Les Miserables is a classic. It's been seen by more than 60 million people worldwide. In London alone, the show is now in it's 29th year and shows now signs of slowing down any time soon - especially not after the success of Tom Hooper's movie adaptation. The sung-through score, by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil (with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer) boasts a numbers that can make you laugh and cry until you've flooded the space around you. The stage revolve is an element that I have always, and will always love. Les Mis just isn't the same without a revolving stage. One of the most dynamic moments of the show is after the final battle when all the barricade boys are lying dead and the stage turns for the audience to see Enjolras lying there with the red flag draped over him. This is personally one of my favourite shows but I enjoy seeing it with different casts as new actors coming in with entirely different ways of interpreting their respective roles can make a show feel 'new'. I can honestly say that the 2013/14 cast have been my favourite of all-time. Daniel Koek (Valjean) has a beautiful tenor voice, which you can hear on his stunning album 'Self-Titled Tenor'. It has to be said that Tam Mutu portrays the antagonist, Javert, stunningly well and puts every emotion he has into the character. As the leader of the revolutionaries, the role normally played by Anton Zetterholm was covered by the understudy Niall Sheehy who I could not fault. I have also previously had the pleasure of seeing this talented man in the ensemble of Wicked. He has yet to disappoint and soon you will be able to see Niall in the upcoming Miss Saigon revival as first cover Chris and alternatively in the ensemble. Moving on to the love triangle, Rob Houchen brings so much depth and emotion to Marius, especially during his characters heartbreaking number 'Empty Chairs At Empty Tables' where Marius can't comprehend the loss of his friends whilst he still has life. Samantha Dorsey was admittedly not the best Cosette I've seen, but still very good. As for Carrie Hope Fletcher, I cannot find the words to explain how terrific she is for the role of Eponine. With vocals of steel, Carrie takes on every emotion of Eponine which is evidently apparent during her solo 'On My Own'. She doesn't just mope about the stage lamenting about her lost love, Carrie instead mixes her sadness with anger to create the frustration that Eponine feels towards her longing for Marius. Truly incredible. Les Miserables is a show that I would recommend to anyone and if you haven't yet seen it, you must have it on your wishlist. __________________________________________________________________ | |
Rating: ★★★★★
Comment: As the show that made me fall in love with musical theatre, I cannot, not love this wonderful show
Have you seen Les Miserables? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points I have made? Do you cry every time too? If so, I'd love to here from you so send me a message and let me know which production you saw!
Comment: As the show that made me fall in love with musical theatre, I cannot, not love this wonderful show
Have you seen Les Miserables? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points I have made? Do you cry every time too? If so, I'd love to here from you so send me a message and let me know which production you saw!