Griffith talent joins Les Misérables cast

Billy Bourchier and Sarah Murr have been cast in the award-winning musical, Les Misérables.
Billy Bourchier and Sarah Murr have been cast in the award-winning musical, Les Misérables.

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s Billy Bourchier and Sarah Murr have landed roles in Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of legendary musical, Les Misérables, which opens at QPAC on 10 November.

The duo will join the talented ensemble in the award-winning production and will understudy the principal roles of Marius and Madame Thenardier respectively.

It’s been a stellar year for the triple-threat talents, who are both only 21-years-old, with Billy securing the lead role in The Pirates of Penzance, and Sarah accepting this latest role after a run in Opera Q’s Candide and while still completing her final year of study.

Sarah, whose love for singing started at the age of six, admits that balancing the new role alongside her upcoming graduation will make for a very busy few months.

“I’m just so lucky to be given such an incredible opportunity like this and that the Con is so supportive of me,” she says.

“Despite the hectic schedule I’ll still be able to graduate on time, which is so exciting.

“I can’t wait to perform as part of Les Misérables and to see what the future brings!”

Equally as thrilled with the opportunity, Billy says the news topped off a fantastic first year as a professional performer.

Since graduation in 2014 with the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence, Billy was chosen as a guest soloist in QPAC’s Spirit of Christmas Concert, won First Prize in QPAC’sCompetition Musical Theatre Section and was cast as Fredric in Harvest Rain’s The Pirates Of Penzance, under the direction of Simon Gallaher.

His sights are now set on the touring production of Les Misérables and the opportunities it will bring.

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“To work alongside such an extremely talented cast will be like nothing else,” he says.

“This is not your usual production of Les Misérables, it has been re-imagined and adapted with incredible staging, sets, costumes and designs, so it’s a real spectacle to see.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and one that I want to use to the absolute full to continue to hone my skills and become the very best I can be.”

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, Les Misérables, has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages and is undisputedly one of the most popular musicals of all time.

This new Australian production of Les Misérables has landed the prestigious title of Best Musical at the 2015 Helpmann Awards, along with four other awards including best actor in a musical, best supporting role and best lighting and scenic design.

Les Misérables tickets are on sale now via qpac.com.au or 136 246