”It means more for me than most other roles would mean, which is why I’m so conscious of delivering an authentic performance,” he said.

The character is one Tim has wanted to play for about 20 years.

“There are pinnacle roles I’ve wanted to do, one is Jean Valjean, and Phantom being the other one.”

Involved in musical theatre for many years, he describes it as his most demanding and rewarding role ever.

“It requires so much thought and concentration but it’s rewarding to express a lot of feelings I have through the character’s portrayal.

“The main thing is to really embrace the different emotional states.

“Personally in recent times I’ve found a lot of synergy with Jean Valjean’s search for redemption and my own search to make up for errors in my past.”

It’s been a physical challenge too, Tim saying he had to be very aware not to strain in too many areas during rehearsals and save it for the performance.

Tim said Les Misérables is a show about many people and their stories, and which follows closely the journey of Jean Valjean.

The audience first meets Jean Valjean (prisoner 24601) when he’s hit rock bottom.

“He has no opportunities and is not given a fair go. He’s forever branded by a sign stating he’s a former convict.

“He turns to theft and then steals from the only people who have given him a chance.

“That person forgives him and for the rest of his life he’s trying to redeem himself, hindered by the pursuit of police inspector Javert (Rod Illidge).”

One of his favourite, but challenging, scenes is the confrontation between Jean Valjean and Javert. 

“It’s really physical and we’ve spent a lot of time to get it right, and we also have to sing at the same time.”

It’s the first time Tim has been involved in a production of Les Misérables and he’s conscious of bringing his own interpretation to what he describes as a “once in a lifetime” role.

“I don’t want to copy another person and bring my own version, but also not back away from any winning formula. You take the formula and apply your own to it.”

His commitment to the role has been a juggle at times.

“I’m doing this while still trying to raise a large family and my wife studying her teaching degree.”

Tim, from Port Macquarie, has about 30 years of singing and performance experience, although he said he continues to learn every time he does a production.

He was part of the English National Opera from the age of eight, and also sang in a church choir.

“I trained at Italia Conti, earning my Bachelor of Acting in London. I then won a scholarship for a certified course in vocal tuition at the Royal Academy of Music, while doing three years of professional West End theatre, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Michael Ball, Grease and Oliver. I’ve also done some TV and film.”

Family brought Tim to Australia 11 years ago this December.

He appeared as Chris in Taree Arts Council’s production of Miss Saigon in 2011. He’s also done a number of shows with The Players Theatre in Port Macquarie including Little Shop of Horrors and The Boy from Oz. Last year he directed Into The Woods, in which Dave Stephens (Thénardier in Les Misérables) played the Baker.

He said the Les Misérables cast has formed a strong bond.

“I’ve worked in professional casts on the West End and the camaraderie and companionship, when you get eight or nine months straight together, is a very similar closeness within the cast that I honestly haven’t experienced in many years.

“It’s made the experience even more rewarding and that chemistry will translate on the stage.”

Les Misérables is on at the Manning Entertainment Centre from November 2 to 18. Tickets from www.themec.com.au, phone 6592 5466 or at the customer service desk at Stockland Forster.

Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.