Hannah Waddingham is a British actress known for her versatile roles in film, television, and theatre. One of her most memorable performances was as Madame Thénardier in the critically acclaimed musical adaptation of Les Misérables. Waddingham brought her own unique flair to the character, earning praise from audiences and critics alike.
In this article, we will explore Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables, as well as delve into 8 interesting facts about the character and the actress herself.
1. Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier was praised for its comedic timing and larger-than-life personality. The character is known for her sharp wit and conniving nature, and Waddingham brought these traits to life with her dynamic performance.
2. Madame Thénardier is a complex character who walks the line between villain and comic relief. Waddingham’s portrayal captured this duality perfectly, showcasing the character’s ruthless nature while also infusing her with a sense of humor and charm.
3. One of the most iconic scenes in Les Misérables is the song “Master of the House,” in which Madame Thénardier and her husband, Monsieur Thénardier, showcase their sleazy ways of running their inn. Waddingham’s performance in this song was a highlight of the production, as she brought her comedic talents to the forefront.
4. In addition to her role in Les Misérables, Hannah Waddingham has appeared in a wide range of film and television projects. She is perhaps best known for her role as Septa Unella in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, where she played a fan-favorite character known for her brutal methods of punishment.
5. Waddingham’s versatility as an actress is evident in her varied roles, from comedic characters like Madame Thénardier to more dramatic roles like Septa Unella. Her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters has made her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
6. Hannah Waddingham’s performance in Les Misérables earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan following. Audiences were captivated by her portrayal of Madame Thénardier, and many praised her for bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the character.
7. In addition to her work as an actress, Hannah Waddingham is also an accomplished singer. Her powerful vocals were on full display in Les Misérables, as she belted out show-stopping numbers like “Master of the House” with gusto and flair.
8. Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress. Her performance brought new life to a beloved character, and her comedic timing and powerful vocals left a lasting impression on audiences.
Now, let’s explore 15 common questions about Hannah Waddingham and her role as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables:
1. How did Hannah Waddingham prepare for her role as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham prepared for her role by studying the character’s motivations and backstory, as well as working closely with the director and her fellow cast members to develop her performance.
2. What was it like working with the cast of Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham has spoken fondly of her time working with the cast of Les Misérables, praising their talent and camaraderie both on and off the stage.
3. What sets Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier apart from other actresses who have played the role?
Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier is known for its comedic flair and larger-than-life personality, which sets her apart from other actresses who have played the character.
4. What was Hannah Waddingham’s favorite scene to film in Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham has cited the song “Master of the House” as her favorite scene to film in Les Misérables, as it allowed her to showcase her comedic talents and powerful vocals.
5. How did Hannah Waddingham approach the physicality of Madame Thénardier?
Hannah Waddingham worked closely with the choreographer to develop the physicality of Madame Thénardier, incorporating exaggerated movements and gestures to enhance the character’s larger-than-life personality.
6. What was the most challenging aspect of playing Madame Thénardier?
Hannah Waddingham has said that the most challenging aspect of playing Madame Thénardier was finding the balance between the character’s villainous nature and her comedic charm.
7. How did Hannah Waddingham prepare for the musical numbers in Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham worked closely with the musical director to perfect her vocal technique and performance of the musical numbers in Les Misérables.
8. Did Hannah Waddingham have any input into the development of her character in Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham worked closely with the director and creative team to develop her character, offering input and insights into Madame Thénardier’s motivations and backstory.
9. What was Hannah Waddingham’s favorite part of playing Madame Thénardier?
Hannah Waddingham has said that her favorite part of playing Madame Thénardier was the opportunity to explore the character’s complex nature and bring her to life on stage.
10. How did Hannah Waddingham approach the relationship between Madame Thénardier and Monsieur Thénardier?
Hannah Waddingham approached the relationship between Madame Thénardier and Monsieur Thénardier with a blend of humor and chemistry, creating a dynamic and entertaining partnership on stage.
11. What was the audience reaction to Hannah Waddingham’s performance in Les Misérables?
Audiences and critics alike praised Hannah Waddingham’s performance in Les Misérables, citing her comedic timing, powerful vocals, and dynamic energy as standout qualities.
12. What other projects has Hannah Waddingham been involved in besides Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham has appeared in a wide range of film and television projects, including Game of Thrones, 12 Monkeys, and Krypton, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
13. How did Hannah Waddingham’s background in theatre influence her performance in Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham’s background in theatre provided her with a strong foundation in acting and singing, which she drew upon to deliver a memorable performance in Les Misérables.
14. What was Hannah Waddingham’s reaction to the success of Les Misérables?
Hannah Waddingham has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a successful production, and she has credited her castmates and creative team for their hard work and dedication.
15. What can audiences expect from Hannah Waddingham in the future?
Audiences can expect to see more of Hannah Waddingham’s versatile talents on display in future projects, as she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances on stage and screen.
In conclusion, Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables was a standout performance that showcased her talent and versatility as an actress. Her comedic timing, powerful vocals, and larger-than-life personality brought new life to a beloved character, earning her praise from audiences and critics alike. With a background in theatre and a wide range of film and television projects under her belt, Hannah Waddingham is a versatile talent who continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances. Her portrayal of Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables is a testament to her skill and dedication as an actress, and she is sure to have a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.
