Redmayne warms up for Les Mis

Actor Eddie Redmayne has been training hard to build on his singing skills ahead of filming for Les Miserables this year.

Les Miserables starts filming in March for its release on 7 December 2012 and Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper wants his all-star cast to sing live rather than mime to a soundtrack.

'I'm in hardcore singing lessons,' Redmayne told the BBC at Bafta, 'I was down in Pinewood yesterday doing some tests with Tom and it's all happening.'

Starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe, Les Miserables is the screen adaptation of the hit musical. Based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same title, Jackman plays ex-convict Jean Valijean on the run from policeman Javert after breaking parole. Crowe will play Javert, Hathaway will play the role of factory worker Fantine and Redmayne will play student Marius.

Redmayne said he was attracted to singing live due to the 'spontaneity' of it:

'If you record an album and then make a music video to that album you are restricted by the choices you made. It is months in advance of what you know what your character is actually going to be doing.'

He added: 'So the idea is that the piano will play and we'll sing live, they've tested it all and I think it will be good.'

Redmayne who starred opposite Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn is currently playing Richard II at London's Donmar Warehouse.

On singing the solo Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Redmayne said: 'You have to forget all the versions you've heard and deconstruct the song and try to find your own way through it. We'll have to wait and see whether it works or not.'

Hooper has said the film will contain new compositions that differ from the musical.

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