CityLife

Les Miserables (On Tour)

Les Miserables
Palace Theatre
January 21, 2010

AS productions go, they don’t come more epic than Les Misérables. Since arriving on these shores nearly 25 years ago, the record-breaking musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, translated as “the wretched” or “the wretched poor” has become affectionately known as Les Mis.

But there’s nothing cosy about this grim tale of a post French Revolution underclass populated by bawdy prostitutes and toothless crones leading up to student riots in 1832.

So, if you’re into “singalonga” fun, you’re going to be disappointed as this ain’t a barrel of laughs. But dismiss this show at your peril, because the jaw-dropping Cameron Mackintosh juggernaut that hit town this week hits you square between the eyes.

It is an awe-inspiring spectacle with startling special effects, stunning design and a string of superb performances, led by Les Mis stalwart John Owen-Jones as Jean Valjean, who, after 19 years on the chain gang, vows to start his life anew when shown kindness by an altruistic bishop.

Owen-Jones is joined by another old hand at this show – Earl Carpenter, as his nemesis Javert – and the good versus evil juxtaposing is the taut moral thread that underpins the action.

Cream of the crop

It’s hard to pick the top “turn” when choosing between Owen-Jones’ layered, emotionally charged portrayal and Carpenter who is brooding and mesmerising.

Moreover, the few laughs of the night are executed masterfully by Ashley Artus as the thoroughly nasty Thenardier.

Former Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates’ sensitive love-sick student Marius is engaging and the kiddies, particularly Gavroche (Toby Prynne) are great.

Yet for me it was Rosalind James as Marius’s would-be lover Eponine, that really captivated. Her gut-wrenching delivery of On My Own was the ballad of the night, as opposed to Empty Tables and the song that made Susan “Subo” Boyle famous: I Dreamed A Dream.

But let’s not split hairs. Schonberg’s score is sensational and Mackintosh gives proof, if proof were needed, that he only deals in spectacular shows with this one, the world’s longest running musical, the cream of the crop.

Quite simply this production of Les Mis is a must-see if you’re a fan of musical theatre and well worth the price of a £37.50 stalls ticket at the Palace.

To the barricades, people!

Until February 13, 2010. Tickets £17 to £46. Call 0844 847 2275 or log on to manchesterpalace.org.uk.

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