On Saturday October 7th, I was lucky enough to see Les Misérables, which turned out to be the show’s 38th Birthday, celebrated with a roaring rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and confetti cannons post-performance. It’s not hard to see how Les Misérables has captivated sold-out audiences for 38 years.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production is based upon the renowned French author Victor Hugo’s novel, telling the story of convict Jean Valjean who escapes parole in order to better himself, and the militant police inspector Javert who makes it his life mission to hunt down Valjean once and for all. Both characters meet on occasions, with the most poignant on the barricade where Javert is spying on the people. One of the people, Valjean, ultimately sets Javert free in a show of forgiveness.
The production grapples with the feeling of love, faith and forgiveness in a Paris which is so divided between rich and poor, us and them. Victor Hugo was inspired by the events in June 1832 when anti-monarchists seized Paris and built barricades in the city. Despite almost 100,000 participants the movement lacked public support so ultimately failed leading to many deaths, beautifully and sorrowfully captured in Les Misérables.
Music-wise, Les Mis is an absolute classic with big numbers such as ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ and first act finale ‘One Day More’. Other big songs include ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’ and my particular favourite ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’.
The fairly young cast showed incredible talent and after Valjean’s (Josh Piterman) rendition of ‘God on High’ and Javert’s (Stuart Clarke) equally sensational rendition of ‘Stars’, it was simply impossible to choose which actor’s voice was better. Cosette’s (Lulu-Mae Pears) voice soared effortlessly up to that spectacular top B in ‘A Heart Full of Love’ and Thénardier (Luke Kempner) and his wife (Claire Machin) entertained crowds in ‘Master of the House’.
Internationally, Les Misérables has been seen by more than 130 million people and has been performed in 53 countries. The Production has its permanent home in the West End, in the recently named Sondheim Theatre in London. It also often tours around the UK, although no dates have been announced yet.
If the 3-hour musical is a bit much for you, I recommend the BBC drama version which first aired in 2018 featuring Olivia Coleman, Dominic West and David Oyelowo, telling the powerful story without the music (although, can Les Misérables ever be Les Mis without the music…?)
Rating: ★★★★★
Les Misérables is currently playing at the Sondheim Theatre
