Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical phenomenon is still the world’s favourite musical after 21 years. The original story has been fantastically moulded together with breathtaking songs and one of the most imaginative sets ever made. The story is set in the midst of the French revolution and follows one man’s struggle with power and love. The music itself is engulfing as voices soar around the whole theatre, you will leave Les Miserables feeling empowered and speechless.

"This irresistible musical has never seemed more moving" The Daily Mail

"The production still feels amazingly fresh and full-blooded. It would require a cold heart indeed to remain in your seat during the rapturous standing ovation" The Daily Telegraph

Popular songs:

• One Day More
• Master of the House
• Do You Hear the People Sing?
• Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
• Stars

*Matt Lucas will be playing Thenardier from 23 June - 10 September 2011 and is scheduled for 8 performances a week. Subject to change

*Alfie boe will be playing Jean Valjean from 23 June - 26 November 2011 and is scheduled for 6 performances a week, and WILL NOT perform on Monday evenings or Wednesday Matinees . In addition Alfie will not be performing on 6 Augus, 10 September, 19 September to 24 September, 31 October to 5 November, 12 November and 18 November. Subject to change.

• London Theatre Guide reviews
  
• Les Miserables at Wikipedia

Les Miserables: The 25 Year Revolution

Autumn 2010 will see Les Misérables mark 25 years in London. To celebrate the event two simultaneous productions will play in the city. The long-running show at the Queens theatre will be joined by the highly-rated touring production, which comes to the Barbican for a limited run.

Exporting the Revolution The French revolution never did manage to cross the channel but the story of prisoner Jean Valjean has captivated British audiences since opening in the capital in 1985. Les Misérables opened at the Barbican in September 1985, moving to the Palace theatre three months later after enthusiastic audience acclaim.  It transferred to its current venue, the Queens theatre, in April 2004. The idea of adapting Victor Hugo’s original novel began with two Frenchmen, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, who had already collaborated on the rock opera 'La Révolution Française' after being inspired by a Broadway production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Les Misérables the musical began life in Paris in 1980, being staged at a sports arena for a three month sold-out run. In 1982, after the opening of 'Cats', producer Cameron Mackintosh listened to a French recording and agreed to take on the challenge of adapting an overseas musical for a West End audience. A skilled team, including Trevor Nunn, John Caird and Herbert Kretzmer, put the musical together during two years of development. The story was expanded to include a prologue to Valjean’s struggle. New lyrics were added to the original score and spectacular scenery and costumes created.

Turmoil and Spectacle After 19 years in prison Jean Valjean is released on parole. He becomes a wealthy factory owner and mayor of a small town, until his past catches up with him once again. Years later, the city of Paris is in uproar and revolutionary students take to the streets. As Valjean reappears in search of a young girl, the barricades are built and government soldiers move in.

The Touring Production: Seeing Double? The touring musical, which opened in Cardiff in 2009, includes new staging and design inspired by the paintings of the original novelist, Victor Hugo. When it the production opens in London it will mark the first time anywhere in the world that two versions of the same musical have been played in the same city.

Book Your Les Misérables Break

Posted by Ben on Saturday 3rd April 2010 at 12:47PM

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