Reader Reviews
Les Miserables (Queen's Theatre, West End)
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 | Saw Les Mis last night (23 June 2011) to see opening night at Queens theatre. Saw original production on third night... This new cast and orchestra are right up there with the original! Will write more shortly. However... Alfie Boe - extraordinary! Bring him home is the best ever... as good as Colm! Hadley Fraser - have not seen a Javert so strong, and opposite Boe, extraordinary! Stars was the best i have ever heard! Right up there with Philip Quast! but probably better... Katy Secombe -so funny and so glad that Matt Lucas could keep up with her! Craig Mather - without a doubt the best Marius i have seen... Liam Tamne - quite brilliant... Lisa-Anne Wood - delightful! Alexia Khadime - wow! Caroline Sheen - you just got better and better... hearing "I dreamed a dream" sung by you made you understand why Britain has talent... Words cannot express the atmosphere last night... this was up there with the great Les Mis performances and left the O2 standing... and the RHH 10th... Let me end on the orchestra... brilliant! - Iain | 25 Jun 11 |
| It's appalling this reviewer (Vanessa Reid) can't spell appalling! Happy 25th Les Miz, and here's to many more birthdays. - Paul Phear | 02 Oct 10 |
| It's been nearly two years since I last saw Les Mis so a return to my favourite show was overdue. Seated in Row H gave a whole new perspective and it was fascinating to be able to pick out small details which might not have been noticed before. Over familiarity can sometimes lead to being over critical, for example is Stars now faster than previously, and some cast members slightly disappoint, eg those playing Fantine and both Thenardiers. Simon Bowman is a superb Valjean but even he seemed to be out of his comfort zone during the highest parts of Bring Him Home. I was particularly impressed with the two youngsters playing young Cosette and Gavroche and for once he did not milk his death scene. Les Mis has quietly incorporated minor celebrity casting and here we have Lucie Jones as a slightly underwhelming Cosette and Samantha Barks as Eponine. Sam is stunningly beautiful, even in ragamuffin clothes and make-up (Marius is clearly mad not to notice) but more importantly sings beautifully as well. In fact she is probably the best Eponine since the almost incomparable Sophie Ragevelas. Since last seeing the show I have ploughed through Hugo's massive novel and was struck by how different it was. This has increased my admiration even further for Boubil and Schonberg's astonishing adaptation and by the end I was swept to my feet again in appreciation for this still great show which epitomises everything that is so extraordinary about the live theatre experience. - David Baxter | 08 Sep 10 |
| and yes I know that should be casts. Shameful! - Paul Phear | 11 Aug 10 |
| whoops, forgot to give my rating. 5 stars! - Paul Phear | 11 Aug 10 |
| I'm sorry I can't take a review seriously from someone who can't spell appalling. I've seen Les Miz many times and yes cast's can vary, but I've never seen a poor performer and it's always worked on an emotional level. Happy 25th Les Miz, many more to come. - Paul Phear | 11 Aug 10 |
| I have to agree with Nesby. Let add that this is nearby a Karaoke performance. Sorry but I have seen a lot lot better performances of Les Miz than this. Perhaps the best that i saw was in Berlin. - RistoP | 13 Apr 10 |
| simply the best - bj | 12 Mar 10 |
| Saw the show after a gap of almost five years. From all accounts a new cast. While the music is still stirring the same can not be said for the current crop of actors. I find it difficult to fathom why you would cast a Valjean who cannot reach the high notes. A Javert who cannot act. A Mme Thenardier who screeches more than sings and a Marius who vocally just isn't up to it. I know this may all sound very harsh, but as a veteran of seeing this show, you can tell when it just doesn't work anymore. If you found the above harsh, I better reserve my comments of the current Fantine for another time and place. Please Les Miserables casting agents and producers, remember that this is one of the most beloved and well recognised scores and shows in the world. We do notice when the performances aren't up to scratch...and don't just rely on the fact that the show is a tourist attraction. The audience deserves better. - Nesby | 23 Feb 10 |
| On our recent trip to New York we saw A Tale of Two Cities which I actually enjoyed unlike the critics who mauled it. However, that show is highly derivitave of Les Mis so it was great to see this wonderful show again for the first time since March 2006. When you've seen it as often as we have you tend to focus on the performances. Earl Carpenter is a superb Javert and there are also particularly good performances from Enjolras and Eponine (sorry haven't got the programme in front of me). Jon Robyns is almost completely unrecognisable to Avenue Q fans but is slightly miscast as Marius but David Shannon (?) is an excellent Valjean, despite an iffy start when some of the songs seemed to be slightly faster than previously. However, the Thenardiers were dreadful raising almost no rection from a reassuringly packed house. I see that A Tale of Two Cities has alraedy posted closing notices on Broadway so it will almost certainly never be seen in London, but why worry about imitations when the gretaest musical ever writen is still as good as ever. - David Baxter | 12 Nov 08 |
| Brilliant!!, no other word. - mike | 12 May 08 |
| Just fantastic!, seen this show so many times and it's still amazing. - rik | 26 Apr 08 |
| Saw the show yesterday matinee (feb 13) and it was amazing! I didn't realise that we would be seeing Drew Sarich as valjean and it shocked me but I soon got used to his american accent and marvelled at his acting ability. All the cast were fantastic and gave a really emotional performance. Truly a show that I will never forget! - Jonathan | 14 Feb 08 |
| Saw this last week for the 9th time also, and it was excellent. CV is the best Thenardier ever - I don't think there'd be many performers who could maintain that standard with such a poor on-stage wife. Let's have Tracy back please. Sarich was very good, but didn't come up to the standard of JOJ. Hans was as good as ever - at least 1000 times better than Cornel John, but obviously nowhere near as good as PQ (Who is?). The understudy on the night was Cosette (Emily Bull) who played the part very well - this isn't a character that particularly interests me but she's worth a mention. Overall, this is an outstanding show with an excellent current cast (the exception to this having already been mentioned). - Dave | 01 Feb 08 |
| i saw this for the ninth time on the 25th.although i thought drew sarich was very good in the role of valjean i personally will be glad when joj returns to the part as no-one can play or sing the part like he can. one of my favourite performers in this cast is chris vincent, in fact he is the best thenadier i have ever seen even surpassing the great barry james himself. it is such a shame he has such a poor counter-part in melanie la barry. this is the first time i have seen cassie compton as eponine as she was ill on my last visit. i thought was an amazing perfomer with a truly excellant voice. this is my favourite show in the west end and i will definitely be returning again - cath - cath parton | 01 Feb 08 |
| i saw this for the ninth time on the 25th.although i thought drew sarich was very good in the role of valjean i personally will be glad when joj returns to the part as no-one can play or sing the part like he can. one of my favourite performers in this cast is chris vincent, in fact he is the best thenadier i have ever seen even surpassing the great barry james himself. it is such a shame he has such a poor counter-part in melanie la barry. this is the first time i have seen cassie compton as eponine as she was ill on my last visit. i thought was an amazing perfomer with a truly excellant voice. this is my favourite show in the west end and i will definitely be returning again - cath - cath parton | 01 Feb 08 |
| i saw this on the 28th. it was amazing. John Owen Jones is fantastic as jean valjean, i really liked him. Cassandra Compton is a revelation as Eponine and the children playing Gavroche and Cosette were so sweet. But the big wow factor for me that nite was Joanna Ampil as Fantine. I loved her, she sung I dreamed a dream with such feeling and lovely ladies is now my favourirte scene - Kirsty | 02 Sep 07 |
