Review: LES MISERABLES, Mayflower Theatre Southampton - UK tour
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
As one of the most well-known musicals ever written, Les Misérables always has a lot to live up to when performed. However, this particular performance was outstanding for many reasons. With music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, the musical features a number of iconic songs that even non-theatregoers know.
Directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, Les Misérables is not one to miss. The orchestra and actors work in tandem under the musical direction of Ben Ferguson, leaving the audience with goosebumps after the first number. Despite the show being stopped due to an unnamed issue towards the end of Act 1, it wasn’t long before it resumed. The staff were welcoming and remained calm when the show was stopped.
With a stellar cast of talented singers and actors, Les Misérables is an emotion packed musical that leaves many of the audience in tears. The story follows Jean Valjean, a former convict, as he makes his way through the many ups and downs of 19th century France. Throughout his journey, he takes in an orphan girl, Cosette, and vows to raise her as his own while being on the run from Javert. As she grows into a young woman, she falls in love with Marius, a student who is taking part in the revolution.
As Jean Valjean, Dean Chisnall is captivating with every song appearing effortless to him. He steals the show with his rendition of ‘Bring Him Home’ and finishes the song to a standing ovation. He shows Valjean’s journey from hating the world that rejected him to giving love wherever he can. Throughout the show, he makes subtle acting choices to show Valjean changing, such as adapting his gait, softening his voice and perfecting his posture.
Opposite Chisnall is Nic Greenshields as Javert. Greenshields provides many emotional moments in the show, particularly during ‘Stars’ and ‘Soliloquy’ when we see his character in more depth. Both him and Chisnall share an intensity throughout, really showing the complicated relationship between Valjean and Javert.
Katie Hall is a perfect Fantine, with a voice that is angelic to listen to. Her heartbreaking version of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ entices the audience from the introduction to the ending note. Paige Blankson is an absolute delight as Cosette and shines during her numbers with the lovestruck Marius. Another song that stands out is ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ sung by Will Callan as Marius. Callan brings a naïveté and boyish charm to Marius and his chemistry with Blankson is heart-warming to watch onstage. We were lucky enough to see Harry Chandler, who understudies Samuel Wyn-Morris, as Enjolras. He is amazing in the role, showing off the bravery and determination that Enjolras has.
With a heart-breaking performance, Nathania Ong is Éponine, a lonely girl whom life has treated harshly. Her voice has the softness of her heart, but the strength of her mind and she has incredible control over it. However, in ‘On My Own’, she is not used to her full potential as the ending seems slightly rushed. Still, Ong gives an incredible performance and stands out amongst the cast.
Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh are hilarious as the Thénardiers, bringing a touch of comedy to this otherwise emotional musical. Hughes engages the audience with his cheekiness and cockiness, which is perfectly matched by Walsh as Madame Thénardier, who sees through his act and views him as a scoundrel. The audience is left laughing whenever they are onstage, proving quite how brilliant they are. All of the children’s performers are perfectly suited to their roles, Rhea Choman as Young Éponine has great comedic timing and Megan Hyne has a lovely voice as Little Cosette. Noah Walton has the lovable personality of Gavroche and has the audience laughing one minute and in tears the next. A very talented young boy.
The set design by Matt Kinley is faultless, moving seamlessly between scenes and songs, helping the show move smoothly. When entering the theatre, there is a nod to Victor Hugo on the gauze, crediting Hugo for inspiring the set designs with his paintings. The barricade in particular stands out because combined with the lighting and projections by Paule Constable and Finn Ross, it creates a stunning picture and brings the moment to life. Costume designers Christine Rowland and Andreane Neofitou do a splendid job, using colours to showcase the difference between the rich and the poor, then making the costume specific to each character (especially Madame Thénardier’s dress at the end). The wigs and makeup department transform all the characters but in particular Fantine from the neat and presentable factory worker to the disgraced and broken prostitute.
After the bow, Dean Chisnall made a touching speech about how Les Misérables is supporting Ukraine in this difficult time, leading many people to make donations. It’s perfect for theatre lovers to see the iconic show performed by an astounding and diverse cast, with an incredible music. Les Miserables is a must see.
A gripping story of love, loyalty and loss.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Daisy Lee
Les Miserables plays in Southampton until 26 March and is currently touring until January 2023, with tickets for select venues available here.