Forget about needing to fly thousands of kilometres to the other side of the world to see Les Miserablés – an epic production of the iconic musical has landed right here in our city, providing the chance to experience the magic of a performance from the crème de la crème of London’s famed West End. Les Miserablés is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a mega arena-sized version of the beloved show, filling Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena with soaring songs for a limited time.
For the uninitiated, Les Miserablés is a musical adaptation of an 1800s novel by Victor Hugo, which was picked up by prolific West End producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh in the 1980s to become the production audiences know and love today. Set in 19th century France, it follows the life of Jean Valjean (played by Alfie Boe and alternate Killian Donnelly), a man striving to build a new life after he’s freed from imprisonment, but who breaks his parole to escape the trappings of a cruel justice system.
An act of pure kindness from a caring bishop (Earl Carpenter) spurs Valjean to transform his life and become a reputable figure, striving to give back to those in need. But the shadow of his past follows him, and he’s constantly evading the pursuit of tyrannous inspector Javert (Michael Ball). Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story dips into the lives of a series of characters he encounters, each facing the trials of love and survival. While this summary sounds serious, the story is sung through an incredibly beautiful score, creating an emotional experience of highs and lows for the audience – it’s widely beloved for a good reason.
If an arena concert of Les Mis wasn’t already thrilling enough, the production is excitingly headlined by two veritable West End legends, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. These seasoned performers have both been key players in the show’s rich legacy – Ball played Marius in the original 1985 West End cast, and Boe famously played the lead role of Jean Valjean in the 25th anniversary concert, then went on to play the role on both the West End and Broadway. Witnessing these two men in an arena setting, their booming voices soaring through the show’s powerful songs, is truly spellbinding and deeply moving. Not only this, but getting to see performers who’ve contributed to the shaping of the show feels like a true privilege.
They’re bolstered by a phenomenal cast, many of whom have also appeared in productions of Les Mis before. Melbourne’s very own Marina Prior plays Madame Thénardier – she starred in the original Australian production as Cosette as a young rising star on her way to gaining her current status as a leading lady of Australian music theatre. But rather than her usual dulcet soprano tones, Prior adeptly flexes her comedic chops, lapping up the adoration from a hometown crowd. On opening night she manages to get more laughs than her co-star, Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, who makes for a suitably slimy Thénardier as the other half of their dynamic duo.
Joining them is songstress Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, and a line-up of impressive musical theatre up-and-comers. Jac Yarrow plays Marius, and delivers a rousing rendition of one of the show’s most emotional numbers, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’, while Shan Ako dazzles with incredible vocals as Éponine.
As this is technically a concert, not a theatre production, it doesn’t have all the trimmings of a traditional stage show. There are no props and it’s a very minimal set, somewhat replaced by a colossal lighting rig that descends a couple of times to vaguely double as a set piece. When you see ‘Arena Spectacular’ in the title, you might expect some whiz-bang special effects, but surprisingly, this production keeps it simple. For example, during the fight scenes at the barricade, much of the battle is left up to the imagination.
At times it feels like the production is a little too stripped back – the elimination of much of the on-stage action could mean that those who aren’t familiar with the narrative might be a little confused at times. But let’s be honest, while it has a meaningful story, you’re probably not buying a ticket to Les Miserablés for the plot. You’re seeing it for the incredibly moving music, sung by stellar voices, which this production delivers in spades.
For an avid theatre fan, or for those eager to witness a rare theatrical experience, this production is not one to miss.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is playing a strictly limited season at Rod Laver Arena until May 25. Find out more and buy tickets at lesmisarenatour.com.au.