this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2023
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Musical Theatre

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Killian Donnelly to rejoin Les Misérables in the West End; Josh Piterman to leave unexpectedly (www.whatsonstage.com)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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Killian Donnelly will return to the West End production of Les Misérables. Donnelly, who previously appeared in the show’s older iteration in the West End, will play Jean Valjean at the Sondheim Theatre from Tuesday 31 October 2023 for 15 weeks only. Donnelly also played the role on tour, with other credits including The Phantom of the Opera and Fun Home.

Due to sudden family reasons, Josh Piterman, who is currently playing Valjean, will return home to Australia. His final performances will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Not sure why Josh Piterman is returning to Australia. It can't be something that's super urgent if he's staying on for another nine days. It's a shame, cause I like his Valjean (much more than I liked his Phantom): his is an emotional, compassionate take on the character and I like the slight melodic liberties he takes with the recitative.
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Donnelly will make a fine replacement however. He was a fantastic Valjean cover back in 2010 and I wasn't surprised he got to play the role "for real" both in London and in the UK tour.

London currently has three Valjean understudies: Christopher Jacobsen (Combeferre and long-term Valjean cover/alternate), Brad Barnley (Factory Foreman) and Matthew Dale (swing). Presumably either Jacobsen will take over the lead, or the three actors will share Valjean duties, between the time Piterman departs on the 21st and Donnelly joins on the 31st.