Les Miserables

Back where it belongs!

Over 70 million people in 42 different countries have enjoyed this spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece since it premiered on the West End in 1985. Now let Les Miserables sweep you too through its epic tale of passion and destruction, set against the backdrop of a nation in tumult.

After a brief hiatus, which resulted in a star-filled stage concert at the Gielgud, Les Miserables returns in full swing this December with a brand-new and revamped version of the beloved classic! With the likes of Carrie Hope Fletcher*, Rachelle Ann Go*, Jon Robyns and Bradley Jaden making up the cast Les Miserables is back with a bang, retaining its crown as the West End's shining jewel. 

This international award-winning musical continues to thrill audiences night after night in productions across the world, but none are quite the same as experiencing Les Miserables right where the magic began - on London's West End.

*Please note that Carrie Hope Fletcher will be playing Fantine from the 18th of December to the 29th of February and then from the 20th of April to the 25th of July. Rachelle Ann Go will perform as Fantine in Fletcher's absence. 

What is Les Miserables About?

Jean Valjean is released from prison after almost 20 years in captivity for stealing a loaf of bread, soon after, he breaks his parole and flees to start a new life free of crime. Eight years later, he has worked hard to give himself a better standing in life. However, none of his endeavours impress his embittered parole-officer - the bloody-minded Javert - who will stop at nothing to see Valjean behind bars once again.

Like her father, Valjean's beautiful adopted daughter, Cosette, has to fight for what she wants in life when she falls in love with Marius, a student who has joined the burgeoning fight for justice in the streets of Paris. Will their love be enough to save him from disaster at the barricade?

Musical History is Made

This Olivier and Tony-winning musical includes the songs "Who Am I", "A Little Fall of Rain", "One Day More", "Bring Him Home" and, one of the most famous songs to come from the West End, "I Dreamed a Dream". Colloquially known as Les Miz, the musical actually started out as a French-language concept album. The first musical-stage adaptation of Les Mis was presented at the Palais des Sports, in 1980.

It was not until 1983 that producer Cameron Mackintosh received a copy of the French concept album from director Peter Farago. Two years later, Les Miserables took to the Barbican stage, and the rest, as they say, is history. The stage musical also inspired a live-action musical film in 2012, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway in her Oscar-winning role as the doomed Fantine.

Did you know?

Les Miserables has been translated into 22 different languages including Icelandic, Japanese and Mauritian Creole!