Local actor scores lead role

Theatre has been a passion of Scot Hall’s since he was a teenager, and now the Cambridge man is living his dream.

He was cast as Inspector Javert for the Hamilton Operatic Society’s production of Les Miserables, which is running until July 8.

‘‘I really want to hold up the mantle for Les Miserables because I know that for so many people, it’s a favourite.

‘‘I’m really stoked to get the role of this character, because he’s some people’s most loved and most hated, and I want to do him proud,’’ said Hall.

He gave up a different contract to audition for Les Miserables, and was relieved when he got the role he was aiming for.

Hall originally wanted to be a Shakespearian actor and when he was 18 he went to London with the New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company.

But the musicals drew him in when he saw hundreds of people - on stage and behind stage - perform a show.

It was in his 20s he started singing seriously. He now teaches at St Peter’s School and gives private singing lessons at his home-based studio.

His next show after Les Miserables is Mary Poppins, playing the role of Mr Banks.

Hamilton Operatic Society chairperson Fiona Bradley said, prior to now, Les Miserables hadn’t been performed in New Zealand for many years due to restricted rights while the movie was in cinemas.

‘‘These have since lifted, and the time has finally come for the Hamilton community and surrounds to see their favourite musical on stage once more,’’ she said.

The show is running at the Clarence St Theatre until July 8.

‘‘We’re anticipating significant attendance. When we did the show in 2001 at the then Founders Theatre we had more than 16,000 people attend,’’ Bradley said.

It was the world’s longest running Broadway musical, had been translated into 22 languages, and had had an estimated viewing of more than 70 million people worldwide.

Kyle Chuen from Auckland was playing lead role Jean Valijean and Canadian-born Kiwi Julia Booth was playing Fantine.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek, with prices ranging from $32.50.