In this classic, tear-provoking musical, we follow Jean Valjean (Jon Robyns), an ex-convict seeking redemption after serving nineteen years in a French prison for stealing a loaf of bread. 

Being a teenager, the previous conception I held of Les Mis was it was magnificent but could be too long and possibly even boring. After watching, I am eager to say that I could nothave been more wrong. The story carries you through theemotional journey of Jean Valjean just wanting to put his good into the harsh world and give back what he can after spending so many years as a prisoner. The musical is not spoken word but is sung throughout so consists of around 40 songs, some repeated but in different contexts or with altered lyrics. This makes the musical even more impactful as the story is constantly flowing through the power of song and dance. 

All the actors were incredible by giving extremely vulnerable and, at times, heart-breaking performances, especially the ending which left many audience members in floods of tears. Despite the many tragic events that occur throughout, the play is not without comedy. Monsieur Thenardier (Gerard Carey) and Madame Thenardier (Josefina Gabrielle) gave brilliantly hilarious performances particularly during ‘master of the house’, a fun-loving number set in their pub where most people are doing silly things due to the fact, they have had a little too much to drink. Additionally, the set design for the barricade was truly creative as it was made up of different wood platforms, chairs and tables that can be seen used with their intended purposes in previous parts of the play. During the battle, each performer had a unique levelled slot they fit into perfectly and this gave the illusion that the men made up the physical barricade.   

A personal highlight for me was the emotive performance of the song ‘Bring Him Home’. Whilst there is some bias and because it is one of my favourite musical songs, the presentation of the song can only be described as simply beautiful. Jean Valjean was sat on a raised platform that was part of the barricade and singing his heart out centre stage about the fear of death of his comrades during the revolution. Additionally, it is known that this song is not an easy one to deliver but the fact Jon Robyns sung this seated highlight the sheer talent of him and the rest of the cast. 

The standing ovation the cast received at the end highlights truly how amazing they were and how every audience member had just witnessed an unbelievably remarkable and unforgettable performance. This gem of a musical is not just for the oldies is can be enjoyed by us young people too.