Location: The Queen’s Theatre
As Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap enjoys its 56th year in the West End, making it the longest running play in the world, the famous musical Les Misérables continues at the Queen’s Theatre in its 23rd year, making it the longest running musical in the West End. That accolade previously went to the ever famous Cats, which ended its run earlier in the decade, allowing Les Misérables to overtake.
The world famous show has managed to survive on a London stage for more than two decades where it has been seen inside the auditoriums of the Barbican Theatre, the Palace Theatre and ultimately the Queen’s Theatre. It is clearly a much loved tale as the story of a community is told during a time of political upheaval – as the French Revolution rages on.
It is an inspirational story, told over many years and dealing with acts of redemption and themes of society. It opens in a France defined by its changing landscape, with the Revolution continuing to hold its grip as the era of Napoleon comes into being. Les Misérables introduces us to characters in this 19th century setting and how their lives change and progress over the period of twenty years. One character who we get to know is Jean Valjean, an ex con who has returned to his home town with the aim of finding redemption for all of his previous wrongs. But what were the actions that led to his imprisonment and what were his reasons for carrying them out? Les Misérables deals with these questions and more as the French society of the period is scrutinised in this compelling musical. Such is the popularity of the show that many well known names have made their mark on the famous roles, such as Colm Wilkinson, Tracie Bennett, Michael Ball and Alun Armstrong.
Throughout this gripping story, the themes and emotions are brought to life as classic musical numbers wow audiences and have them humming along, from the likes of “On My Own” to “One Day More” and “Do You Hear The People Sing?”
The popularity of the production is showing no signs of wavering, meaning that people are likely to continue flocking to the Queen’s Theatre for years to come. Who knows, the show could continue to a further 23 years and one day celebrate its 46th birthday.