| i saw this on the 28th. it was amazing. John Owen Jones is fantastic as jean valjean, i really liked him. Cassandra Compton is a revelation as Eponine and the children playing Gavroche and Cosette were so sweet. But the big wow factor for me that nite was Joanna Ampil as Fantine. I loved her, she sung I dreamed a dream with such feeling and lovely ladies is now my favourirte scene - Kirsty | 02 Sep 07 |
| Amazing show, John Owen Jones and the entire cast are excellent. The production was moving, exciting and awe-inspiring. - G | 29 Aug 07 |
| Went to see the show on Monday and all I can say is WOW. It was an amazing show. Hadn't seen it for a few years and took my two neices to see it and they fell in love with it too! John Owen Jones was amazing in the role of Jean Valjean. He owned the part and really took us with him on his journey. What a voice too. Never heard anything so powerful and full of emotion too. A brilliant performance. Javert- was played by Hans Peter Janssens and he couldn't have been better cast. He was a very strong and worthy opponant for John Owen Jones and both of them brought fire and life to every scene they did. Sophia Ragavelas portrayed the role of Fantine with such delicacy it was heart wrenching and very moving to watch. She has a beautiful voice too. Sabrina Aloueche was absolutely incredible. Eponine is such a complex role and everyone wants something different from it! She had the best characterisation and her voice was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. She has to be my favourite young performer around at the minute- my neices agree! We had Marius's understudy on, Robert Archibald, my neices were very dissappointed about this as they really wanted to se Jon Lee- but agreed by the end that Robert had done an amazing job in the role. Brilliant voice too. Simon Bailey was the mighty Enjolras who I wasn't entirely convinced by. Something was nagging me about his performance. Vocally not too strong, but he did have the right look for it, and, again the two terrors I had with me liked him very much indeed! A brilliant show, and after 21 years, it still a full house, and a standing ovation. Go and see this gem of a show. - 80.47.101.19) | 01 Dec 06 |
| I went to watch the show last week and i loved it. The effects were brilliant and the songs were just perfect. John Owen Jones was perfect for Jean Valjean, he has a gerat voice. Hans Peter Janssens was brilliant also and i loved the scene he falls to the river. Fantine was good but the scene she is supposed to die felt like she fell asleep. Marius and Eponine were great. Especially Sabrina Aloueche's scene alone was the best scene, because she has the loveliest voice in all the actresses. But looks like Gina Beck hasn't got a voice of a young girl, she has a womanish voice, so she wasn't the perfect match for Cosette. The show was enjoyable, everybody shoulld watch it... - 85.101.17.210) | 23 Nov 06 |
| Les mis is my favourite musical of all time, i once played eponine in an amateur version of les mis and i would play that part forever if i could. Looking forward to seeing it in London in the near future - 83.71.102.0) | 28 Oct 06 |
| Les Mis is in the best shape it has been for years. John Owen-Jones leads the cast as a spectacular Valjean, surely this man must be considered to be among the best, if not the very best in the role. Hans Peter Janssens is a formidable opponant for him as Javert with a powerful presence and booming operatic voice - it is a pleasure to see two men who can actually act as well as sing in these roles. We saw understudies in the roles of Marius (which I was thankful for - sorry Jon Lee!) and Eponine - both were outstanding. Surprisingly the only slight let down was Sophia Regolas as Fantine. Having loved her Eponine it was a little disappointing to see her in a role that she is not really suited to. Having said that, this is one of the best shows in London at the moment, what we experienced was a near perfect performance of a show that just over a year ago seemed destined to close. The creative team have hit the mark with the casting here and I hope to see the show again very soon - hopefully with the understudies in place again! - 62.136.150.38) | 27 Oct 06 |
| Well I've just been to see Les Mis for the first time in almost 2 years, and I have to agree with Ms Jacques on a lot of points. I thought Sophia Ragavelas, who I loved as Eponine a couple of years ago, was miscast as Fantine, and she overacted a lot of the time. Sabrina Aloueche was wonderful, and John Owen Jones - well, what can I say? I really don't think I've seen a better Valjean, he's totally convincing in the role and his voice is amazing. His 'Bring Him Home'was absolutely breathtaking and he got a huge response from the audience. The night I went (26/10/06), both Marius and Enjolras were played by understudies, and both were great - Enjolras in particular really stood out. I wasn't entirely sold on Hans Peter Janssens' Javert - I thought his acting was outstanding, but he delivered his lines in a rather strange, jerky way at times. Also, the children were both excellent tonight, particularly Gavroche who was a very strong singer and actor, and who got a great audience reaction! All in all, not the best possible cast but pretty damn good, and I'd say it's worth going for John Owen Jones alone! - 138.37.244.162) | 26 Oct 06 |
| I went to see Les Miserables last week and this is the 2nd tim eand it is the most exciting sensational show i have ever been to see, I have seen many of West End shows such as My Fair Lady, Chicago, Oliver, Mamma Mia, and none of them are as close as les mis. My uncle was in it a while back David Burrows but i did not get chance to see him in it but but luckily for my parents they did. i am going ot see this show again in 2 weeks time. I. The actors are brilliant and i have never seen a performace like it from the guy who plays jean val jean. When he sung bring him hom ei had goosebumps all over my body he was absoloutly phenomenal. I just cant seem to get enough of the classical show. - 81.144.195.3) | 28 Sep 06 |
| What a fantastic new cast- headed by John Owen Jones who is always going to get a thumbs up from me! Hans Peter did a spectacular job as Javert and his voice although quite operatic was powerful and strong! Both Jon Lee and Simon Bailey did well in their roles, however, vocally, I felt neither lived up to the demands of such important parts. In two minds about our dear sophia ragavelas, although her voice was staggeringly beautiful, her acting was quite dare I say it, juvinile, and almost too OTT in some places. Her I dreamed a dream was beautiful though. Sabrina Aloueche does not compare to Shonagh Daly- simply because shonagh was- in a word- rubbish. Sabrina has an unbelievably powerful voice and still doesn't shout her way through the songs like the previous did- there are other ways of coming across as feisty other than being loud. She is a top Eponine and I am clearly not alone in my opinion either. Gina Beck was sweet in the role but I do miss Julia as I feel she was a wonderful Cosette. - 195.93.21.100) | 02 Aug 06 |
| Okay, five stars of course because it is Les Miserables and nothing short of a really really bad school edition can make me not like it.Although I do not think that this cast is anywhere near as good as the last cast, apart from maybe the Javert. John Owen Jones was of course amazing as Valjean though. However Jon Lee's portrayal of Marius is... the only way I can put it is not Marius. His voice is below standard and I did not particularly like his acting. Sophia Ragavelas has a wonderful voice, no doubt, however I do not think that Fantine is exactly her part and she lacked emotion in some scenes. Sabrina Aloueche has a pretty voice, however she has yet to learn how to apply the right emotion into it. Her acting, although substantial, was not Eponine, and after becoming used to Shonagh Daly's fiesty, loud performance, so close to how the character is portrayed in the book, Sabrina Aloueche disappointed me somewhat. Gina Beck, however is in my opinion a very sweet Cosette and has the voice and acting to become extremely good. Overall, some members of the cast do deserve a congratulations, but others need to improve and I look forward to seeing them do so as the year goes on. - 82.45.253.190) | 25 Jul 06 |
