Any concerns that the world’s longest-running musical was losing its edge are put to bed in a stunning Sydney gala performance of Les Misérables.
Even if musicals aren’t your thing, you’ll know of Les Misérables: it’s been a pop culture icon for as long as most of us can remember. But for Australia’s insatiable theatre fans, the return of the world’s longest-running musical to celebrate its 40th year is one of 2025’s landmark tours.
Stars new and old, as well as famed showrunner Sir Cameron Anthony Mackintosh, were in Sydney for the Gala Premiere, ensuring the pressure was on for the talented cast to deliver to a packed ICC theatre.
Vive la révolution
I hadn’t caught Les Misérables during any of its previous tours in 1987, 1999 and 2014, nor the Russel Crowe/Hugh Jackman movie, so went in blind. I had expected it to be more focused on the Paris Uprising of 1832, but it’s merely the backdrop. Instead, we have a complicated love story meets morality tale that glued me to the seat for its near three-hour run time.
For the uninitiated, Les Misérables follows the life of convict Jean Valjean. We join him as he goes on the run, seeking redemption for his crime and ungodly thoughts by adopting orphaned child Cosette, all while being hunted down by the relentless Inspector Javert. When a grown Cosette falls in love with revolutionary Marius, Valjean is forced to come out of the shadows and into the light to confront sacrifice and injustice.
There’s far more to it than that, which I dare not spoil. But the musical unfolds to the rhythm of a 65-piece orchestra and a massive cast, including huge names. Notably:
- Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean
- Michael Ball as Javert
- Matt Lucas as Thénardier
- Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine
- Jac Yarrow as Marius
- Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette
- James D. Gish as Enjolras
- Shan Ako as Éponine
- Helen Walsh/Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier
Is Les Misérables any good?
The ICC Sydney was so packed when I stepped inside, seats had spilled out onto the stage itself. I was happily surprised by the breadth of the demographic. From kids to grandparents, the mix of eager faces, youthful to weathered, immediately justifies the show’s lengthy life.
I’ll admit to expecting more from the stage itself. If you’re anticipating wild set production that shifts between scenes or multiple detailed backdrops that dress-up the atmosphere with wealthy estates, seedy alleys, war-torn cities and the like, expect it not. There’s no smoke effects and there’s limited use of dramatic lighting. The stage isn’t a dead entity, but the characters are very much the stars, with viewers’ imaginations left to fill in the gaps.
Thankfully, the performances are stunning. I can’t recall ever seeing a show so pitch perfect: from the musicians to the leads and all the side characters, nobody missed a beat. Voices of power and raw emotion filled the auditorium, with room for nuance and humour in between. It says everything that you could hear a pin drop in the moments between music and raucous applause; this was an engaged audience.
If I were to look for fault, there were a number of occasions where I got confused between characters. Much of the cast have similar genetic traits, while the story jumps ahead in time without much signposting. Here I feel like more could have been done with the costume design to designate characters, helping support a story that – as told in song – can take time to decipher.
At least for newcomers to Les Misérables, like me.
Final thoughts
I’d like to highlight a couple of performances in particular, without suggesting anyone in the cast should go without praise. As Jean Valjean, Alfie Boe is a juggernaut; a superstar. What range. What presence. I also thought Rachelle Ann Go’s performance as Cosette’s mother, Fantine, was as breathtaking as it was heartbreaking.
Meanwhile Matt Lucas brought much needed, perfectly animated humour to his role as dodgy inn co-owner Monsieur Thénardier. Although I was more impressed by Helen Walsh, who jumped into the breach at the last minute to fulfil the role of Madame Thénardier and nailed it.
My 11-year-old daughter joined me for Les Misérables, with our quest for culture asking us to drive over an hour through torrential rain to attend. It was well and truly worth it, and an experience we will both long remember. She loved it, too! Who knows when (or if) Les Misérables will tour again? I recommend not missing out.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended 1st May 2025. For more information and tickets, visit the Les Misérables Australia tour website.
Here’s some details on the tour:
- ICC Sydney Theatre from 30 April 2025 for 15 performances.
- Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May 2025 for 15 performances.
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May 2025 for 7 performances.
