Les Misérables is one of the most popular musicals Ever staged. This production, however, is extra special as Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society bring the first ever adult amateur production to the second city.
Set in early 19th Century France, Les Miserables follows the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant released in 1815 after serving nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child.
Valjean breaks his parole to restart his life, but is relentlessly pursued by policed inspector Javert. Set in revolutionary France, their paths cross via student revolutionaries and a street barricade in France.
Les Mis has been seen worldwide by an audience totalling over 120 million people, in 52 countries and is often referred to as a super-musical. This is the first time the rights to the full show have been made available, and just 11 groups around the UK have the privilege of bringing this masterpiece to life.
I have to say, that whilst BMOS shows are always first class, I did take my seat with an air of trepidation. There was a very realistic chance this could be a step too far for any company of this type - but as those opening chords struck and the first few bars of the prologue began - so did the goosebumps that covered my entire body for the next two hours.
To say this production is a triumph would be a catastrophic understatement. This production is, hands down, the best piece of amateur theatre I have ever seen.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that many of the performers on stage this evening - specifically the principal cast - performed to a higher standard than some pro's I've seen in the West End.
Robbie Love took on the role of Javert, the character I maintain has the best song in the entire show; Stars. Love gave us a confident and assured take on the 'baddie' of the piece, balanced with some exquisite tender moments.
Ismay Dudzinski-Grubb shone as Cosette, with an outstanding soprano voice, coupled with Luke Griffiths interpretation of Marius. The latter is a role which so often seems to be given to performers with a timid, airy tone to their voice - however Griffiths embodiment gave his voice chance to shine.
Tim Jones and Sophie Grogan brought the laughs as Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, perfectly hitting every beat and milking the laughs for all they were worth. We also had an assured performance from Annabel Pilcher, who joins a long list of stand-out performers to play Fantine. Pilcher gave us a much more thought-out performance than we might have seen from some other companies, really delving into the heartache and pain she feels.
Special mention has to go to Beth Dickson and a stunning performance as Eponine. Alongside I Dreamed A Dream, Eponine's performance of On My Own is a moment the audience are waiting for - and definitely one which requires a strong and confident performer, both of which are qualities you can easily attribute to Dickson.
In a long list of women who have put on the coat and hat, Dickson's performance easily stands up alongside those of performers like Samantha Barks and Carrie Hope-Fletcher, giving the audience all they wanted and more.
However, the stand out performance of the evening has to be that of Wil Neale. Jean Valjean is a behemoth of a character - as iconic as names like Eva Peron and Elphaba and renowned for being just as challenging to perform. Neale's performance this evening was incredible; from dramatic monologues to a beautiful falsetto, he embodied everything this role needed.
I've only seen an audience give a standing ovation mid-show on two occasions, and after tonights performance of Bring Him Home we nearly made that three. Just brilliant.
You expect so much when you see Les Mis and this production exceeds those expectations effortlessly.
If these performers are the future of British theatre, we are in incredible hands.
Les Miserables plays at The Alexandra until 14th June 2025. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham.
