The principal cast for the return of Les Misérables – The Staged Concert at London’s Sondheim Theatre on 20 May 2021 will be Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier, Shan Ako as Éponine, Harry Apps as Marius, Jamie Muscato as Enjolras and Charlie Burn as Cosette, with Dean Chisnall playing the role of Jean Valjean at certain performances.
The company also includes Kelly Agbowu, Joseph Anthony, Will Barratt, Cameron Blakely, Earl Carpenter, Richard Carson, Danny Colligan, Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Harry Dunnett, Nic Greenshields, Jessie Hart, Holly-Anne Hull, Jenna Innes, Ebony Jonelle, Connor Jones, Jessica Joslin, Luke McCall, Leo Miles, Corinne Priest, Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Grainne Renihan, Helen Walsh, Emma Warren and Samuel Wyn-Morris.
Cameron Mackintosh said: “Les Misérables has been the star attraction of London’s Shaftesbury Avenue for over 35 years, so we are delighted to once again be the first big musical to reopen in the West End after over 14 months of closure. The spectacular Staged Concert was presciently put together, unknowingly socially distanced, over two years ago at the Gielgud Theatre.
“Every performance has been a sell out and this time, our wonderful Company drawn from the current stars of both the new acclaimed West End and National touring companies of Les Mis, which will both reopen in the autumn, will ensure that the world’s most loved musical will raise the roof of the theatre once more and help the restaurants, bars, hotels and shops bring our great city back to life. Let the People Sing with joy again!”
Due to public demand the last run of the show in December 2020 sold out within 24 hours and was extended twice as a result. Sadly, after the Government’s updated Covid-19 restrictions the show had to be suspended after only 10 performances.
This production has a company of over 50 actors and musicians drawn from the West End and national tour companies of Les Misérables and will initially play to a 50% seating capacity with strict Covid safety measures in place. Social distancing will be followed front of house, on stage, backstage and throughout the building. The theatre will move to full capacity as soon as the Government allows for it.
Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel with additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.
The staged concert is directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, designed by Matt Kinley with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable and Warren Letton, projections by Finn Ross, sound by Mick Potter, musical supervision by Stephen Brooker and is conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo.
The new full production of Les Misérables which opened in January 2020 is planned to reopen at the Sondheim Theatre on 25 September 2021. Obtaining Government backed contingency insurance to protect against further unscheduled closures remains a priority. All plans for the reopenings are in accordance with the Government’s latest directives and therefore subject to change.
