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Four years ago, Samantha Barks — then just 17 — was an entrant in the West End television star-search program "I'd Do Anything," which sought to cast the lead role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's Drury Lane revival of Oliver! She placed third in the public vote, but is now playing the role, at last, for herself onstage in Mackintosh's new touring production of the show. On Jan. 31, she was dramatically given the news that she had won the role of Eponine in the forthcoming film version of Les Misérables. Playbill caught up with her on tour.

You heard the news at the end of the Jan. 31 performance of Oliver! in Manchester. Was it completely unexpected?
Samantha Barks: I have been auditioning for the last 15 weeks — going in and out, doing camera tests and screen tests. Then at the end of last Tuesday's show, we were taking our bow as usual, and Cameron [Mackintosh] came onstage. We were all wondering what it was about, and though that maybe he was going to give a speech about the Dickens 200th anniversary, but instead he told me I was going to be Eponine in the film! I've watched the video back, and just stood there frozen — it was such a surprise.

You've played Eponine already in the West End and in the 25th anniversary concert at the 02 Arena that was also filmed, so you've made the role your own already. Is your approach going to be different for the film?
SB: I've had a lot of experience with the role, so it is fantastic to be able to now work on another side of it. New things emerge every time you go through it. Especially working with Tom Hooper, who is such a fantastic director, it's good to be bringing out new, fine details. And screen-testing with Eddie Redmayne [who was already cast as Marius for the film] was great: he's so fantastic, and screen testing with someone who was so lovely and made me feel so comfortable really helped. He's had such an amazing year — he's so talented, but also the nicest guy.

Frances Ruffelle, of course, created the role in the original stage production, and I know she tweeted her support when the news was announced.
SB: The first step of the crazy year I had with Les Misérables happened before I even opened in it; I was asked to sing a duet with Frances — we did a duet of "On My Own," which was kind of ironic! I was so honored to be singing with the brilliant original Eponine. Lea Salonga also tweeted me, and to have their support has been mind-blowing.


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