Les Misérables is one of the biggest and most popular musicals of its time. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide, in 52 countries, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical is touring the UK after being postponed due to the pandemic.
Set in early 19th Century France, Les Miserables follows the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant released in 1815 after serving nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child.
Valjean breaks his parole to restart his life, but is relentlessly pursued by policed inspector Javert. Set in revolutionary France, their paths cross via student revolutionaries and a street barricade in France.
Tonight’s cast features the outstanding Dean Chisnall as ‘Valjean’, Nic Greenshields as his nemesis ‘Javert’; Rachelle Ann Go as ‘Fantine’, Nathania Ong as ‘Eponione’ and Paige Blankson as ‘Cosette’ with Caleb Lagayan, taking on the role of ‘Marius’ for this performance.
The audience in Birmingham Hippodrome are clearly still buzzing, a few days after the city’s celebrated Commonwealth Games ended and, as the lights go down applause starts in anticipation.
This brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed “Les Mis for the 21st Century” with dramatic scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Right from the start, the vocal power of the performers carries the scores and lyrics - you expect so much when you see Les Mis and this touring performance well exceeds expectations.
The story is epic - and is broken by the comic turn of ‘Thernardier’ and his ‘Madam’ - brilliantly performed by Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh. The magnificent score of Les Misérables scales the rafters, including the songs ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, the spine-chilling ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘One Day More’, the comic break of ‘Master Of The House’ and many more.
The performance is nearly three hours in length with a fifteen minute pause, and it’s an emotional journey. But if you see any musical in town this year - take a punt, and see this one.
Tickets are limited - but don’t miss this exquisite treat to see one of THE musicals of it’s time.
Les Miserables plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 27th August 2022. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit birmighamhippodrome.com.
