Les Miserables

The second show of my three show weekend was Les Miserables. Once again, having seen Les Miserables before I knew what to expect from the show however for the first time ever I was seeing the show on the night of the cast change and nothing could have prepared me for the emotional show that I was about to see.

Les Miserables London, Queens Theatre

Les Miserables is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo with music byAlain Boublil, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and the original French text by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Jean-Marc Natel.

The show is set in early 19th century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread. Upon his release, Valjean decided to break his parole and start his life anew after being inspired by a bishop. However he is relentlessly tracked down by Inspector Javert who is determined to put Valjean back in jail for breaking his parole.The story shows us Valjean's life and the characters whom he meets during a revoluntionary period in France where a young group are making their last stand at a street barricade.

One Day More

Geronimo Rauch easily leads the cast in the lead role of Jean Valjean and gives a truely heartbreaking performance of the notable ballad 'Bring Him Home'. Tam Mutu portrays the determined Inspector Javert and leaves the audience chilled during his Soliloquy. Mutu's performance enables the audience to feel pity for Javert instead of annoyance at his continual tracking of Valjean and gives them an insight to his past backgrounds. Celinde Schoenmaker was a heartbreaking Fantine whose I Dreamed a Dream left the audience with goosebumps. Former Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope played the love struck Eponine and did so with conviction. Upon first hearing of Hope's casting in the role I was a bit concerned whether the casting was right however Hope performed the role well. It is clear to anyone who watched the search for a Dorothy that Hope has come along way and improved beyond recognition. Cosette is played by Samantha Dorsey, Marius by Jamie Ward, Enjolras by Christopher Jacobsen at the Thenardier's by Cameron Blakely and Vicky Entwhistle. I must admit I was skeptical about the casting of Entwhistle in the production having watched her in Coronation Street but by the end of the night all my doubts had vanished and I left the theatre feeling that she was possibly one of the best Madame Thenardier's I've seen to date. Her comic timing was second to none.

Danielle Hope as Eponine

On an average night, Les Miserables is always a tear jerker that leaves many an audience member bleary eyed and feeling emotional. This can be attributed to the powerful music score and the 'miserable' storyline of the show however combine all of the above along with seeing the majority of the casts final show and you may just find yourself sobbing uncontrollably! You could see that the whole cast were determined to make this show the best show that they had ever done. I can honestly say I left the theatre feeling extremely lucky and privellegded to have been there.

Les Miserables runs at the Queens Theatre, London with the new cast taking over on the 18th June 2013.