| Saw the current cast of Les Mis last saturday matinee and have to say I was very disappointed. I did enjoy John Owen Jones as Valjean he was amazing, he has a terrific voice and his acting was good. Hans Peter Janssen as Javert was equally stunning with a fantastic voice and his Javert was truly scary and his acting was so intense a really pleasure to listen to and watch. I also enjoyed the current Thenardier's Tracie Bennet and Chris Vincent who worked very well together and were very funny. The big disappoint was Simon Bailey and Jon Lee as Enjolras and Marius. I had seen Jon before and thought he was ok as Marius but not outstanding by any means. He is very sweet and boyish as Marius but his voice is weak and not strong enough for the role and at times he was drowned out by other members of the company. Simon Bailey's voice was not as powerful as previous Enjolras and I his portrayal just didnt engage me. The new Cosette and Eponine were both nice and sweet but the Eponine was not very feisty and a bit too nice. All in all I found the younger principals disappointing. - 62.173.95.145) | 10 Jul 06 |
| Fantastic show. Great new cast - 86.140.192.157) | 07 Jul 06 |
| Shonagh Daly as Eponine is absolutely amazing! She plays the part with exactly the righ emotion. I have seen her 104 times! (twice she was away) and each time her performance has been outstanding. Her interpretation of Eponine is very similar to the Eponine of the book, the wraith like creature who is sweet natured, but doomed. Shonagh's voice is so loud and beuatiful at the same time, her On My Own brings me to tears every time and it feels like my heart breaks in every 'Little Fall of Rain'. (which is 104 times! She is definately the best Eponine. - 82.45.240.76) | 18 Jun 06 |
| This is the most amazing musical in the entire world! Everything about it is amazing, from the plot, to the songs, to the set,to the costumes, to the staging, to the directing, to the actors. It is fantastic. All the actors are first class, without doubt. John Owen Jones is great as Jean Valjean, he plays it perfectly, portraying the character with just the right balance of emotion. He doesn't try to hide Valjean's crimes, for the character is violent and strong, yet he still plays him in a way that makes you relate to the character and makes Jean Valjean convincingly strong and gentle. Kerry Ellis is also brilliant, she has such a sweet, clear voice and even looks exactly like Fantine should look. Again, she does not try to sugar coat the character, but potrays her with every flaw and tribute she has, which in reality makes one sympathise more. Barry James is the most hilarious Thenardier I have ever seen.He does not only say the lines in the script, but adds in some of his own jokes and is completely unrestricted by the script. He works particularly well with Tracie Bennett, as they have coordinated every movement to a stunning effect that had the whole audience dying of laughter. Julia Moller plays such a sweet and innocent Cosette, but not in such an overdone way that the character is destroyed. She has a beautiful voice and made Cosette into the sugary, but still likable character she is written as in the book. Cornell John is also a fantastic Javert and his voice has such strength, especially in Stars, where his portrayal of Javert really shined and he made Javert understandable, despite what he does. Hayden Tee's performance was definately a highlight of the show. He looks exactly like how I imagine Marius, and acts the part in such a way that he had the entire audience cheering and crying for him the whole way through the play. Shaun Escoffery also played Enjolras as close to perfection. The leader of the revolutionaries is such a vital character if the barricades are to be exciting, but he carried the weight of that part all the way through, remaining proud, brave and inspiring. Shonagh Daly's part also, is definately one of the most impressive aspects of that performance. She played the character of Eponine with such sorrow, anger and love that one could not watch her performance without wishing to comfort her. Her acting was superb, with some of the best expressions I have ever seen, and her performance seemed to have been taken straight out of Victor Hugo's mind. Her voice was so strong and beautiful as well, and somehow managed to be both loud and heartwrenching at the same time. Not only was every main member of the cast spectacular, but the chorus was also exceptional. Unlike in most musicals, where the side cast seems to revolve around the main characters, in this, every actor was acting. In any one scene with more than the main characters, you could at any time look in the background see every character, however unimportant, going about with their own real lives. Every person involved in this production is putting their whole heart into it all the way, something rarely seen in a play that has been going on for so long. For this musical remembers that while the main characters may be the main characters to us, to everyone else in their world, they are merely one more person. Les Miserables is definately a performance everyone should see time and time again, if you don't, then other fans can not even explain how much you are missing. - 82.35.234.141) | 25 May 06 |
| I saw this musical for the second time, and unlike the second viewing of most musicals, this seemed perhaps even better than the first time I saw it. It had me cheering all the way through, I and cried 9 times!!! The entire cast definately deservs applause, Shonagh Daly is outstanding as Eponine, she has such a heartwrenching performance and a beautiful voice, while she also maintained the unstable and urchin like quality of the character. Another thing original to her performance, was the fact that she remembered that Eponine was spoilt as a child, so she still managed to seem bratty while making the whole audience cheer for her. John Owen Jones is without doubt the best Jean Valjean, his performance was spectacular and moving, Kerry Ellis was a fantastic Fantine with such a beautiful voice. Barry James of course was hilarious as Thedardier, as always. Overall, the entire cast was spectacular, I hope to see it again. - 194.154.22.51) | 22 May 06 |
| So good! It made me cry! John Owen-Jones was AMAZING and the entire cast is definately worth seeing again. This was my secong time seeing it and I was definately not dissapointed. - 194.154.22.52) | 22 May 06 |
| I saw it for the second time, and it was amazing. Every one of the actors seemed ready to play their roles for at least another year. Actors worth a mention were John Owen-Jones, who was stunning in his role of Jean Valjean, and Kerry Ellis who gave such a heartbreaking performance in her role as Fantine. Sadly, there was an understudy for Eponine and although I did not feel she was as good as Shonagh Daly, she still gave a wonderful performance. Simply the stage directing, the fantastic sets, and the lighting were excellent. I have seen no other show with music, storyline, or characters that exceed those of Les Mis. There is no doubt when I say that Les Miserables is the greatest musical there ever was. - 82.35.234.141) | 21 May 06 |
| Today's matinee was the first time i have seen this musical. Whilst i found the music, melodically lacking in areas and lyrically - somewhat banal, I was surprised by how touching I found this show to be. The production is wonderful. The art direction fabulous and the direction, masterful. The cast is tremendous and though some of the tuning on the 'money notes' was slightly erroneous, that did not detract from what was a compelling performance. I expected to be restless and was a tad nervous about seeing an entirely musical piece but found myself moved and enthralled. I was not disapointed. - 86.144.197.133) | 04 May 06 |
| How rude!!! Don't you just hate it when you are not allowed to have your own opinion!!! - 86.137.180.184) | 30 Apr 06 |
| Think someone with too much spare time has been blotting this show's name on this review board...this is still the greatest musical in the West End. If you haven't seen it, you haven't experienced theatre. - 86.141.62.199) | 30 Apr 06 |
| Something really ought to be done about this tired and shabby show!!! Last Tuesday I took a group of students to see this show.. I was dreadfully disappointed. I reckon I saw Les Mis more than 15 times in its first ten years... Then it was ground breaking.. staggering.. fresh and the design was ... outstanding. Now it has become a hideous sequence of cliches. Eponine was overacting SO badly it was a blessing when she finally got shot... and the Thernadiers.. great comic relief but even the wonderful Barry James has stooped so much into pantomime that all of the gags are awkward and overblown. Whoever played old JVJ.. was really difficult to hear.. a lot of low gutteral mumbling that was just inaudible.. even in the dress circle we rarely caught a glimps of his face....and I don't care if we could only manage to pay £30 for our seats ..WE STILL OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THE ACTORS!!! Javert sang well but had no real acting passion.. and even fumbled the falling off the bridge sequence. I am sick and tired of paying a lot of money for average performances in so called major shows..... We want our money's woth and right now Les miserables IS NOT DELIVERING!!! In the end I felt really embarrassed that I had taken these eager students to see such a dreadful cliche of a worn out show. - 86.129.29.160) | 23 Apr 06 |
