0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
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.
0:00:32 > 0:00:33- As part of the Centre's...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..and the Cardiff Urdd camp's - 10th birthday...
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- ..the show is being staged.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- This is a chronicle of the journey - from first audition to final note...
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- ..including the support - of Sir Cameron Mackintosh...
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- ..to provide a stage for Wales' - most exciting young talent.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- With the opening performance - approaching...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- ..the theatre is a hive of activity - as the set is constructed.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- In the rehearsal room...
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- ..the cast are learning new music - for the wedding scene.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26- Cefin is confident the cast - can rise to the challenge.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- And the winner!
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- The experience of working with - Cefin Roberts has been incredible.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- He's a professional.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- He doesn't copy - what's going on in the West End.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- He has a different vision - for the show.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- That's good for us, presenting - the show in a different way.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- The music tells us, "God!"
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- When he says, "Get off the street," - you go!
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- You can see on their faces if - they're listening and understanding.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- I know they'll go - the extra mile every time.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- I then read the novel myself...
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- ..to learn and understand more - about the original vision.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- They understand every aspect - of the show by now.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- They convey the sadness. I've told - them it's a show about the poor.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- I like the way Cefin directs.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- He's read the books, - he's watched the shows.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- He has his own ideas about things.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- When I was young, I'd sing to Mam.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Mam would be trying to wash me - in the bath and I would sing.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- She would listen to me and think, - "There's a voice in there...
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- "..should I do something?"
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- There was an advert in the paper - when I was nine years old.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- "Audition now, - White Christmas in the WMC."
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- It was an incredible experience.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- The experience inspired Jodi - to sing in numerous shows.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- She then auditioned - for Britain's Got Talent...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..where she reached the live finals.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- When I was young, - Mam and Dad weren't sure...
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- ..if this was the career for me.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- It's so competitive but I - don't think they have a choice!
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- I sing in the bath, the shower, - upstairs, when I'm home from school.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Mam now thinks, "OK, we have no - choice, we just have to let her go."
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- # Here we are as on olden days
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- # Happy golden days
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- # Of yore
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- # Faithful friends - who are dear to us
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- # Gather near to us once more #
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- You do remember.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Working with Cefin - has been a great experience.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- He lets us do what we think - is right for the character.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- I really like that.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- # Eponine, who was that girl?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- # That's bourgeoisie - two-a-penny thing #
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- Eponine is a difficult part to play. - There are many layers to her life.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- She has such strong emotions.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- She's like a tomboy - but she wants Marius to love her.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- She wants to be more girly.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- There's a difficult part in - A Little Fall of Rain.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- Marius and I must react - and he has to hold me.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- I have trust issues.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- It took me a long time - to trust him...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- ..to flip me and catch me as I fall.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- I'm dying - but I just want to trust him.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- I think we've got it down - to a tee now. It'll be OK.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- My main concern is forgetting - my lines.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- I hope that doesn't happen.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- We've helped each other - to learn them.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Eponine has a lot of lines - and the beginning of On My Own.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- # Now I'm all along again, - nowhere to turn, no-one to go to #
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- It's been difficult. I hope - it goes well, fingers crossed.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- It's time for the cast to see - the set for the first time.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Walking into the theatre - and it's so huge.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- Looking at the set, - it's so authentic and fantastic.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- It takes your breath away.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- The set is incredible, it's so big.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- I've only seen the stage - from the auditorium.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- Walking on to a revolving - stage is also a new experience...
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- ..for some.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Quite a challenge.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- I'm going to fall!
0:06:08 > 0:06:09- Next.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- I'm on the ground, in the air, - everywhere at the same time.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Playing the character - is so physical.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- It's very tiring.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Dafydd has to punch me in the face - during that scene.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- We've practised that!
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- # Not so loud, here's for you
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- # God forgive us... #
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- I hope he doesn't connect on stage!
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Osian and Gareth also fight.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- They take professional advice - on the best technique to use.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- It's been really difficult.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- My muscles are aching.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- I'm jumping from one place - to another.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26- Keep your legs bent.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- That's better actually.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- I'm in almost every scene, - I'm always singing.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- My priority is to look after - my voice.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- Lovin' it.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Relaxing, having a great time.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- I'm Gwen Edwards. I'm 18 years old.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53- Nain texted me first to tell me - about the Les Mis auditions.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- She cut the advert - out of the newspaper.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- My friend tagged me on Facebook.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- I thought I'd give it a go.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Please welcome Mr Cefin Roberts.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- When Cefin turned up - to tell me I had the part...
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- ..it was the same day - as my drama exam.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- I was thinking, "Why are the - TV people filming a drama exam?"
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- Then I saw Cefin - and thought, "Oh, gosh."
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- I went into a panic zone.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- "Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, - we're about to find out."
