Kerry becomes first female to direct Les Misérables
For the first time in its 40-year history, Les Misérables will be performed by amateur theatre companies, and leading the way in this landmark UK premiere is Belfast Operatic Company (BOC). The company takes on the role as the lead producer of Les Misérables: Let the People Sing in Belfast, and working alongside St Agnes’ Choral Society and Ulster Operatic Company they are set to bring this historic production to life at the Grand Opera House from 4th–8th March.
With a cast of 70 and a completely sold-out run, this is BOC’s biggest project in its 65-year history, marking a fitting celebration for the company’s milestone anniversary in Northern Ireland’s amateur theatre scene.
At the helm is Kerry Rodgers, one of only two female directors in the UK selected to direct this first-ever amateur production. We caught up with Kerry to discuss the excitement, the challenges, and the honour of bringing Les Misérables to Belfast for this historic premiere.
What is your background (journey into arts/directing) and do you have a particular title/role with Belfast Operatic at the moment?
I have always loved the theatre, both performing and directing, I graduated with a MA in Making Performance from Edge Hill University, before moving back home to Belfast where I now work as a full time as Creative Arts Manger for the Rainbow project as well as a freelance director for amateur theatre productions.
This is the third project I have worked on with Belfast Operatic Company, and I love working with the team, they have really allowed me to find my voice as a Director and they are open to my more unconventional approach which is amazing! This spring sees my biggest project to date as I am directing the UK Premier of Les Miserables; Let the People Sing.
How were you selected to direct Les Misérables: Let the People Sing? How does that make you feel?
It feels incredible to be selected for what I see as a great honour to be entrusted with Cameron Mackintosh’s baby! I was so nervous submitting the application as it all had to be done in writing and I was worried about not getting my point across, I am more of a talker than a writer! It was only a few days, but it felt like a lifetime waiting for the response and when I got a yes, I was ecstatic, it really helped take away that ‘imposter syndrome’ feeling that I think we all suffer from time to time.
Has he been involved in rehearsals at all? Will he be present to see the show at Belfast’s Grand Opera House?
Cameron Mackintosh has visited rehearsals, I was so nervous, but he was lovely and really supported our ideas, encouraging us to own it. If he comes to see the show, I would much prefer it if I didn’t know until afterwards, I would be so nervous! We also have a great supporter in Chris Key, Artistic Advisor for the UK wide tour, who is on hand for all and any questions, again he has been encouraging but very much allows us to create our own show.
You will be the first female director to lead Les Mis in the UK. Do you feel this is significant in a historically male-dominated space, especially directing such an iconic show of this scale.
It is exciting to be the first female director and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Throughout my training I was surrounded by mostly male directors and while they were incredible and supportive, I would have loved a female director’s perspective. I enjoy being that person to others. It may be a male dominated industry, but I have never once felt I couldn’t do something because I am a female. Girl power is important, and I hope that shows through my version of the production.
It’s been a long-process. Can you tell us about when/how auditions and rehearsals have worked?
While the project is being led by Belfast Operatic Company, they are supported by St Agnes Choral Society and Ulster Theatre Company, this, along with the fact auditions were open to anyone meant we had a massive pool of 500 auditionees to get though. The level of talent was immense, and it took many hours to get our final two casts approved. We now have three rehearsals a week. It is intense but a lot of fun!
What can audiences expect? Is it like the West End show? Is there live music? What is the set like?
It will be very like the West End show. There is a full orchestra in the pit and the set is incredible, one of my passions as a director is seeing the set changes happening on the stage while the performance goes on, the audience gets to see the inner workings of the show as the changes are all done by cast in character.
What advice have you received from industry professionals as part of this process?
Aside from Cameron Mackintosh and Chris Key, we had a visit from Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden who played Valjean and Javert in the arena spectacular – they were incredible, gave us all amazing guidance and were just so inspirational, their voices never jarred with what we said and it was great for the cast to get ideas and thoughts from two experts on how the two roles really evolve and devolved throughout the show.
Did you see the Les Mis Arena tour earlier this year with Alfie Boe and Michael Ball? Was this inspirational?
Yes it was wonderful, I don’t often like to see the show I am working on whilst I am in the throes of it but this was so different and unique – I really loved the concert.
It’s the 40th year of Les Mis and the 65th anniversary of Belfast Operatic Company. What do these milestones means for Northern Ireland’s theatre scene?
The theatre scene in Northern Ireland is incredible, the talent we have in such a small space is unreal and launching this UK tour of such an iconic show really just cements what we can deliver! For Belfast Operatic Company it is an incredible endorsement and an outstanding way to celebrate 65 years of amateur theatre.
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