Les Misérables, which opened at the Barbican theatre 25 years ago, is celebrating this momentous birthday with a special concert performance at the O2 featuring a host of current and former stars of the musical along with special guests.
The concert means the musical makes history by becoming the first show to have three productions running in London simultaneously. In addition to the original production in the West End, producer Cameron Mackintosh presents a new 25th anniversary production at the Barbican – the show’s original home – for a limited season.
Alfie Boe leads the cast of this special concert performance as Valjean, with Broadway star Norm Lewis as Javert, comedian Matt Lucas as Thenardier, international star Lea Salonga as Fantine and pop star Nick Jonas as Marius. They will be joined by members of the original 1985 cast, as well as current members of the West End and 25th anniversary productions.
Les Misérables is the famous musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s great humanitarian novel of one man’s determined survival in the face of another’s vengeful persecution. Set amid the social and political struggles of 19th century France, it tells the story of former prisoner Jean Valjean, who is pursued for decades by his policeman nemesis, Javert.
The dramatic score includes numbers such as On My Own, One More Day, and Do You Hear the People Sing?
Les Misérables is now one of the world’s best-loved musicals and has been produced in 38 countries and translated into 21 different languages. A Broadway production opened in 1987 and won eight Tony Awards.
A second performance has now been added at 13:30 on 3 October
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