ALICIA BOTHAM was only seven years old when she first saw a production of the classic stage musical Les Miserables. Warners Bay-based Botham stars as Eponine in THE NEWCASTLE DRAMATIC ART CLUB'S new production of the play and she said landing a role in the show was a dream come true.
``I think that was my first musical,'' Botham said.
``Normie Rowe and Debbie Byrnes starred in the production and ever since them I've wanted to do Les Mis.'' Botham landed the role after auditioning in March this year and has been busy rehearsing for the production while juggling university studies and looking after her young son Jackson.
Les Miserables is the third theatre production Botham has starred in following small roles in Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease. Her theatre career has just started to ripen but Botham is an experienced musician, having performed as a member of the Waratah Girls Choir for more than 12 years.
``I never ever dreamt of landing a main role so it's a life-long dream come true I guess,'' Botham said.
``I've never had an acting lesson in my life. I really have learned everything from being in a choir and performing in my first couple of plays.'' Les Miserable , based on VICTOR HUGO'S classic novel of the same name, has been performed by 56 different professional companies, been played to 51 thmillion people and has won 50 theatre awards.
It holds the record as the longest- running show in London's West End and will be presented at CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE this month with a top-line cast from across the Newcastle and Hunter Region.
The production is directed by CAROLYN LIND, who directed the Conda award-winning 2002 production of Jesus Christ Superstar , as well as Godspell and Oklahoma .
Les Miserables opens tomorrow at Civic Theatre.
Bookings can be made by calling the venue on 4929 th1977.
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