Member Since: 11/02/2008
Band Website: jeffleyton.com
Band Members: v ..c
Influences: My Mum was a big influence always sitting me down in front of movie musicals, and entering me for every competition she could. My family, James, Connor, Tomas, Chanelle, my Dad, mum, and sisters who always sang. Mario Lanza, Johnny Mathis and Neil Diamond. My biggest influence is Jesus and his true word, and all great men and women who see, understand and try to live by their words because its in their hearts..... You are whats in your heart'
Sounds Like: Jean Valjean - an emotional journey
Jeff Leyton - Jean Valjean
'Les Misérables' UK Tour, EdinburghOctober 14th 1998 - it was exactly five years ago to the month that I first saw Jeff’s performance in 'Les Misérables', which was in fact my first live experience of the show. When I first saw it in October 1993 - also at the Edinburgh Playhouse - I barely knew the music, or the story - having only ever previously heard the Original London Cast Recording, I completely gave up trying to work out the story! Due to the fact that seeing the show in 1993 was a whole new experience for me, bits are a blur, however, I do remember leaving the theatre in astonishment, not only at the show itself, but at the wonderful performance of Jean Valjean - the man who breaks his parole in order to start his life anew - played by Jeff Leyton. Five years on - back at the Edinburgh Playhouse - I am seeing 'Les Mis' for the fourth time, the third time with Jeff in the lead role.As soon as the chain gang took their positions on stage I tried to spot Jeff. However, sitting in the first circle of Valjean meets little Cosette the 3,074 seat theatre, I had no luck. Then, a few minutes on, Jeff is called to the front of the stage by Javert, and is at the attention of the audience. As soon as Jeff burst into his first line, 'Yes, it means I’m free', I suddenly had déjà vu of the two wonderful performances I had witnessed back in 1993 and 1994. His distinctive voice sounds exactly what I would expect Valjean to sound like: it’s rough at the beginning, which shows the effect of 19 years in prison; and is soft and kind at other times - for example when he promises to care for the dying Fantine’s child; and when he first meets Cosette at the well - which shows clearly the change in Valjean throughout the show.'Valjean’s Soliloquy', Jeff’s first solo in the show, was just amazingly sung. He sings each word with great meaning in order to show Valjean’s thoughts, as well as giving the song feeling, which makes it also very enjoyable to listen to. This is something I also noticed in Jeff’s solo recording, 'The Music of the Night' - he puts emotion and feeling into every single word he sings. 'Bring Him Home', Valjean’s prayer to God, again was sung with great emotion. The final note of this song was held while it just floated around the theatre. It was beautifully sung from start to finish, with the louder moments in the song sending shivers down your spine. Also, Jeff’s trio at the end with Alex Sharpe (Eponine) and Carmen Cusack (Fantine) was magical - the three voices sounded fantastic as they wove together.Anyone who has seen Boublil and Schönberg’s classic musical will know that this is a very emotional show, which brings many tears to your eyes throughout the evening. On Wednesday the most moving moment for me was the scene prior to Marius and Cosette’s wedding, where Valjean realises he is about to lose his adopted daughter, Cosette. The line 'She was never mine to keep' brought tears to my eyes - Jeff developed the character so well you could relate to the pain he was feeling at losing her. Again in the same scene, as Valjean left after his confession to Marius, you could see Valjean’s shame about his past - I felt devastated for him at being forced to disappear completely from Cosette’s life. This scene had to have been the most touching in the show, with Valjean’s death being a close second.Although the performance I saw on October 14th had some truly excellent performers - including Carmen Cusack as Fantine, Alex Sharpe as Eponine, Cameron Blakely and Joanna Mays as the hysterical Thenardiers, and a tremendous, energetic ensemble - the star of the show was definitely Jeff Leyton. He gave the best performance on stage that day. I’ve yet to hear another actor who can surpass Jeff’s Valjean, and would in fact rather see Jeff’s performance than the 'Les Mis' veteran, Colm Wilkinson - the creator of the role. Might I add, for me Jeff looks like the definitive Valjean.Needless to say, I am not alone in my opinion towards Jeff’s performance of Valjean - the audience showed their appreciation through their applause and standing ovation at the end of the show, with Jeff gaining the biggest cheer. Also, I have heard many people who have also seen 'Les Mis' in Edinburgh, and are not exactly 'Les Mis fanatics', praise Jeff and say how they thought him to be the star of the show. This only shows that his Valjean appeals to almost everyone - people who are 'into' the show, as well as those who just go along for a nice night out. I met Jeff after the show, and he was extremely pleasant and friendly towards me, taking the time to chat and sign my CD cover for his solo recording.Now in 1998 - about six years after Jeff first performed the role of Valjean - rather than being bored of the part as some may have expected of playing a role on and off for this length of time, he has mastered it to perfection. I am eagerly awaiting my next visit to Edinburgh, and look forward to experiencing this production once again, and in particular Jeff’s performance for a fourth time - this is a show you can never get tired of, and Jeff certainly won’t let you down!ALISTAIR STEWART
[email protected] by Michael Le Poer Trench, courtesy of Cameron Mackintosh Ltd
Record Label: Linn Records
Type of Label: Indie