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- "You're in the chorus, you've had - this part," and I was at the end.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- I was sitting there shaking.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Gwen, we want you to play Fantine.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- Oh, my gosh, - I was really, really happy.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- Everyone was like, "Oh, my gosh, - Gwen, you've got the part."
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- I didn't know what to do.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- It was such a massive buzz.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Then I burst out crying - in front of everyone.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- It was so embarrassing.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- We couldn't tell anyone but - I wanted to phone Mam, Dad, Nain...
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- ..I wanted to tell all my teachers.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- We weren't allowed - to tell anyone until seven.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- "Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, OK."
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- Gwen's never had enough confidence - to take that step forward.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- We always told her - she had a special voice...
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- ..but she didn't know - what she wanted to do next.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Very little self-confidence.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- We know she can do it but she's - always stayed in the shadows.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- The opportunity Les Mis has given - her has helped her take that step.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- It's given me a major boost.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- It's made me think again - about what I want to do.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- I want to go to university.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Gwen didn't want to go - to university.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- She wanted to leave the Sixth Form - to look for work.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Luckily, this email - about Les Mis came through...
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- ..telling us about the performance - down in Cardiff.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- "OK, I'll try, but I won't - get a part," she replied.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19- Because I got the part, - it made me realise I can do it.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- She's in Cardiff now, - enjoying every minute of it.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- She hasn't asked about us or said - she wants to come home. That's good!
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- They've made so many friends - from across the country.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- We hear names - we've never heard before.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- The phone rings, - she receives a text.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- "It's so-and-so." "Who's that?" - "Oh, she lives in South Wales."
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- In the future, - with a little bit of luck...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- ..I will perform in the West End...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- ..with my name up - on the giant posters.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Next to the name Fantine!
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- As the opening night approaches...
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- ..and rehearsals continue - morning, noon and night...
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- ..how are the voices holding up?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- A few days ago, it was iffy - but it's coming back now.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21- Honey and lemon...
0:11:21 > 0:11:22- Honey and lemon...- - And plenty of sleep.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- There's not much of a voice left.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- I'm on antibiotics.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Fingers crossed but I hope I'm OK.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35- Get my sidies on!
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- 15-minute call, 15 minutes.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Show time.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Flowers everywhere.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Greetings, cast. Backstage, please. - Cast to backstage area.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- To all the cast - and creative team of Les Mis...
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- ..at the Wales Millennium Centre, - good luck.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- They've all signed it, from London.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Give it everything you've got - and you can't do anymore.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Then you'll enjoy yourselves. - See you in the bar later!
0:12:34 > 0:12:34- .
0:12:38 > 0:12:38- Subtitles
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- # Now Prisoner 24601. - Your time is up
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- # And your parole's begun. - You know what that means?
0:12:54 > 0:12:55- # Yes. It means I'm free.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58- # No!
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- # It means you get - your yellow ticket-of-leave
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- # I stole a loaf of bread
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- # I opened a small window #
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- # Waiting for the customers - who only come at night
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- # Bargain prices - up against the wall #
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- I'm a little bit nervous - but I think I'll be OK.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- I know some of the people - in the audience...
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- ..but I can't see them in the dark.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- # Take my hand
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- # The night grows ever colder
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- # Then I will keep you warm
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- # Take my child
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- # I give her to your keeping
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- # Take shelter from the storm
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- # For God's sake
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- # Please stay still
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- # And tell Cosette I love her
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- # And I'll see her when I awake #
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- You have to think all the time - when you're on stage.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Technical things, - are the lights coming on?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- You remember your lines - on top of that.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- There's a lot to remember but I want - to know what the audience thinks.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- I can't wait to go on.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- # Master of the house
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- # Keeper of the zoo
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- # Ready to relieve them - of a sou or two
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- # Watering the wine, - making up the weight
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- # Picking up their knick-knacks - when they can't see straight
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- # Everybody loves a landlord #
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Erin Rossington, - Madame Thenardier, amazing.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- I can't wait to perform with her - on stage in front of an audience.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- # Master of the house
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- # Isn't worth my spit
0:14:49 > 0:14:50- # Comforter, philosopher
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- # And lifelong sh*t
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- # Cunning little brain, - regular Voltaire
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- # Thinks he's quite a lover - but there's not much there #
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- After this experience, I'm still - not sure what I want to do.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- It's definitely opened the door - to performing.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- I still enjoy farming just as much.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- # And mine's Cosette
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- # Cosette, I don't know what to say
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- # Then make no sound #
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- I like her character. She brings - an element of happiness to the show.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- The high notes come at the end - of two particular songs.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- One is a tone and a half - higher than the other.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- The first one poses no problems...
