Who are the Northern Irish amateurs performing in Les Misérables?

The amateurs are Karl McGuckin, Samuel Moore, and Boyd Rogers.

Where did the Les Misérables 40th anniversary performance take place?

The performance was held at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety Performance.

What project allowed amateurs to perform Les Misérables?

The 'Let The People Sing' project, launched by Cameron Mackintosh, enabled amateur groups to perform Les Misérables.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Amateur Actors Shine on Royal Variety Stage

Amateur Actors Shine on Royal Variety Stage

21 Dec

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Summary

Three Northern Irish amateurs were unexpectedly selected for solo performances.
They performed alongside West End stars at the Royal Albert Hall.
The opportunity arose from the 'Let The People Sing' project marking Les Misérables' anniversary.

Amateur Actors Shine on Royal Variety Stage

Three amateur dramatic performers from Northern Ireland found themselves center stage at the Royal Albert Hall, a stark contrast to their everyday professions. Karl McGuckin, a barrister; Samuel Moore, a university lecturer; and Boyd Rogers, a primary school teacher, were unexpectedly chosen for prominent solo roles in the 40th anniversary celebration of Les Misérables at the Royal Variety Performance. This remarkable opportunity stemmed from Cameron Mackintosh's "Let The People Sing" project, which granted amateur groups performance rights for the iconic musical.

Initially selected for a mass chorus of over 300 participants, McGuckin, Moore, and Rogers were later surprised to learn they would perform solos. McGuckin and Rogers featured in a rendition of "Stars" alongside West End figures like Michael Ball, while Moore sang "Bring Him Home" with other Jean Valjeans. The Belfast production, which concluded in March 2025, served as the launching point for this unexpected professional engagement, marking a significant return to the stage for Moore after a nine-year hiatus.