You’re beloved. Iconic. Stop anyone on the street and they’re likely to have seen you in some form in the last 40 years. Even if it’s in the Russell Crowe form. (Nothing wrong with that).
Now you’re back here in Australia in the form of an Arena Spectacular World Tour, which means you get to set your own rules. And your overarching rule is clearly this: the world’s best Le Miz singers only. Acting and dancing is secondary (or even, in the case of the latter, basically non-existent). But the quality of the singing more than makes up for that.
Of course, we would expect nothing less, given the nature of your rousing set list, which is basically one big conga line of epic showstoppers. And in the enormity of the ICC Theatre, anything less than a world-class performance would just seem silly. Though because you’re more like a concert than a musical, if anyone does happen to be new to your story, it’s possible they might find themselves a little lost at times.
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, you follow the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict in 19th century France, who adopts a new identity and must forever stay on the run from the unforgiving Inspector Javert. This is set against a backdrop of rebels planning revolution in the streets of Paris. (Because there is really nothing quite so stirring as a musical based on an uprising.) With your plot covering 17 years of injustices suffered by a host of characters, a lot happens in this 2 hour and 45 minutes – and yes the bathroom queue at intermission is long.
For those of us sitting further than the first ten rows, we’re grateful you’ve provided concert-style close-ups of your cast, though it does mean the interaction between each character is more implied than actual – with beautifully tragic gestures reaching out to the audience. (And some slightly awkward ‘standing up’ death scenes). Your format does mean some missed opportunities to reach the full emotional depth that Le Miz is known for, but like we said, we can forgive that because, well, world’s best Le Miz singers.
Yep, it’s a global all-star cast here – including from the UK, the US, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia. Not only do they come with an eye-wateringly long list of credentials, but half of these are just lists of other versions of Les Miz they’ve previously been in over the years and decades. The experience shows. In fact, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that every member of your principal cast is as good (if not better) than the best singer in any other musical. That is the kind of game you’re in.
This is especially true of leading men Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly who alternate as Valjean, and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden, alternating as Javert. The power of these voices is phenomenal, as are those of Jac Yarrow as Marius, and Beatrice Penny-Toure as Cosette. Though as much as we love being constantly blown away, it’s also a welcome reprieve to have Matt Lucas and Helen Walsh (filling in for Marina Prior) as the Thenardiers, to break things up with their crowd-pleasing humour. These two could probably have their own spin-off musical and still fill an arena.
Rachelle Ann Go’s vocals, as Fantine, are faultless. Although anyone who has seen Lily Collins’ heart-wrenching version in the 2018 mini-series might feel there is scope for further anguish in here somewhere (or at least something more than a bad haircut to cue her impending demise?) Shan Ako, on the other hand, sets off a wave of audience sniffles as the tragically unlucky-in-love Eponine. And what professionalism from the kids playing young Cosette and Gavroche – facing a sea of 8,000 faces without a flicker of hesitation is no small thing.
Special mention must be given to James D. Gish as rebel Enjolras, whose passion and intensity is befitting of your scale (especially in lieu of any prop weapons during those barricade scenes). Given your mostly static set, the action is otherwise moved along by the sound, projection, and some incredible lighting design by Paule Constable and Warren Letton. Of course, we can’t forget to acknowledge the spectacular 30-piece orchestra, seated on a raised section behind the main stage. It’s impossible to fathom the richness, depth and drama of their sound until we’re in the room ourselves.
Yes, Le Miz, this iteration of you may not be the kind of musical we’re used to, but it’s not every day we get to be filled with so much awe, or moved by so much effortless magic. So with only 13 shows in Sydney (as part of a 16-month global tour), we’re feeling pretty chuffed just to be here to witness the spectacle that is you.
With love,
Les Miserables the Arena Spectacular World Tour is showing at the ICC Theatre Sydney until 11 May 2025, before showing in Melbourne from 14 May and then Brisbane from 28 May. Photos by Danny Kaan.
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