0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
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0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Les Miserables.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- A true phenomenon.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- The longest-running musical - in the West End.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19- A staggeringly successful show, - seen by over 70m people...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..in 22 languages and 43 countries.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- The film version of the show - won three Oscars.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- The first Welsh language version - of Les Mis was performed in 2005...
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- ..as part of the Urdd Eisteddfod - in the Millennium Centre.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- A decade later, - as part of the Centre's...
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- ..and the Cardiff Urdd camp's - 10th birthday...
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- ..the show is being staged - once more.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- This is a chronicle of the journey - from first audition to final note...
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- ..including the support - of Sir Cameron Mackintosh...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- ..to provide a stage for Wales' - most exciting young talent.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- Ysgol Glanaethwy, February 2015.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- A magnet for North Wales' - young, exciting talent...
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- ..who hope to create a favourable - impression on Cefin Roberts.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Ready to go!
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- Let me welcome you - to Ysgol Glanaethwy.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- Casting begins today for Les Mis.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46- Being part of a production like this - will be a huge challenge for us all.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- When you come here...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- ..just stand on your mark.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- It's almost like the X Factor.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55- Just stand here.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- Before the music starts, Cefin wants - to test the auditionees' rhythm.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- I want you to clap - four bars of four.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- One, two, three, go.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17- There was one extra.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- The last bar was five instead - of four. Learn to count!
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Counting with an orchestra is vital.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- This time, take the fourth beat - out of the first two bars.
0:02:30 > 0:02:31- One, two, three, go.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- Ready. One, two, three.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- It wasn't long before stamping and - complex clapping was introduced.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- Good, well done.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Good, well done.- - I was nervous this morning.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- This is my first ever audition.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- It's very important.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- I'm a bit nervous but those nerves - had settled by the end.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- A little!
0:03:11 > 0:03:17- # There, out in the darkness
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- # Scarce to be counted
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- # Fallen from God
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- # With order and light
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- # You are the sentinels
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- # Silent and sure
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- # Till we come face to face
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- # Till we come face to face #
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- While some sang, in a nearby room - Carys Edwards tries to identify...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..the acting talent - of this young group.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Most of them have seen the show.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- They have a good idea of what it is.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- I'm trying to instil in them the - idea that they are poor, they smell.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- For a youngster, that's difficult.
0:04:06 > 0:04:12- I'm auditioning with four people - I've never met before.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- We had to pretend to be in a pub.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- We're drunk and I'm - pretending to be a prostitute...
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- ..trying to attract this man.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- It was so difficult.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- It's so different to who I am - as a person. I had to change.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- As these youngsters - pretend to be drunk...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- ..it's time for the next crew - to sing.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Which attributes - is Cefin searching for?
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- At times, it's a very dark show.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- We're searching for maturity...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- ..and the ability to empathise - with this story...
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- ..on top of being good singers.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- The singing is important - but I want a balance of both.
0:04:56 > 0:05:03- # Tonight, my life is in pieces
0:05:04 > 0:05:11- # Nowhere to turn as darkness falls
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- # Everything I yearn in life - lies at my feet
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- # As the night closes in on me #
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Last night, - Mam checked her email properly.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- There was a link - - if I wanted a part as a character...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- ..I had to learn a song.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Last night was stressful!
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- Lois Glain Postle, On My Own.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- I was on YouTube - trying to learn the song.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- I watched how other singers - sang the song.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- I tried to put myself - in that girl's shoes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51- # Without him
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- # I feel his arms around me
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- # And when I lose my way
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- # I close my eyes
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- # And he has found me #
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- The scope for the chorus - to act in this show is huge.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- There's a darker, deeper level - to this show.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- When you smile, - yes, it's this smile.
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- It's not this smile.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- "Jeez, we're having a great time!
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- "We're having a hard time and - we're smiling through gritted teeth.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32- "Life's hard"
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- # But the tigers come at night
0:06:39 > 0:06:45- # With their voices soft as thunder
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- # As they tear your hope apart
0:06:53 > 0:07:06- # As they turn your dream to shame #
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Today was an amazing day, - a great experience.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- If I had the part, - it would be amazing.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- It'd be the best thing - that's ever happened to me.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- After six busy sessions - in North Wales...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..the search switches to Cardiff - but Rhian is feeling the pressure.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- We've arrived at - the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- After two days, - I'm starting to lose my voice.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- It's a different experience, - different surroundings.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- The auditions and auditionees - are different.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- It's strange - how different locations vary.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- The standard is very high again.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- It's a frightening experience.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- We're whittling it down - to 120 from 250.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- # From the table in the corner
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- # They could see a world reborn
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- # And they rose with voices ringing
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- # And I can hear them now!
