Book: Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics: Alain Boublil
Director: James Powell and Laurence Connor
Les Miserables is a mainstay of the British theatre scene and a must see for any musical theatre fan. It has been touring UK theatres and running in the West End for more than 30 years and, having seen this production, it is showing no signs of aging or slowing down. If anything, this production packs the most punch, the clearest narrative, and strongest vocal performances yet.
Based on the famous novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is a fictional story based in the real 19th century French revolution which saw the poor revolt against King Charles X, creating barricades in the streets of Paris and forcing the king to abdicate.
The musical follows the story of convict 24601, Jean Valjean (played by Dean Chisnall) and his relentless pursuer Inspector Javert (Nic Greenshields) as their lives intersect over the years.
Chisnall’s performance is immaculate. From the grimy convict, who is starving and consumed by anger at the 19 years spent in prison for little more than stealing some bread to feed his starving family, through to the loving and respected mayor and factory owner and into his final moments as a frail old man, Chisnall brings the perfect balance of flawless vocals and raw emotion.
Greenshields’ looming Javert cuts a threatening presence into every scene but is played with nuanced understanding. Sparks fly whenever these two powerhouse performers face off against each other and the electric presence resonates across the entire theatre.
Given that many of the cast are giving their professional debuts in this performance, the vocal performances are stunning across the board. Will Callan and Harry Chandler as Marius and Enjolras, respectively, give performances so assured you would be forgiven for thinking they had been doing it for years.
Huge props need to be given to the young performer, Lucas Melrose Steel, who steals the stage as the cheeky and loveable Gavroche. This is a young performer to watch.
Lauren Drew certainly shows her acting chops as Fantine, with a beautiful rendition of I Dreamed a Dream and a nothing short of heart-breaking exit.
James Powell and Laurence Connor in their direction of the piece have certainly leaned into the gritty, dark and violent streets of 19th century Paris. They have given the narrative everything it needs to breath and unveil in a relentless stream of misery. If anything, the audience needed a little more light relief so we could catch a breath between heavy weight performances. Thank goodness for Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh as the dastardly Thenardiers, who bring a much needed pallet cleanser while embodying unruly joy in bleak circumstance.
The design of the piece is spectacular, particularly it’s use of projection which adds a huge impact to certain key plot moments.
This production is one to watch, with a phenomenal cast and arresting setting. Make sure you catch it while you can.
Runs until 10th December 2022.
The Reviews Hub Score
Amazing all round
