‘I Love Him, But Only On My Own’ – Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre, London 07.02.2023

This viewing had been on my priority list being one of my favourite performers was the lead and just announced his final date. It was also a show that if I didn’t go and see, my theatre friend Hayleigh whom I sadly lost the year before would be very upset if I didn’t go. So I took my chance and with the help of my theatre tokens and the great Tkts platform online – I had got some great seats on the day for the evening performance.

The story of Les Misérables, is based on the Victor Hugo French Historical Novel situated during the French Revolution in the 1800s. Jean Valjean freed from prison after being incarcerated for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, breaks his parole and escapes to start a new life. Doing so he incites the wrath of Officer Javert who vows to bring him back to prison. Years pass by and Valjean who makes a life for himself and a guardian of Cosette, a child who has lost her mother to the most pitiful of circumstances. But with Javert’s vendetta being so strong, will Valjean suffer the consequences of his past or will a new future be paved for him and Cosette?

The first time I had seen this musical was 2013, I was then fortunate to attend the concert version in 2019 while the Sondheim was having an uplift to help support the new look – the removal of the rotating stage to a more stationary, scenic production and let me tell you, the new look really impacts greatly on the story and I felt this new staging and take to the story worked so much better than in 2013 (not to say it wasn’t good) but there was something about the scenery helping bring the story more to life and give a stronger presence on stage. If you haven’t seen Les Miserable since its uplift – you will not be disappointed!

The cast tonight were all amazing at bringing the story to life – complementing the staging and using to its full potential. As mentioned, one of my favourite performers was in his last few weeks in the role of Jean Valjean, Jon Robyns – who not a stranger to the musical having performed previously as Enjorlas and Marius. From the moment he stepped onto the stage it was like he embedded the character, his emotions, his strength and passions. It was by far the best role I had seen him perform allowing to show how talented his acting was along with his singing and each solo he provided. So much energy was displayed that he fully deserved his standing ovation at the end. Joining him on stage was David Thaxton as Javert, who also gave a great presence and power on stage when ever he stepped foot on it. The Confrontation was powerful and effective, but David’s rendition of ‘Stars’ was moving and effective demonstrating the full emotions Javert was experiencing.

It was great to see Gerard Carey perform and this time as Thenardier – he excels at both the gruesome and comic side of the character, which I loved to watch, you were never sure as to which way he was going to take the character but each choice was perfectly fitted. His partnership with Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thenadier was perfect and their entry to the ballroom/wedding scene was a joy to watch.

All the leading ladies, Fantine, Eponine, and Cosette all were beautiful casted, along with the barricade boys that brought the revolution to full light and respect by the audience.

There is a reason as to why Les Misérables has been performing for many years on the West End, and with this new uplift it brings new life to the production allowing those that may have seen it a few years back to go and set fresh eyes on the a musical they know will deliver! Partnered as well with the current arena concert, it will remain a true favourite for years to come I am sure, it probably wont be the last time that I will visit the Barricades!

For all current productions, cast and ticket information head to their website here. Tonight’s performance was special for me also, as I was fortunate to have an empty seat next to me and it felt like Hayleigh was there with me. It made ‘Empty Chairs and Empty Tables’ even more powerful as I fully reflect how Marius feels about his lost friends, I miss her so much.