Final casting for star-studded concert version of Les Misérables

West End newcomers Shan Ako and Lily Kerhoas

Rehearsals have begun for the eagerly-anticipated, star-studded concert version of Les Misérables which is due to play the intimate Gielgud Theatre for 16 weeks from early next month.

As previously announced by Cameron Mackintosh, Les Misérables – The Staged Concert will feature returning stars including Michael Ball as Javert opposite Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, with Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Rob Houchen as Marius, Bradley Jaden as Enjolras, Katy Secombe as Madame Thénardier and, for three performances a week, John Owen-Jones as Jean Valjean. The principal cast is completed by two West End newcomers, 2018 X Factor finalist Shan Ako as Éponine and recent graduate Lily Kerhoas as Cosette.

The company also includes: Rosanna Bates, Adam Bayjou, Ciarán Bowling, Simon Bowman, Oliver Brenin, Earl Carpenter, Vinny Coyle, Samantha Dorsey, Tamsin Dowsett, Nicola Espallardo, Celia Graham, Barnaby Hughes, Holly-Anne Hull, Oliver Jackson, Christopher Jacobsen, Gavin James, Will Jennings, Ciaran Joyce, Katie Kerr, Sarah Lark, Joanna Loxton, Craig Mather, Stephen Matthews, James Nicholson, Rosa O’Reilly, Claire Parrish, Sophie Reeves, Grainne Renihan, Leo Roberts, Raymond Walsh, Gemma Wardle and Andrew York.

Previously seen in London at the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena, the spectacular concert staging of the multi award-winning show will run from 10 August to 30 November 2019 at the Gielgud Theatre, next door to the home of Les Misérables in London, the former Queen’s Theatre. Currently closed for major restoration work, the recently re-named Sondheim Theatre will re-open in December with a new production of Les Misérables taking up residence.

Announcing the latest developments in the Les Misérables story, earlier this year, producer Mackintosh said: “The success of Les Misérables continues to amaze me and break new ground. Despite the fact the show continues to play to 95% capacity we have been obliged to close the production at the Queen’s Theatre for 16 weeks this autumn to do much needed work. This includes restoring the ceiling plasterwork and the auditorium, adding many more lavatories, as well as carrying out major renovations backstage, which haven’t been touched since the 1940s. The theatre was heavily damaged during World War II and has never been properly restored and brought up to modern standards.

“Les Misérables is the only musical ever that has been equally successful on stage, film, in concert and in the classroom. Its spectacular staged concerts are legendary successes, just as popular as the stage show. I am thrilled that the plan to keep Les Misérables running in London with a staged concert version on Shaftesbury Avenue during the enforced closure period has attracted such a stellar cast, with Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, John Owen Jones, Matt Lucas and Katy Secombe, who all have a very close personal connection to the history of the show.

“Of course I am a bit miserable that Michael, the gorgeous young actor that created the student Marius in the original production, is now for the first time old enough to play the implacable inspector Javert, an amazing match for Alfie’s career defining portrayal of Jean Valjean.”

“I know fans are in for a unique and amazing experience from our huge company who will be performing in the glorious intimate theatrical space of the Gielgud Theatre.”

Produced on stage by Mackintosh, Les Misérables is the world’s longest-running musical, with 2019 marking its 35th year in London. The show’s celebrated score includes the songs, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ and ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’.

The new production of Les Misérables, with a separate company, is currently on a record-breaking international tour, sold out a year in advance through to January 2020 which has now been extended to autumn 2020.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel with additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

Angela Thomas