I was delighted to attend this performance of Les Misérables, even though I have seen it several times in various theatres including the West End. However, I was blown away completely by this one. Cameron Mackintosh’s International Tour is outstanding in so many ways. It has been updated and polished to within an inch of its life!
So let’s start with the people responsible for this legendary work of art that is Les Misérables. Music by Claude-Michelle Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, with original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Nate’s.
Written by Victor Hugo, this is a story set during the French Revolution, a story of an ordinary working man, Jean Valjean, who had served 19 years hard labour for stealing a loaf of bread to save a dying child. He is released on parole and sets out to start a new life.
He is pursued by the policeman Javer who had originally prosecuted him and who has vowed to ensure the ex-con adhered to the rules of his parole. There is love and loss, cruelty and compassion, adventure and heartache throughout this complex and emotional journey. The characters too are complex, and each part played requires stamina as well as passion to carry them through. Both leading men, Jean Valjean (Dean Chisnall and Javer (Nic Greenshields) gave the most sublime performances.
Jean Valjean (Dean Chisnall) sang ‘Bring Him Home’ as well as Colm Wilkinson ever did, and Javer (Nic Greenshields) sang better than I’ve ever heard from his predecessors. The energy and passion from both actors were off the scale and enhanced by a talented orchestra led by Giles Deacon.
Cosette in this performance was played by understudy Rebecca Ferrin and we were not disappointed by her talented vocals. Another understudy Jemma Innes played the role of Eponine and was outstanding in her performance too. All three children, Little Cosette (Karis Musongole), Young Eponine (Grace May Mortimer) and Gavroche (Lucas Melrose Steel) deserve to be commended. Truly wonderful!
And now for ‘The Students’ and ‘Ensemble’!
We were uplifted and carried away by the strength and passion in the choral numbers such as ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ and ‘One Day More’. Notable leading roles amongst these were from Will Callan as Marius and Harry Chandler as Enjolras. Thenardier was brought to life by the amazing Ian Hughes and Madame Thenardier by Helen Walsh. Both gave delightful comedic delivery of ‘Master of the House’.
Choreography was set in the traditional way but noticeably sharper and more dramatic than I have ever seen, all under the creative eye of Rebecca Ridout and team.
Applause for Andy Christie and team for the extremely cleverly designed set, lighting and special effects (projected background images). They are seamless and magical, drawing the audience deeply into the powerful storyline.
All in all, a truly amazing production with too many to mention outstanding performances. Just go and see it. Tickets are selling fast!
Les Misérables is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 10th December. Book Your Tickets HERE
Reviewed and Written by Amanda Botterill
