Les Miserables in London

So last night my long awaited dream came true and I finally got to see Les Miserables in it's original home and 30 years exactly after it's first performance. Considering it is my all time favourite show, you could say that I was certainly excited when the time came to see it. Walking up Shaftesbury Ave to the theatre I found myself with butterflies in my tummy, as I couldn't quite believe that I was finally there. When the first pounding notes swelled out of the orchestra pit, I felt tears well in my eyes and I settled back for the 3 hour journey that I knew so well. For the most part I was not disappointed. Jeremy Secomb as Javert brought a new appreciation of the role to me. 'Stars' was never one of my favourite songs but his acting and singing were superb and I found myself covered in goosebumps as he reached his final crescendo! Rachel Ann Go also reminded me why Fantine is one of my favourite characters and why her song 'I Dreamed. Dream' holds such a place in my heart. Over the years this song has been beat to death, now even being used in a TV service television advert and I had come to dread it. So many actresses who have played Fantine in the past have portrayed her as angry and screechy but Rachel Ann gave such a sweet and beautiful innocence to the role and brought me to tears. Anne Hathaway, eat your heart out as Rachel Ann Go is my definitive Fantine and is certainly Oscar-worthy herself. The ensemble cast were outstanding with Enjolras, the Thenardiers and Gavroche particularly strong. However I was shocked at a few of the principle cast members distinct lack of diction. As a voice student and stage performer myself I know that my voice teachers and musical directors would kill me if I had sang like that. It came across very poorly, especially considering these were professional performers who should have known better. Despite that, the overall show is still as incredible as when it first premiered and will always hold a special place in my heart! Though I was gutted to have missed Colm Wilkonson, my all time favourite Valjean by one night. All in all, if you happen to be in London, do yourself a favour and see this show. Until next time.

#theatre #review #lesmiserables #singing #travel