, lays bare the naked truth and explodes with the one of a kind bottle rocket charisma that's kept 'Frankie's' ardent fans coming back for more since she created the iconic role of 'Eponine' in 'Les Miserables' and turned 'On My Own' into one of Broadway's most beloved standards. 'Frances Ruffelle LiveS in New York' is a wildly entertaining ride straight through the core of the most tender heart, fiery passion and loose comic confidence of a seasoned performer at the height of her game.

BroadwayWorld is proud to bring you an exclusive conversation between two legends - London's Frances Ruffelle now a New Yorker and Broadway's Richard Jay-Alexander. Both of these longtime pros share a very special experience, being part of the legendary history of Les Miserables. The two friends got together on the stage of The Green Room 42 in the heart of midtown Manhattan, where Jay-Alexander had just seen her show, Frances Ruffelle LIVEs In New York. There were no rules and nothing 'off-limits' as neither of them prepared or pre-discussed what they would talk about, prior to walking into the venue on a recent hot New York afternoon. It's very informative and just as entertaining. Ruffelle's final show of the season is Saturday, June 23rd at 700 P.M.

Last night Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle performed her cabaret show titled Frances Ruffelle LiveS in New York at The Green Room 42 and there was no doubt the audience was ecstatic this Englishwoman, Broadway and West End star lives in New York. The produces of the show promised a widely entertaining ride straight through the core of the most tender hear, fiery passion and loose comic confidence of a seasoned performer at the height of her game and they were spot on with that prediction. Francis created the iconic role of Eponine in Les Miserables and turned On My Own into one of Broadway's most beloved standards. She has made 5 solo albums and has performed countless West End Shows including her most recent critically acclaimed performance as Queenie in the U.K. Premiere of Michael Lachusa's infamous Wild Party .

Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle is back in town with her stunning solo performance 'Frances Ruffelle LiveS in New York' an intimate evening of song that whispers seductive secrets, lays bare the naked truth and explodes with the one of a kind bottle rocket charisma that's kept 'Frankie's' ardent fans coming back for more since she created the iconic role of 'Eponine' in 'Les Miserables' and turned 'On My Own' into one of Broadway's most beloved standards.

Mario Frangoulis, the acclaimed international Crossover Tenor returns to the Us for a limited set of engagements in New York, Montreal and La from November 6-11, 2017. Described by BroadwayWorld as one of the most beautiful tenor voices on earth, Frangoulis will be joined in New York with his longtime friend and stage colleague from Les Miserables, Tony Award-winner Frances Ruffelle who played the iconic role of Eponine to his Marius at the Pallas Theatre in London's West End.

Welcome back Tony Award winner, and UK star, Frances Ruffelle recently moved to New York. On Sunday, she will remind the city why she's one of the theater's great stars with a special performance at The Green Room 42. Broadway's original Eponine in Les Miserables, Ruffelle's Lives in New York will treat fans to songs from her stage and recording career from 17th century torch songs to Sanskrit chants, and show covers to original penned tracks.

Frances Ruffelle is perhaps best known for originating the role of Eponine in Les Miserables. She's since done numerous other stage roles, produced several albums and represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, and will soon star as Queenie in The Wild Party, the opening musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber's revamped The Other Palace the show begins previews on 13 February.

Frances Ruffelle is perhaps best known for originating the role of Eponine in Les Miserables. She's since done numerous other stage roles, produced several albums and represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, and will soon star as Queenie in The Wild Party, the opening musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber's revamped The Other Palace the show begins previews on 13 February.

As Michael John Lachiusa's The Wild Party will receive its first major London production at The Other Palace, playing from Saturday 11 February to Saturday 1 April 2017, with a press night on Monday 20 February. Directed and choreographed by 2016 Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie and starring Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle, The Wild Party will be the inaugural production at The Other Palace, formerly St. James Theatre, when it reopens in February 2017 as the newest addition to The Really Useful Theatres Group and a home for new musical theatre.

Today in 1987, Les Miserables opened at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 6680 performances. Written by Claude-Michel Schonberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is set in early 19th-century France. The plot follows the stories of many characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution. An ensemble that includes prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, and others joins the lead characters. In January 2010, it played its ten-thousandth performance in London, at Queen's Theatre in London's West End. On 3 October 2010, the show celebrated its 25th anniversary with three productions running in the same city the original show at London's West End the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary touring production at the original home of the show, the Barbican Centre and the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary concert at London's O2 Arena. The original Broadway cast included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, David Bryant as Marius, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Michael Maguire as Enjolras,...

