Napthine – Les Misérables and its legendary producer return to Melbourne

· Les Misérables’ Melbourne production expected to generate $40 million
in economic benefits for Victoria
· Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s hit musicals in Melbourne include Mary Poppins , Cats, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and Miss Saigon
· The Victorian Coalition Government’s investment delivering strong
economic, brand and liveability benefits

Premier Denis Napthine today welcomed legendary producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh back to Melbourne at the dress rehearsal of his latest production of Les Misérables.

“On behalf of the people of Victoria and musical lovers everywhere, I am delighted to formally extend a warm welcome to Sir Cameron,” Dr Napthine said.

Sir Cameron has produced a string of hit musicals with almost 3,300 performances in Melbourne of shows such as Mary Poppins, Cats, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and Miss Saigon.

“Since Les Misérables first appeared on stage in Australia back in 1987 people have been fascinated by the show. Not only has it brought joy to many people, the production has afforded wonderful professional opportunities for our talented local performers. This is truly appreciated,” Dr Napthine said.

The enduring appeal of Les Misérables is translating into strong ticket sales, and hosting this production is set to generate more than $40 million in economic benefits for Victoria, with tens of thousands of tourists expected to visit Melbourne over the coming months.

“Attracting iconic productions like Les Misérables not only reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as a world-class theatre destination, it delivers important benefits to many in the community,” Dr Napthine said.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s investment in hosting theatre shows has delivered strong economic, brand and liveability benefits to the state
including:

· successfully repositioning Melbourne as the host city of choice for
international producers;
· maintaining and strengthening the perception held by Australians that
Melbourne is the leading city for great theatre; and
· building on Melbourne’s competitive advantage as the leading events
city and contributing to the creative brand of Melbourne.

The State Library of Victoria is hosting an exhibition to coincide with this production – Victor Hugo: Les Misérables – From Page to Stage. The exhibition will tell the story of this worldwide phenomenon.

The exhibition feature Hugo’s original manuscript – the first time it has travelled outside of Europe – as well as stage and screen costumes, scripts and memorabilia from Cameron Mackintosh’s extensive archive.

In addition to Les Misérables and the State Library Exhibition, Melbourne has confirmed its credentials as the theatre capital of Australia with productions currently underway at Melbourne heritage theatres including the King and I, the Rocky Horror Show, and Wicked.

Melbourne is also cementing its position as a creative capital with the recent Melbourne-made production of King Kong generating an economic benefit of $104 million.