The ultimate musical for everyone aged 8 and above, currently playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until 27th August 2022.
For a show that, let’s face it, is filled with sadness. You come away from the production feeling overwhelming happiness.
Les Misérables is a musical and adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. The story centres on the character Jean Valjean (Dean Chisnall), an ex-convict in 19th-century France who was sent to prison for stealing some bread to feed his nephew. The story spans many years as it tells of Valjean’s life after prison and reformation as an industrialist while constantly having a cat and mouse style relationship with inspector Javert (Nic Greensheilds).
The story leaves you gripped, on the edge of your chair, eager to see what happens next. It is gripping. More gripping than anything you will have seen before.
It is not just the acting that deserves high praise but the new scenery (Geoffrey Garrett and Matt Kinley designed) that I haven’t seen before, inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, they work incredibly well. You feel as if you are watching the real event take place (minus the sewer scene which I struggled to get on board with quite as well). The lighting (Paule Constable) was more fitting than previous productions. It demanded attention, was noticeable and really made some of the scenes what they were.
The magnificent score, coupled with the phenomenal voices that sing them is the most amazing part for me of Les Misérables.
Songs including I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and so many more. Nearly 24 hours later, I am still singing along to them. They’re catchy, emotional and the cast last night gave the songs the best sound I’ve ever heard. Every time that I watch it, it baffles me how the cast can keep their vocals so perfect when they’re singing for almost 3 hours. Not a single note out of tune. Chisnall is a pure example of this. Running around the stage, lifting items, carrying people and yet, not a single wrong note, not a single missed beat. I have to admit Chisnall was the star of the show for me but closely followed by Nathania Ong as Éponine. Nathania has the most beautiful of voices. Captivating, breathtaking and was by far my favourite ever Éponine. Rachelle Ann Go performed the role of Fantine and was another absolute star. You felt every word that she sang, every emotion. Beautiful.
Along with the breathtaking vocals from all of the cast, you couldn’t help but laugh at the comedy duo of Thénardier (Ian Hughes) and Madame Thénardier (Helen Walsh). A little risqué, cheeky and endearing. They might be antagonists, but they’re comedic antagonists.
Since its very first debut in 1980, it has been seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, and without a shadow of a doubt is one of the world’s most popular and loved musicals.
If you would like to get tickets to see this phenomenal show, click here.
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press showing. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.