Interview: Les Miserables touring cast member Megan Gardiner
Interview by Anne Mackie
It’s Anything but
‘Miserable’ for Megan Gardiner…
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know that
Cameron Mackintosh’s incredible ‘Les Miserables’ has embarked on a huge UK and
Ireland Tour; opening at the Leicester Curve in December 2018. As the company
settle into their third venue, the current production has played to numerous sold
out theatres, smashing a consistent stream of five star reviews. At it’s most
recent ‘pitstop’ in Edinburgh, Backstagepass.biz caught up with local star Megan Gardiner who is in the ensemble of the smash hit production. We asked her
all the ins and outs of life on the road in the world’s’ longest running musical!
Thank you for
catching up with us, Megan! And congratulations on landing such an iconic
contract! Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into Musical
Theatre?
Thank you! It’s been
incredible so far – I feel so privileged to call this a job as it really is the
dream show for any actor. I’ve always loved musical theatre so it was no
surprise to anyone that I wanted to pursue a vocational course in it when I
left school. I went to the MGA Academy of Performing Arts here in Edinburgh and
was a student there for three years, graduating in 2017. I was lucky enough to
secure an agent after Showcase and it all took off from there. Prior to Les
Miserables, I was fortunate enough to be in The Wizard of Oz at Cork Opera
House where I covered the role of Dorothy, so I really have been incredibly
lucky. I pinch myself every day as it’s a tough industry and I feel very
blessed to be in the position I am!
This is the third
stop on the tour having already played Leicester and Dublin. How has it all
been going so far?
The first three venues
have been a blast so far! It’s allowed us to properly get to know the show and
create a routine. As an ensemble, we play multiple roles within the narrative
so it’s been a joy to explore such different sides of each individual
character. I am also second cover Cosette which is a wonderful responsibility
to have in this gem of a production!
Go on, tell us.
What’s the best thing about being ‘on the road’?
The best thing about
being ‘on the road’ would have to be the family vibe that we have created
within the cast. We have established life-long friendships and are incredibly supportive
of one another. To share the experience of being in such an iconic show is a
dream.
How does the current
touring revival differ from the West End counterpart?
The touring production
is the Broadway version of the show so it’s very different from the spectacle
in the West End. For starters, we don’t have the revolve that the West End
production does! That said, the Broadway adaption has additional features
including the gorgeous projections and other such imagery so it really is a
revamped production for the 21st Century.
We know you won’t be
able to give too much away, but give us a feel for the audition process!
Hahaha! The audition
process was quite long - I had about 5 rounds in total but each recall was even
more exciting than the last. Our initial audition required us to sing a piece
of our own choosing so I sang ‘Home’ from Maury Yeston’s Phantom which is a
gorgeous legit soprano number.
Who would you
consider your biggest inspiration in theatre?
I have always looked
up to Kelli O’Harra. She is a phenomenal actress and singer!
What’s your favourite
moment in the show?
It would have to be
the wedding scene! We get to come on in bright colours and play completely
different characters to the rest of the show. Plus, I love a waltz!
Do you have any
theatre superstitions or rituals?
I don’t have any
superstitions per say but a regular ritual would be having a good laugh with my
ensemble girlies in the dressing room before we go on! 😂
Other than Edinburgh,
what tour venue are you most looking forward to and why?
Edinburgh is
incredible as I’m on home soil and I love being able to bring this wonderful
production to my friends and family. However, I am also really excited for
Newcastle! We are there for 8 weeks and it’s my birthday during the run so there
will be much to celebrate!
You mention Les Mis
being a dream show. What are your other dream roles?
My top 3 would have to
be Clara in The Light in the Piazza, Christine Phantom of the Opera and
Francesca in Bridges of Madison County (when I’m much older, obviously!)
And finally, what
would your advice be to our readers who are aspiring to follow in your
footsteps?
My advice would be to
NEVER give up. The year you give up could be your year. If you feel so strongly
about your dream, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t or shouldn’t. Focus on
where you want to be and don’t ever let that go!
There you have it – top advice from a local star! Backstagepass.biz
are hugely grateful to Megan for giving us her time in between shows and wish
her all the best as the tour continues.
Remember to catch Megan and the cast of Les Miserables at
the Edinburgh Festival Theatre until Saturday 16th February 2019. If
you missed your chance to secure the hottest ticket in town, the production
will next play at the Manchester Palace Theatre – we suggest you beg, borrow or
steal a ticket! You don’t want to miss this theatrical phenomenon!
