Review by Tim Garratt
In 2025, Les Misérables celebrates 40 years since its arrival on stage in London. Written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, the show remains one of the most globally esteemed theatrical works, including here in Australia. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that Australia is one of several stops on a new world tour of Les Mis helmed by Cameron Mackintosh, in recognition of this milestone.
Directed by Jean-Pierre Van De Spuy and designed specifically for arenas, Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular features a cast and orchestra of over 65, including several internationally renowned artists. On opening night in Sydney, Jean Valjean was played by Alfie Boe (who famously led the filmed 25th Anniversary Concert) and Javert was played by Michael Ball (a musical theatre star for over 30 years, who’s spent considerable time on stage in Les Mis). During the Australian run, the pair shares their respective roles with Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden (both of whom also have extensive credentials).
From the opening notes of the Prologue, the arena production of Les Mis offers its audiences musical and visual splendour. Boublil’s and Schönberg’s score is arguably one of the greatest ever written for musical theatre, and it’s a delight to hear it presented so beautifully here by a first-class team of performers and musicians. The sizable ensemble ensures that big numbers like ‘One Day More’ and ‘Do you hear the people sing’ have the grandeur and emotion we expect, while moments like ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and ‘On My Own’ are suitably soft and poignant.
As Valjean, Boe is outstanding; his powerful tenor never falters and his ability to embody character while singing is remarkable. His performance is a benchmark for artists stepping into this role. As Inspector Javert, dogged in his determination to enforce the law, Ball completely convinces and brings presence to his portrayal. In fact, all principal cast members (Shan Ako, James D. Gish, Rachelle Ann Go, Matt Lucas, Beatrice Penny-Touré and Jac Yarrow) are genuinely impressive, singing wonderfully and faithfully depicting these well-known characters. Stepping into the shoes of the artless Madame Thénardier on opening night was Helen Walsh, showcasing terrific comedic timing and some great improvisation.
Matt Kinley’s striking stage design perfectly scales this 19th-century French classic to the arena, making use of video content and screens suggestive of sepia photographs (projections are by Finn Ross). Meanwhile, Paule Constable and Warren Letton bring the right mix of theatre and rock concert to the lighting design.
The only challenge in this concert staging is that it may occasionally be difficult for those less familiar with the show to understand specific moments without the exposition afforded by the full stage musical. But at close to three hours, there’s an enormous amount of detail packed into the show, and most is clearly conveyed.
This is certainly a show musical theatre lovers shouldn’t miss. Any fully-fledged production of Les Mis is a joy to experience, and this event, complete with a stellar international class and a large contingent of talented musicians, is destined to linger in your consciousness for some time. The rallying anthems are worth the visit alone.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is now playing at the ICC Sydney Theatre and will then play Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May, and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May. For more information, click here.
