“Everybody raise a glass to the Master of the House!” – merely looking at the photo of Matt Lucas in costume, as innkeeper Thénardier, in Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular’s programme makes us bristle with excitement over his potential creative choices.
Such genius casting! His limber face and sparkling, devilish eyes are perfect tools for interpreting Thénardier. At one point, Lucas even coaxes a hesitant audience member from her seat to approach the stage – let’s face it, a lewd gesture from Thénardier was all she could have ever hoped for. Our sore cheeks from smiling every single time he gallivants across the stage prove that Lucas surpassed our sky-high expectations.
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Marina Prior was first cast in Les Miz as Cosette during Australia’s premiere season back in 1987 and she returns as Madame Thénardier. If you’re having trouble imagining Prior in this role, let it be known that she shines supernova bright within this outstanding global cast – the breadth of her artistry knows no bounds as she revels in the ridiculousness of Thénardier’s bawdy missus. When Madame Thénardier enthusiastically mocks Cosette, it’s unexpected and unleashes much audience laughter. Be sure to listen out for the delightful ‘ad-libs’ served by both Prior and Lucas.
Having first played Marius with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in this ground-breaking musical’s original West End production (1985), Michael Ball reprises the Inspector Javert role four decades on. His portrayal bristles with shame, fury and many other undesirable traits, but there’s also much complexity and nuance. A long, low ponytail suits him well and Ball’s sturdy baritone never falters.
Christopher Joseph brings infectious impishness to The Artful Dodger-esque street kid, Gavroche.
As Montparnasse, Abel Law’s star quality is undeniable; such elegant gestures, he’s a commanding presence – our eyes are drawn to him.
There are too many transcendent melismatic moments to list here – Bring Him Home (Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, who has said he first performed this song aged 15) makes us tearful and Shan Ako (Éponine) brings all the crestfallenness that On My Own so rightly deserves: “I love him/ But only on my own…” – it’s heart-crushing stuff.
Finn Ross’ projections and Mick Potter’s realistic sound design (eg. gunfire and explosions) drive the plot forward, especially during battle scenes.
Given that the entire 26-piece orchestra inhabits Rod Laver’s multi-layered stage, downstage space is limited and many solos are performed singing directly into mics on fixed stands.
So what makes this particular production of Le Misérables arena-worthy? Sets move in all directions, free from a traditional theatre’s ceiling restrictions. Rather than facing one another – in profile to the audience – cast members mostly perform directly to their audience. Giant screens favour closeups, magnifying every expressive detail and teardrop.
Celebrating one of the most beloved scores in musical theatre history, Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular assembles highlight performances from all corners of the globe. Les Miz contains breakout hits aplenty – À La Volonté Du Peuple, the original French version of Do You Hear The People Sing?, even featured in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony – and, 40 years on, the appeal of this anti-glitz musical endures. In fact, prior knowledge of the songs means we get to eagerly anticipate highlights within the arrangements.
PSA: There’s a 12-minute lockout period for latecomers.
Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular runs at Rod Laver Arena until 25 May.
