In the mid 1980s I went to see Les Miserables on my own in London.
I was twenty three or so
A very gauche and young twenty three.
I saw the production with the original cast. Colm Wilkinson, Patti LuPone, Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle but non affected me more than the chocolate voiced Roger Allam as the policeman Javert.
His performance and voice was captivating.
In a couple of weeks time I’m taking Janet to see the Les Mis revival at the Sondheim.
It’s for our birthday
We’ve hopefully squeezed it in between rail strikes and fuck me I managed to get us two rooms at the lovely Mimi Hotel in Soho.
I had cocktails there with Nu a while ago
A Stuart Clarke is apparently playing Javert at the moment
He looks about 12
Roger Allam could read the phone book to me and I’d be weak at the knees……Libsx
ReplyDeleteYes,absolutely , he’s a great comic actor too, conversations in a long marriage on radio 4 is a standout
DeleteI too saw it many years ago and it was wonderful. I love Roger Allam. I have watched all of the Morse series then more recently the prequel series Endeavour which has Roger Allam as E.M.s mentor. He has a lovely voice as you say. I think you will both have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a feel good musical with three or four set pieces that bring a shiver to your spine
DeleteFabulous, one of my favourite musicals. I would love to have seen that production with Michael Ball.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the re boot has changed the original, if anything
DeleteHere's hoping the rail strikes don't scupper your plans.🤞Watch out London, the Gray twins are coming! xx
ReplyDeleteI saw a touring production in the states in the late '80s. LOVED it. Bought the cast album!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time, even without the charming Roger Allam.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how young all the actors are now. They couldn’t possibly have been that young 30 years ago... could they? We saw Les Mis in New York and then years later in San Francisco. Theatrical and musical brilliance.
ReplyDeleteAt my age John everybody looks young!
ReplyDeleteI saw that production, as friend took me, without saying which show we were going to see, still the best show for me, I have seen it a few more times.
ReplyDeleteOne of the two or three musicals that are my absolute favorites. I saw it 18 times in Los Angeles many years ago and if there is ever another production in the US that I can get to I would go see it at least another 18 times.
ReplyDeleteI thought my 5 times was enough.
DeleteIt has a strength and integrity about it
Love Les Mis! Jealous that you were able to see it with Colm Wilkinson. His voice is amazing. When I'm home sick, I often enjoy watching whateveritis on youtube that is basically a standup version of the play with Colm.
ReplyDeleteA charming Irishman by all accounts . Much respected…I like that he played the Bishop in the film version
DeleteSounds like a great weekend in the City,
ReplyDeleteI ve got a few things in London booked
DeleteThis year
I hope you have the BEST time.
ReplyDeleteI do too
DeleteIt’s my favourite musical and the first time I saw it, Michael
ReplyDeleteBall was playing Marius. The last time I saw it (pre Covid) was in our local cinema on a live performance when he sang as Javert for the final time and handed Javert’s coat to a young man who was taking on the role. I often play the music and listen whilst doing some household chores. Enjoy! Catriona
Michael ball looked like a baby when I saw him as Marius ….
DeleteI didn't know Roger Allam was a musical theatre star! I only know him from his role as DI Fred Thursday on Endeavour!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful way to celebrate your twin birthday. xx
ReplyDeleteYes….it’s Janet’s choice
DeleteYou and Janet have planned a superb B-day celebration. It should be great fun.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite - seen on Broadway first, then several times in my city with 'Broadway on Tour' casts. ALL productions have been awesome!
ReplyDeleteHave fun on your shared birthday with Janet.
Thank u mary
DeleteI don't think you will be disappointed: Stuart Clarke has a great reputation as a masterly villain in other musicals, and the actor playing Javert comes from playing the Phantom in Australia.
ReplyDeleteYou need a copy of the original cast recording, and a DVD of the 10th anniversary concert (against which the 25th anniversary concert is a pale and feeble thing)
Roget Allam was opera trained, and has appeared in many other great musicals on stage, including La Cage Aux Folles and City OF Angels; when Les Mis was first produced it caused a furore, as it combined classical actors like Allam and Alun Armstrong) with pop and pop opera people (Colm Wilkinson, Patti LuPone.) And also had the temerity to be through-sung.
The first perfomance in the Barbican was September 30 1985; the story of it's success has passed into legend, as only one critic (Sheridan Morley, son of the great Gladys Cooper) 'got it' and it was lambasted by all the others. When producer Cam Mac saw the reviews and checked with the box office as to whether it would even survive the week, the box office reported that word of mouth was making the show a sell out, and the ticket queue was round the block (I was at the ever so long second preview. To see an entire audience pouring out onto Beech Street singing "Do You Hear The People Sing" - despite the fact all buses and trains had stopped running, it was so late, was an unforgettable experience of the power of theatre.)
Australian Philip Quast is considered the ultimate Javert; great voice, lovely man, the ultimate musical theatre star. Look up his version of "Stars" and "Javert's Suicide" on YouTube and then find his masterclass on singing Les Mis.
A little known fact is that Caroline Quentin (Men Behaving Badly, Jonathan Creek) was in the original cast.
And that's quite enough from me!
Wonderful Liz. Wonderful
DeleteYou are an expert
Caroline played a crone lol
I have seen it on Broadway and the west end. The American version felt slightly rushed
What did u make of miss Saigon ?
I’m seeing the touring version in Sheffield in July
Sorry, John, I never saw Miss Saigon, as I find Romeo and Juliet and all versions and updates of that of no interest whatsoever; never have. (Blasphemy, I know.) Plus, I have seen it because of work far too many times! Even the classic version of West Side Story only shines when Tony and Maria are elsewhere.
DeleteWhat was excellent, if you can find the clips, are of Jonathan Pryce as the original Engineer. Seem to recall he won an Olivier for it.
Jonathan price is a local man and a big supporter of prestatyn Scala cinema
DeleteLove Le Mis so much! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave fun revisiting your old 'Le Miz' friend. And a Happy birthday to you and your sister! I'll be seeing "Six" in about a week at the Vaudeville. Had to do that when in London as I am related through ancient cousinry to 5 of those wives(as well as Henry). Do you know a good place for afternoon tea in London that isn't touristy? Would love the info. thanks!!
ReplyDeleteMost of the nice hotels in London will take bookings for tea.
DeleteYou have access to so much like this. Enjoy!!! (and I hope Janet enjoys it just as much as you obviously do).
ReplyDeleteWonderful plans and will keep my faingers crossed that there are no delays or cancellations with either transport or l lodgings or me meals. An early Happy Birthday to you both!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I traveled to Toronto many many years ago to see Colm in the Phantom. I am a big fan of his. I haven't seen a live performance of Les Mis (I know! What have I been doing?!?) but I did catch the live version televised, which piqued my interest to see the play next time it comes through. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteNina
Roger Allum is truly a man of many talents. Enjoy your twin birthday celebration, even if DI Thursday is not there to sing. :)
ReplyDelete