Aughton actress on her dream role in hit Les Miserables stage show

Jan 24 2013 by Tina Miles, Ormskirk Advertiser

Aughton actress on her dream role in hit Les Miserables stage show

AN AUGHTON actress who made her name on the Liverpool stage has told of playing her part in Les Miserables.

Nicky Swift is starring as Madame Thénardier in the hit London show.

The 33-year-old said being cast as first cover for Madame T – a part she has played more than 40 times – was her “dream” job.

She said: “I’ve wanted to be in Les Miserables ever since I first wanted to be in musical theatre. It’s such a moving story. It’s so dark in places but I’ve had more fun in this show than any other.

“The company are fantastic and everyone’s so talented. Les Miserables has been running for 27 years and it’s a show you can’t get a ticket for.

“At the moment there are people standing at the back to watch the show because of the hype surrounding the film’s release, which is nice for us.”

Nicky began her role in the world’s longest running stage musical in June last year.

Last month, she joined the stars of the film version – including Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried – on the red carpet in London’s Leicester Square.

The former Merchant Taylors’ pupil said: “They gave us the night off so we could go to the premiere. That day I played Madame T and my parents came to see it. I had 20 minutes to get all my grotesque make-up off and get ready to walk the red carpet. It was quite surreal because the A-list stars were there.

“I was watching Helena Bonham Carter singing Madame Thénardier’s Master Of The House number just hours after I was doing that scene on stage.”

Nicky, who has appeared in a string of Everyman pantos, won the part following a stint on a cruise ship.

She said: “I’ve been very lucky, my family are incredibly supportive. I’ve performed on the local stage but this is the icing on the cake for them. If you want a career in musical theatre the dream is a part in the West End.”

Nicky was invited back to watch boys and girls from Merchant Taylors’ schools perform in their own production of Les Miserables.

Michaela Riches, director of marketing and development, said: “Nicky took four days off to visit her old school and see the production. We were thrilled she made such an effort and chose to spend her time off from Les Mis London seeing Les Mis Crosby.”