| Well-staged but mechanical drivel. Poverty and injustice turned into a knees-up. All in all a rather distasteful evening, with execrable music and lyrics. If this is the best musical in the world, god help us all! - 86.132.119.14) | 20 Apr 06 |
| I really, really like this show and have seen it several times, but when I saw the show last wednesday, it didn't "touch" me anymore.... The cast has done quite a good job, but is this really enough?? Even if Les Miserables is still a very good musical, it needs some more to stay a "First-class-show".... - 195.93.60.100) | 14 Apr 06 |
| AAAAAAAAAAAA! At the end of the day your another day older, and I felt that around twenty years older after sitting through hours of this trite. Before seeing this monstrosity obviously I had heard people's opinions on it such as, it's the most emotional thing I've seen in the theatre, the best music you'll hear in the west end, I just couldnt stop crying. Please, what is the world coming to when this five hour show filled with crud euro ballads can have people proclaiming it the most emotional musical in the world. You want depth, you want something intelligent, well then read the book instead listening to master of the house. About as much fun as catching your hand in an electric saw. Here in my castle, god help me! - 80.47.46.22) | 06 Apr 06 |
| My first visit since 2002 was a mixed experience... - Fantastic ensemble work - tight as a gnat's proverbial. - A great Valjean from John Owen Jones. How does he do it? - Disappointing sound (after the wonders of The Woman in White): foggy, muted and incoherent in 'chaos' scenes (e.g. the barricades). - Some oddly stretched tempi from the MD - some too fast, some too slow - and some overdone 'free tempo' singing from one or two of the principles (though never from JOJ). - A fair few intonation problems from various soloists, although these were isolated. - A meagre orchestral sound (God rot Sinfonia) with a very iffy cello and some split horn notes. - A cramped stage, tho' sometimes this added to the excitement. It was certainly much more immediate than I remember it of late: it felt more like it did first time round at the Barbican. - A dire Javert. Cornell John missed his final 'death' note by a tone and a bit. (Pity the band didn't: they got it right when they swooped up to join him. Result: cacophony.) Does anyone actually like the reverb on the ghosts' mics? (Hideous, I thought.) On the other hand, am I right in thinking that the detail of the production has never been stronger? Did Gavroche always have that mini-flag? Did the dead Fantine always stretch out a loving hand to her grown-up daughter? Or did I simply miss these things in earlier viewings? - 85.12.80.1) | 24 Mar 06 |
| 3rd time watching it and it sure won't be the last. Spell-binding every single time, and the little impromptu changes here and there every time just adds to the freshness of the experience. It's been 12 years since I first watched it, but cast is as strong as ever (aside from John Cornell as Javert). A true gem of a musical. - 144.82.196.107) | 16 Feb 06 |
| I went to see Les Mis the other day as we're putting on the school's addition. I went with high expections which were, most of the time, justified. The show was epic and the songs as timeless as always. But the cast was really dodgy in some places. John Owen-Jones was brilliant as Valjean and Bring him home was easily the performance of the night. Enjolras, Eponine and Fantine were also pretty good. But I was disapointed with Javert. He was a great actor but not as good a singer. I didn't think stars of Javert's suicide were as good as they should have been. I am going to be playing Marius in our edition and I was hoping to pick up tips off the current Marius (Hayden Tee). But to be honest, he was rubbish. Possibly not his fault, but he overacted and did not empathise with the character at all. In fact I think he totally mis judged the character of Marius. Les Mis was fantastic but I thought some of it was unrehearsed and I really expected more. Tut tut! - 84.9.147.52) | 15 Jan 06 |
| Its a brilliant show and you will not regret choosing to see it. John Owen-Jones as Valjean is excellent, almost as good as Colm Wilkinson (10th Anniversary Concert). Couldn't quite get used to the actor who played Javert (John Cornell) just a bit of an ethnic shock, same again with Enjolras (Shaun Escoffery). Just my views though. This link shows the current cast and all will become clearer!!http://www.lesmis.com/pages/about/cast_current_uk.htm - 82.1.91.86) | 04 Dec 05 |
| I have been intending to see this for some years and have, at last, done so! I found it very powerful and moving, perhaps more so because of the, in the main, sadness of the story. Unlike a previous reviewer only one understudy, Eporine, and I had no complaints there. John Owen Jones in the lead, saw him in Phantom, was very good as I would say were the entire cast. A good team performance. Obviously not your usual jolly musical, but one well worth seeing. Like Phantom I shall be seeing this more than once. - 195.93.21.104) | 19 Nov 05 |
| Superb, brilliant, fantastic, what more can I say, the show was just great from start to finish, the cast was brilliant but most of all, shaun escoffery (Enjiloras was superb! what a talented young man and a joy to watch - 84.66.76.18) | 26 Oct 05 |
| le 30/08/05 j'ai vu les miserables pour la huitième fois. john owen jones , jeff nicholson, hayden tee, et tous les autres comédiens ont si bien joué et chanté que j'ai eu l'impression de ressentir les emotions encore plus fort que la première fois. Grace à eux j'ai redécouvert le spectacle et je l'apprécie encore plus qu'avant. je n'attends plus que l'occasion de le revoir. merci JOJ. - 213.44.221.237) | 28 Sep 05 |
| The show has gone from strength to srength. We saw it just after the last cast change now some two months later the whole cast have gelled together. Shaun Henson was covering Thenardier - what a master piece. Begger at the feast was hilarious. The best Thenardier I have seen. - 195.93.21.102) | 20 Sep 05 |
| Such a shame this show cant last a month with a new cast without understudies appearing,Claire Moore and Shonagh Daly were off already and there understudies are hopeless. Very disappointing when shows are so expensive and if you complain you get nowhere and juts jibes from other theatregoers who must have more money than sense to put up understudy heaven what the West End seems to be now,at one time I took it for granted the leads would appear and most often than not they did-This is a thing of the past ,its now pot luck to ever seen a lead and booking saturdays makes no difference and I find that is the worse day for u/s to appear now-No wonder the west end is in decline ,put up the prices and put on understudies and not give a toss about it. - 195.93.21.102) | 01 Aug 05 |
| Third time we have seen the show it seems to get better each time. Shaun Escoffery was outstanding. Really nice to see Shaun Henson. He seems to have been in nearly all the musicals we have seen over the last year or so. There really should be an award for peformers like Shaun who are the back bone of so many productions. - 195.93.21.102) | 24 Jul 05 |
| Still the greatest musical ever, still so powerful after all these years. The new cast is pretty excellent, I agree mostly with the previous reviewer except I thought Shonagh Daly's On My Own was disappointing and Shaun Escoffery's Enjolras was superb, there was a thrilling edge of soulfulness in his voice. If you haven't seen it, you should be sectioned. If you have, go again! - 81.156.178.156) | 21 Jul 05 |
