[judy]

I am thinking of travelling to Southampton to watch Les Miserables in August. I watched the musical in London around 16 years ago and fell in love with it. I constantly watch the Gala 10th anniversary show on you tube and no matter how many times I watch it, it gives me shivers down my spine. Now to my question.......Is this tour in the league of the performance of the Gala 10th anniversary? Is it better than Les Miserables running in London? I am going to be spending alot of money to travel so I don\'t want to be disappointed.
Since there was such a lovely show for the 10 anniversary.......would\'n they be doing another one on the 25th anniversary?
I thank in advance all those who reply.

[mjr]

There are many answers to this question, some will tell you that they prefer the tour production, some will tell you that they prefer the London production. I, personally, prefer London by far. I also don't think you can compare the tour to the Tenth Anniversary Concert at all, actually, especially as that was a concert with a full orchestra playing the original score, whereas this is a version with lots of sets (also compared to the London production) and a different approach, I think... and regarding the cast, you'll find some that are up to par with the Anniversary concert on the tour, and some who are up to par (or better, IMHO) in the London cast as well (and have been in past casts).
People keep saying that the only celebration for the 25th Anniversary will be the tour in London, back at the Barbican, which... well. Considering it's the anniversary of the London production, it would be more logical to have a concert, as you said, with the best current and recent performers from the different productions and with the original orchestration and approach. But there have been discussions about that already, so I'm going to leave it at that.

I heard a rumour there was going to be something at the London O2?

[judy]

There are many answers to this question, some will tell you that they prefer the tour production, some will tell you that they prefer the London production. I, personally, prefer London by far. I also don't think you can compare the tour to the Tenth Anniversary Concert at all, actually, especially as that was a concert with a full orchestra playing the original score, whereas this is a version with lots of sets (also compared to the London production) and a different approach, I think... and regarding the cast, you'll find some that are up to par with the Anniversary concert on the tour, and some who are up to par (or better, IMHO) in the London cast as well (and have been in past casts).
People keep saying that the only celebration for the 25th Anniversary will be the tour in London, back at the Barbican, which... well. Considering it's the anniversary of the London production, it would be more logical to have a concert, as you said, with the best current and recent performers from the different productions and with the original orchestration and approach. But there have been discussions about that already, so I'm going to leave it at that.

hmmmm....This is what I'm afraid of.....I love listening to Colm Wilkinson who playedJean Valjean in the 10th Anniversary that I'm scared I'll be disappointed. As you said, the full orchestra did make a hell of a big difference.

Grrrrrr.......don't know what to do. I guess that once I'm in the theatre I'll enjoy it anyway.

[Danube]

In my opinion, the tour is well worth seeing by anyone who loves the show. As said before, there will be a difference between what you are used to with the concert version and either of the full productions, but I think that it can only enhance your appreciation of the music to see it in a different setting.

The tour has been getting excellent reviews, so you shouldn't worry about it being an inferior version. It is a bit different to what's on in London, but it's not clear which is the "better" version. I personally prefered the tour production to any of my previous visits, but I understand that for some people it is the other way around.

What is clear is that unlike some tours, the Les Mis tour is not a cut back, or budget version of what's on in the West End. It actually has a bigger orchestra etc, and you can see the investment in the set and whole staging. So if that is your concern, don't worry about that.

I'd also point out that John Owen Jones, who plays Valjean on the tour has previously played the part in the West End, and is considered by many to be the best Valjean in recent years, with some thinking he's better than Colm. Again, personal preference will come into play, but I also think that no matter how good the 10th Anniversary Concert was, watching the show live in a theatre with a live orchestra will surpass it. The quality of the sound will always exceed that of a recording.

I'd also argue that the tour is playing a limited run, so see that while you get the chance. I see your location is Malta, and I'm guessing you can get a flight direct into Southampton. If so, that will make your visit much cheaper than going to London, but if you were really keen, you could probably do both shows in one visit. Southampton is on a direct train line into London and it would be easy enough to make a day trip for a matinee at one if you were staying in the other.

[judy]

In my opinion, the tour is well worth seeing by anyone who loves the show. As said before, there will be a difference between what you are used to with the concert version and either of the full productions, but I think that it can only enhance your appreciation of the music to see it in a different setting.

The tour has been getting excellent reviews, so you shouldn't worry about it being an inferior version. It is a bit different to what's on in London, but it's not clear which is the "better" version. I personally prefered the tour production to any of my previous visits, but I understand that for some people it is the other way around.

What is clear is that unlike some tours, the Les Mis tour is not a cut back, or budget version of what's on in the West End. It actually has a bigger orchestra etc, and you can see the investment in the set and whole staging. So if that is your concern, don't worry about that.

I'd also point out that John Owen Jones, who plays Valjean on the tour has previously played the part in the West End, and is considered by many to be the best Valjean in recent years, with some thinking he's better than Colm. Again, personal preference will come into play, but I also think that no matter how good the 10th Anniversary Concert was, watching the show live in a theatre with a live orchestra will surpass it. The quality of the sound will always exceed that of a recording.

I'd also argue that the tour is playing a limited run, so see that while you get the chance. I see your location is Malta, and I'm guessing you can get a flight direct into Southampton. If so, that will make your visit much cheaper than going to London, but if you were really keen, you could probably do both shows in one visit. Southampton is on a direct train line into London and it would be easy enough to make a day trip for a matinee at one if you were staying in the other.

It does help immensely when you get other people's opinion. Thank you. The thought of going to both shows has already crossed my mind. No direct flight to Southampton but that doesn't worry me....I've been both to London and Southampton countless times. I can keep my costs low as long as I go to watch Les Miserables.......the music and songs are so moving. Thanks for sharing your ideas and trying to help me out.


Should anyone else have anything to add, go ahead.
One question comes to mind.......Does the tour end in Southampton in Sepetember or will they extend it?