Cohen, Crowe to sing live in Les Mis

London - Sacha Baron Cohen will sing live in the new film version of musical Les Miserables.

The actor has been cast as Monsieur Thenardier in Tom Hooper's big screen adaptation of the acclaimed stage show and has been told he will be recording all his singing parts on set.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker wants the movie to be as close to the theatre production as possible and has told Sacha and the rest of the cast, which also features Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe, that they must be prepared to sing live.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Unlike most film musicals, the cast will record their vocals live on camera rather than go into a studio first then mime on film to the pre-recorded vocal.

"It's going to be hard work for Sacha and the rest of the cast.

"First they have to learn the complex songs, then they'll have to get it right on set in front of the other stars and crew."

The movie starts shooting in January and the impressive cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter and Russell Crowe.

Glee actress Lea Michele is vying for the part of Eponine and is reportedly competing with Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson for the role.