Who Played Eponine in the Original London Cast?

By Michael Ferguson

Eponine is one of the most beloved characters in the musical Les Miserables. She is the daughter of the Thenardiers and has an unrequited love for Marius. The role has been played by numerous actresses over the years, but who played Eponine in the original London cast?

Frances Ruffelle

Frances Ruffelle was the first actress to play Eponine in the original London cast of Les Miserables. She was just 19 years old at the time and had never appeared in a West End show before.

Early Life and Career

Frances Ruffelle was born in London on August 29, 1965. Her mother Sylvia Young was a well-known theatre school founder and her father John Ruffelle was a stage manager. Frances grew up surrounded by theatre and had a passion for performing from an early age.

Frances started her career as a dancer, appearing in various productions including Cats and Starlight Express. However, it wasn’t until she auditioned for Les Miserables that she got her big break.

The Role of Eponine

Frances Ruffelle’s portrayal of Eponine was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. She brought a vulnerability to the character that made her relatable and sympathetic.

One of Frances’ most memorable moments in the show was her performance of “On My Own”. The song is a heartbreaking ballad where Eponine expresses her love for Marius even though she knows he will never love her back. Frances’ performance of this song became iconic and is still remembered today as one of the highlights of Les Miserables.

Other Work

After leaving Les Miserables, Frances continued to work as an actress and singer. She appeared in various West End productions including Starlight Express, Children of Eden, and Chicago. She also released several albums and singles, including a cover of “Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free)” which reached number 16 in the UK charts.

Awards

Frances Ruffelle’s performance as Eponine earned her numerous awards and nominations. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1985 and the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 1987.

Legacy

Frances Ruffelle’s portrayal of Eponine has become legendary. Her performance of “On My Own” is still considered one of the greatest moments in musical theatre history. She paved the way for future actresses to take on the role and has inspired countless performers with her talent and dedication.

Conclusion

Frances Ruffelle was the original Eponine in Les Miserables’ London production, and her performance is still remembered today as one of the greatest in musical theatre history. Her portrayal of Eponine brought a vulnerability to the character that made her relatable and sympathetic, earning her numerous awards and nominations. Frances Ruffelle’s legacy continues to inspire performers around the world to this day.