AD-Gifted
Les Miserable isn’t the longest running musical in the West End for no reason!! And it’s finally on tour so you don’t need to make the trip to the Big Smoke to enjoy this spectacle.
Victor Hugo is the author who brought the novel into the world in 1862. By 1980 a French musical had premiered and only five years later Cameron Mackintosh created an English language adaptation. And it’s this epic piece that has captivated audiences for over 30 years and counting.
Don’t forget to read my reviews of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and Evita
A revoluntionary story
Jean Valjean is the focus of this story. As a young boy, he stole bread to feed his family and for this, he was thrown in jail for 19 years. We pick up from his release where he escapes parole to better his life. He’s navigating the French Revolution where poverty is rife and young men are fighting for change, all whilst caring for a child and avoiding the relentless pursuit of Police Inspector, Javert. Yeah, he’s not got it easy!
Master of the Musicals
It’s worth knowing there is no dialogue in the show. The lyrics expertly tell you everything you need to know with absolute mastery. It is a heavy storyline that isn’t afraid to focus on the bleakest moments from the Revolution. But there is light amongst the dark with comedic characters and young romance.
No money has been spared on the production with a towering set – the biggest I have seen! A high seas sailing boat, crowded town and life-sized barricade are seamlessly created on stage. The battle at the barricade really was as high octane and dramatic as you would have hoped with flash, bangs and booms that make it very filmic!
And the projection did not overpower any of the action on stage. It truly enhanced the era and mood with the likes of oil painted looking backdrops. Subtle but striking.
A score that soars
Les Mis has possibly the best score of any musical ever? Big statement but I stand by it. And the cast have the hardest job to nail these iconic tunes but make it look like a walk in the park.
Katie Hall as Fantine packed a powerful punch during ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. I felt all her pain in a solo moment that she shined in. Nathania Ong was effortless during ‘On my Own’ and embodied the tom boy role, Eponine.
Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh are hilarious as vulgar thieving peasants Monsieur and Madame Thenardier. They brought a lot of quirks and comedy that injected a different energy to the show, especially in ‘Master of the House’.
Dean Chisnall is exactly who I pictured as Jean Valjean. He brought softness, righteousness and strength as the leading man. ‘Bring Him Home’ was heartbreakingly delicate. Nic Greenshields made for an imposing Javert who physically overshadowed the cast with his frame as well as his impressive performance. Stern, military and intimidating.
Collectively the company are magnifique. They will blow you away with their force.
Les Mis is epic in every way including its run time of 2 hours and 35 minutes (not including the interval). Be ready for a long and draining evening. I was an emotional wreck by the end – I highly advise you pack tissues!
Les Miserable is one of those musicals you must have on your bucket list. It’s a blockbuster that will stay with you long past the curtain drop. Don’t leave it ‘one day more’ to buy your tickets!
Les Mis is playing at The Lowry in Salford until Sat 23 April 2022.
Act 1: 90 minutes / Interval: 15 minutes / Act 2: 65 minutes.
On tour in Salford, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Hull, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Sunderland and Leeds
p.s. This production was even better than the one I saw on Broadway in 2016. The huge scale of the set and projected backdrop added so much more atmosphere and drama!