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- ..and the other one, they're - two notes close to each other...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..but I have to work harder.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- It's just a matter of practising - and going for it.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- When they're there, - they'll come out.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- # This is my school, my high society
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- # Here in the slums of St Michel
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- # We live on the crumbs - of humble piety
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- # Tough on the teeth - but what the hell
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- # Think you're poor? - Think you're free?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- # Follow me, follow me! #
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- # Do you hear the people sing
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- # Singing the song of angry men
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- # Is it the music of the people
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- # Who will not be slaves again?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- # When the beating of your heart
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- # Echoes the beating of the drum
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- # There is a life about to start
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- # When tomorrow comes #
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I'm looking forward - to putting my stamp on a role...
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- ..that's famous the world over.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- # He is young
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- # He's afraid
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- # Let him rest
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- # Heaven blessed
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- # Bring him home
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- # Bring him home
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- # Bring him home #
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- The process of casting - was so interesting...
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- ..but I'm especially pleased - with the choices I made.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- I really think I made the right - choices and I'm proud of them.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Sharing one part - has been an education for me.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- # Took the letter like you said
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- # I met her father at the door
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- # He said he would give it
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- # I don't think - I can stand any more
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- I don't regret it at all.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- I get a different thrill - listening to both interpretations.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- # Don't you fret
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- # M'sieur Marius
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- # I don't feel any pain
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- # A little fall of rain
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- # Can hardly hurt me now
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- # You're here, - that's all I need to know
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- In the auditions, there was - someone I got on well with...
0:18:42 > 0:18:43- ..and it was Lois.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- It was such a weird coincidence.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- When we rehearsed, it was so easy - because she's so lovely.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- She portrays the character - so differently to me.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- There are no problems - and we've been very lucky.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- # Don't you fret
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- # M'sieur Marius
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- # I don't feel any pain
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- # A little fall of rain
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- # Can hardly hurt me now
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- # You're here
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- # That's all I need to know #
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- The experience of playing Eponine - confirmed to me what I want to do.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- I'm auditioning - for ArtsEd next month...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- ..a musical show school in London.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- When I first saw the show, - I didn't understand it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- I watched it three times...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- ..to appreciate the enormity - of Valjean's journey.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- My vision was to show him - starting from a very dark place.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- I wanted to lead him - towards the light.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- I feel that there is light, - happiness and celebration.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- I wanted to make that more obvious - for youth theatre.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05- # Beggar the feast
0:20:06 > 0:20:07- # Master of the dance
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- # Life is easy pickings - if you grab your chance
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- # Everywhere you go
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- # Law-abiding folk
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- # Doing what is decent - but they're mostly broke
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- # Singing to the Lord on Sundays
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- # Praying for the gifts he'll send
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- # But we're the ones who take it
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- # We're the one who make it - in the end
0:20:27 > 0:20:28- # Watch the buggers dance
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- # Watch them till they drop
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- # Keep your wits about you - and you stand on top
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- # Masters of the land, - always get our share
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- # Clean away the barricades - and we're still there #
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- Doing Les Mis has made me - want to be an actor even more.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44- # When we're rich as Croesus
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- # Jesus, - won't we see you all in hell #
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- My vision has been realised.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- The great success for me is seeing - the response of the youngsters.
0:20:58 > 0:21:04- They enjoyed the journey and to me, - that makes it a great success.
0:21:12 > 0:21:22- # One day more #
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- I've seen it performed - in Manchester and London.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- This is the best performance - I've ever seen.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Incredible. Everything was perfect. - The crowd were superb.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- A bizarre, amazing experience.
0:21:41 > 0:21:47- The scale was amazing. The accuracy - of the singing was just beautiful.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Unbelievable, thank you very much.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- It was absolutely phenomenal.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Cameron Mackintosh should - get that done somewhere big time.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Very emotional. Everyone's crying, - everyone's embracing.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- It's been a great show, - everything was OK...
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- ..no-one fell, - no-one's injured, it's great!
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- The boys' voices were incredible. - They had amazing tenor voices.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Pity I can't swear!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- No, it was excellent, - really excellent.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- It was absolutely amazing.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23- A first night to remember.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- You could have closed your eyes - and believed...
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- ..you were in a West End theatre.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- The atmosphere at the end - was unforgettable.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- It was incredible, - I want to do it again!
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- I have seen this show many times.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- I thought this was - spectacularly good.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- I really do.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- I've cried my eyes out.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- I'm so emotional.
0:22:52 > 0:22:58- It's coming to an end after being - like one large family for so long.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59- Fab!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- We need more of this.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Professional shows - are staged here...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- ..but we have so much talent - in Wales.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- It's a great opportunity - for our youngsters.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- Let's give them more opportunities - to perform here.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- It's a fantastic venue.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- # One more dawn
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- # One more day
0:23:23 > 0:23:38- # One day more #
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:45 > 0:23:45- .