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- # The very words that they had sung
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- # Became their last communion
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- # On this lonely barricade
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- # At dawn #
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Carys has found a real bar - in Cardiff!
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- The singing is a lot too nice, - wouldn't you say?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- It's too nice - you should be - spitting out the words.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- I'd love one of the main parts - but if not...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..from today's experience...
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- ..being in the chorus - would be so much fun.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- I've learnt new skills - watching other people work.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- I've brought my own ideas - and we've all worked well together.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- There's a buzz, a lovely atmosphere.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- It would be a privilege - just to be on stage.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- When you think about - all the children we've seen...
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- ..it's killing me!
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- If I hear 'master of the house' - again...
0:09:29 > 0:09:35- When Kevin, Rhian and John come down - to see the ensemble work...
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- ..they notice things they didn't - notice when they were singing.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46- # And I know it's only in my mind
0:09:46 > 0:09:53- # That I'm talking to myself - and not to him
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- # And although I know - that he is blind
0:10:01 > 0:10:08- # Still I say, - there's a way for us #
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- The four of us, as directors, - have marked the auditionees...
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- ..for different aspects.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- Voice and communication.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- At the end of the day, which ones - deserve the prominent parts...
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- ..who joins the chorus...
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- ..and who, unfortunately, - will no longer work with us...
0:10:30 > 0:10:31- ..after this session?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Such a pity, - but that's how it goes.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- I've been turned down - more than once!
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- A month later, the Millennium - Centre is the backdrop...
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- ..in the journey to discover - who will play the main parts.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Today is recall day - for the main parts.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- We have time on the main stage...
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- ..to listen to them perform - at least one of the solos...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..I think is most suitable for them - for the part.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Before singing on stage, an - opportunity to warm up the voices...
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- ..under the guidance - of musical director John Quirk.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21- # How strange, the feeling - that my life's begun at last
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- # The feeling - that my life's begun at last
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Not... # The feeling - that my life's begun at last
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Just act it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:36- # How strange, the feeling - that my life's begun at last
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- # This change, can people - really fall in love so fast? #
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Good. Thank you.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- # So many things unclear
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- # So many things unknown #
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- I wouldn't mind if you just forgot - the words and showed you were happy.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- # Now the love in my life is so near
0:12:05 > 0:12:13- # Find me now, find me here #
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Better.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Show me, - in whichever physical way you can...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- .."I'm so in love."
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- After all the singing, - it's decision time.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- A huge challenge for - Cefin, John, Rhian and Carys.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Helping the team - choose the best cast...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- ..two greats - in the world of musicals.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh...
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- ..and his main casting advisor - Trevor Jackson.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Cardiff has always been - a wonderful place to audition.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- It's in the culture.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- We'll hear their advice to Cefin - and the team after the break.
0:13:18 > 0:13:18- .
0:13:22 > 0:13:22- Subtitles
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Four were recalled - for the part of Marius.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- # There's a grief - that can't be spoken
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- # There's a pain goes on and on
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- # Empty chairs at empty tables
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- # Now my friends are dead and gone
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- # Here they talked of revolution
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- This guy's very good.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Wales never disappoints.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- In this part, it's the only place - in the country you can go and...
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- ..find young leading men.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18- What's extraordinary is the - technique you don't get everywhere.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- They all know how to sing properly.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- Three were hopeful for the - comic part of Madame Thenardier.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- # I used to dream - that I would meet a prince
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- She's got a great look, this one.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- # Have you seen - what's happened since?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- # Master of the house, - master and a half #
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- I like her. I think the other girl - is more naturally comic.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- She's got a good strength - as an actress.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- # Raise it up your master's a**e
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- # Raise it up your master's a**e
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- # Everybody raise a glass - to the master of the house! #
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- The audience will love them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Hey!
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Yes. And she doesn't need - to do sassy acting...
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- ..too much.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Who was the fortunate one...
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- ..recalled for the role - of Madame Thenardier's husband?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- # Master of the house, - quick to catch yer eye
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- # Never wants a passer-by - to pass him by
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- He's a little older Dodger.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26- He's a little older Dodger.- - He's a great character.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- # Nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- # Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh
0:15:31 > 0:15:32- Sorry, guys.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- # But lock up your valises, Jesus! - Won't I skin you to the bone #
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- You might have to get him through - for cheek.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Yeah, I like him.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- 15 years time we'll...
0:15:47 > 0:15:48- 15 years time we'll...- - I'm sure. 10.
0:15:48 > 0:15:54- The part of Jean Valjean - requires a strong voice.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- # What have I done, sweet Jesus, - what have I done?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- # Become a thief in the night, - become a dog on the run #
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- It's a good look.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Yeah, it is.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- It's a good voice but...
