Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert

Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert
Film Version - Village Cinemas

In late October, with little fanfare, Village Cinemas showed the film of the Cameron Macintosh concert to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of Les Miserables. This involved a concert performance of the show and was magnificent. The theatre looked like a sporting arena, the orchestra and choir were above and behind the main stage area and no expense was spared.

Being a concert no attempt was made at any action and the mikes being fixed made that difficult. Facial expression and body language replaced movement. There was no cart for Valjean to lift or any barricade, though all performers were in costume and totally committed. Most of the action involved the lighting, which was quite spectacular with huge lighting beams moving in three dimensions. During the fight at the barricade the cast just stood at their microphones. The show itself was almost complete, but did miss a few minor scenes.

The cast, which I assume was the current West End cast, was amazing. Alfie Boe was the best Valjean I have come across. Though he doesn’t appear to have operatic experience, this was a magnificent operatic tenor. The ending of “Who am I” was full voice instead of falsetto and “Bring Him Home” was equally moving.

The rest of the cast were almost at the same level with the exception of Marius and Javert, who were both vocally not in the same class.

My main complaint was the filming. Time and again the camera was focused on the singer who sang the previous line. One would have thought with that much money they could have done their homework. However, I’m sure Les Mis fans who missed it will not be disappointed when they purchase the DVD.

Graham Ford

http://www.lesmis.com/about/25th-anniversary-year/

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.