Review by Dave Gardette
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Les Misérables returns in grand fashion with the Arena Spectacular, a concert-style reimagining that trades traditional staging for vocal and visual grandeur – resulting in an emotionally charged, epic theatrical experience.
Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, Les Misérables follows the journey of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption while being relentlessly pursued by the lawman Javert. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters swept up in love, loss, and rebellion—each brought vividly to life in this arena-scale production.
As Jean Valjean, Alfie Boe delivers a commanding and emotionally layered performance, his operatic roots lending presence to every note. His rendition of “Bring Him Home” is nothing short of a sensation—a masterclass in control and delivery.
Michael Ball as Javert, once again returning to the Les Mis universe decades after originating Marius, offers a steadfast portrayal albeit a more subtle interpretation than what may be expected for the conflicted Javert.
As the bumbling, thieving Thénardiers, Matt Lucas and Marina Prior are a comedic treat, delighting the audience with improvised banter and grotesque charm. With sparkling comedic timing, their chemistry is infectious.
Bringing heart-rending power to “I Dreamed a Dream”, Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, showcases her deep emotional connection to the role, while Shan Ako (Éponine) delivers a distinctive soulful “On My Own”, one of the evening’s highlights.
As the young would be lovers, Jac Yarrow (Marius) and Beatrice Penny-Touré (Cosette) offer a tender, romantic pairing. Yarrow is charismatic, sincere with a wonderful presence, and Penny-Touré’s Cosette is suitably pure and innocent. James D. Gish (Enjolras) commands the stage with fiery idealism and vocal strength, leading the student revolutionaries with conviction.
Special mention to a lovely performance from Scarlett Sheludko (Little Cosette) and Christopher Joseph (Gavroche), is a true “pocket rocket” who had the audience in the palm of his hand. It’s a shame Gavroche’s death scene was omitted—it is one of the show’s most poignant and powerful moments.
The male ensemble of students are vocally rich and emotionally stirring, particularly in “One Day More” and “Drink With Me”. While the female ensemble provides some outstanding vocals and wonderful characterisations.
Under Adrian Kirk’s musical direction, the on-stage orchestra delivers a lush, cinematic sound, perfectly balanced with the cast thanks to Mick Potter’s flawless sound design.
Directors James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy masterfully scale the show’s intimacy to arena proportions, using screens, projections, and flawless staging to maintain the emotional clarity and narrative.
Matt Kinley’s set design is both striking and immersive, with robotic lighting rigs transforming seamlessly into Parisian streets and bridges. And together with Paule Constable and Warren Letton’s brilliant lighting design, have created an atmospheric theatrical experience, with moments of rock concert flair – the gunfire effects are particularly effective.
While the concert-style format means some dramatic moments are trimmed, Les Misérables Arena Spectacular is a triumphant celebration of one of musical theatre’s most enduring masterpieces. With its world-class cast, breathtaking visuals, and emotionally charged performances, this is Les Misérables for a new era—grand, heartfelt, and vocally thrilling.
