Reader Reviews
Les Miserables (Palace Theatre, Manchester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Hate to see that Gareth Gates playing Marius is the main topic of conversation - for the record I am not a fan but he is as good as any other I have seen in the role. This was my third time (Norwich 10/03/10) , the previous two, the first in 1987, being the West End production. This is a totally different and fresh production with superb sets, great use of modern technology giving a far more atmospheric if less 'theatrical' result. The orchestration is much softer and the lyrics, and thus the story, much clearer and easier to follow. Something is lost on the smaller stage but a lot is gained, the barricade is much less impressive but the fact it doesn't dominate from the start allows other nuances of the story to be better delivered and received. In my personal opinion Colm Wilkinson will never ever be bettered as Jean Valjean and I thought that John Owen-Jones started slowly (weakly?) but improved as the show went on, particularly when the higher, more emotional singing was required. All views of individual performances are of course very subjective but I have not seen a better more empathetic Javert than Earl Carpenter and Madalena Alberto as Fantine was so compelling it is a terrible shame her part is restricted, other than a brief cameo role, to act one. All in all a fabulous, very different production which was worth many times the ticket price. - Chris Mason | 11 Mar 10 |
| THIS WAS THE 4TH TIME I HAD SEEN LES MIS AND APART FROM A 5 MIN BLIP WHEN THE SHOW WAS STOPPED I THOUGHT IT WAS A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION. AS ALWAYS IT BROUGHT ME TO TEARS. I THOUGHT GARETH GATES DID VERY WELL IN THE PART OF MARIUS.HE WILL ONLY GET STRONGER. JOHN OWEN-JONES WAS WONDERFUL AS WAS EARL CARPENTER. THESE PEOPLE DONT GET ENOUGH RECOGNISION. I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN. - THELMA LESTER | 12 Feb 10 |
| I saw Les Mis in Manchester last night and thought all the performances were very strong. John Owen Jones was, in particular, superb. This is my favourite production of the show so far; a wonderful night out! - Alex | 10 Feb 10 |
| I watch Les Mis last night for the first time. It was amazing and a very enjoyable show. John Owen -Jones voice was heart felt on alway his songs. I Think Gareth Gates was very good and was believable in this role - Penny | 07 Feb 10 |
| Never seen Les Mis before - was utterly transfixed the entire show. John Owen-Jones' performance was outstanding - his voice really does have the power to move you. I had no idea that Garath Gates was in the cast until reading the program - I thought he did a really good job. - Andy Shuker | 04 Feb 10 |
| This production flowed seamlessly and told the story with great clarity and with dramatic honesty throughout. All the leads were convincing and, unlike some reviewers, the youthful vulnerable styles of Marius (Gareth Gates) and Cosette (Katie Hall) I think worked extremely well and had me emotionally committed. Overall the best production of Les Mis I have seen - Tony Hindle | 03 Feb 10 |
| I thought Gareth Gates was AMAZING...really suited this part...his acting and singing had me transfixed! - Catherine Clarke | 02 Feb 10 |
| I saw it last night for the third time and thought it was very good, however, I think Gareth Gates was "weak" in his singing and very poor in the acting department. I also thought Fantines I dreamed a dream was Painful to listen to. Overall I did enjoy the performance - Dennis Smith | 30 Jan 10 |
| I saw Les Mis in Manchester for the 31st time and was very impressed,at first I thought'no turntable'how will they manage without it? but they did and the updated production sizzled.The back projections and props were great it was like seeing a new show for the 1st time.John Owen-Jones was wonderful as Valjean second only to the great Colm Wilkinson.Earl Carpenter too is a fine Javert,i've only seen Philip Quast do this part as good.The downside though was putting a 'name' in Gareth Gates he can't act i'm sorry to say and his voice although capable didn't have the same quality as a Marius should have I think re-casting needs to be done here,stick to what you do best Gareth a rock singer.The barricade wasn't as convincig without the revolve especially when Gavaroche gets shot,however these are only minor details which ended with a deserved standing ovation.Cameron has done it again I must thank him for giving me much pleasure from his productions.BRAVO. - Mick Fiddler | 25 Jan 10 |
| it scored 3, i forgot to change it, proper score is 5-superb. well done again to all - natalie mayhew | 09 Jan 10 |
| Just got back from seeing les miserables, brilliant, well done to everyone involved! one thing that i loved too was seeing and hearing gareth gates, he is brilliant on stage - natalie mayhew | 09 Jan 10 |
