Thrilling, Captivating and Emotional
Les Misérables has landed at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and they will be there from 13 December 2022 until 14 January 2023. This is a show not to be missed! Les Misérables has been a hit on the stage since it first opened in London in 1985. It has been performed in 42 countries and seen by over 70 million people. The show has won numerous awards and accolades, including three Laurence Olivier Awards and a Tony Award for Best Musical.
For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Les Misérables.
Les Misérables is a beloved classic novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. Set in 19th-century France, the story follows the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean as he seeks redemption and strives to make a better life for himself and those around him. With compelling characters, a gripping plot, and a powerful message of justice and hope, Les Misérables has captivated readers for generations. It has been adapted for the stage and screen many times, and remains an enduring work of art.
Plot
The show follows Jean Valjean as he embarks on a journey of redemption after his release from prison. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including the cruel Inspector Javert and the kindly Fantine. The story is filled with heartfelt moments, as well as thrilling action scenes. You will see the love story unfolding, between Cosette and Marius. The Inspectors ultimate fate. And Éponine’s constant struggles with love.
The music in Les Misérables is an integral part of the show, with its stirring ballads, dramatic ensemble pieces and uplifting choruses that reach into the depths of the audience’s soul. The show has some of the most iconic musical theatre songs of all time, including the heart-wrenching “I Dreamed a Dream”, the soulful “On My Own”, and the powerful “One Day More” that encapsulate the spirit of the musical. The musical score is a powerful reflection of the emotions of the characters, allowing us to further understand the story and immerse ourselves in the world of the musical. The music of Les Misérables is truly a masterpiece and an unforgettable experience.
Les Misérables has been translated into almost every major language, and it has been studied by generations of students in classrooms around the world. Its themes of justice, mercy, and redemption have inspired generations of readers to think more deeply about their own lives and the world around them.
Summary
This is the second time we watch this show and this time it felt like the very first time. It is fresh, the cast do an amazing job in captivating you with their characters and immersing you in this era. The songs were emotional and we had tears in our eyes when “On My Own” was being performed by Éponine (Siobhan O’Driscoll.)
Nic Greenshields returns to Cardiff to once again grace us with his voice and what a pleasure it was to be there. We cannot deny the amazing talent this actor has. His voice gives goosebumps, prepare yourself when you hear “Stars.” And how can we forget Dean Chisnall, who is back again as Jean Valjean. Both actors do an outstanding job.
What was our favourite performance? We have a few, but the one that stands out for us because of its comedy is “Master Of The House.” This was performed by Thénardier (Ian Hughes) and his wife, Madame Thénardier (Helen Walsh.) We would like to mention that Ian Hughes is from Merthyr Tydfil, so it is a very special moment to have someone Welsh in this wonderful play.
We will like to say a huge congratulations to the cast of Les Misérables, because they all did a phenomenal job. When we left the theatre, people’s faces were beaming with joy and we heard a few people commenting that they will sit and watch it all over again. From our side we were excited to watch it, but a little hesitant at the same time due to the length of the play, however when you sit there you lose track of time and before you know it, it is the end of Act 1. So this time we didn’t feel the 2 hours and 50 mins and if we did, it was worth it.
Cast members
Jean Valjean played by Dean Chisnall
Javert played by Nic Greenshields
Bishop of Digne played by Rick Zwart
Fantine played by Lauren Drew
Bamatabois played by George Arvidson
Madame played by Tessa Kadler
Little Cosette played by Mali Sylvester
Emma Roberts
Yasmin Teodosio
Madame Thénardier played by Helen Walsh
Young Éponine played by Cadi Mair Peart
Mali Grug Evans Davies
Maddison Belle Platt
Thénardier played by Ian Hughes
Éponine played by Siobhan O’Driscoll
Cosette played by Paige Blankson
——
Enjolras played by Samuel Wyn-Morris
Marius played by Will Callan
Combeferre played by Jordan Simon Pollard
Feuilly played by Harry Chandler
Courfeyrac played by Will Barratt
Joly played by Joseph McDonnell
Grantaire played by Raymond Walsh
Legles played by Dean Read
Jean Prouvaire played by Caleb Lagayan
Swings played by Aidan Banyard
Emily Olive Boyd
Damian Kneale
Jamie Pritchard
Rebecca Ridout
——
Directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt
Sound by Mick Potter
Lighting by Paule Constable
Costume design by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rolland
A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.
The length of this musical
The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including the interval.
Where to purchase tickets for Les Misérables at Wales Millennium Centre?
Tickets for Les Misérables at Wales Millennium Centre can be purchased on their website. The show will be in Cardiff Bay until 14 January 2023. Ticket prices start from £22.50 onwards, click HERE to book your tickets now. Age guidance: 8+, no under 2’s (please check their website for more details.) There is medium to high availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary specially now during the festive season.
If you have already watched this production, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back here if you can and left us know too.
Thank you for reading.
Stay safe
Kay
