Navan teen takes top role in 'Les Mis' at The Helix

Navan teenager Andrew Gavin is set to light up the stage this September as he takes on the coveted role of Jean Valjean with Real Theatre Company's production of 'Les Miserables' schools edition, which will play from 7th until 11th September in The Helix, DCU, Dublin. Given that this role is a common dream role for many actors, it surely says something about the talent of the young 19-year-old that he is taking on this iconic role for the second time - having already played Valjean several years ago with his school. Those intending on seeing the performance at The Helix in September will not be let down by Gavin's talent. Already he has performed with the Celtic Tenors in concert and for President Mary McAleese by request, and currently trains with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. "At the moment, performing is more about the enjoyment than as a career. I have just finished my Leaving Certificate at St Patrick's in Navan, and I want to experience college life and get a degree before I make any decisions about performing professionally. Valjean is my all-time favourite role and I'm so grateful to Real Theatre Co for giving me the opportunity to play him all over again, this time on a grander scale in The Helix," said Andrew. Another Meath teen, Colin Flynn from Trim, will also be starring in the production in the comedic role of Thernandier. Colin has just finished his Leaving Cert and, despite his tender age of 18, has appeared in many local musical productions and hopes to pursue acting in the future. Both boys won the popular roles after two days of intense auditions at The Helix in May, where 140 auditionees were seen, and 40 lucky cast members were selected to perform in the theatre company's debut production. Real Theatre Company is the result of teenager dreaming. Andrew Linnie and Lucy O'Byrne met each other on the amateur drama circuit, and a mutual love and infatuation with Cameron Mackintosh's smash hit 'Les Miserables' led them to the idea of producing the schools' edition so they could play the iconic roles of Eponine and Enjrolas. They approached Lucy's sister, Rachel, who is in her final year of studying theatre and French in Trinity College, Dublin, to be the director, and the trio added long-term friend Eamonn Crowe to the group as production manager. Taking the first initial from each of their names, the Real Theatre Company was born. Setting their debut show into production, the team visited 22 schools across Dublin to spread the word of the show. Auditions followed, with 140 auditionees being seen over two days in The Helix theatre. Forty outstanding stars of the future were selected and cast in the most exciting youth production to hit Dublin this year, with rehearsals ironically beginning on Bastille Day. 'Les Miserables' schools edition will run in The Helix from 7th to 11th September and tickets are available through The Helix box office on (01) 700 7000.