Fans fear that ‘reimagined’ Les Mis will lose its magic
AS THE longest running musical in the West End, Les Misérables has delighted more than 70million theatregoers.
But plans to update the production of Victor Hugo’s 19th-century tale and transform it into a touring show have upset fans and actors from the original stage show, which launched in 1985.
More than 2,200 people have signed a petition calling on Cameron Mackintosh, the theatre producer, not to change the production in any way.
The petition started after it emerged that the original production will close in London later this year, to be replaced by a touring version, which is unlikely to be able to replicate the complex revolving stage seen by many as a hallmark of the show.
Frances Ruffelle, who played Eponine in the original production, claimed nothing could ever compare with it. The actress tweeted: “Les Misérables was successful not just because of Hugo’s amazing story and gorgeous score … but mainly because of the incredible direction by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. Their staging on the revolve was staggeringly beautiful. It took my breath away every time.”
The online petition says: “The iconic original London production of Les Misérables is to be retired this year and replaced with the ‘reimagined’ 25th anniversary version.”
One signatory said: “The ‘new’ version does not have the power or magic that has kept audiences coming back for over 30 years … By all means keep the ‘reimagined’ one for tours but don’t replace the original.”