Everything You Need to Know about Les Miserables

The story of Les Miserables

Written in 1862, Les Miserables is a sprawling epic novel by French novelist Victor Hugo, in which interweaving narratives of different characters over many years come together to form a story of sacrifice, redemption, and revolution. Jean Valjean, imprisoned for petty theft, is released from prison and seeks a second chance at life by adopting Cosette, the orphaned daughter of a prostitute. Years later, in Paris, Cosette falls in love with the young revolutionary Marius, whose group of friends plan to move against the oppressive state in what will be known as the Paris Uprising. Meanwhile, Valjean’s parole officer, Inspector Javert, is hot on his tail, convinced he hasn’t truly reformed.

The musical

Les Miserables was originally performed in French at the Palais de Sport in Paris in 1980, written by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boubil and Jean-Marc Natel. Cameron Mackintosh heard the soundtrack and decided to produce an English language version, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company, which opened at the Barbican in 1985 with new lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. And the rest is history.

Les Miserables in the West End then transferred to the Palace Theatre, where it played for 19 years, and now makes its home at the Sondheim Theatre, where it’s been running since 2004.

The cast of LES MISERABLES. Photo by Danny Kaan.

Why do we love Les Miserables?

Les Mis, as it's affectionately known, is the longest–running musical in the West End and the second longest-running musical in the world. It has won two Olivier Awards and eight Tony Awards, and is a long-standing favourite of critics and audiences alike. It has inspired countless adaptations, including a star-studded film in 2012 starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, and Eddie Redmayne. So what’s all the hype about?

Audiences love the musical for its sweeping, epic story with its timeless, universal themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and revolution, which feel just as resonant today. Les Mis is a visual feast, impressively staged with elaborate costumes, dramatic lighting, spectacle, and jaw-dropping sets, like the famous barricades. Its characters are complex and memorable, from the noble Valjean to the relentless Javert to the wicked but entertaining Thenardiers. Above all, we love the music: the emotional, powerful score features unforgettable songs that have seeped into popular culture over time, from Fantine’s heartbreaking ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ to the epic revolutionary anthem ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’.

All these reasons have made it a staple of the West End and a must-see for anyone passing through London.

The cast of LES MISERABLES. Photo by Danny Kaan.

What ages is Les Miserables appropriate for?

Les Mis is suitable for children aged 8 and over. Parents should be aware that it contains mature and complex themes, and depictions of death, violence, and sex work.

How long is Les Miserables?

Les Mis is 2 hours and 50 minutes including one interval.

Who is in the cast?

The current West End cast includes Harry Hepple as Thénardier, Lizzie Bea as Madame Thénardier, Jess Folley as Éponine, Ian McIntosh as Jean Valjean, Sam Oladeinde as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine (until 11th April, with Martha Kirby taking over from the 13th), Thiago Phillip Felizardo as Marius, Joe Griffiths-Brown as Enjolras, and Izzi Levine as Cosette.

Fun facts about Les Miserables

Les Misérables has been translated into 21 languages: English, Japanese, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, German, Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, French, Czech, Castillian, Mauritian Creole, Flemish, Finnish, Argentinian, Portuguese, Estonian and Mexican Spanish.

When it first premiered in the West End in 1985, it was met by scathing reviews from critics. The Mail on Sunday's Kenneth Hurren wrote: "Watching it is rather like eating an artichoke: you have to go through an awful lot to get a very little."

Les Mis is absolutely huge in scale, with approximately 101 cast and crew directly involved in every performance and each performance requiring 392 complete costumes and 31 wigs.

In 2004, a special concert performance was given at Windsor Castle in honour of French President Jacques Chirac to celebrate the centenary of the entente cordiale - Britain's friendly agreement with France.

"Do You Hear The People Sing?", perhaps the most famous song from the musical, has become a popular protest anthem, used by the Occupy Movement and other protest movements around the world, especially in Hong Kong, with unofficial adaptations written in Cantonese and Taiwanese

Sam Oladeinde in LES MISERABLES. Photo by Danny Kaan.

Have you seen Les Miserables yet? If not, be sure to add it to your bucket list! You can also check out which other big West End productions are extending their booking periods. And if you’ve already seen Les Mis and are keen to check out some new shows, check out all the new musicals to watch in London this year.

Les Miserables Tickets