The Birds of a Feather cast have been doing a spot of dressing-up.

The girls adopt Wonder Woman and Abba costumes for a '70s weekend in this week's episode.

The first picture of Birds of a Feather's Dorien Green with her long lost daughter was recently revealed.

Actress Frances Ruffelle was unveiled as Naomi, Dorien's (Lesley Joseph) estranged daughter, last month.

Birds of a Feather recently returned for a new series on Boxing Day.

The latest episodes of the show mark the comedy's second run for ITV and the 11th overall, after it was recommissioned for a second series last March.

Birds of a Feather continues on Thursday (February 5) at 8.30pm on ITV.

The first picture of Birds of a Feather's Dorien Green with her long lost daughter has been revealed.

Actress Frances Ruffelle will be unveiled as Naomi, Dorien's (Lesley Joseph) estranged daughter, on tonight's (January 8) episode at 8.30pm on ITV.

Birds of a Feather recently returned for a new series on Boxing Day.

The latest episodes of the show mark the comedy's second run for ITV and the 11th overall, after it was recommissioned for a second series last March.

The channel previously revived the former BBC sitcom following a 15-year break, and it became ITV's most successful comedy launch in over a decade.

The eight-part run comes from original writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran with Gary Lawson and John Phelp.

McBusted star Matt Willis recently exited his role as Garth Stubbs, and has been replaced by Samuel James.

Stars: Roxanne Pallett, Jason Mewes, Frances Ruffelle, Jessica-Jane Stafford, Emma Buckley, Peter Barrett | Written by Adam J. Marsh | Directed by Owen Tooth

Albion Court is the least ‘des res’ in the neighbourhood – a hangout for drug dealers, rife with squatters and two residents recently died in an apparent bizarre suicide pact. However when Sarah (Roxanne Pallett) in thrown out by her abusive, alcoholic mother (Frances Ruffelle), she has no choice but to move in to the notorious block. Determined to make the best of things Sarah tries to settle in but she is disturbed by bizarre neighbours, strange sounds coming through the paper-thin walls, creepy images on the TV and an overwhelming feeling that she is being watched.

Things get a whole lot worse when a badly mutilated body of one of her neighbours is found hanging in the lift and more and more residents begin to disappear – including squatter-come-burglar...

Brit horror “Devil’s Tower” might not have the most original name or premise, revolving around sinister goings on in a shabby housing estate tower block, though it does at least have a pretty interesting cast, led by actress Roxanne Pallett, best known for her work on popular UK countryside soap “Emmerdale” and Jason Mewes of “Jay and Silent Bob” fame. Directed by Owen Tooth and written by Adam J. Marsh, the film follows the recent trend of combining urban decay and grounded anxieties with the supernatural, throwing in some oddball comedy and nudity for good measure. The tower in question is Albion Court, a rundown block long past any former glory it might once have had, now home to squatters and drug dealers, and where two residents were recently found dead in mysterious circumstances. Roxanne Pallett plays Sarah, a young woman thrown out of her home by her thoroughly...

Roxanne Pallett features in a new trailer for horror movie Devil's Tower.

The former Emmerdale actress stars opposite Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back star Jason Mewes in the DVD release.

Devil's Tower follows Sarah, who moves into a crime-ridden neighbourhood after being thrown out by her abusive mother (Frances Ruffelle).

She and neighbour Sid (Mewes) soon team up after a series of paranormal and horrific incidents occur in the block.

The comedy horror film also stars Jessica-Jane Stafford, Emma Buckley and Peter Barrett, and is released on DVD and Blu-ray on September 15.

Pallett is best known for playing Jo Sugden in Emmerdale from 2005 to 2008.

Playing as part of this year's Grimmfest in the UK is Jason Mewes' next flick, Devil's Tower. The film is also heading to UK Blu-ray and DVD, and we have a new trailer for you! Check it out!

Owen Tooth directes. Jason Mewes, Roxanne Pallett, and Frances Ruffelle star.

Synopsis

Albion Court is the least ‘des res’ in the neighbourhood – a hangout for drug dealers, rife with squatters, and two residents recently died in an apparent bizarre suicide pact. Sarah (Pallett) has been thrown out by her abusive, alcoholic mother (Ruffelle) so she moves in to the notorious block.

