Les Misérables At Theatre Royal, Glasgow Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Emily
Les Misérables
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
30th November 2021
Theatre Royal in Glasgow is the first stop on the UK tour of Les Misérables. Les Misérables is based on the 19th century novel by Victor Hugo.
Set in France, it opens in 1815 where Jean Valjean has been enslaved as prisoner 24601 for 19 years for stealing bread for his sister’s daughter. He is given leave but this doesn’t allow him real freedom as his past follows him. The kindness shown by the Bishop allows him to move on and he creates a new life as Monsieur Madeleine.
When he realises the consequences of his action towards one of his factory workers, Fantine and the drastic measures she had to take for her daughter, on her deathbed he promises to care for Cosette.
During this time, Valjean saves a man trapped beneath a cart which leads to Javert recalling the strength of prisoner 24601, who has been found. Valjean’s conscience won’t let another man suffer but he manages to escape arrest.
Valjean saves Cosette from the hand of the Innkeeper Thenardier and cares for her.
The musical then moves to the 1832 Paris Uprising where the students barricade the streets of Paris. Amongst the students was Marius who was in love with Cosette. The rebels were defeated by the army of Louis-Philippe but Valjean saves Marius and takes him home to recover. Cosette and Marius marry and Valjean leaves so they are not tainted by his past but return to be with him before he dies.
The performance was faultless with Dean Chisnall perfectly cast as Jean Valjean, Katie Hall as Fantine and Paige Blankson as Cosette but the outstanding performance for me was Nathania Ong as Eponine singing On My Own.
I also loved the Master of the House scene it was very funny with great timing and expression!
The scenery is stunning and the artwork based on works by Victor Hugo add to the atmosphere. The screen gave depth and movement to the action.
The Theatre Royal is situated on Hope Street in Glasgow city centre, although the auditorium is traditional in style, the entrance foyer and amenities are modern.
We were seated in row M of the stalls. The seats were spacious and leg room plentiful ensuring a comfortable experience and an excellent view.
The staff at the Theatre were friendly and helpful. The covid and security check queues were large but moved quickly.
Les Misérables is around three hours long with a 20 minute interval, it runs through the festive season until Friday 31st December. There are performances Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, matinee performances at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday up until 15th December, 16th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, 17th December at 7.30pm, 18th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, 20th and 21st December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, 22nd December at 7.30pm, 23rd December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, 24th December at 2.30pm, no performance on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, 27th December at 7.30pm, 28th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, 29th December at 7.30pm, 30th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and the final performance on 31st December at 2.30pm. Ticket range between £32 and £85 and are available at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/les-miserables/theatre-royal-glasgow/ .
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £32-£85
Theatre Royal, Hope Street, Glasgow
23rd November – 31st December 2021
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/les-miserables/theatre-royal-glasgow/