LES MISERABLES – The Staged Concert – DVD and CD (CD – First Night – 093624888635; DVD – Universal – 832 111 3)
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
At least seven cast recordings in English and 26 foreign language cast recordings – do we really need another? That was the thought that went through my head when these arrived in the post. But this is the new staged concert.
This version has Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas leading a cast and orchestra of over 65! The cast also includes Bradley Jaden, Rob Houchen, Shan Ako, Lilly Kerhoas, Katy Secombe and John Owen-Jones.
I’m going to concentrate on the DVD and that will also give you an idea of the double CD. The performance was captured live at the Gielgud Theatre in December 2019.
Kudos must go to the set design by Matt Kinley, the costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland but especially to the fantastic lighting design by Paule Contable and Warren Letton. The effects that are captured by the lighting in this staged concert are simply stunning.
The 26-strong orchestra are superlative under the direction of Alfonso Casado Trigo. The company as a whole are outstanding, every small part played to perfection. However, and there is always an ‘however’ with me, I don’t think Matt Lucas as Thenardier is right. The character, although supplying some light to the piece, is at heart a thief, con artist and nasty piece of work – this, I’m afraid, doesn’t come over in Lucas’ interpretation of the role, he comes over as a bit of a clown. Katy Secombe as a splendid Madame Thenardier is more of a thug than her husband.
The highlights of the performance, for me, are Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Shan Ako as Eponine and Bradley Jaden as Enjolras.
The added bonus on the DVD is that you get the speeches made after the performance by Michael Ball, Cameron Mackintosh and Claude-Michel Schönberg PLUS five Valjeans from Colm Wilkinson to Alfie Boe singing ‘Bring Him Home’ – a treat for the ears.
So the answer to my original question is: Yes, I know there are over 30 cast recordings available throughout the world but this one, especially the DVD, is one that you will definitely want in your collection. The DVD was released on 2 November and the CD is released on the 20 November 2020.
Nick Wakeham
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