Interview: Actress Claire Machin on returning to LES MISERABLES in the West End

Les Miserables will welcome new cast members to its West End production later this month including Josh Piterman as Jean Valjean and Lucie Jones as Fantine. We were lucky enough to speak to Claire Machin (Girls the Musical, Memphis - West End) ahead of her return to the iconic role of Madame Thenardier from 27 March.

You've appeared in Les Misérables twice covering Eponine and Madame Thenardier. How does it feel to be returning to the show after so many years, this time playing Madame Thenardier full time?

For me, Les Misérables will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my very first West End show in 1993, so to be revisiting it nearly 30-years on is pretty amazing. My best friend Linzi Hateley and I first came across a cassette tape of Les Misérables when we were teenagers and could not believe our ears - we had it playing on loop all the time! I can’t tell you how excited I was as that young person getting my first West End show and it being Les Misérables. To be returning is both scary and thrilling. I don’t know quite what to expect but I’m equally excited and nervous, and just want to do justice to this piece.

What is it about Les Misérables that has led it to stand the test of time and become so popular around the world do you think?

It's a beautifully crafted piece of work and all of the characters are so well defined, so it has something for everyone. I think Les Misérables really changed what we now know as the modern musical. Beforehand, the majority were the old-fashioned book musicals and then suddenly this piece came along that was sung through and was exciting and daring – the world had not seen the likes of it. 

The show also touches people as it’s emotional and relevant to today. With the current cost-of-living crisis, it resonates with the idea that people want an uprising of fairness and kindness.  It gives us hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

What do you personally love about Les Misérables and the character of Madame Thenardier?

I’ve dipped my toe in the water of Madame Thenardier and I love her. I love the fact that she’s vile! It’s always really good fun to play the villain. I love her boldness and her brashness - she just says how it is. I’ve had my costume fitting and I can tell you she’s also going to look fabulous!

You've appeared in many classic musicals over the years. How do you find a balance between giving audiences the character they love and bringing your own interpretation to the role?

I approach a character with fresh eyes – seeing who they are, what they are, and what I can bring to it. I rehearse and play, try a bit of this and sprinkle a bit of that, and hope that the character is truthful. I never think I need to give the audience what they love, I aim to serve the piece and give the audience a true representation of the character to the best of my ability. 

You've appeared in such a range of regional and West End venues. What is your favourite theatre that you've had the chance to work at?

This is really hard, I love all the theatres I’ve worked at from under the arches at Charing Cross to the splendours of Drury Lane and the Palladium, and now here at the Sondheim. I think I’m going to enjoy the Sondheim a lot because it’s beautiful and feels intimate. I think I’ll have lots of fun here. I love the theatre – they’re all magical places.

Is there anything you'd still love to do in your career?

Yes, plenty! I would love to play Mama Rose in Gypsy… without blowing my own trumpet, I think I’d be quite good! I would also love to revisit Flowers for Mrs Harris again – it was such a beautiful piece. It really deserves a spot in town!

Why should people come back to see Les Misérables in the West End, or come along to see it for the first time?

It's a cracking show! It’s full of heart, full of passion, it’s sad, rousing, charming, funny, beautiful – come and see it. I was 14-years old when I first saw the production at the Palace Theatre (we came down on the coach) and I was blown away! It will change how you look at musical theatre. It’s a truly wonderful piece of theatre.

Les Miserables is currently booking at London’s Sondheim Theatre until 2 March 2024, with tickets available here.