Les Misérables – Theatre Review – Newcastle

Les Misérables

In a 182 year old theatre in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Les Misérables, the Broadway spectacular by Cameron Mackintosh fills the stage. Running from 15th August to the 5th October 2019 this is the first time I’ve had a chance to see Les Misérables in the North East so of course, I jumped at the opportunity. 

I had booked tickets at the end of last year, a surprise gift for my Mum. We had tickets in the Grand Circle at the Theatre Royal with a great view. 

Act 1

A use of screen projection, lighting and acting bought the opening scene to life as the curtains raised. The classic ‘Look Down’ filling the theatre, a harsh mood was created as prisioners work tirelessly at the docks.

The audience is quickly taken through Jean Val Jean’s life as he escapes bail. We see him shunned, then steal from a priest-the turning point in questioning faith in humanity. 

Before long we have met Fantine and learn of her daughter Cozette, their voices echoing throughout as they make promises to care for her in the poignant ‘Come To Me‘. 

The cast is strong. Effortless in song and incredibly believable. We believe their love, heartache and promise for a better tomorrow. 

The pub landlord scene a welcome lighthearted amusement, ‘Master Of The House’ truly one of the most catchy songs of the ensemble score. 

Cozette and Gavroche are remarkable in both their acting and singing abilities and truly stand out in their performances throughout.

Act 2

The second half roars on as the audience is taken further on the journey of the French Revolution, the young bourgeoisie who dare to fight, their voices fill the wings with the classic and perhaps one of the most well-known songs of the Les Misérables score, ‘Do you hear the people sing?’ sending shivers across the rows. The live score of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical filling the theatre.

 

We witness love, heartache, loss and grief. A complete emotional rollercoaster which is both immerseful and epic.
This truly stunning performance was gratified with a standing ovation and I’m sure not a dry eye in the house.

 

I urge everyone to try to get tickets!

 

Regarding accessibility at the Newcastle Theatre Royal, there is disabled access to the buliding and a lift to all floors. The lift however was overwhelmed on the day of our performance, which led to a slight delay in the performance start time (the staff did ensure that all ticket holders made it to their seats first). There are specific wheelchair spaces which can be booked for performances also the staff are aware that some wheelchair users transfer to theatre seats and in this case store your wheelchair during the performance, bringing it back to you when needed. Find more on Acessibility at Newcastle Theatre Royal here.

 

Les Misérables runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal until October 5th 2019 and is heading to the Liverpool Empire next with shows starting on October 9th. All tour information can be found here.

 

If you enjoyed this review you might like this post of ‘What the ladybird heard?’!

Les Mis theatre Review! The Les Mis tour is taking over the UK, find out all about it here! Image of The Les Mis title for this review post.
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8 Comments
    1. She did! I hope you get to see it one day, it really is fantastic! I was lucky it came on tour so close to me!

  1. I’ve been meaning to watch the movie for a long time. Believe me or not I have never watched it, listened to the soundtrack or witnessed it in a theatre but I’ve wanted to for the longest time! This has only served to make me want to see it more in any form!

    1. Oh wow! You really must, it’s such a wonderful story, very heartbreaking mind you but I think that is part of its beauty! I fell in love with the music first and then saw it, it’s quite addictive! And the film is great too!

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