Hayden Tee dreamed about starring in Les Miserables from a young age and now that he has landed the role of Inspector Javert in a Melbourne production of the Victor Hugo musical that dream has been realised.
Tee, originally from Maungaturoto, started his theatre career in productions of the Otamatea Repertory Theatre and Northland Youth Theatre.
He received vocal training from Joan Kennaway of Opera North from a young age and, at 18, was admitted to the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.
Then the bright lights of New York City beckoned and Tee has been based in the US since 2010.
His mother, Debbie Brooks, of Waipu, is thrilled with his Les Mis role, especially as it means he will be closer to home during rehearsals as well as when the show is being staged.