Team Yalla took time out to speak to Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden from the iconic global hit production
Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden, two of the powerhouse performers of Les Misérables, are on a thrilling ride across Europe, delivering the iconic musical to packed theaters.
Their excitement is palpable as they gear up for the next chapter of the tour; Abu Dhabi from 10 to 20 April.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far,” Killian says with a grin.
Their shared enthusiasm for the tour is infectious as they discuss their experiences. “We’ve been all around the UK,” Killian begins, listing cities like Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle.
“But then all around Europe; Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Geneva, Zurich—and it’s been amazing to see how different audiences respond to the show.”
Despite the variation in locations, the actors explain that the scale and energy of the show remain consistent.
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“The way that they’ve directed us and made the show is, we rehearse in London on this huge scale stage, and they basically just pick it up and plug it in,” Killian explains.
“The movements are the exact same. The only thing that changes for us is what we see in front of us on stage, and what we hear in our in-ear monitors. It’s an incredible experience.”
As they gear up for the show’s arrival in Abu Dhabi this April, they mention that no changes are being made to the production for the Middle Eastern audience.
Despite the region’s different cultural values, the show will remain true to its original form. “It’s business as usual,” Killian affirms.
“Les Mis has been running for 40 years, and it’s a global show. It’s the people’s musical. We’ve never edited it, and we’re not going to now.”
The performers assure that audiences in Abu Dhabi will experience the same epic show as in other countries, with no changes or reductions in content.
When asked what Abu Dhabi audiences can expect, Bradley passionately describes Les Misérables as a show filled with powerful themes of hope, passion, and revolution.
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“We always say it’s a story of hope, a story of passion, of despair” Bradley says. “You follow the protagonist, Valjean, but we also dive into all these other characters, like Javert and Fantine.
“It’s three hours of escapism where you can pinpoint yourself in moments of love, torment, despair, desire, and revolution. It speaks to everyone.”
He emphasises that Les Misérables appeals to a broad range of people.
“If you love a rock concert, come. If you love a theater show, come. If you love listening to an orchestra and seeing an amazing lighting display, you’re going to be blown away,” Killian added.
“I think the show reaches people from every walk of life, whether it’s your first time at the theatre or you’re a longtime fan of the musical.”
Beyond the roles they’ve played, both actors speak fondly of the camaraderie they’ve developed with their fellow cast members, especially during the demanding tours. “We’re like a family on the road,” Bradley says.
“There’s over 150 of us, and the ages range from little kids in the cast, to the older members of the ensemble. It’s an incredibly close-knit group. We celebrate birthdays, share advice, and always look out for one another.”
Killian adds that the bond they share makes the grueling schedule a little easier to handle.
“When my voice isn’t feeling the best before a two-show day, I’ll turn to Bradley, and he’ll remind me, ‘You’ve got this.’ It’s that kind of support we give each other backstage.”
The actors also reveal a few fun behind-the-scenes stories, like how they’ve had to adapt during certain moments.
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“I remember asking the costume department if they could make a small adjustment so I could have a drink of water on stage,” Killian recalls.
“Within a day, they had sewn a pocket into my costume with a straw so I could take a little drink. It’s those little things that help us get through the show.”
Bradley shares a similar sentiment, explaining that rituals, like warming up and backstage manifestations, are part of the routine that makes each performance special.
“We have individual warm-ups, but before every show, we gather backstage to do a little manifestation,” he says. “It started as a one-night thing, but now we do it at every venue, and it really gets us ready to bring our best to the audience.”
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As the conversation shifts to their upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi, both actors express their excitement about visiting the city for the first time.
“Some of the cast has already booked desert trips,” Killian shares with a grin. “But for me, I just love getting lost in a new place. There’s so much to see, from the architecture to the food. I can’t wait to experience it all.”
The actors are also keen to see how the Middle Eastern audience responds to the show.
“There’s a lot of great shows coming to the Middle East now,” Bradley says. “I think it’s only going to grow. Les Misérables is going to be a lot of people’s first experience with theater, and I hope it sparks an interest in bringing more musicals to this region.”
Their excitement is evident as they talk about what audiences can expect from Les Misérables in the arena. “This is Les Misérables on an epic scale,” Killian emphasises.
“It’s the same story, the same music, but with a bigger orchestra, larger-than-life visuals, and huge cinema screens that allow you to experience the show like never before. It’s a reinvention of the classic.”
Bradley adds, “People won’t believe what they’re seeing. It’s Les Misérables like they’ve never experienced it before.”
As they wrap up their conversation, both actors express how thrilled they are to share this experience with new audiences in Abu Dhabi.
“We’re just as excited to bring the show to you as we are for you to come and see it,” Bradley says. “It’s a team effort, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve created.”
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