Don’t forget the tissues.. Broadway hit’s a true tear-jerker
Les Miserables (until January 12) Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Verdict: C’est magnifique
IT’S quite a timely arrival in Dublin for the stage behemoth that is Les Miserables, just as the French government is once again facing rebellious scenes across the country on a daily basis. The ‘high-vis’ tax protests may not be a stand against the utterly atrocious conditions that were opposed by the 1832 civil unrest, but the underlying sense of distrust in the government and an appeal for better conditions for citizens is the same.
France has had a long history of rebellion so it’s no surprise that one of the greatest ever novels to come from the country has its basis in such. Victor Hugo’s book is one of the most celebrated of all time and its stage version has grown into a global phenomenon.
The tale of redemption, love, loss and forgiveness is wonderfully suited to a live audience and every song is greeted with rapturous applause.
We meet Jean Valjean (Meath native Killian Donnelly) as he is released from a prison ship after serving a 19-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. He discovers his public cards are stamped to show he was in prison and this scuppers his chances of ever getting a job and having a normal life.
He escapes the clutches of the law thanks to an intervention by a kind bishop and vows to spend the rest of his life helping others.
Two of the main recipients of his kindness are Cosette (Bronwen Hanson), a child who he takes under his wing, and Marius (Harry Apps), the man who later falls in love with her.
Throughout, Valjean’s goodness is juxtaposed by the seedy underbelly of pimps and greedy factory bosses, as well as the defiant determination of Javert (Nic Greenshields), the police inspector who pursues him relentlessly.
Donnelly and Greenshields are superb in their lead roles, Donnelly in particular capturing the essence of Valjean’s sense of right and wrong.
The set is equally impressive and the battle scenes are well done in such a small arena.
Special mention must go to Martin Ball and Sophie-Louise Dann as the snivelling Thénardiers, who steal the show — as well as many other things — throughout.
You can always tell the first-timers at Les Mis — they’re the ones who haven’t brought tissues. So pack your Kleenex, it’s an emotional ride.