Determined to make the best of things, Sarah tries to settle in; but she is disturbed by bizarre neighbours, strange sounds coming through the paper-thin walls, creepy images on the TV, and an overwhelming feeling that she is being watched. Things get a whole lot worse when a badly mutilated...

Jason Mewes in a zombie flick?! Yep, that's the in-a-nutshell premise of Devil's Tower, which has just been scooped up for distribution in various territories. Put down that joint and read on for full details!

Per Screen Daily, Monster Pictures has acquired UK and Australian rights to the film, which is the debut feature of Owen Tooth. Canadian and North American rights were picked up by Uncork'd Entertainment.

In Devil's Tower, Jason Mewes plays Sid, whose friend goes missing. He and new girl Sarah investigate the disappearance in their tower block, and uncover the secret of a vengeful ghost possessing a horde of zombies. They must fight for their lives - and their souls.

Roxanne Pallett, Frances Ruffelle, Jessica-Jane Stafford and Emma Buckley also star.

Dominic Burns produced under his company Hawthorn Productions, along with Templeheart Media.

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Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning performer known around the world for her iconic original performance as Eponine in both the West End and Broadway editions of international stage sensation Les Miserables, copiously convivial chanteuse Frances Ruffelle. Discussing her legacy with the iconic mega-musical and her relationship with the show's director, John Caird, Ruffelle opens up about a life in the theatre, telling tales of her time spent treading the boards in the various incarnations of Les Miserables - winning the Tony for her Broadway performance - as well as working on the original London production of Stephen Schwartz's Children Of Eden with Caird and fellow InDepth InterView participants Matthew Bourne and Ruthie Henshall in addition to shedding light on fascinating workshop experiences - Starlight Express, Sunset Boulevard and Whistle Down The Wind among them - and her more recent roles, such as her run as the...

This September and October, 54 Below, the performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife, presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Set to perform are Brian d'Arcy James, Duncan Sheik, Tony Desare, Charles Busch, Emily Skinner, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Laura Benanti, Alice Ripley, Telly Leung, John Tartaglia, MOrgan James, Ann Morrison, Christine Andreas, Shelly Burch, Ahrens amp Flaherty, Frances Ruffelle and more.

Coming up at 54 Below, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular Backstage with Susie Mosher is the 54 Piano Bar, a new vocal competition - 'The Callback, and more, including stage and television star Laura Benanti, High Fidelity in Concert, Wgbo Jazz Series Karrin Allyson Quartet, Tony winner Frances Ruffelle, Charlie Rosen's Broadway Big Band, Sondheim Unplugged and Simply Streisand.

Today in 1987, Les Miserables opened at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 6680 performances. Written by Claude-Michel Schonberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is set in early 19th-century France. The plot follows the stories of many characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution. In January 2010, it played its ten-thousandth performance in London, at Queen's Theatre in London's West End. On 3 October 2010, the show celebrated its 25th anniversary with three productions running in the same city the original show at London's West End the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary touring production at the original home of the show, the Barbican Centre and the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary concert at London's O2 Arena. The original Broadway cast included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, David Bryant as Marius, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Michael Maguire as Enjolras, Frances Ruffelle as Eponine, Braden Danner as Gavroche, Donna Vivino as Young Cosette, Jennifer Butt as Madame Thenardier,...

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Les Miserables, the third-longest running musical in the history of the Great White Way. The ultra famous production, starring Irish tenor Colm Wilkinson and Brit Frances Ruffelle, lasted an impressive 16 years on Broadway, racking up a total of 6,680 performances. But did you know the critics weren't crazy about the show when it first came out?

Similar to, say, the mixed public opinion surrounding present Les Mis star, Anne Hathaway, writers and reviewers landed on both sides of the fence after Trevor Nunn and John Caird showcased their adapted musical, first in the UK and later in New York City. While one reviewer deemed the work "a wonderful human pageant," another had far less nice things to say, describing the musical as "witless and synthetic entertainment."

Scroll through the slideshow below to get a taste of the reviews accompanying the production's 1980s debut,...

