Liverpool Empire to Let the People Sing in centenary year

The first amateur production of Les Miserables in the northwest will be staged at the Liverpool Empire next year as part of the theatre’s special centenary programme.

The show, a collaboration between the theatre’s creative learning team, BOST, Stockport’s Romiley Operatic Society and Wrexham-based Tip Top Productions, is part of Cameron Macintosh and Music Theatre International’s special Les Mis 40th anniversary celebrations Let the People Sing! initiative which has opened up the chance for amateur organisations to stage the musical for the first time.

Boublil and Schönberg's iconic, multi-award-winning story will be presented in an original production which will have support and guidance from Les Mis’s West End and international associate teams.

The performances will take place at the Empire from July 3-5, 2025, and will join 10 other amateur productions of Les Mis being staged across the UK over the spring and summer.

Casting for the production will be via open casting calls, and amateur performers can register their interest HERE

Natalie Flynn, the Empire’s senior creative learning manager, says: “This is a new and exciting way of working, celebrating the work of, and raising the profile of, amateur and community-based theatre companies.

 “We’re proud to be co-producers and look forward to welcoming both established and emerging talent to our iconic stage.”

Above: The Empire marks its centenary in 2025. Top: Luke Disley (Tip Top Productions), Laura Steventon (BOST Musicals), James Lacey-Kiggins (Director, BOST Musicals), Mike McCaw – (Romiley Operatic Society), Natalie Flynn (Liverpool Empire Creative Learning), and Keith Blackwell (BOST Musicals). Photo by Brian Roberts.

BOST’s chairman Keith Blackwell adds: “This once in a lifetime opportunity has excited our whole company and we can’t wait to get started.

“We feel incredibly privileged to have been selected by MTI and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd and are delighted to be able to co-produce this production with the fantastic team at the Liverpool Empire. We look forward to collaborating not only with the Empire, but also with our associate societies Tip Top Productions and Romiley Operatic Society.”

And Sir Cameron Mackintosh says: “As we approach the extraordinary landmark of the 40th record-breaking year of the iconic musical’s London run, alongside countless productions around the world, we’re delighted to invite leading amateur companies in the UK to stage, for the first time, the entire show in their own productions.

“This will involve many hundreds of amateur performers around the country, becoming part of our own yearlong celebrations.

“The success of this much-loved musical was famously made by the public - not the early critics - so what better way to enjoy this unprecedented event, than Let the People Sing!”

Les Miserables will be staged at the Liverpool Empire form July 3-5, 2025.