| Although I've seen this about 30 times, including at the Barbican originally, was really keen to see it with the new company as it's probably the single biggest cast change ever. And it's terrific. The ensemble are fresh as paint, and in great voice. To be fair, some of the principal's acting is a bit uneven: on the plus side, John Owen-Jones is one of the best Valjean's ever.....passionately acted and magnificently sung, even better now than in his earlier stint in the part. Also, Barry James' superbly physical and strongly sung Thenardier seems more sinister than before. Reprising their "Little Shop of Horrors" partnership of 20 yrs ago, he and the wonderful Claire Moore seem to understand that the Thenardiers should be as terrifying as they are hilarious. Claire Moore's smashing performance suggests that the sooner she gets a crack at Sondheim; Mrs Lovett the better for us all!!! Kerry Ellis is a heartrending Fantine, acted and sung with power and passion.....her "I Dreamed A Dream" is frankly gutwrenching! A star in the making. Julia Moller is a lovely Cosette too. On the downside, Cornell John's acting-and-singing-by numbers Javert is a major disappointment (when he fell to his knees during "Stars" it looked as though he'd dropped something on the floor) although he does achieve some power in the suicide scene. Similarly, Shaun Escoffery's Enjloras seems prone to alot of empty posturing but little real feeling. Am not convinced the timbre of black voices (and both of them are great singers) is well suited to this score. Hayden Tee's Marius looks and sounds good but is prone to camp overacting. The new Eponine, Shonagh Daly, has a good voice (although one better suited to a Fantine in my opinion) but is little more than serviceable as an actress, lacking the urchin-like quality required. Her version of "On My Own" is marvellous however. All in all though, this show is a classic...deeply moving and exciting theatre. Worth seeing periodically to realise that, of the "pop operatic" type musicals that came out of the 80s & 90s, nothing else, except maybe the last London version of Martin Guerre, achieved the power and magic of this one. - 195.82.123.181) | 29 Jun 05 |
| I've seen Les Miz perhaps 6 times before and listened to several CD versions. This production was solid. I especially enjoyed Javert by Michael McCarthy - a great Javert makes the whole production. Sophia Ragavelas as Eponine does as great of a performance as any I have heard. Between them, they made it a great evening in the theater. - 152.131.10.73) | 03 Jun 05 |
| the most beautiful musical ever. it deserves to run forever. - 81.157.13.111) | 02 May 05 |
| one of the best show ever seen. Great! Breathtaking! Magnifique!!! - 194.158.64.33) | 07 Mar 05 |
| Took our 9 year old son to see this show over Half Term. He's been fanatical about the music for ages now, and was totally transfixed for the whole 3 hours! I first saw the show about 18 years ago but it's still as fresh, moving and fantastic as ever. We saw the understudy Tim Godwin as Jean Val Jean and he was amazing! Long may the show live!! - 80.4.224.6) | 19 Feb 05 |
| I am disgusted by the WOS review. Les Miserables is the only musical I have come across that has both an inspiring story which touches people deeply, and is told by dramatic, emotional, passionate and rich music. The cast are always strong, and you will never leave the theatre without a feeling of excitement or passion or a change in you. No musicals have the same depth and raise the same kind of issues that Les Mis raises to the audience. This is not just a musical, but all the crys and political and social points that Victor Hugo wrote. The only difference is it is set onstage to wonderful music. This is a musical not only loved by theatre and musical fans, but anybody. It doesn't just appeal to theatre goers, or fans of Victor Hugo but anybody world wide who has feelings. It deals with every emotion possible, and is by far one of the best shows ever written. - 62.252.192.13) | 01 Jan 05 |
| The best musical ever written. That's all one really needs to say - the music, the story, the design, the legend! - 81.156.178.164) | 31 Dec 04 |
| After all these years this is still the best all round musical/theatrical event in the West End. I saw the mid week matt last week and enjoyed every minute. Good luck to the current cast, and congratulations on keeping the standard up there with the best of the past. Worth every penny of the ticket price, and the Queens is a great venue. - 82.44.98.162) | 13 Dec 04 |
| Fantastic. Saw the special Entente Cordiale show last night with Michael Ball. The whole cast was brilliant, especially Joanna Ampil who has a stunning voice. "On My Own" stood out and was very well sung. A top class production and 1st rate cast. Thank you - 62.231.138.34) | 19 Nov 04 |
| Amazing! Lydia Griffiths shone as Cosette! - 81.153.214.62) | 10 Nov 04 |
| Amazing! Amazing set, amazing story, amazing Cast, amazing songs.. need I say more! Only thing more amazing than the show was the wonderfull talent of Joanna Ampil, she has got to be the best performer I have ever seen! - 62.252.224.18) | 27 Oct 04 |
| Les Miserables is the best thing i have seen on the stage in my whole life. I think it is excellent and I never have the songs out of my head. if anyone hasn't seen it why not you are meeting out on a great teat. it is fantastic all the cast is at the top end of the scale. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 19 Sep 04 |
| Have seen this show in various theatres 8 times and it is still the greatest night in the theatre anywhere - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.43.98.252) | 16 Sep 04 |
| Have seen this show in various theatres 8 times and it is still the greatest night in the theatre anywhere - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.43.98.252) | 16 Sep 04 |
| I have seen the show 6 times. It is absolutely the best and people that dont find it moving must have stone hearts. I sob my way through it every time. My husband is now a les Mis fan as well. I will be back to see it again thsi year . - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.153.170.193) | 07 Sep 04 |
| I don't like hyped shows, and i thought this would be one. How wrong i was. Blieve the hype. It is a brilliant show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.209.94.24) | 06 Sep 04 |
| Quite amazing. GO and see it NOW. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.209.94.24) | 06 Sep 04 |
| Simply the best. An outstanding musical. You will go through all the possible emotions. Great songs, great music, great lyrics..there is not one single complain about this Musical. Oh! and don't worry about The Queen's...the quality is not affected. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.209.94.24) | 06 Sep 04 |
| It had never interested me in the slightest plus everyone i had evr spoken to said how boring it was. However, having seen now most of the shows choice was becoming limited and i decided to go and se just to say that i had. So taking advantage of kids week i dragged along my sister with a view that i was not going to like it. Well i was blown away it is fantastic, it gets a bit of getting used to but i thought that with phantom and once you get into it you get totally engrose in whats going on. Some wonderful songs and performances from waht it a talented cast. Set is fantastic, when it doesn't break down like it did in the second act, as veryone died so did the set. But 10 minutes later it was fixed and ready to go onto the end. So if you havent't seen it go go go im sure you will be in for a very pleasnt suprise! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.137.94.68) | 03 Sep 04 |
| I have seen this show a number of times.Two times at the palace Theatre in London and twice in Manchester. I went to see how it would fair in it's recent transfer to the Queens. Well I am a Les Mis fan and love the show,but I am sorry this production did not do it for me.I don't know what it was but something didn't quite gel. I am sure it well get better as the months go on. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.122.47.178) | 27 Aug 04 |
| From Mrs San Pietro, Vancouver BC, Canada Still by far the best show in the West End. Absolutely terrific. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.137.34.25) | 03 Aug 04 |
| Saw Les Mis for the second time yesterday and was again brilliant. Sean Kingsley and Michael McCarthy were excellent with fantastic solos by both, especially Stars by Michael. Would deffinatley see it again, am hoping for a tour!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.39.91.58) | 29 Jul 04 |
| I really wish it hadn't recently moved theatre...I'm going to have to wait for the seat prices to drop before I go and see it again. From what I've heard of the current cast, though, I know it's going to be amazing. I'll just have to make do with the original London cast recording until November... - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.3.32.72) | 25 Jul 04 |
