Les Misérables: The Staged Concert
Based on the Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, the musical follows convict Jean Valjean as he endures hardship and finds love against a backdrop of tumultuous mid-nineteenth century France.
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Opening Date: Aug 10, 2019
Closing Date: Nov 30, 2019
Air date: Dec 2, 2019
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Cinema (February 2025, UK and Northern Ireland only), Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Sky Store, PBS
Closing Date: Nov 30, 2019
Air date: Dec 2, 2019
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Cinema (February 2025, UK and Northern Ireland only), Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Sky Store, PBS
Stage Production Notes
With an epic and luscious score by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, Les Misérables began life as a French concept album. Following a brief run at the Palais des Sports in Paris in 1980, Les Misérables was picked up by producer Cameron Mackintosh and translated into English. Trevor Nunn was bought on to direct, and the musical was workshopped and developed at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The lavish RSC production of Les Misérables opened at the Barbican Theatre in London on October 8, 1985. The cast featured Colm Wilkinson (Jean Valjean), Roger Allam (Javert), Patti LuPone (Fantine), Alun Armstrong (Thénardier), Susan Jane Tanner (Madame Thénardier), Frances Ruffelle (Éponine), Ian Tucker (Gavroche), Michael Ball (Marius), and David Burt (Enjolras).
Although the musical received negative reviews, audiences loved it, and the production transferred to the West End at the Palace Theatre in December, 1985.
Les Misérables was nominated for 4 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. Patti LuPone was awarded Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Fantine.
After a try-out in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, Les Misérables opened on Broadway on March 12, 1987. The production was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning 8, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Original Book, and Best Direction (Trevor Nunn).
Les Misérables, affectionately referred to as Les Mis (or Les Miz in the U.S.), quickly gained musical theatre cult status. It has been translated into over 20 languages, performed in 42 countries around the world, and is the longest running musical on the West End. Although now closed in New York, Les Misérables is the fifth longest running musical on Broadway.
To celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary, a special gala concert was held at Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert was described by Cameron Mackintosh as a “dramatic cantata rather than a fully staged production.” The concert was filmed live.
In 2004, the West End production transferred to the Queen’s Theatre.
The 25th anniversary of Les Misérables in 2010 was celebrated with three different productions in London: the Original Production at the Queen's Theatre, the re-staged 25th Anniversary production at the Barbican, and the 25th Anniversary Event at the O2 Arena. The simultaneous performances of different productions of the same show in one city was unprecedented. The 25th Anniversary Event was also filmed live.
A film version of the musical starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe was released in December 2012.
The original West End production ran for 34 years, making it the longest running West End musical. It closed in July 2019 to allow for renovations at the Queen's Theatre.
A new production (minus the famed turntable) opened at the newly named Sondheim Theatre on December 18, 2019 featuring Jon Robyns (Jean Valjean), Bradley Jaden (Javert), Gerard Carey (Thénardier), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Shan Ako (Eponine), Harry Apps (Marius), Josefina Gabrielle (Madame Thénardier), Ashley Gilmour (Enjolras), and Lily Kerhoas (Cosette).
During the Queen’s Theatre renovations, the much celebrated concert version was reprised next door at the Gielgud Theatre for a limited 16 week performance run.
The West End production reopened at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre on December 18, 2019.
With an epic and luscious score by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, Les Misérables began life as a French concept album. Following a brief run at the Palais des Sports in Paris in 1980, Les Misérables was picked up by producer Cameron Mackintosh and translated into English. Trevor Nunn was bought on to direct, and the musical was workshopped and developed at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The lavish RSC production of Les Misérables opened at the Barbican Theatre in London on October 8, 1985. The cast featured Colm Wilkinson (Jean Valjean), Roger Allam (Javert), Patti LuPone (Fantine), Alun Armstrong (Thénardier), Susan Jane Tanner (Madame Thénardier), Frances Ruffelle (Éponine), Ian Tucker (Gavroche), Michael Ball (Marius), and David Burt (Enjolras).
Although the musical received negative reviews, audiences loved it, and the production transferred to the West End at the Palace Theatre in December, 1985.
Les Misérables was nominated for 4 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. Patti LuPone was awarded Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Fantine.
After a try-out in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, Les Misérables opened on Broadway on March 12, 1987. The production was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning 8, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Original Book, and Best Direction (Trevor Nunn).
