REVIEW: Les Miserables
- Posted on June 26, 2007 3:49 PM
- 1 comment
Les Miserables
Queen's Theatre
London, UK
Review by Katie Spain
Sometimes, when watching a musical, I make notes in the darkness. Tonight however, I can’t put pen to paper for fear of missing a single second of the action. I kid you not... I am even hesitant to blink!
Les Miserables, you see is a spectacle not to be missed; a love story, a history lesson and a Russian Revolution rolled into one.
My first brush with ‘Les Mis’ came at the tender age of thirteen. My Grandma used to hum 'Master Of The House' as she drove me to school. I'm sure she still whistles it as she ferries my little cousins back and forth. I didn't know what she was singing - I just knew I loved it. Later, she received the DVD as a gift and I was able to put images to the words. Grandma would watch Les Mis while she did the ironing; her least favourite chore made bearable by her favourite musical and a small Baileys. I always vowed to see Les Miserables live in London’s West End. It took me twelve years, but tonight I will fulfil that promise.
I played one of the musical's many hits 'Castle On A Cloud' during High School flute lessons but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. There's a magic about West End theatres that cannot be captured on film. It begins on the streets of London; in the anticipation that masks the faces of the crowd milling outside the theatre. It's in the "Hello" that greets the audience as they approach the Box Office staff. These are the rare British service industry personnel who treat everyone with fresh-faced gusto.
The magic of London theatres is also in the echo of footsteps that pound the pavement and in the hushed whispers as an audience settles in their seats. It's even in the click of a fifty-pence coin as it frees the little red binoculars. They won't help your vision much (but you feel compelled to have them anyway).
The Queen's Theatre is always full because even after twenty-one years, Les Miserables is a theatre goer's favourite. In 2006, the show celebrated its 21st birthday, in doing so it became the longest-running musical in the world. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg did a remarkable job when they the novel by Victor Hugo into the spectacle we see today. A stunning score, a simple, yet effective set and intricate costumes take us straight into 18th century France.
From the moment the curtain rises, we find ourselves in 1815, Digne. We watch as Jean Valjean is released on parole after 19 years on the chain gang. He narrowly avoids a second spell in gaol after stealing a piece of bread. However, a surprising act of kindness from a Bishop he decides to turn his life around for the better. We follow his story as he becomes a rich business man and ‘Mayor’, and helps others in return.
Les Mis is an emotional rollercoaster. The tale of a man reformed, and of Fantine, a poverty-stricken young woman led down a path of prostitution and death. Jean Valjean promises Fantine that he will find and care for her orphaned daughter Cosette. He rescues her from a pair of abusive publicans and together they build a new life… all the while, avoiding the authorities who are still on his tail. There’s a love triangle in there too.
From the moment the production begins, I am in awe. The story is powerful, the characters are convincing, the set is simple yet powerful and the music moves me to tears. Claude-Michel Schonberg has worked musical wonders – each song is memorable – that reminds me, I must find a copy of the CD. Herbert Kretzmer’s lyrics are the type you can sing over and over again (just ask Grandma!).
I find myself genuinely caring about the fate of the characters. Now THAT doesn’t happen with Eastenders or other television rot. I’m not just observing, I’m learning; and wanting to sing at the same time. This isn’t usual for me… I tend to find musicals that try to be serious through song, quite laughable. The giggles in this one however, come exactly when they’re supposed to (‘Master Of The House’ is hilarious). The rest of the time we’re gob smacked.
The main reason behind the success of this production is the cast that carries the whole intricate recipe off. The performers bind the lyrics, music and direction together with seamless interaction and powerful voices. John Owen-Jones is a strong, powerful and attention-grabbing Jean Valjean, Jon Lee a dashing Marius whilst Gina Beck twists the heart as Cosette. Sabrina Aloueche also puts on a tear-squeezing performance as Eponine.
It’s not all soppy love stories and heartbreak though. The nastiness on the streets of Paris and gripping war scenes deliver more jolts than a faulty electric fence.
It’s a classic… and it’s one that has (and will) continue to stand tall in the West End. I came out vowing to see it again as soon as possible. If you’re put off by musicals, give this one a try… it’s better than any film on offer and will show you what good theatre is all about.
Do You Hear The People Sing? You betcha... and you'll wish they'd never stop.
Have you seen Les Miserables? What did you think? Tell all in our comments section.
Comments (1)
Eileen
Wow! Katie, I'm rapt and so envious, even though I've seen it three times, in two different Countries; the first time in London, as you know. If only we could have gone together.
Posted on June 27, 2007 11:37 AM
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