Les Miserables Leaves the Crowd Hungry for More
Les Miserables Leaves the Crowd Hungry for More
Everything about this production of the beloved musical Les Miserables is immense – immense performances set on an immense stage in an immense arena.
In front of a capacity crowd of 6000 people, the sheer size and scale only adds to a mesmerising theatre spectacular that stars some of the biggest names in international musicals.
Victor Hugo’s Les Miserable is in its 40th year
It’s not hard to see why Les Miserables is in its 40th record-breaking year. Based on the historical novel by Victor Hugo, it tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, his struggles and ultimate redemption during a 17-year period in 19th century France.
While the constant singing-as-dialogue is challenging at first (because we’re not used to it), the phenomenal performances of Valjean (Alfie Boe), his antagonist, fanatical police inspector Jalvert (Michael Ball), and the doomed grisette (French working-class woman) Fantine (Rachelle Anne Go) are so breathtaking you soon forget.
These are performers at the top of their game, and their powerhouse voices are matched by their passion for the characters which fills the cavernous ICC arena.
Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame shines as Monsieur Thenardier
The first quarter of the musical is dense, with themes of injustice, poverty, loss and grief weighing heavily but comic relief comes with the introduction of dodgy inn-keeper Monsieur Thenardier, played hilariously by British comedian and actor Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame.
With Madame Thenardier – theatre superstar Marina Prior was forced to pull out for the first night performance after losing her voice and was replaced by the sensational Helen Walsh – the tone shifts with energetic dancer numbers to well-known songs such as Master of the House.
The couple, who exploit Fantine’s illegitimate daughter Cosette as child-labour, appear sporadically throughout the performance bringing light to prolonged moments of shade. The energy and banter between the two are effortless – both looked like they were having a hell of a time.
Due to the complexity and length of the Hugo’s novel, parts have been removed to condense what is a musical almost tipping three hours. As a result, if you are not intimately familiar with the story (which a lot of the crowd seemed to be) it could be a little confusing at times.
Boe and Ball were outstanding
This barely detracted though, due to the strength of the vocals and the orchestra that was the backbone of the musical. While Boe and Ball were outstanding, as expected for performers of such experience and talent, everyone held their own.
The second half showcased the roles of an adult Cosette (Beatrice Penny-Toure), her lover and rebel Marius (Jac Yarrow) and Thenardier’s eldest daughter Eponine (Shan Ako) and the delightful performances from the children who played a young Cosette (Alexandra Szewcow) and the cheeky Gavroche (Sebastian Sero).
At the conclusion of the first night performance, the Les Miserables alumni took to the stage, including Normie Rowe (the original Valjean in 1987), David Campbell (Marius in the 10th anniversary production in 1995), Nikki Webster who played Little Cosette in the 1997 production) and theatre producer Cameron MacIntosh.
Seeing this timeless story is something everyone should do if they can, and this performance proved there is no theatre too small, or big, to captivate audiences.
Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular World Tour runs in Sydney until May 11 at the ICC o be followed by Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May 2025 for 15 performances and Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May 2025 for 7 performances. Details here:
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=LESMISER25
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