Ad not shown

Les Miserables

4
Latest touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
By Robert Iles - 28th May 2022

Like many people, I have seen this show multiple times including a couple of times at the Palace, once at the Queens (now Sondheim) and as part of its previous tour. To be honest, I adored the original and had become increasingly less impressed as "versions" progressed so I was very interested, if a little trepidatious, to see this version. I needn't have worried, this is a rethought, redeveloped, revamped production - a new production for a new audience, fast, slick, visually impressive and engaging.

This is quite a long show but the time passes swiftly and the large cast, mobile set and projections keep the pace bouncing along. The projections, with the exception of the sewer, are extremely effective to move us around and create an atmosphere. The voices are universally excellent, with Nic Greenshields' Javert, Nathania Ong's Eponine and (on this performance) Will Barratt's Jean Valjean being particularly excellent. Paige Blankson's Cosette was more operatic than the rest and at first it didn't seem to fit but as I got used to it I could fully understand why that decision was made as it gave her an "otherness" that worked really well. A big shout out to our Gavroche - such stage presence and confidence in one so young without a hint of over-playing it.

A good size orchestra ensures a full sound whilst the ensemble work their socks off. The set is a very clever beast, from simple interiors to street scenes to the iconic barrier it is all handled exceptionally well. Perhaps the lighting could be a little subtler but overall the visuals are a real match for the sounds - the show works really well as a whole.

So why only 4 stars? Ok, that's a personal thing as I find the direction a little grating as so much is sung "to the audience" rather than into the story. It is a musical, I get that, and a degree of cheating the staging is absolutely necessary, but as with the newer London versions, it feels like people are auditioning as they step out of the action to stage front then engage with, and sing to, the audience with no semblance of still being in the action. It is clearly a production/directorial decision but it jars for me. 

All that said, this is a great night out and the audience left really buzzing. Whether this will be your first or your twentieth Les Mis I would heartily recommend going to see it!


Latest News & Reviews

30th Oct 24 :: Review: Black is the Color of My Voice
Touring production seen in Worthing
5
29th Oct 24 :: Review: The Creakers
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to London Christmas run.
4
24th Oct 24 :: RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award Scheme
The winner has been announced
23rd Oct 24 :: Review: The Flea
A flea bite sparks a royal scandal in this razor-sharp exploration of power, desire, and Victorian hypocrisy.
5
22nd Oct 24 :: UKTW Looking for new partners
UKTW is lookimng for new relationships now that the near 30 year listings supply contract with Whatsonstage is coming to an end.
21st Oct 24 :: UK Theatre Awards
The Winners have been Announced.
19th Oct 24 :: Review: The Commotion Time
Seen at the Exeter Northcott Theatre
5
18th Oct 24 :: Review: Tattooer
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre.
3
18th Oct 24 :: Review: Rigoletto
Verdi's opera by the Welsh National Opera seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
14th Oct 24 :: Touring Strictly Stars
See the professionals on tour
14th Oct 24 :: Turbine to Close
The Turbine Theatre is to close in December
11th Oct 24 :: Review: La Fille Mal Gardee
Birmingham Royal Ballet tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
9th Oct 24 :: The Box Five Club
The new dedicated home for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals.
3rd Oct 24 :: Review: One Small Step
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre
2
1st Oct 24 :: Review: & Juliet
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
5
25th Sep 24 :: Review: Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie's murder mystery - touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
18th Sep 24 :: Review: The History Boys
20th Anniversary tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
16th Sep 24 :: Review: The Story of My Life
Seen at the Stage Door Theatre in London
4
21st Aug 24 :: Review: Best of Burlesque
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Assembly Rooms - Bijou
3
21st Aug 24 :: Review: The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall
5

Most Popular Stories

Viewings over the last 14 days
 
The Commotion Time
Seen at the Exeter Northcott Theatre
Posted 19th Oct 24 :: 475 views
Rigoletto
Verdi's opera by the Welsh National Opera seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Posted 18th Oct 24 :: 211 views
Tattooer
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre.
Posted 18th Oct 24 :: 175 views
La Fille Mal Gardee
Birmingham Royal Ballet tour seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 11th Oct 24 :: 139 views
UK Theatre Awards
The Winners have been Announced.
Posted 21st Oct 24 :: 137 views
Touring Strictly Stars
See the professionals on tour
Posted 14th Oct 24 :: 132 views
The Creakers
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to London Christmas run.
Posted 29th Oct 24 :: 127 views
The Flea
A flea bite sparks a royal scandal in this razor-sharp exploration of power, desire, and Victorian hypocrisy.
Posted 23rd Oct 24 :: 123 views
UKTW Looking for new partners
UKTW is lookimng for new relationships now that the near 30 year listings supply contract with Whatsonstage is coming to an end.
Posted 22nd Oct 24 :: 118 views
& Juliet
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 1st Oct 24 :: 84 views
One Small Step
Seen at the Charing Cross Theatre
Posted 3rd Oct 24 :: 84 views
The Box Five Club
The new dedicated home for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals.
Posted 9th Oct 24 :: 83 views
RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award Scheme
The winner has been announced
Posted 24th Oct 24 :: 81 views
Black is the Color of My Voice
Touring production seen in Worthing
Posted 30th Oct 24 :: 81 views
Turbine to Close
The Turbine Theatre is to close in December
Posted 14th Oct 24 :: 74 views
The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall
Posted 21st Aug 24 :: 65 views
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie's murder mystery - touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Posted 25th Sep 24 :: 63 views
The Grim
Seen at The Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Bristo Square
Posted 19th Aug 24 :: 50 views
Is the WIFI Good in Hell?
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Cowgate
Posted 20th Aug 24 :: 47 views
Moscow Love Story
Seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard
Posted 18th Aug 24 :: 45 views

Ad not shown


Mastodon X - Twitter © Dynamic Listing Ltd, UK. 1995-2024