What can we say about Les Miserables that hasn’t already been said? Quite a bit about this new staging, apparently. With only three years since it was last at Cardiff Bay’s WMC, Les Miserables can definitely be called a prestige show. While last festive season was the (unfortunately truncated run of) Beauty And The Beast, this Christmas it’s the grownups’ turn.
Most people know the show – it’s such a cultural juggernaut that even non-theatre people recognise it. If you have managed to blank it until now: based on the Victor Hugo novel, Les Miserables tells a story of poverty and revolution in early 19th century France. An ensemble of characters revolve around Jean Valjean, released at the start of the musical after serving 19 years in prison, initially for stealing bread for his sister’s child. Valjean vows redemption, but is perused doggedly throughout the piece by fanatic police inspector Javert – the polar opposite to Valjean, and determined he should be punished for breaking parole.
This production has been filled out more than previous tours, with less emphasis on the back projection, and the physical sets have been increased. Even the ensemble seems bigger: it feels like there’s at least two or three more characters onstage for most scenes, making it appear that poverty and revolution is closing in (quite literally at one point, when the streets of Paris set meets in the middle of the stage). Making use of the WMC’s vast stage, Les Miserables‘ renowned ‘barricade’ scene is more impressive than previous productions.
On that note, Nic Greenshields is a big man with an equally big voice, taking up the whole stage just by standing in the middle of it; alone, singing Stars, I thought the song was going to get a standing ovation in the middle of the show. In fact, most of the big numbers got gleeful applause, whooping and whistles.
Controversially, I think Greenshields’ Javert is my favourite character – Stars is definitely one of my favourite songs – but close second are Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh as the Thénardiers. The comic relief of the show, with crowd favourite Master of the House being a marvel of clownish choreography, there’s so much going on in that number; while Merthyr Tydfil-born Hughes is effortlessly funny whether crossing from one side of the stage to the other or merely making a face.
If you’re in two minds about seeing Les Miserables again, go see it at the WMC in Cardiff Bay this Christmas period: a diamond of musical theatre has been shined up. If you’ve yet to have the pleasure, consider this reviewer jealous that you get to ‘hear the people sing’ for the first time.
Les Miserables, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 13 Dec
On until Sat 14 Jan. Tickets: £22.50-£85. Info: here
words CHRIS WILLIAMS
Want more stage?
The latest reviews, interviews, previews and features, from Wales and beyond.