Outspoken original Eponine in the West End and Broadway mountings of international musical institution Les Miserables, Frances Ruffelle, has offered her thoughts on a host of topics in a new interview. Never one to bite her tongue or hold back, Ruffelle offers her frank and candid opinion on the new feature film adaptation of the hit stage property as well as her own memories receiving the 1987 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress In A Musical, moving to New York and carrying on an illicit affair with the then-married co-director of the show, John Caird, before moving back to London when she became pregnant and sufferred debilitating morning sickness.

As Frances Ruffelle wrote in her column for The Huffington Post, she was recently invited to a private party at Cameron Mackintosh's home and mingled with 'some of the world's top theatre creatives' such as Stephen Sondheim, Les Miserables film director Tom Hooper and the original Les Miserables theatre directors Trevor Nunn and John Caird. In a 'deliciously memorable moment', she introduced Hooper to Nunn and Caird, and 'they looked like they were getting on famously.'...

Roxanne Pallett and Jason Mewes have signed up to star in the upcoming UK horror film Devil's Tower. The Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actress will make her big-screen debut in the project from first-time director Owen Tooth, reports HeyUGuys. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back star Jason Mewes will join Pallett, along with Frances Ruffelle (Les Misérables), Jessica Jane Clement (The Real Hustle), Peter Barrett, Jazz Lintott and Emma Buckley. Hawthorn Productions' Dominic Burns will produce the film, and said of the castings: "I'm thrilled with the cast we've put together, Roxanne Pallett is now focusing on film and I can instantly see why, her on-screen performance is remarkable. (more)...

Here’s a rather nice exclusive to start the week as we can announce that Jason Mewes and Roxanne Pallett are to co-lead the forthcoming horror film, Devil’s Tower, currently shooting in Derbyshire.

You’ll know Mewes from his brilliant work in Kevin Smith’s films from the View Askewniverse and Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and seeing him take a leading role in a British movie is a very interesting move.

Pallett has been a long-standing star of Emmerdale, and most recently appeared in the BBC’s Waterloo Road, and this should be a great role for her to break through on the big screen.

Starring alongside them will be the Tony Award-winning Frances Ruffelle (Les Misérables), Jessica Jane Clement (The Real Hustle), Peter Barrett (UFO, Jack Falls), Jazz Lintott (UFO, Airborne), and Emma Buckley (How to Stop Being a Loser), in her first principal role.

Award-winning...

On Twitter Watch, Frances Ruffelle wrote Les Mis Movie Blink and you'll miss me It's amazing how much publicity I seem to get for a one line performance What fun And no teethAll stars will reportedly sing live on film Tom Hooper is at the helm and the movie also features Hugh Jackman as Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Sacha Baron Cohen as Thernardier, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Samantha Barks as Eponine Amanda Seyfried as Cosette and Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier.

12 year old Daniel Huttlestone has landed the role of child-hero Gavroche in Tom Hooper's feature film adaptation of musical Les Miserables.

Daniel (represented by Ck Casting) from Hornchurch, Essex, played Nipper in the opening run of Oliver! in 2009, and went on to play Gavroche in the long-running West End production of Les Miserables last year.

The film starts shooting this month  and the vocals for the film will be sung live rather than dubbed.

The principle cast includes Russell Crowe as Javert; Anne Hathaway as Fantine; Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier; Amanda Seyfried as Cosette; Eddie Redmayne as Marius; Samantha Barks as Eponine; Aaron Tveit as Enjolras; and George Blagden as student Grantaire.

The cast also includes a host of musical performers in additional roles including original stage Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, in the pivotal role of the Bishop of Digne, and Tony Award winner Frances Ruffelle, the original...

Today in 1987, Les Miserables opened at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 6680 performances. Written by Claude-Michel Schnberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is set in early 19th-century France. The plot follows the stories of many characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution. An ensemble that includes prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, and others joins the lead characters. In January 2010, it played its ten-thousandth performance in London, at Queen's Theatre in London's West End. On 3 October 2010, the show celebrated its 25th anniversary with three productions running in the same city the original show at London's West End the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary touring production at the original home of the show, the Barbican Centre and the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary concert at London's O2 Arena. The original Broadway cast included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, David Bryant as Marius, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Michael Maguire as Enjolras, Frances Ruffelle as ponine,...

BroadwayWorld recently reported that when the highly anticipated movie version of Les Mis opens in theaters later this year, original cast members Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle, who created the roles of Valjean and Eponine, will again be a part of it. Cameron Mackintosh told Daily Mail that Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne in the film, while Ruffelle will play the most fabulous whore in the number Lovely Ladies.

