Gizmo6 said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "Aside from her being mentioned constantly on this board, I have NO clue where this actress came from. Everyone swears she's the next big thing but no one aside from this board knows who the hell she is. Yes, she was in the film adaptation of the musical LES MISERABLES and was in Hollywood Bowl's CHICAGO but aside from seeing her in these 2 things, I still have no idea why everyone toots this girl's horn. No one knows who she is nor cares, really."
She came to prominence in the UK on the BBC One Tv Show 'I'd Do Anything' a search for Nancy for the West End Revival. She didn't win but definitely was the favourite. Webber and McIntosh wanted a young Nancy but the public voted for Jodie Prenger, a fantastic Nancy booming belter voice, voluptuous and great acting chops.
The public wanted a gutsy Nancy. Barks was only 17 and was eliminated in the 10th week reaching the top three."
I like Samantha fine, and thought she, Tveit and Redmayne were by far the best things in the Les Mis movie.
But I completely agreed with the "I'd Do Anything" public. As a prospective Nancy, Prenger was irresistible. When I was watching that show, I marveled that Macintosh and Webber didn't seem to share the public's consensus.