Les Misérables, affectionately referred to as Les Mis (or Les Miz in the U.S.), quickly gained musical theatre cult status. It has been translated into over 20 languages, performed in 42 countries around the world, and is the longest running musical on the West End. Although now closed in New York, Les Misérables is the fifth longest running musical on Broadway.
To celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary, a special gala concert was held at Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert was described by Cameron Mackintosh as a “dramatic cantata rather than a fully staged production.” The concert was filmed live.
In 2004, the West End production transferred to the Queen’s Theatre.
The 25th anniversary of Les Misérables in 2010 was celebrated with three different productions in London: the Original Production at the Queen's Theatre, the re-staged 25th Anniversary production at the Barbican, and the 25th Anniversary Event at the O2 Arena. The simultaneous performances of different productions of the same show in one city was unprecedented. The 25th Anniversary Event was also filmed live.
A film version of the musical starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe was released in December 2012.
The original West End production ran for 34 years, making it the longest running West End musical. It closed in July 2019 to allow for renovations at the Queen's Theatre.
A new production (minus the famed turntable) opened at the newly named Sondheim Theatre on December 18, 2019 featuring Jon Robyns (Jean Valjean), Bradley Jaden (Javert), Gerard Carey (Thénardier), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Shan Ako (Eponine), Harry Apps (Marius), Josefina Gabrielle (Madame Thénardier), Ashley Gilmour (Enjolras), and Lily Kerhoas (Cosette).
During the Queen’s Theatre renovations, the much celebrated concert version was reprised next door at the Gielgud Theatre for a limited 16 week performance run.
The West End production reopened at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre on December 18, 2019.
Filmed Production Notes
Billed as an “all-star” concert, the 2019 concert version cast included Michael Ball (who originated the role of Marius, now playing Javert), Alfie Boe (Jean Valean), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras), Matt Lucas (Thénardier), Katy Secombe (Madame Thénardier), Shan Kho (Éponine), Lily Kerhoas (Cosette), and John Owen Jones, (Jean Valjean, 3 performances a week).
The limited run quickly sold out, reportedly drawing lines of up to 20,000 people at the box office.
Theatre critic Baz Bamigboye enthusiastically noted that “what was meant to be a ‘filler’ show” became “one of the biggest hits in the West End.” Musical Theatre Review praised the performances of the leads, and noted “the feeling of culmination and history in the making is only magnified by the intimate surroundings of the Gielgud Theatre.”
A special performance was held on December 2 before an audience of specially invited guests and lottery winners. The performance was broadcast live in cinemas across the United Kingdom.
Although the broadcast had been slated to air in the United States on December 2, it was pushed back a week to December 7. It also was broadcast in Canada on December 12.
Subsequent encore screenings were held in the weeks following throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.
As a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, Cameron Mackintosh and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Content Group released a digital version of Les Miserables: The Stage Concert in April 2020. The digital version was only available for sale and rental in the UK and Australia. Proceeds from the first 80,000 downloads were divided between three charities - Acting for Others, The Musicians Union Benevolent Fund, and Captain Tom Moore’s Walk for the NHS. It was available for digital download in the United States from August 4, 2020.
Les Miserables: The Stage Concert is available on DVD and to stream in the UK and Ireland via Apple TV, Amazon, and Sky Store.
The 10th Anniversary and 25th Anniversary concert productions are also available on DVD and to stream.
Billed as an “all-star” concert, the 2019 concert version cast included Michael Ball (who originated the role of Marius, now playing Javert), Alfie Boe (Jean Valean), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras), Matt Lucas (Thénardier), Katy Secombe (Madame Thénardier), Shan Kho (Éponine), Lily Kerhoas (Cosette), and John Owen Jones, (Jean Valjean, 3 performances a week).
The limited run quickly sold out, reportedly drawing lines of up to 20,000 people at the box office.
Theatre critic Baz Bamigboye enthusiastically noted that “what was meant to be a ‘filler’ show” became “one of the biggest hits in the West End.” Musical Theatre Review praised the performances of the leads, and noted “the feeling of culmination and history in the making is only magnified by the intimate surroundings of the Gielgud Theatre.”
A special performance was held on December 2 before an audience of specially invited guests and lottery winners. The performance was broadcast live in cinemas across the United Kingdom.
Although the broadcast had been slated to air in the United States on December 2, it was pushed back a week to December 7. It also was broadcast in Canada on December 12.
Subsequent encore screenings were held in the weeks following throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.
