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
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.
If you enjoyed this review you might like this post of ‘What the ladybird heard?’!
I had the pleasure of seeing Les Mis at a community theater a few years back. It was fantastic!
That sounds great! Isn’t it such a great musical!
This is a fantastic review of Les Misérables. I’d love to be able to see it. What a lovely surprise gift for your Mum. I bet she loved it.
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!
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!
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!
That sounds amazing. i would love to go to an old theater.
It really is a stunning theatre!