Les Miserables

Having watched the film (see my other reviews) I was keen to see the musical - so booked in to see it and was not let down.

It's very hard to stage some a large production on a stage and having seen the film first I was wondering how well it would compare - but it compared brilliantly.

The set was really well done - the actors were excellent and the singing sublime.

I obviously already knew the story (I'd say if you don't its worth reading up on it first otherwise it can get a little confusing at times) so just sat back and enjoyed a musical fest of brilliance.

It wasn't cheap - I ended up paying £100 a ticket - but it was worth every penny and is probably the best thing I've seen in the West End.

If you can get along - do it.

This is a very good play, but bring tissues, hint hint cos everyone dies........ just kidding only half the cast die. the story is about the british revolution.... or is it the french.... maybe it's the bulgarian revolution.... i don't really know, was drunk when i went to see it... drunk of good actng that is!! i recomend this to any serial killers or drug dealers, this play will make your day! it might even encourage others to start, so you have some killer buddies, no pun intended

I'm an avid Les Mis fan having seen it 14 times. But, I was extremely disappointed in this new version. Thank goodness the songs haven't changed.

The sets and projections didn't have the same impact as previous. The scene where Enjolras is shown dead with the flag as the barricade revolves defines the real cost of the revolution. I'm afraid I'll not attend another production. p.s. Much was made of the use of Victor Hugo's art. Other than the static projection on the curtain, I didn't notice any other instance.

On Wednesday the 26th of October I went to see Les Miserables at the Queen’s theatre in London. I chose to see this event, because it has been running for a long time and is a well acclaimed play.Also my school are holding this production in a few months’ time, so I wanted to know what it was about and how it can inspire me.

The event consisted of stunning scenery, props and cast, each setting the scene of the play. I thought the casting was prefect for the play. All the cast had amazing voices ad each fitted their characters perfectly, especially the actor Alfie Boe, who played Jean Valjean. I think, because of this enthusiasm in the cast, the play became more realistic. From the sad and romantic side of the plot, to the more funny and upbeat side, this is especially shown from Master Thenardier and his wife.

I thought the set and effects were extraordinary. The whole set and stage revolved, so there was no scene change hindering the performance and I think this made the whole play flow easier. Also I thought the lighting and props really helped to set the scene; making the play seem even more realistic. I think the costumes were amazing, from the torn and dirty rags of the peasants, to the beautiful gowns for the wedding. The orchestra was wonderful, bringing such life to the play. I really liked how many of the songs were repeated throughout the play, as if memories of the past, but this repetition is not to everyone’s liking.

Overall I think the best characters in the play were Jean Valjean and Javert, they’re two very conflicting characters, who repeatedly create this very clashing and dark atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this play, because it is an amazing story with romance, sorrow and action, and it is done by an amazing cast. However the play is quite long and the story is quite complex, so some people might not enjoy this. From seeing the play I have now an understanding about the French revolution. Also the play has inspired me to learn more about it and see other musicals, which I can also enjoy.

I was invited by a freind to see Les Mis for his 18th Birthday. From hearing about it from families and freinds about how good it was, and from hearing some of the songs, i wanted to see it, however i was slightly disappointed with the production.

First of all, the CONS.

I never reliased it was one long song, There was very little spoken dialogue at all, the exception being a few words during the show.

The story is set in early 19th century France, so I was expecting French accents and more staging and props which were from the time, however a lot of the songs were sang with English and sometimes Cockney (Londoner) accents, and the scenery also looked more 19th Century England. This made the production feel more like watching Oliver!

In regards to Queens Theatre itself, I am 6ft 3in, and I felt "boxed in" in the seats in the upper circle, which made watching the show quite an uncorfatble experience, I think that because it is an old theatre, and is rather small, it was not designed for tall people like myself :)

One final point, I am not sure of it is just when you sit in the upper circle, however a lot of the time, you saw the cast walk off the stage at the end of a scene. For example when Mauris is killed in the fighting scene, they turned the set round, and I got a glimpse of his back as he got up and left the stage.

However there were some PROS.

The cast were very good, they were in tune and quite a few had very strong voices. The songs were excellent, and some have stuck in my head.

The special effects, and the lighting created a very good and strong atmosphere, and was well designed and well executed.

Overall, the production is a very emotional and strong scene of the history of France, however it would of felt more genuine if the cast acted more french, and the desginers made the props and staging more Parisian and French.

Being subjected to this musical is like having my eyes and ears sexually abused in unison.

To give you an example of how utterly unengaged and flabbergasted I was, I was DISAPPOINTED when

I have seen this show 5 times now and each time I have never been dissapointed it just gets better and better.

The current London cast are the best I have seen, Alfie Boe and Matt Lucas were superb in their roles and both in

Different ways stole the show for me!! I am going again in November this time though Jonathan Williams will be in the role, and he's amazing himself so I'm happy to see him again. This show needs to run forever and ever it's too goood!!!

List of Jean Valjeans in order of favourites:

Alfie Boe: amazing best JVJ ever!!

Jonathan Williams (first cover): lovely voice,superb acting a joy to watch

John Owen-Jones: brilliant great voice very watchable love him

Hans Petter-Janssens: really good as JVJ some fine acting there

Nik Page (second cover): good but can see why he's an understudy not one of the best portrayals but still watchable

Enjoy the show whenever you watch it , it's amazing!!!

Our second visit to Les Mis make sure you book seats in the stalls no further back than L as balcony restricts view, and you don't want to miss a second of this wonderful musical....

The production was magical with Alfie Boe and Matt Lucas stealing the show.

Matt was born for the part of Thenardier,his interpretation of the character is brilliant and he will be a hard act to follow........ Alfie Boe's performance made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.A fist of iron, with a touch of silk.

Look out for memorable performances from Norm Lewis, Lea Salonga and Samantha Barks

Val & Mick Braintree Essex

What a production, what a set, what a cast. Simon Bowman, the star of the show, was great as Jean Valjean and the rest of the cast were commendable too. Gareth Gates as Marius and Samantha Barks as Eponine did a great job; one can't help but feel sorry for Eponine and Marius falls for Cosette. The Thenardiers stole the show everytime they came on, providing the audience with a much needed comic injection!

The set was brilliant too - seamless transitions, loved the revolving stage!

Only negative? Seats in the upper circle meant peering over and missing a couple of actors on stage from time to time.

Overall, a great experience - I can certainly see why Les Miserables is one of the most loved musicals!

Make sure if you want to see Alfie Boe in Summer 2011 you check his dates on his own website, as the official les mis website fails to mention dates which Cameron knows he will not be there ie 6 & 20 Aug + dates in Sept, I wonder why, also why does an "important" website such as the official les mis one have no contact us link, could it be that they just want your money and after that you can cram it?