Les Miserables

I am a huge fan of musical theatre. If It were possible, I would love to attend a live show every night. To me there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a live show. My two favourite musicals are Les miserables and Phantom of the Opera. They are at the top of my list. After them comes the Woman in white, and the lively adaptation of Joseph and his amazing technicolour dreamcoat. For now I am just going to write about my current favourite Les mis.

The story of Les Miserables begins in France in 1815 when Jean Valjean is released from prison on parole after serving 19 years of hard labour for stealing a loaf of bread. After several attempts to find employment and accommodation. He is offered well needed food and lodging by a saintly bishop. However during the night while everyone is asleep he decides to steal his silver. When he is caught by the authorities, the Bishop tells them that he gave him the silver as a gift. Valjean is blown away by the mercy and grace the bishop shows him, that he decides to break his parole and begin a new life. He becomes a wealthy factory owner and mayor of a small town. The story then turns to Fantine a woman who has a child and has been abandoned by the father.

She leaves Cosette in the care of the Thernadier's who use Cosette as a servant. In order for Fantine to pay the Thernardier's the money they keep asking for, she turns to prostitution after being fired from the factory of which Jean Valjean is the owner. When an incident brings her to the attention of Javert, he wants to put her in prison for six months. However Valjean steps in and sends her to hospital. His efforts however to bring Cosette to Fantine is hampered when he discovers that someone who the authorities think is Valjean is arrested and taken to court. He cannot live with the knowledge that someone has been falsely arrested. So he reveals his true identity to Javert.

Who then confronts him and tries to arrest him. Fantine then dies because of the anxiety of the situation, and Valjean promises her that he will rescue her daughter and take care of her. He manages to escape Javert and moves into a convent, until Cosette grows up.

It is then that a young man called Marius sees Cosette and falls in love with her. Valjean is not happy about the interest of this man. Valjean takes her to his other house in Paris. Marius then enlists the help of his friend a young woman called Eponine. She takes a note to Cosette. Eponine stops Marius from being shot, by shielding him, and with her dying breath confesses her love for him. Valjean then understands that Cosette loves Marius, and joins Marius at the barricades. He then stumbles upon Javert tied up in another room, but he decides to show him mercy and let him go. Despite the face that this man had hounded him all his life. When Marius is wounded, Valjean carries him through the sewers of France to save him. However Javert is waiting for him on the other side. Valjean asks only to deliver Marius to his grandfather’s house. Javert, finding himself conflicted between his drive to imprison a criminal and his debt to Valjean for sparing his life, drowns himself in the Seine. After Marius recovers, he and Cosette are married. Valjean then confesses to Marius that he is an ex convict. Because of this he feels guilty and distances himself from Cosette. Eventually Marius and Cosette return to him on his dying bed. He then dies in peace knowing that Cosette has forgiven him.

I tried to make that synopsis as brief as possible. But I am sure you will agree it is a pretty riveting plot. Originally a book written by Victor Hugo. It is set during the time of the French revolution.

Not sure why but you can never beat the original cast performers. I guess it is because they are the ones who get to develop the original characters.

Not many will argue that Colm Wilkinson was perfect for the role of Jean Valjean in les mis. His beautiful tear-jerking voice filled with high pitched emotion is simply breathtaking. Even though there have been others who have brought something unique to the Valjean role. Wilkinson was a hard act to follow. Also the character of Jevert played by none other than Philip Quast was simply spectacular. For me he simply defined the character perfectly with his beautifully sharp baritone voice. He almost makes you feel sorry for the merciless and callous inspector. His performance of Javert's suicide is one of those unforgettable moments. During the 10^th anniversary he literally appears to die on stage, just using voice and expression. In fact the whole original cast is really hard to beat. Adding to the line of great Performers, is Michael Ball as Marius. Ruthie Henshaw as Fantine. Michael Maguire as Eljoras The line up could not be better. In 1985 The Les miserables Dream cast in concert was produced to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Filmed at the Royal Albert hall it was later released on DVD

It is presently one of the longest running shows in the west end. Productions have played in 42 countries and 319 cities. It has been watched by 70 million people worldwide.

If you ever get a chance it is a show worth watching. I also highly recommend the 10^th anniversary DVD. You will find yourself transported to another world. Don't forget your tissues. You are sure to shed a tear or two.