THE must see production of our generation, this is
phenomenal theatre which redefines excellence.
Based on Victor Hugo’s story of the French revolution and blending
sin, redemption, hope and despair, Les Mis is as relevant and compelling in
today’s society as it was in the mid 19th Century.
On tour and bringing over 30 years of West End success, this
is an opportunity to join in the revolution at one of the country’s best venues
for amazing theatre.
The sets are epic, scenes mould and flex right before your
eyes and are magical in the way they change; the lighting and use of projection
is breathtaking and the sound, especially during the battle scenes, is reminiscent
of Hollywood war films, the audience ducking and shaking as gun shots and ricochets
whistle all around the auditorium.
Last night we witnessed, in abundance, a normally very rare occasion in live theatre –
complete silence. Silence as the
audience sat transfixed through every scene, breaths held in awe and
anticipation; silence used brilliantly by the cast & orchestra to heighten the
drama and of intimate scenes as a counterpoint to the intensity of the
impending battles and, at the end of two particular songs, Bring Him Home and On
My Own, a full second of spellbound silence before the audience erupted into
applause.
Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean gives a brilliant portrayal
of a man consumed – initially by his desire to escape, then by his own disillusionment
of society as he is shunned (despite his desire to make something good of his
life) and finally trying to make peace with his past and protect the future of
his family. Donnelly’s range and
emotional input ensure that the audience share his raw anger in Who Am I and his angst
and turmoil in Bring Him Home.
Nic Greenshields plays Javert, the former prison warden turned
bounty hunting law maker who crosses paths again and again with Valjean, their
fates entwined like two ivy vines each striving to fulfil their own destinies. Nic portrays Javert as a larger than life
man, huge stage presence with a palpable obsession for law and order. The dynamic between Donnelly and Greenshields
is of such constant tension that it is almost a relief when Javert, unable to stand
Valjean’s hold over him after saving his life, jumps into the Seine (a scene which
brilliantly makes use of stage and projection)
The other standards which have become musical theatre
folklore include the riotous Master of The House (which needs very close
watching to catch all the tricks and stunts), the heartbreaking I Dreamed a
Dream and the anthemic One More Day, all of which are set and choreographed so
perfectly that it is impossible to think of anyway they could be bettered.
For anyone who has watched and enjoyed the star filled Hollywood
film version (with Hugh Jackman et al) this production is how Les Mis SHOULD be
watched. It is a piece of art and
entertainment that defines excellence and brilliance and Newcastle Theatre
Royal is the perfect host. I am sure the
ghosts of productions past were joining the full house in the 5 minute standing
ovation.
