Waipawa Musical and Dramatic production of Les Misérables returns after 20 years

Waipawa Musical and Dramatic director of the 2026 Les Misérables production, Madeleine Howard (from left), with Matt Oliver, who will play Marius, and Declan Cudd, who will play Jean Valjean, during early rehearsals.

After two decades, the production of Les Misérables is returning to the Waipawa Musical and Dramatic stage, and so are some of the cast who first performed it for the town.

Trained opera singer Declan Cudd, a new face to Central Hawke’s Bay audiences, will play the lead role of Jean Valjean.

He takes on the role after Jon Fletcher played Jean Valjean in the 2006 show.

Fletcher instead is tackling the role of Javert.

The story is a modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel, based in 19th-century France.

It follows Jean Valjean after he is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing but mistrust and mistreatment.

He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life and initiates a lifelong struggle for redemption, relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert.

Rachelle Decker will take to the stage as Fantine, Matt Oliver as Marius, Kelly Mahoney as Cosette and Ellie Rose Harper, 10, as Little Cosette, while Jo Paget will be performing as Eponine and Effie Palfreman, 12, as Young Eponine, Danny Priestley as Monsieur Thenardier, Jules Hales as Madame Thenardier and Brad Seymour as Bishop.

It’s also the first time on the big stage for Nikko Dedicatoria as Enjolras and Hugh Paget, 12, as Gavroche.

Production director Madeleine Howard said her vision was to put the music and the storytelling at the centre of the audience’s theatrical experience.

“This is Les Mis as a living, breathing epic. It has been 20 years since we staged Les Misérables to wide acclaim, so we have big expectations to live up to.

“With the talent we’ve cast and the energy of our very excited community behind us, I am proud to be putting the 2026 storytelling together.”

She said the show had an “almighty reputation” and believed this, coupled with the challenge of telling the story through song, attracted a large audition crowd of over 70 actors.

Howard said all the things poeple loved about Les Misérables, including the key themes of love, forgiveness, bitterness, redemption and grace, would resonate with audiences.

“Les Mis is an iconic show with some really great roles ... and some of the most beloved songs in musical theatre.

“It makes you feel something as a cast member and I think that people really do want to be in great shows that challenge them.”

Musical director Alex Walker said Waipawa always drew big talent for a small town.

“Les Misérables and its iconic roles are often on the bucket list for performers, but this was on another level.

Walker said audiences were “in for a treat” after the record number of auditions.

“I have never seen such tough competition during an audition process at M&D [Waipawa Musical and Dramatic].”

The ensemble includes Annabelle Berry, Asher Campbell, Bella Biggs, Chelsea Andrews, Claire Smith, Conner Vickers, Connor Ching, Eleanor Norris, Eleanor Paget, Elise Barkle, Ellie Harper, Indy Jane, Isabella Raslberg and Jemma-Lee Young, along with Jenny Valentine, Jimmy Tanton, Jodie Parsons, Kiara Watson Hape, Kim Crook, Laura Brun, Lucy Nesbit, Lupin Berry, Megan Adie, Megan Lee, Michael Charlton Jones and Natascha Rodrigues.

They are joined by Paula Draper, Pete Burne, Regan Parsons, Ruby Mae Crook, Suzanne Hoyt, Tami Manihera Breach, Tania Mackay, Tess Stableford and Victoria Logan.

The show opens on August 19 with tickets available from Eventfinda closer to the date.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.