| the show is SOOOO past its sell by date. It should close now. REALLY stale - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.154.173.105) | 22 Jul 04 |
| I have seen Les Mis a number of times and each time it has simply gained in strength. I still believe you cannot beat Ruthie Henshall, Michael Ball, Colm Wilkinson and Philip Quast as Fantine, Marius, Valjean and Javert, but the cast of today do a damn good job. People say the lyrics are boring, obviously not paying enough attention to them. As for everybody dying, that simply adds to the lonliness you feel for Marius and Cosette at a time when life was like that for many people. The score is haunting and truly memorable, and if you haven't seen it yet, then see it 100 times, as each time it only becomes more astounding - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.106.166.117) | 20 Jul 04 |
| brilliant, saw Les Mis in Birmingham 4 years ago, this cast is 200% better, will go again soon - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.77.93.69) | 18 Jul 04 |
| dont bother going, THEY ALL DIE except marryus and cassette. its so boring. only on my own and i dreamed a dream are decent songs. close the show now its just getting sad - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.154.173.105) | 17 Jul 04 |
| The musical score and the story still remain unbeatable. I'm really glad the 'classic' musicals still run, and still bring in good audiences. This one definitely deserves to. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 16 Jul 04 |
| Better than ever. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.69) | 03 Jun 04 |
| Just seen Les Miz at its new home, and although this is my favourite musical, I was worried about what it was going to be like. Well all worries were pointless, it has never looked better. It fits into the Queens very well, and has lost none of its power. With so many musicals flagging after months let alone years, its a tribute to the artistic team involved. I was really interested to see what Sinfonia (or whatever its called) was like. And I have to say I couldnt tell when the orchastra were playing and when they werent. If there are differences they must be very subtle, and when your engrossed in the show, you dont really pick up on things like that. What was noticable and an improvement is that the orchastra were not drowning out the performers, soemthing that was a problem at the Palace. The lyrics were much clearer and you could hear nearly every word sung. The set looked good and the show could have just opened, it seemed fresh and ready to take on another 20 years. There were some lyric changes, but nothing major, and they had reinstated the students coming back on during 'Empty Chairs and Empty Tables'. The most annoying part was the gates, so bloody noisey, everytime they moved. But thats a small problem to what could have been. They were lots of people around me who had seen the show many times before, and they were all saying how good it looked, and how they couldnt hear the Sinfonia/Orchastra change. The performance was summed up with a standing ovation. If you have seen it before, go again, if you havent, give it a go, its still one of the most moving and powerful shows ever written, and definately one of the best shows currently running in the West End. Heres to another 20 years of Les Miserables. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.174.228.177) | 25 May 04 |
| I love JC and thought i needed to see shows more 'rockin' but this was amazing-it tugs at the heart strings and the performances (especially thenardier the comedian and the stunning sophia regavelas as eponine) were amazing. If you haven't seen it yet - why not?! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.172.253.60) | 19 May 04 |
| wow this is my second favourite show joseph being the first! we done les mis wiv our drama school recently and it was exellent just as the west end one! les mis is a amazing show that everyone must see. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.219.139) | 17 May 04 |
| I just saw Les Miserables for the first time at the Queen's, having seen it at the Palace already. I wasn't keen on the rather obvious synthesized percussion, but mostly the music wasn't as bad as I'd been expecting. And within minutes the story had got me so involved that I didn't worry about the music again for the rest of the show. All of the cast were great, although Fantine and Eponine really stood out. I don't know how people can say that this show lacks emotion - I can't think of many shows which evoke more emotion than this. I left feeling both drained and elated, if that is possible, and more than anything, wanting to see this beautiful show again and again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.59.200) | 06 May 04 |
| Incomprehensible and awful music. Not helped by the fact that the only seats left were at the back, which is cramped, hot, miles away and designed for stunted miserable Victorians, which is how I felt after 3 hours of tedium. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.133.136.1) | 30 Apr 04 |
| Absolutely painful. The performances would have been no more than adequate in an amateur production, most of the music is instantly forgettable and the whole thing struck me as being faintly embarrassing. And it got a standing ovation, not that that means a damn thing nowadays! Are standards of musical theatre so abysmally low that people think this pile of poo is a modern masterpiece? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.178) | 28 Apr 04 |
| Stunning. I waited a long time to finally see this show. Now I wish I had seen it sooner. An excellent set, superbly lit and populated by a cast of supremely talented performers. The standout performance was that of Sophia Ragavelas as Eponine. A truly heart-rending performance. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.200.154.253) | 20 Apr 04 |
| Finally saw Les Mis over Easter for the first time. What can I say. It was worth the wait. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. The whole cast were superb. Needless to say I was in floods of tears at the end. Cant wait to see it again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.39.91.33) | 18 Apr 04 |
| Saw it at the Queens last night, approaching it with a degree of trepidation after all the negative publicity it's had on some of these boards recently. It was breathtaking. The cast was excellent and breathed new life into the piece (understudy Valjean was outstanding). It looked perfect, just as good as it ever looked athe Barbican and the Palace, and the additions enhanced the spectacle. It sounded really good too (apologies live musicians), and you could hear every word sung. The chorus pieces were particularly strong.It's a West End production we should be proud of... - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.69.37.108) | 15 Apr 04 |
| Still great after all these years, sure the barricade will be occupying the stage of the Queens for quite some time. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.167.95) | 26 Mar 04 |
| Absolutely stunning! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.59.200) | 24 Mar 04 |
| I couldn't give it less than a 5 if i could i would give it a 10! It is the most amazing show i have ever seen and i was so moved, i saw it on the 16th of Feb and i still haven't got over the shock of the brilliance and the sadness. I dont see how some one can say its rubbish! Joanna Ampil Rocked as Fantine and i just wanted to give her a great big hug when she was singing to cosette and cosette wasn't really there, so sad! The whole cast was amazing, i am now a fan of the person who played Eponine i dont know what else she has been in and what hse will be in after les mis but i will go and see her in her next thing. She did Eponine so well and i really want her brown hat. John Lee, i dont know what to say other than WOW!!! he is by far the best Marius ever and i know alot of people will disagree but i really thought he was amazing (and its not just coz i was a fan of sclub!) i cant wait to see it again and i am gutted they are moving it after 18years in the Palace theatre and they move it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.76) | 06 Mar 04 |
| How on earth can some of you give it anything other than five stars? It is truely the best score ever written. The last time i went to see it i cried for the full three hours and two hours afterwards! If you fail to be moved by it then I'm sorry but you must be made of stone! Tripe? Ha tripe my ass! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.136.196.242) | 29 Feb 04 |
