Dream comes true for theatre star

Hayden Tee

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.

"He auditioned in March and rehearsals start in May. We will definitely be going over to see him," she said.

Mrs Brooks said Tee was not the only one in the family keen on music and the stage.

A brother and sister take voice lessons while his youngest brother is starting in the Otamatea Repertory Theatre.

"[Hayden] definitely got a taste for theatre here for sure," Mrs Brooks said.

This isn't his first role in Les Miserables, in 2005/2006 he played Marius in the West End, London.

He has starred in several big productions overseas including King Arthur, Being Earnest in the US, Cats in London and many other shows in Australia.

This latest edition of Les Mis, directed by Cameron Mackintosh, will open in June 2014.