I have to start this review off with a confession. I haven’t always loved ‘Les Mis’, as it’s known colloquially. It has taken me years to actually come around but as they say, better late than never.
I honestly believe if I had seen it in theatre the first time years ago, and had paid more interest to actually sitting down and paying attention, it would be one of my favourites easily.
Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables is currently at Leeds Grand Theatre. I went along to see it on press night and I was just blown away.
From the perfect casting of characters, the stage production, lightning, the orchestra, and of course, the iconic solo numbers that were not only powerful but striking.
For those who may not be familiar with the storyline, Les Mis tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man convicted of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family and spends 19 years behind bars for his crimes.
Valjean, played by Dean Chisnall, is faced with challenges upon his release and is shunned when people find out about his past and just see him as a criminal despite trying to live a normal life and earn enough money to make a living.
The story shows how Valjean went from a convict to a Good Samaritan during an extremely difficult time of civil unrest and poverty in 19th Century France.
The audience is introduced to Inspector Javert, played by Nic Greenshields, who is after Valjean for breaking his parole, the shameless innkeepers the Thénardiers, acted by Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh as well as Lauren Drew as Fantine and Rebecca Ferrin as Cosette.
The musical explores themes of redemption, love, justice, heartbreak, and courage, there is a lot to take in but time flies when you’re sat down in those theatre seats.
Les Mis has been a fan favourite since the 1980s for a reason and after watching it, and even seeing the audience in the theatre, I can understand why.
For me, however, the people who blew me away most were the child actors on the night with Karis Musongole as Little Cosette, Gracie May Mortimer as young Eponine, and Lucas Melrose Steel as Gavroche, all I can say is wow.
They gave their all and commanded the stage in a way I cannot begin to explain. They were given huge applause throughout and at the end for their passionate performances.
Les Mis is a must-see production, whether it’s your first time or fifth or so, the musical is impactful and thought-provoking. While it is set in the 19th Century, it does make you wonder whether much has changed in society and leaves you with jaunty tunes stuck in your head for a few days.
You can watch Les Misérables at Leeds Grand Theatre from November 24 to December 10, 2022. For more information and tickets, click here.
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