Les Miserables
Location: Queen’s Theatre
Date Seen: Wednesday 20th April
Seen With: 1 Friend
Understudies at This Performance: Adam Bayjou as Jean Val Jean, Jo Parsons as the
Factory Foreman
Summary
I’ve
seen Les Miserables on two previous occasions and absolutely love this musical
adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. This visit was a gift for my friend’s
birthday but the date I picked was significant as I specifically wanted to see
Adam Bayjou in the role of Jean Valjean after I heard rave reviews from people
when I attended the onstage tour last year.
Acting
There
is so much emotion due to the various plights of the characters. Adam Bayjou
really makes you feel sorry for Jean Valjean in the beginning and then grants
your respect as the character gets older. Patrice Tipoki played a beautifully
tragic Fantine and you really saw how her strength is completely eroded away.
Jeremy Secomb’s Javert commands attention and his conciseness really contrasts
against the frenetic poverty that the ensemble portrays so well. The other featured
actors are just as strong, clearly living their character’s lives and emotions
throughout.
Music & Songs
The
music is where Les Miserables truly reigns with most of the show sung with few
gaps of pure dialogue. The score is mesmerising with a sound that reflects both
the light and dark moments of the show. The vocals from the lead actors to the
ensemble marry together so well and this is best presented in the Act 1 Finale
‘One Day More’. Every vocalist in Les Mis has such a big part to play to create
the rich sounds and they all deliver with such effort.
Choreography
The
choreography of Les Mis is not big dance numbers which most people would
associate with a musical. The numbers are more physical movement based and set
up the status of the characters.
Direction
The
show has maintained its strength for 30 years because the direction has been
consistent. The show is extremely tight from the ensemble pieces to smaller
scenes with the principal characters. Every character has been clearly set
without it feeling forced and the whole musical feels organic.
Set/Lighting
The
revolving stage and the barricade are iconic set pieces in this production and
they are used so effectively. I cannot imagine worldwide productions without
the revolving stage as it creates such an interesting dynamic. The lighting is
also used well such as bright lights to show when a character has passed on and
spotlights on actors for solo songs.
Costumes
The
costumes are fitting for the setting and even though the colours and styles are
typically understated, they still create a visual impact. The female costumes
in the first act are quite something as they were multiple layers that they
remove as they progress to the ‘Lovely Ladies’ number. On the onstage tour, we
go to see some of the costumes in person and every effort has gone into
accuracy.
Stand Out Performances
Adam
Bayjou as Jean Valjean – there was such a depth to his Jean Val Jean and I
believed every emotion he portrayed. His version of ‘Bring Him Home’ was crisp
and poignant. As a understudy you can catch him once a week (at the time I saw
the show this was Wednesdays but this has changed to Mondays as of 20th June)
and I would highly recommending seeing the show twice to capture both Jean Val
Jeans.
Jeremy
Secomb as Javert - I absolutely love his stage presence and the energy he
brings to Javert. His rendition of Stars is one of my favourite musical
performances vocally and visually.
Show to Show Comparisons
Musically,
the style of Les Miserables has similarities to Miss Saigon due to them being
composed by the same people. It also features similar dark themes where not
everyone gets their happy ending and focuses on the reality of such harrowing
situations.
Would I Recommend?
Yes
– there is very good reason why this show is the longest running show in the West End . Since I saw the show, the ensemble has changed
casts but the success of this show has been consistent so whatever cast you
see, you will not be disappointed.
Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):
5 Stars
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