Les Miserables

The Revolutionary Original

In the nearly 40 years since its premiere, Claude Schonberg And Alain Boublil's musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's doorstop of a novel has become the benchmark of musical theatre. An epic score, passionate story, and phenomenal scale are part of the magic, but it's truly the wonder of seeing a live performance that does it the most justice. Seen by an audience that numbers over 70 million, it's safe to say that Les Miserables is the world's most popular musical - and then some.

What Is The Story?

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!