| How can tripe like this run for almost twenty years? The phoned-in performances were bad enough, but as for the musical content.... If you enjoy Europap tunes and hilariously inept lyrics you might enjoy this grotesquely over-rated slop, if not keep well away. The show's only virtue is that it might encourage a few people to read the novel it so brutally mangles, but frankly this sort of entertainment isn't aimed at the literate! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.174) | 22 Feb 04 |
| I finally got to see this wonderful show. It was truly awesome. The scenery is amazing and there were some wonderful performances. Definately a show to go and see. Michael Ball will always be the best Marius and Colm Wilkinson the best Val Jean but it was still a wonderful evening - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.174.209.126) | 21 Feb 04 |
| Went with a fiedn who hasnt seen much Musical theatre although this was my 8th trip to Les Mis. Have to say it remains very tight, full of energy and although as a seasoned follower of the show/CD/DVD etc its difficult not to compare performers from the past, the cast as a whole give it their all. Cannot believe its been going all these years and still looks this good. Loads of discounted deals around so dont pay full price and make sure you get a good seat-not worth skimping on this one for a nose blead balcony seat! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.3.90.246) | 14 Feb 04 |
| I found myself watching Les Mis for the umpteenth time last night. (I was escorting an American friend, and we went on impulse.) I didn't particularly want to go but I was very glad I did, because it was such a pleasure to find it in such good shape. Not all the voices were perfect - in particular Oliver Thornton is not remotely heroic enough as Enjolras, while the otherwise excellent Valjean (Jeff Leyton) wasn't taking much care to articulate the ends of lines - but the thing that most struck me was the terrific stage energy and physical precision in the ensemble scenes. I've never seen it look tighter. A pat on the back to the Cam Mack quality control team. Job - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.4.137) | 11 Jan 04 |
| Saw this again just after Christmas, and loved it. Last time I saw it, I wasn't very impressed with the cast, but this new cast lifted it to it's deserved heights. Sophia was brilliant as Eponine, and Jeff Leyton is Jean Val Jean, second to the original! I always enjoy hearing Michael McCarthy singing the Javert role, and he didn't disappoint. His performance the next night in concert was just as good too. As a Michael Ball fan, I find hearing performers in the Marius role difficult, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Jon Lee. He is a far better actor and singer than his pop career ever showed! I thoroughly enjoyed his portrayal. The whole show was one of the best performances of Les Mis that I've seen. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.249.129.3) | 11 Jan 04 |
| Simply the best! Enough said. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.185.49.156) | 05 Jan 04 |
| A grey production, grey performers, grey songs, grey sets, depressing, grey and lacklustre. If you feel depressed at all, then give this one a miss - it will simply send you over the edge. DO NOT believe the Hype. How can so many people be wrong is the cry! Well maybe for the opera luvvies, but for pure unadulterated lack of emotion and passion - get along to Les Mis - boy was it names right! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 31 Dec 03 |
| Just the best!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.145.172.94) | 30 Dec 03 |
| Les miserable isthe best musical in the WHOLE world!!! I love it so much. I have the concert DVD and i drive my parents mad watching it!!! I LOVE IT!!!!! WOW>>>i just cant stop... go and see it, you will love it and want to see it over and over. I have seen it four times and im about to see it again ... im gonna buy tickets now!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.188.152.16) | 22 Dec 03 |
| I saw the show for the first time in August and am about to book to see it again over Christmas. The music is fantastic and the cast were amazing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.186.51.184) | 26 Nov 03 |
| This is a truely moving and uplifting piece of musical theatre. Everyone should experience this show once, I however have seen it 3 times! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.174.228.177) | 26 Nov 03 |
| In 2000 I was bitten by the musical theatre bug after seeing Phantom on tour, seen it twice more since, but was so curious see Les Mis, so many people who liked POTO have told me they didn't like Les Mis and vice versa, well I must be strange, I thought it was wonderful, loved every minute, Sat. Mat. Eponine and Cossette were understudies, but a great job they did and I thought Jeff Leyton's 'Bring Him Home' was lovely. I'd heard rumours the cast were a bit 'tired' but there was no evidence of this from where I was sitting and they fully deserved the standing ovation they got. Only difference for me in comparison with POTO was that no individual really stood out, whereas the Phantom is obviously the star, but love them both. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.209.35) | 11 Nov 03 |
| A friend of mine is Les Miserables mad, she only goes to it when in London. I thought that I better go and see it for myself, to see what all the hype was about and if it lived up to my expectation. It was good, don't get me wrong; I just prefer the more 'show' musicals: loved Chicago, My Fair Lady and Throughly Modern Millie. I thought that the show looked rather old on the Palace stage, however the revlving stage made the show. The cast were good, particularly Lydia Giffiths' Cosette. I loved Laurie Brett, the unederstudy to Mme, Thenadier. The maturity of the performers made such a big impact and made the show, A good show, but would rather see something new in the Palace. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 24 Oct 03 |
| I love it I have only seen it 4times since July this year but I can't get enuf of it! I have got to know that cast well and the onse I know are ever so lovely to me. I think Les Miserables is a butiful clasic. And I hope one day to star in it! Laura in the uk! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.172) | 23 Oct 03 |
| oh wow..this was amazing! I was blown away by the whole thing. I cried several times..the tears were just flowing! If you havent seen it go..and if you have go see it again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.120.56.37) | 12 Sep 03 |
| Just amazing! After all these years i thought it's gonna be played out. But the actors were very good. It just made me cry. The best West End Show EVER!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.224.83.136) | 02 Sep 03 |
| Stars was amazing, Jon Lee was surprisingly good, good set. Was a little dissappointed with the lighting (seemed to have very old, traditional, simple plots) and the revolving stage was overused! Ok, we know it's there, there's no need to keep throwing it in our faces and making us dizy! Ms Thenardier was played brilliantly though, only gave it 4 stars because I think it's too long! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.185.189.220) | 23 Aug 03 |
| Third time I have seen the show and still loving it. Role of Javier is excellently performed and former S Clubber Jon was suprisingly good. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.102.142.238) | 22 Aug 03 |
| Had never seen the show before but knew a lot of the big numbers. Was pleasantly entertained until "Stars" - at this point, I was spellbound! What a voice! And little Jon from S Club was very good. Well cast. Good show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.60.124.52) | 15 Aug 03 |
| this show is geattastic lopng which is good and funy and sad and serious its all great good for al the songs a magnificent andthe music its all wnerfull im going again i can tell you that ilove the way it is written as a type of opera which is better . - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) | 12 Jul 03 |
| Have seen this in Melbourne, New York and twice in London. Am going again in London as it is truly a fantastic show. I dare you to go and not be moved by the story. If you can, then you must be a cruel-hearted person who doesn't value life. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.133.29.156) | 04 Jun 03 |