Samantha Barks pips Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift to play Éponine in film version of musical

When Les Misérables hits cinemas in December, the cast list will groan with big names – with one exception. On Tuesday night, Samantha Barks was taking her curtain call after playing Nancy in Oliver! at Manchester's Palace Theatre when she was surprised onstage by Cameron Mackintosh.

To audience cheers, the producer told her she had won the role of Éponine alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe in director Tom Hooper's version of the long-running musical.

"He told me that I'd got the part and my heart started pounding," said Barks on Wednesday.

Barks was previously best known for coming third in I'd Do Anything, the BBC talent show in which contestants vied for the role of Nancy in Oliver!'s West End production. The actor, who had little previous film experience,...

Les Miserables

Stage actor George Blagden has been cast as student revolutionary Grantaire in Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the musical "Les Miserables".

Also original London stage cast members Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle are said to have small roles in the film as a kindly bishop and a "fabulous whore" respectively. Rehearsals begin this week ahead of filming in March. [Source: Up and Comers]

The Time Being

Acting legend Frank Langella has joined Nenad Cicin-Sain's indie "The Time Being".

The story follows a struggling artist (Wes Bentley) who accepts a series of bizarre commissions from a dying, eccentric millionaire (Langella) who may not be what he seems. Is he a monster out to destroy the artist's life, or someone who'll teach him the true meaning of art.

Richard Gladstein is producing and co-wrote the script. [Source: Deadline]

Spring Breakers

"Pretty Little Liars" star Ashley Benson will join Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens on Harmony Korine...

Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle have joined the cast of the movie adaptation of Les Misérables. Wilkinson was the first to play central character Jean Valjean in the West End and on Broadway, and Ruffelle originated the role of Éponine in London and New York. Wilkinson will play a bishop and Ruffelle "the most fabulous wh*re" in the production, producer Cameron Mackintosh told the Daily Mail. Mackintosh said: "Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne. He shows Valjean the road ahead, after Valjean has robbed him of silver candlesticks." Hugh Jackman has been cast as Jean Valjean, the part made famous by Wilkinson. Singer Taylor Swift is reportedly in line to play Éponine. Noting that Alan Parker was attached to an early attempt to adapt the musical in the late-1980s, (more)...

Frances Ruffelle and Colm Wilkinson will join Hugh Jackman and Taylor Swift in Tom Hooper's film of classic musical

Original cast members from the musical Les Misérables are to be reunited in Tom Hooper's new film adaptation.

Frances Ruffelle and Colm Wilkinson, who created the roles of Eponine and Jean Valjean respectively in the 1985 production at the Barbican Centre, will play featured roles in the film, which starts rehearsals today and will be released in December. But they will not reprise their original roles: Hugh Jackman and Taylor Swift are set to do that.

Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne, from whom Valjean steals a number of valuable silver candlesticks, while Ruffelle, who is currently starring in Pippin at the Menier Chocolate Factory, will appear in the sequence built around the number Lovely Ladies, playing "the most fabulous whore", according to producer Cameron Mackintosh.

Wilkinson told the...

By Samuel Negin

Tony nominee Colm Wilkinson and Tony winner Frances Ruffelle, who both starred in the original West End and Broadway casts of Les Miserables, have joined the cast of the musical’s upcoming film adaptation, according to the U.K.’s Daily Mail. Wilkinson, who originated the role of Jean Valjean, will play the Bishop of Digne, while Frances Ruffelle, who created the role of Eponine, will appear during the song “Lovely Ladies.”

Click to read more…...

BroadwayWorld reported yesterday that when the highly anticipated movie version of Les Mis opens in theaters later this year, original cast members Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle, who created the roles of Valjean and Eponine, will again be a part of it. Cameron Mackintosh told Daily Mail that Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne in the film, while Ruffelle will play the most fabulous whore in the number Lovely Ladies.

The stars of the original Les Miserables London stage show are set to join Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift and Russell Crowe in director Tom Hooper's blockbuster movie update.

Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle, who played Jean Valjean and Eponine onstage at the Barbican in 1985 and later transferred to Broadway, have landed speaking roles in the new film, which starts pre-production next week (beg30Jan12).

According to the Daily Mail, Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne and Ruffelle a whore.