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- ..it just needs a bit more rawness.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- It's almost too beautiful for this.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- It's like a younger brother.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- He doesn't look - a Jean Valjean to me.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- He's got the intensity...
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- ..which, you know, I don't know - if the voice is quite low enough...
0:16:29 > 0:16:30- ..for a Javert...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- ..but he's too young for that.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- But maybe, do you think - he's an Enjolras?
0:16:36 > 0:16:42- The two contenders for Eponine - are Lois Glain Postle and Jodi Bird.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- # On my own
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- # Pretending he's beside me
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- She's not doing that poor me thing.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- There's an optimism - about what she does.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- There is.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Also, she's got all the technical - equipment to do it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- # I feel his arms around me
0:17:06 > 0:17:07- # And when I lose my way
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- She's sweet.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10- She's lovely...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- ..but there is something innocent - about her face.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- # And I know
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- You need to keep your eye on her...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..for the future, - if she goes into the business.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- That's better.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- # And not to him
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- # And although #
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Always needs to be - on the front foot, this number.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- She can only escape into her mind.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- They're both obviously - very talented...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- ..but neither one of them goes, - "that's it" to me.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- If you could combine the pair - of them, you'd have an ideal.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- OK then, people...
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- It's time to reveal the news - to the successful auditionees.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- Cefin was glad to be present - as he revealed his choices.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- The first call was a drama lesson - in Ysgol Bodedern.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Please welcome Mr Cefin Roberts.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Emyr, we want you to consider - playing the part of the bishop...
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- ..and be the understudy - for the master of the house.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- Do you accept?
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Gwen, we want you - to play the part of Fantine.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- You were fantastic. Well done.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- While Cefin was busy - in North Wales...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..the author of the Welsh words, - Tudur Dylan...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- ..revealed all in Ysgol Y Strade.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Mr Jones, welcome.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Thank you. Right then.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- Dear Osian, regarding the - Welsh language Les Miserables...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- ..thank you for attending - the recent recall in Cardiff.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Having thought long and hard...
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- ..we would like to offer - you the part of...
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ..of Jean Valjean.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- We look forward to working with you - over the next few months.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Are you serious?
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Excuse me. I have a visitor.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- We're casting Les Miserables - in the Millennium Centre.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- We're here to offer Dafydd - the part of Marius.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- I hope you're brave enough, - on camera, to accept the part.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- If you're not, I'm in trouble.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Please congratulate Dafydd.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- I can't believe this.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- He came in today saying, - "Still haven't heard from them!
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- "They said definitely by Sunday."
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Osian's eager to share the news - with his mother...
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- ..who happens to be a teacher - at the school.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Thank you.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- Excuse me, Mrs Tranmere...
0:20:38 > 0:20:44- ..I have visitors from the Urdd - and the Millennium Centre.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- We hope Dewi will accept - one of the main parts...
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- ..in the show.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Master of the house - - congratulations. Well done.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- I'm speechless. - I didn't expect that at all.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13- Thank you very much.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Hello, Jodi, this is for you. - It's a letter for you.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23- Is this true?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- What is it?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- The role of Eponine in Les Mis.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- Well done, congratulations.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31- Well done, congratulations.- - Oh, my gosh!
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- Lois, we had fantastic auditions - for Eponine.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- After we spoke - to Cameron Mackintosh's office...
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- ..they asked us to consider - two of you for the part.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Jodi Bird, a finalist - in Britain's Got Talent, and you.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- You were so close, we'd like - both of you to share the part...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..performing two nights each.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- You were brilliant.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Hi, Mum, I need to talk to you.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- You know the really big audition - I've just done?
0:22:13 > 0:22:14- For Les Mis.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15- Yes.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- I've just been offered the part - of Eponine.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- I know.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- She's not speaking.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30- Mum?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- It's true, Vanessa, it's true.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- I'm in the middle of a music lesson.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- Quite right, get on with it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Thank you, Mum.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- I love you.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Lois is here, - she wants to talk to you.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Hi, Mam.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Guess what.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- I've been offered the part - of Eponine in Les Mis.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- Yes. I have, straight up.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- They came to the school.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- Yes.
0:23:11 > 0:23:17- I'm performing two nights, - sharing the role with Jodi Bird.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- She's performing two nights.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- I'll talk to you later, OK?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Ta-ra. Love you.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Join us next time - for the rehearsals...
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- ..and to hear about - an unexpected invitation...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- ..to sing at a special celebration - in London.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- # The night that ends at last #
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:24:16 > 0:24:16- .