If there’s one musical everyone should see, it’s Les Misérables. And although it’s been running in London for many years between 1985 to the present, it’s always worth catching the tour. I do wonder, though, when Cameron Mackintosh took Schonberg and Boublil’s musical version of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, did he realized what a phenomenon he was about to unleash?
But a gigantic hit it was. Spectacular in all areas and you know at the end of Les Misérables, you’ve seen a show.
I caught the tour at the end of their stint in Milton Keynes. A decent theatre and probably the best view I’ve had of Les Mis. The plot is straightforward. Over a period of 17 years, Jean Valjean breaks parole, makes his fortune, constantly evades the unrelenting Inspector Javert, flees to Paris with the daughter of a woman he wronged, then gets caught up in the June Rebellion of 1832 amidst romance, turmoil and redemption.
In the role of Valjean, and with an incredible commanding voice was Dean Chisnall, playing alongside the superb Nic Greenshields (who I have seen twice in the role now) as Javert. The chemistry between the two was formidable.
Always good to have fresh talent so a pleasure it was to witness the professional debuts of Paige Blankson (Cosette) and Will Callan (Marius). I was extremely happy on the latter, having followed his journey during The Voice Kids in 2018 where he reached the final. A pity the online biography and program notes didn’t credit this.
No performance of Les Misérables could be complete without the Thénardiers, this time perfectly portrayed by Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh. I never quite know if you should call them comic relief as they are so horrible, but I guess that’s good writing, to make people have a soft spot for something so vulgar. It is certainly ‘laugh out loud’ during Master of The House, particularly when the canary goes in the mincer.
Also giving strong performances were Rachelle Ann Go (Fantine), Nathania Ong (Eponine) and Samuel Wyn-Morris (Enjolras) among a cast of over 30.
The production on tour is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor with musical supervision from Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman. And there is still a way to go on this run, travelling the UK throughout the rest of the year and into early 2023. I’d advise you to catch it where you can.
Cheers
Antony N Britt - Author 