As a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, Cameron Mackintosh and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Content Group released a digital version of Les Miserables: The Stage Concert in April 2020. The digital version was only available for sale and rental in the UK and Australia. Proceeds from the first 80,000 downloads were divided between three charities - Acting for Others, The Musicians Union Benevolent Fund, and Captain Tom Moore’s Walk for the NHS. It was available for digital download in the United States from August 4, 2020.
Les Miserables: The Stage Concert is available on DVD and to stream in the UK and Ireland via Apple TV, Amazon, and Sky Store.
The 10th Anniversary and 25th Anniversary concert productions are also available on DVD and to stream.
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert PRODUCTION CREDITS
Opening Date: Aug 10, 2019
Closing Date: Nov 30, 2019
Air date: Dec 2, 2019
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Sky Store, PBS
Theatre: Gielgud Theatre, London
Producer: Cameron Macintosh, Trafalgar Releasing
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil
Lyrics: Herbert Kretzmer, original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
Director: James Powell, Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy
Orchestrations: John Cameron, Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe
Scenic Design: Matt Kinley
Costume Design: Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland
Lighting Design: Warren Letton, Paule Constable
Sound Design: Mick Potter
Musical Director: Stephen Brooker
Cast:
Michael Ball (Javert), Alfie Boe (Jean Valean), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras), Matt Lucas (Thénardier), Katy Secombe (Madame Thénardier), Shan Kho (Éponine), Lily Kerhoas (Cosette), and John Owen Jones, (Jean Valjean, 3 performances a week), Ensemble: Rosanna Bates, Adam Bayjou, Ciarán Bowling, Simon Bowman, Oliver Brenin, Earl Carpenter, Vinny Coyle, Samantha Dorsey, Tamsin Dowsett, Nicola Espallardo, Celia Graham, Barnaby Hughes, Holly-Anne Hull, Oliver Jackson, Christopher Jacobsen, Gavin James, Will Jennings, Ciaran Joyce, Katie Kerr, Sarah Lark, Joanna Loxton, Craig Mather, Stephen Matthews, James Nicholson, Rosa O’Reilly, Claire Parrish, Sophie Reeves, Grainne Renihan, Leo Roberts, Raymond Walsh, Gemma Wardle, and Andrew York
Opening Date: Aug 10, 2019
Closing Date: Nov 30, 2019
Air date: Dec 2, 2019
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Sky Store, PBS
Theatre: Gielgud Theatre, London
Producer: Cameron Macintosh, Trafalgar Releasing
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil
Lyrics: Herbert Kretzmer, original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
Director: James Powell, Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy
Orchestrations: John Cameron, Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe
Scenic Design: Matt Kinley
Costume Design: Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland
Lighting Design: Warren Letton, Paule Constable
Sound Design: Mick Potter
Musical Director: Stephen Brooker
Cast:
Michael Ball (Javert), Alfie Boe (Jean Valean), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras), Matt Lucas (Thénardier), Katy Secombe (Madame Thénardier), Shan Kho (Éponine), Lily Kerhoas (Cosette), and John Owen Jones, (Jean Valjean, 3 performances a week), Ensemble: Rosanna Bates, Adam Bayjou, Ciarán Bowling, Simon Bowman, Oliver Brenin, Earl Carpenter, Vinny Coyle, Samantha Dorsey, Tamsin Dowsett, Nicola Espallardo, Celia Graham, Barnaby Hughes, Holly-Anne Hull, Oliver Jackson, Christopher Jacobsen, Gavin James, Will Jennings, Ciaran Joyce, Katie Kerr, Sarah Lark, Joanna Loxton, Craig Mather, Stephen Matthews, James Nicholson, Rosa O’Reilly, Claire Parrish, Sophie Reeves, Grainne Renihan, Leo Roberts, Raymond Walsh, Gemma Wardle, and Andrew York
Sources
Books
Websites
Books
- Edward Behr, The Complete Book of Les Misérables, Arcade Publishing (1989)
- Thomas Riggs, Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television, Thomson Gale (2006)
- Jim Amos, “West End Smash ‘Les Miserables The Staged Concert’ Rocks U.S. Cinemas For Two Nights Only,” Forbes (Dec 2, 2019)
- Baz Bamigboye, “Les Miserables concert goes from filler to (live) thriller!” The Daily Mail (Oct 31, 2019)
