As a seasoned cinephile with decades of theater-going under my belt, I can confidently say that Bonnie Langford’s transformation into a “cockroach person” in Les Misérables is nothing short of captivating. Having witnessed her bubbly portrayals in the past, it’s refreshing to see her tackle such a wicked role with relish.
Few actors would take pleasure in being referred to as a “person resembling a cockroach,” but fortunately for us, Bonnie Langford is among the rare exceptions who does not mind this nickname.
She mentioned that it’s much more entertaining for her to portray a mischievous character, and she finds them quite extraordinary. Using a playful term, she refers to herself and her partner-in-crime Gavin Lee as “tough characters,” likening them to resilient cockroaches that manage to endure no matter the circumstances.
She added: “I’ve been collaborating with the young actresses portraying Cosette, and I frequently need to apologize due to my clumsiness, but it’s surprisingly fun. It’s helping me discover a new aspect of myself.
While everyone else in the cast seems to possess stunningly beautiful voices, I’m fortunate enough to sound less than perfect! It’s quite a liberating feeling.
Given his past roles often featuring more lively characters such as Mel Bush, it was intriguing to see which darker influences might inspire Langford in portraying such a malevolent character.
She replied: “The closest I can liken her to is a character from EastEnders. I find myself embodying the spirit of Peggy Mitchell, who isn’t shy about speaking her mind. Or perhaps I should say my inner Carmel. Carmel was somewhat kinder, but she certainly didn’t hesitate to speak out, and neither do we all sometimes!
Indeed, Langford portrayed the character Carmel Kazemi on the series EastEnders from 2015 to 2018. She was the mother of market trader Kush Kazemi (played by Davood Ghadami), and eventually departed Walford for a new life in Dubai.
Speaking about a potential comeback to the soap earlier in the year, she commented: “Who knows? Carmel has her grandson, Arthur, living with her yet, and has such a rich history and numerous acquaintances. Yet, one can’t be certain, so it’s always best not to rule anything out!
Presently, Langford is relishing her return to the stage. Prior to the tour, she rehearsed her character Madame Thérnardier for a run in London’s West End, performing alongside the main cast at the Sondheim Theatre earlier this year.
She joked that people thought she was familiar with the famous musical since it’s often performed, despite not having been composed when she was younger, which made her feel a bit out of touch as she stepped onto its stage for the first time.
She added: “I’m so glad I did it though, because I am part of that history now.”
Langford also teased that this new tour would be “different to anything that anyone has ever seen”.
She explained: “Essentially, we’re bringing theater to arenas, making the entire experience grand in scope. While you’ll still have the narrative and intimate feel of a traditional theater, the scale is immense.
Approximately 65 individuals will be on stage, accompanied by an impressive stage setup. The lighting and sound effects are promised to be extraordinary, ensuring a truly impactful experience.
When and where can I see Bonnie Langford in Les Misérables?
You can see Bonnie Langford on all the UK dates for the Les Misérables Arena tour, these are:
- 19th – 28th Sep 2024 – Belfast, SSE Arena
- 3rd – 6th Oct 2024 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- 10th – 13th Oct 2024 – Sheffield, Utilita Arena
- 17th – 20th Oct 2024 – Aberdeen, P&J Live
- 26th – 29th Dec 2024 – Manchester, AO Arena
- 2nd – 5th Jan 2025 – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
How to get Les Misérables Arena Spectacular tickets
For more West End news and reviews, here’s our Why Am I So Single? review, Mawaan Rizwan on Rocky Horror and the best West End shows.
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2024-09-18 15:04