Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the moment the lights go down and the orchestra begins to play right through to the thunderous applause and standing ovation, this phenomenal production is passionate, intense and utterly captivating. Bringing some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, set in revolutionary France telling the story of Jean Valjean, Les Misérables is the longest-running musical in the history of the West End.
This phenomenal production is passionate, intense and utterly captivating.
Spanning almost three hours (with a 15-minute interval), it’s a real investment. However, every moment of this show packs a punch – not a second is spared. For those who haven’t seen the show before – it’s completely sung – the whole thing. Delivered with towering intensity and operatic beauty, Les Misérables boasts belting tunes, stunning multi-layered vocal arrangements and an extraordinary cast. This musical hits you right in the heart.
Based on the historical novel by Victor Hugo, the action takes place over three decades and explores themes around love, loss, revolution, justice and faith. Taking on the central role of Jean Valjean, Dean Chisnall gives an extraordinary and dynamic performance. Audible sniffs from the audience could be heard during his prayer-like solo ‘Bring Him Home’. Katie Hall’s ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ generated a similar response; her voice was out-of-this-world. And Nathania Ong portrayed beauty and fragility as Éponine – her expressive solo of unrequited love ‘On My Own’ reduced me to a shuddering wreck. Nic Greenshields gave a striking performance as the terrifying antagonist Javert – his solo ‘Stars’ was another breathtaking moment in this production. Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh, as Thénardier and Madame Thénadier respectively, inject some beautiful comedic moments into the production, of course, ‘Master of the House’ was another highlight and went down a storm with the audience on the night I attended.
This musical hits you right in the heart.
Stand-out performances from the whole ensemble, an imposing, though impressively slick, set design that moves seamlessly from one scene to the next, and an atmospheric lighting design and use of visual projections, make this production of Les Mis world-class. I’d go and watch it all again in a heartbeat.
-Kristy Stott
Les Misérables runs at The Lowry until 23 April 2022.