A dark stage awaits. The year is 1815. Suddenly, the orchestra bursts into life, with rousing trumpets and booming drums. Dozens of men are chained together, rowing as one.
Then one is hauled from the ranks and paroled before he is sent on his way. And so begins the tale of Les Misérables and the desolate journey of Jean Valjean.
Set in the time of the French Revolution, the story takes place over three decades and focuses on themes of love, loss, unrest and injustice. Based on the tale by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables was brought to life on stage by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and produced by world-renowned Cameron Mackintosh and continues to enthrall theatre fans.
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Les Misérables is the longest-running musical in the West End following its debut in 1985. It consistently appears in the top 10 of musicals worldwide, and has seen record-breaking runs in countries including North America, Australia, Japan, Korea, France and Spain and is now back for a three-week run at The Lowry in Salford.
Spanning close to three hours long, the story never dwindles or fails to carry the audience with it. Instead, it interweaves characters throughout Valjean’s life from meeting Fantine, played by Katie Hall, who provides a memorable performance of I Dreamed A Dream, and learning of her daughter Cosette to joining a revolution to protect her future.
The set design alone is hugely impressive on a production of serious scale, from the deck of a mighty ship to bustling streets to a quiet cornfield. The multi-storey sets and props glide across the stage noiselessly and seamlessly moving from one dramatic scene to the other with the help of effective lighting and projections.
The most almighty of sets, though, comes in the form of the barricade built by the rebellious students. Its presence alone is powerful - but there is a darkness attached to it, perhaps reminiscent of what is about to come.
Javert, played by Nic Greenshields, gives a striking, authoritative and terrifying performance. His compelling number, Stars, was a real highlight.
But naturally the stand-out of the show was Valjean, played by Dean Chisnall, whose breath-taking number Bring Him Home brought the auditorium collectively to tears. However the most empowering moments are when the ensemble comes together for At The End Of The Day, One Day More, and Do You Hear The People Sing?
Some much needed tonic comes in the form of innkeepers Thénardier and Madame Thénardier, played by Ian Hughes and Helen Walsh. Their hilarious rendition of Master Of The House has the audience cackling - especially with their crude skits involving a phallic baguette and a not-so-lucky bird.
Expectations were high for the production, as they always are with such a well-known musical - but were met over and above on this triumphant return to The Lowry theatre. As the reprisal of Do You Hear The People Sing? came to an end, the audience jumped to their feet in rapturous applause and a much-deserved standing ovation.
It was equal parts tragic, inspiring, emotional and exhilarating and left the audience reeling in awe. It’s clear to see why this record-breaking show has swathes of fans who come back again and again.
Les Misérables will be at The Lowry until April 23.
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