INTERVIEW: Jordan Shaw, currently playing Enjolras in the West End production of Les Misérables

Jordan is currently playing the iconic role of Enjolras in the West End production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, recently its been announced he will be staying on with the show in the upcoming cast change. 

 

Jordan has appeared in many productions throughout his career, including playing Simba in The Lion King (International Tour); Worker in Hadestown (National Theatre); John Bucchino's It's Only Life (Union Theatre); Kevin in the London revival of Follies (National Theatre); Michael in Tick, Tick... Boom! (Park Theatre); Stevie Wonder and understudied/played Marvin Gaye in the Original London cast of Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre); Pouncival in Cats (London Palladium and Blackpool Opera House); the West End revival of Miss Saigon (Prince Edward Theatre) and u/s Charlie, Olen, Andy, Clarence and Dance Captain in The Scottsboro Boys (Young Vic) directed by Susan

Stroman.

Fresh from appearing in one of the world's most loved musicals, Jordan finds some time to chat to us about his career and being part of the world's longest-running musical. 

You’re currently playing the role of Enjolras in the West End production of Les Miserables. How does it feel to be playing such an iconic role and to be flying that red flag every night?

It’s an absolute honour to be a part of Les Miserables. The show has been running for 36 years and there have been so many incredible actors that have been a part of this show, so for me to be playing the role of Enjolras and waving the flag, I never take it for granted. I truly believe this is a masterpiece of a show and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

COMING HOME: Richard Carson, just reopened in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back!

Richard Carson is no stranger to Les Miserables, having been in the show previously at the Sondheim Theatre and in the concert production at the Gielgud theatre. He has played Combeferre whilst also covering the role of Javert and will return to the show in its West End home once again in the reopening. The concert production returned on the 20th May 2021 with an all-star cast, Richard included. 

A truly well-seasoned performer, Richard has had the pleasure of being in a wide variety of shows across his career; from classics like Oklahoma for the BBC at the Royal Albert Hall, the lead role of Sky in Guys and Dolls for the Mill at Sonning and the recent London Palladium revival production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to modern musical staples like covering Fiyero in Wicked on tour, playing Sky in Mamma Mia and even covering Chris in the revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. With this crazily impressive CV, he tells us of the importance of really relishing in each and every single moment; “the key will be to savour each moment that little bit more. Go out, see the world, see friends and family, and enjoy yourself.” A tip I think we all can learn from. This past year has been hard-hitting and we could all do with treasuring each moment we have a little bit more. 

COMING HOME: Holly-Anne Hull, in Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre and soon to be playing Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical theatre staple in the theatre industry, with a run of almost 35 years in the West End and over 33 years on Broadway, the show has certainly made its mark as a legendary piece of theatre and a must-see for everyone around the world. The lead roles have become iconic with huge stars across the globe snapping up the chance to play them. Christine Daaé is probably one of the most famous musical theatre soprano roles in history; with stars such as Sarah Brightman and Sierra Boggess having the role on their CV (amongst so many other fantastic actresses). The next to follow in their footsteps is Holly-Anne Hull. 

The West End production of The Phantom of the Opera has recently announced that Lucy St Louis will be playing the role of Christine when it reopens on the 27th July 2021, a huge mark in the history timeline for the show as she will be the first black actress to play the role. An important step forward for diversity and inclusion in our industry. Following her short run on the UK touring production, Holly-Anne will move her way over to Her Majesty's Theatre as the alternate Christine alongside Lucy.