| About fifteen years ago I saw Les Miserables and was captivated. Last night I watched the current production at the Palace Theatre and was left totally unmoved and hugely disappointed by a very lack-lustre performance. The cast appeared to be performing in a half-hearted manner and lacked the oomph, drama and sharpness expected of a West End production of this repute. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 31 May 03 |
| It is an average performance. Definately way too long! Slow starting - I was quite bored during the first half. The end was rushed, almost as if the show had gone on for so long that they got bored and had to rush the finale hence the end was a bit of an anti-climax. Plot was quite good. Though in general, not enough light-heartedness in the show so you are guaranteed to feel depressed at the end of the show. So be prepared. It is heavy stuff! Very aptly named show! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.174) | 09 May 03 |
| Just Brilliant. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.77.95.84) | 27 Apr 03 |
| AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL! How anyone can enjoy this sentimental pop opera tripe is beyond me. The music is so bad that it damaged my ears, and the whole production is so tacky, it all reminded me of the nightmare that was notre dame de Paris, obviously Trevr Nunn needed some money when he decided to stage this dull musical. Also the seat I was sitting had hardly any leg space, and the person i sat next to was singing along to all the songs which added to my agony. I ADVISE YOU TO AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS! oh the agony! The agony! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.204.148) | 03 Apr 03 |
| "Les Mis" is one of my favourites, and after having read some of the comments on this board I was a bit afraid that this wonderful show was going to be "dull"... However, I thought it was a fine performance. I did not see first cast Valjean, but the understudy was quite good (This is actually a major reason for watching musicals in London; in Germany most understudies suck !); a bit "shaky" voice in the beginning, but a wonderful "Bring him home" ! M. McCarthy was excellent (I wonder: could it be possible he played that part some years ago already ?), a real "Heldenbariton"; I could picture him as Wotan in Wagner´s "Ring of the Nibelungs"... The Thenardiers were funny (especially considering the fact they just played an American, conservative middle class couple in "Witches"), Eponine and Fantine really touching, Marius and Enjolras (all of them being first cast) quite convincing ! So if anyone should claim that this production is not what it used to be: might be possible (I´m too young for having seen the premiere cast). Is it still worth being shown ? Absolutely ! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.145.91.202) | 05 Mar 03 |
| Forgettable music possibly might appeal to undemanding tourists or those of a weak mind. Watching this 'musical' was hard work. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.121.103.245) | 24 Dec 02 |
| Give us a break from Les Mis. It is not at all the greatest show. The set looks awful and the costumes are tacky. The music is good but not nearly as good as 'Phantom' or 'My fair Lady'. Les Mis has overstayed its visit at the Palace. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 Oct 02 |
| Stunning show. Devestating story - excellent. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Oct 02 |
| WOW, WOW,WOW, what more can I say !!!!! Musical theatre at its best. Well done to everybody front and back of house. Excellent in every single way. A show not to be missed. The new cast are great, full of enthusian, excellent singing (I could hear every word) brilliant scene changes and special effects. One week on and I am still singing the songs. I can recommend it !! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 04 Oct 02 |
| A pop-musical version of a classic French literary work? Please. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 29 Sep 02 |
| Les Miserables just has to be seen. The new cast is marvellous and you are enthralled from the first notes to the last. Michael Sterling as Jean Valjean gives a superlative performance, totally riveting. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Aug 02 |
| I have all the Les Mis cd's and the TAC concert, but I only went to see the show for the first time last week. What struck me was how cossette was played. In the cd's and especially in the TAC she comes across as a humourless posh girl, but in the show she was very funny, especially the way she shuffles across the stage after Marius then turns around when he looks back. Is this just the way that certain actress was playing her, or has cossette always been funny? I've led a sheltered life! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 May 02 |
| Why oh why can't they find half an hour of cuts from this very l-o-n-g show, I love the songs but just feel it could do with a little trim here and there. I've been twice, I took my children the second time hoping that this might make me cope with the numb bottom, they loved it but I still felt it could do with half an hour off.... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Apr 02 |
| Les Mes is mesmerizing. It will draw you in grabbing you by the throat and will not let you go until your heart has been filled. It will moved you to tears and to laughter and touch you with a spectrum of emotions that will not let you go until you fully understand what the musical theatre stage should be. The stage lighting and sets, the costuming, the musical numbers and orchestrations are far above anything that has been or ever will grace the West End. This West End production now is pure magic. If you come to London and you are lost or indecisive on what to see in the West End, don’t leave the city with what could possibly be biggest treat and memory. Les Mes will mesmerize you. (guaranteed!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 22 Apr 02 |
| Still my favourite musical even though I just saw the phantom. See it, and see it now! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Feb 02 |
| Wow what a show!!! It was my best experience since shopping at Asda's - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Jan 02 |
| This is the best show ever. It runs and runs because most people think the same. The only thing I dont like is the way they cut out litle bits here and there as the years go by. The show is about 20 min shorter now than it used to be. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Dec 01 |
| Seen it four time at the Palace Theatre over the last ten years. First time was its 2000th performance at the Palace. Mackintosh treated everyone in the audience a free drink at the bar. I thought noone would come up to see the second half. Cried my eyes out everytime I went. Don't think I will ever get enough of it. Love it and will surely see it again. edmondng@mad.scientist.com - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 15 Nov 01 |
| seen 14 times at Palace,what an experience every time, going again 12/10.can't wait. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Oct 01 |
| Definately the best musical I have ever seen. Go and see it NOW! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 18 Sep 01 |
| one of the best show ever seen - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 07 Sep 01 |
| It was an exillerating experience! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 16 Jul 01 |
| This is a truly great show, moving and touching to the heart. I would gladly see this show again and again. When I went to see this show, I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 14 Jul 01 |
| I have seen this show 6 times both in London (3) and touring productions one which stared Colm Wilkinson as Valjean. THis is the best show ever put on stage. Do yourself the biggest favour of your life and see it. The sets, costumes, and of course the songs are amazing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 09 Jul 01 |
| Les Mis is a most wonderful, brilliant, exciting and moving show that you are ever going to see.It goes from joy to sadness and from laughter to tears via some of the most beautiful songs that you are likely to hear. Do yourselves an enormous favour and go see it, then book tickets to see it again. I have seen it 4 times and expect to go on seeing it for a long time to come.davemobley@madasafish.com - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 16 Apr 01 |
| Why do such things continue to run and run? Boring, boring, boring. Bring in something new. It's time for a changing of the guard. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Apr 01 |