- Michael Billington, “Twenty-five years on, they ask me if I was wrong about Les Misérables …,” The Guardian (Sept 21, 2010)
- BWW News Desk, “BBC to Release Special Edition DVD of LES MISERABLES 10th Anniversary Concert, 11/20,” BroadwayWorld (Nov 8, 2012)
- Todd Douglas Jr., “Les Miserables: 10th Anniversary Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall,” DVDTalk (Feb 19, 2008)
- M. Enois Duarte, “Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert,” High-Def Digest (Jan 8, 2012)
- Andrew Gans, “Watch Stars Come Out for Les Misérables Concert Opening Night Gala, Starring Michael Ball, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Alfie Boe,” Playbill (Aug 29, 2019)
- Andrew Gans
- “Les Misérables in Concert – The 25th Anniversary Event to Be Screened In U.S. Cinemas” Playbill (Oct 18, 2010)
- “Les Misérables in Concert – The 25th Anniversary Event Screened in U.S. Cinemas Nov. 17” Playbill (Nov 17, 2010)
- “Les Misérables in Concert – The 25th Anniversary Event Due on DVD Feb. 22,” Playbill (Feb 22, 2011)
- “Les Misérables in Concert – The 25th Anniversary Event Airs on PBS March 6,” Playbill (March 6, 2011)
- “New Dates Set for North American Broadcast of West End’s Les Misérables—The Staged Concert,” Playbill (Nov 12, 2019)
- Andrew Girvan, “Les Mis at O2 Broadcast to Cinemas, NT Expands,” What’s On Stage (Sept 29, 2010
- Blair Howell, “PBS celebrates 'Les Misérables' 25th anniversary,” Deseret News (March 3, 2011)
- Stegan Kyriazis, “Les Miserables staged concert with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in 400 CINEMAS this weekend,” Express (Dec 6, 2019)
- Andrzej Lukowski, “Les Misérables – The Staged Concert,” Time Out (Sept 2, 2019)
- Cameron Mackintosh, “Creation of a Musical: The Musical Event of a Lifetime,” Official Les Misérables Website
- Lisa Martland, “Les Misérables: The Staged Concert - Gielgud Theatre,” Musical Theatre Online (Sept 6, 2019)
- National CineMedia Press Release, “Les Misérables Commemorates 25th Anniversary with Memorable Big Screen Tribute Concert Event Celebrating the Legendary Musical” National CineMedia (Oct 19, 2010)
- Thomas Peter, “Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert DVD Preview,” Playbill (Dec 4, 2010)
- Frances Ruffelle, “Les Misérables: The Triumph That Almost Wasn’t,” Huffington Post (June 12, 2012)
- Stage Door Dish, “How do the Anniversary Concerts of ‘Les Miserables’ compare to the 2012 movie?” Stage Door Dish (April 10, 2013)
- Anna Tims, “How we made Les Misérables,” The Guardian (Feb 19, 2013)
- West End Wilma, “REVIEW: Les Miserables The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre) ★★★★,” West End Wilma (Nov 12, 2019)
Websites
- Broadway World, “Les Miserables: 10th Anniversary Dream Cast (Special Edition) on Video - 2012,” Accessed via: https://www.broadwayworld.com/video/Les-Miserables10th-Anniversary-Dream-Cast--Special-Edition--1995
- Cameron Mackintosh, “Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert (1995)” Accessed via: https://www.cameronmackintosh.com/productions/view/les-miserables/les-miserables-10th-anniversary-concert-1995
- Les Misérables, “Concert: Cast and Creatives,” Accessed via: https://www.lesmis.com/concert/cast-creatives
- Les Miserables, “Facts and Figures,” Accessed via: https://www.lesmis.com/uk/history/facts-and-figures/
- Les Misérables, “News,” Accessed via: https://www.lesmis.com/london/news/page-1
- Les Misérables, “The All-Star Staged Concert,” Accessed via: https://www.lesmis.com/london/news/the-all-star-staged-concert
- Les Misérables, "The Concert," Accessed via: https://www.lesmis.com/concert
- Royal Albert Hall, “Our Performances History & Archive: Les Miserables in Concert - The Musical That Swept The World - Tenth Anniversary Concert,” Accessed via: http://catalogue.royalalberthall.com/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Performance&id=Ynahyseaf_Viod
- Royal Shakespeare Company, “Music On Stage,” Accessed via: https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/music
- The Hopeful Traveler, “Review: 'Les Misérables' The 25th Anniversary Concert in Cinemas,” (Nov 18, 2010) Accessed via: http://thehopefultraveler.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-les-Misérables-25th-anniversary.html
Written by Luisa Lyons (December, 2019, Updated April 2020; Aug 2020)