The world’s longest-running musical has achieved another milestone as 'Les Misérables' enters its 40th year in London, a feat that seems unsurpassable.
Thankfully, the joy is not only contained across the oceans, with the show being transformed into a worldwide arena spectacular that set its feet down in Australia this week for its Sydney Gala.
Sir Cameron Mackintosh himself oversaw the evening, which contained stars old and new in a full show production, with a delightful round of cameo appearances for the encore. The gigantic set placed the orchestra high above the action for once, the spectacularly dramatic music filtering down over the actors.
The packed to the brim arena saw Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, in a performance that simmered slowly in its initial paces, only for Boe to explode with passion and tone at the climax of his very first song. The show’s lighting delivered exceptionally memorable moments, with this being one, as Boe’s voice expertly conveyed a man full of desperation and newfound conviction.
Michael Ball as Javert is indisputably perfect casting. With his voice carrying an edge of nasality and his intonation perfect, Ball balanced astounding singing technique that drew admiration, with an acting performance that maintained the audience’s disdain for the character. Seeing Ball and Boe in the same show together seemed illegally fortuitous.
Matt Lucas as Thénardier was simple perfection again, his skin-crawling performance of human vileness melded with the character’s sidesplitting humour. Marina Prior was slated for the role of Madame Thénardier, but Mackintosh later shared that she lost her voice for the first time in 40 years. She was replaced by Helen Walsh, who was Lucas’ equal in every way, a stunning highlight of the show.
Image © Danny Kaan
Rachelle Ann Go provided a lovely rendition of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, an emotionally immense moment that seemed to come too early in the musical to be fully appreciated. Jac Yarrow as Marius delivered tears on demand opposite Beatrice Penny-Touré whose beautifully pure notes suited Cosette well. James D. Gish as Enjolras was a revelation, his faultless vocal performance truly enjoyable. Shan Ako delivered an exceptionally well-acted rendition of ‘On My Own’ interspersed with powerfully balanced notes containing a sprinkle of soul. Her acting performance was the best of the show. Sebastian Sero as Gavroche was a crowd favourite, a natural talent.
The costumes were spectacular, particularly in the street scene of Fantine’s downfall, the workers’ bright colours particularly eye catching. The staging transformed multiple times, offering memorable lighting moments, especially for Javert’s demise.
The encore, after a speech from Mackintosh, saw original cast members from 1987 Normie Rowe, Philip Quast, Simon Burke and William Zappa join 1997’s Madame Thénardier Lara Mulcahy, alongside alumni David Campbell, Scott Irwin and Nikki Webster. The entire ensemble treated the crowd to a rousing rendition of ‘One Day More’ that brought tears to many eyes, and closed a heartwarming night of celebration, not only of the world’s longest-running show, but a celebration of all the souls that have contributed to its 40-year existence. As it enters middle age, the show rightfully honoured the others that make it all possible, blessing the souls in every seat.
