All the best songs from musical theatre
The UK’s critically-acclaimed show Beyond The Barricade, a concert of musical showstoppers, will make its debut in Australia this year, touring to 24 cities from June 1.
Starring past principal performers from Les Misérables in the West End and on UK tour, this two-hour show features favourite songs from the greatest West End and Broadway musicals including Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Evita, Wicked, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King and of course Les Misérables.
Beyond The Barricade has been playing throughout the UK and Europe for 19 years, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria Cunard cruise liners. The show made its debut in Asia in 2015, performing sold-out concerts in Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong, followed by a 21-venue tour of New Zealand in 2016. It will return to New Zealand this year, before touring Australia.
The former cast members of London’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables, include Andy Reiss, who has played numerous male roles including Jean Valjean and Enjolras; David Fawcett, who played Valjean; Katie Leeming who played the role of Eponine; and Poppy Tierney, who played Cosette.
Andy Reiss and David Fawcett met while performing in Les Misérables in the West End and then in Manchester, and in 1996 devised a charity concert comprised of musical hits. Over the next few years the show began to take on a life of its own and in 1999 was renamed Beyond The Barricade with the move to only cast Les Misérables principals..
“Our aim was, and continues to be, to deliver these much-loved songs from the top musicals in a way that captures the feel of the original orchestrations, so the audience feels they are listening to the original performance,” explains co-founder Andy Reiss. “We don’t use backing tracks, so every musical note is played and sung live, giving a dynamic feel to the show.”
Producer and CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, James Cundall, said “I was fortunate enough to see Beyond The Barricade performed a few years ago in the UK and was bowled over by the quality of the performances, and the intimate ambience of the show. Having brought many of the top musicals to Australia over the last two decades, I instantly thought they would be warmly received by Australian audiences. I am delighted to be bringing these four powerhouse voices on tour.”
Tickets On Sale Friday 23 February at 4 pm at BeyondTheBarricade.com.au
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