With all the hooplah surrounding the casting of Taylor Swift, who has yet to be officially announced, in the upcoming big screen adaptation of Les Miserables, it seemed like the perfect time to show off a Youtube treasure of the original Tony-winning Eponine, Frances Ruffelle. In the video below, Rufelle sings the strret urchin's anthem, 'On My Own.' Click below to check it out...

Daisy Lowe attends The Girly Show Lounge Burlesque Show.Photo copyright Landmark / PR Photos. Frances Ruffelle attends The Girly Show Lounge Burlesque Show.Photo copyright Landmark / PR Photos. Daisy Lowe attends The Girly Show Lounge Burlesque Show.Photo copyright Landmark / PR Photos. Daisy Lowe attends The Girly Show Lounge Burlesque Show.Photo copyright Landmark / PR Photos. Nina Muschallik attends The Girly Show Lounge Burlesque Show.Photo copyright Landmark / PR Photos. 07/24/2011 - Daisy Lowe - "The Girly Show Lounge" Burlesque Show - July 24, 2011 - Arrivals - Windmill Internatioanl Bar and Club - London, UK © Landmark / PR Photos 07/24/2011 - Frances Ruffelle - "The Girly Show Lounge" Burlesque Show - July...

The London musical theater scene deserves a sharp, insightful documentary. "West End Story", unfortunately, is not that film. While shining the limelight on a few stars (Petula Clark, Lucie Arnaz), a number of success stories (Frances Ruffelle, Barbara Dickson) and one aspirant (a singer-actor still waiting tables), the movie is more than a bit of a jumble. At full feature length, there's a lot going on but in several disjointed directions.

Divided into sections with chapter titles such as "Getting There" and "Staying There", the docu opens with an abbreviated (read: hurried) history of the English-speaking theater from Shakespeare's Globe onward. The emphasis of the film is on the late 20th century Anglocentric musical theater, the apparently effortless transference of musicals from London to Broadway and, most importantly, the life of the musical theater actor. In fact, "West End Story" does succeed in examining the devotion and dedication of a cross section of actors, from small-town Kansan Brent Barrett to Jerome Pradon, the hardworking lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Whistle Down the Wind".

Pradon, a Frenchman living in London, provides viewers with a look at the daily regimen of the working musical theater performer. We see him with a vocal coach, trying to perfect his enunciation in a foreign language, warming up his pipes in the confines of his small dressing room and putting on makeup and a tattoo -- a nightly ritual for months on end. We also see him socializing, post-performance, with mates in a West End pub and even enduring an unorthodox chiropractic therapy. The access to his life is revealing. As the film unspools, Pradon and many other actors reflect on the lack of much personal life during the frequently long runs of these Lloyd Webber/Cameron Mackintosh-era behemoths ("Cats", "Les Miserables" and the like). These poignant discussions of sacrifice provide some of the film's best moments.

Yet, even during the Pradon sequences, there is little connection made between an actor's interview and its correlation to his or her work onstage. The snippets of performance we do glimpse of "Whistle Down the Wind" oddly do not feature Pradon, instead highlighting the young female lead. Possibly it may have proved too difficult or costly to obtain permission to use as much performance footage as originally intended. But there are scant clips of nearly all of the interview subjects' musicals, including Clark (a stage performer since childhood) and Jerry Herman. The composer of such classics as "Hello, Dolly!" and "Mame" discusses both those legendary successes in his interview. Hearing from various producer and choreographer types involved with a musical called "La Cava" has the distinct feeling of being some sort of favor for the opportunity to showcase performance snippets of their large-scale show.

"West End Story" is nothing if not well-intentioned. Actors and showbiz aficionados should enjoy it (especially "Miss Saigon" actor Simon Bowman's story of being approached by several Vietnam War veterans). The problem is, it feels more like a primer your high school drama teacher might have shown to warn theater hopefuls of the perils of the London and Broadway stage. The film simply wants to cover too much: a middle-aged composer who has spent 25 years trying to launch his dream musical or a talent agent and a casting director who detail the harsh realities of the business. Had it been pared down, more tightly written -- and fact-checked -- and opted to concentrate solely on the actors' lives, it might have richly deserved its own ovation.

WEST END STORY

Lynmar Prods. and PM Films

Credits:

Director-screenwriter-narrator: Paul Cross

Producers: Paul Cross, Marianne Quinn

Executive producer: Linda Steinhoff

Editors: Bryon Jost, Steve Wellington

Running time -- 101 minutes

No MPAA rating...