By Mark Shenton
11 Feb 2012

	Samantha Barks, when she was a contestant on BBC's "I'd Do Anything."
	photo courtesy of BBC

Is Eponine a role you always wanted to play?
SB: Yes, Les Misérables is absolutely one of the classics, it's such an epic musical. I always loved the part of Eponine, but it was only when I auditioned and got the part that I realized how much the character meant to me — she really evokes something in me. It's really such an incredible role, and to explore that in the West End, then in the concert and now on film is such an honor. I love that character so much.

Doing it at the 02 Arena was quite a big deal, too, wasn't it?
SB: Yes, and it was announced that I'd be doing it there on my opening night in the West End, so I've been on quite a journey with this character. To perform at the 02 was the biggest thing I've ever done.

But of course you're now playing the role of Nancy in Oliver!, which is what you went after when you took part in the TV show "I'd Do Anything."
SB: To be playing the role I auditioned for when I was 17 is such a joy. I was still at drama school at the time. I think the good part of doing that show when I was 17 is that it was such a hard process to go through, auditioning in front of the nation, that it proved to be a good training for my mind in learning not to take things to heart so much, and not to get too disheartened when you're criticized. It feels like such a long time ago — I was so young — but to do it now onstage is a dream in itself. It's such a fantastic role and with a great cast.

You're still young now!
SB: I'm 21 now, but it's amazing how different my life is now to then. I've been very lucky with the career I've had from then to now! I've learned that I've got to keep level-headed. If you go with every single emotion, it's a rollercoaster. But I've been given so many great opportunities, and I've tried to work as hard as I could in each show so I could keep growing as much as I can as a performer. The day you stop learning and creating must be the most boring day. It's important to be able to keep things fresh, no matter what age you are, or how many years you've been in the industry.

Who are your personal role models?
SB: I've got so many different role models for different things, but I really admire Beyonce — no matter how successful she gets, she still seems to remain this level headed human being. Every time I see an interview with her I think that's the way to be! She's someone I'd love to meet. When I hear her sing, she just blows me away every single time. But when I see her in interview, I fall in love with her — she seems to remain his wonderful human being.

You'll be working with some great people in Les Misérables — Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter. Are you intimated?
SB: I'm so excited! These are people I have so much respect for as actors, the whole cast is phenomenal, and I can't wait to get working with them!

Filming for "Les Misérables," the motion picture, begins in March in London. Mark Shenton is Playbill.com's London news correspondent. Follow his work in our International News section.