Prepare to be wowed, wooed and overwhelmed by this massive, masterpiece of a musical that takes us through Victor Hugo’s novel set in one of the most turbulent times in French history when 19th century workers were oppressed and exploited.
Join our hero Jean Valjean, played exquisitely by Dean Chisnall, as we move through the decades following his fate.
Chisnall holds the audience rapt from the start as an ex convict in the chain gang, moving onwards to his determination to change his life for the better and show compassion for those around him, to his progression to old age. His stunning renditions of Who Am I and Bring Him Home bring the house down and his warm, heroic nature brings tears to the eyes.
A medley of gorgeously-voiced leading ladies include Lauren Drew as the down and out of luck Fantine. Prepare for more tears in her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream plus when Siobhan O’Driscoll as Eponine sings heartrendingly about unrequited love in On My Own at the start of Act 2.
Paige Blankson as Cosette sings with sweet operatic tones beautifully showcased in In My Life and A Heart Full Of Love with her handsome and equally harmonic love interest Marius (Will Callan)
Nic Greenshields is a wonderful booming, operatic presence as Valjean’s nemesis Javert, hunting him down relentlessly. And Samuel Wyn-Morris commands the stage as Enjolras, the leader of the revolutionary group Les Amis de l’ABC.
Special mention must go to Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh who play a brilliant, bolshie, unscrupulous pair – Monsieur and Mme Thenardier. Raucous and richly comedic their chemistry as they bounce off one another’s antics is excellent and they bring a dastardly dose of humour to the proceedings. You will, of course, adore their masterful performance of Master of the House and much more.
Dramatic, looming sets and stunning, moving projections take you into the action of the stage in an all-enveloping experience. Atmospheric lighting, with flames and low candlelight, interspersed with beams and shafts of light through windows, and spotlights are all used for extra dramatic effect.
When the ensemble sing together, whether as ladies of the night or a gang of freedom fighters, it’s rousing, beautiful and will give you shivers of appreciation. Songs such as One Day More will stay with you for ever! What a quality night of talent-full entertainment.
Les Miserables is on at the Wales Millennium Centre until 14th Jan and there are still some tickets available – visit www.wmc.org.uk to book