Don't miss Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg's Les Misérables, the legendary musical phenomenon that has captivated West End audiences for over 40 years. Book your Les Misérables tickets now for this unforgettable theatrical experience!
‘One Day More’ - The History Of Les Misérables
Alain Boublil found inspiration for the Les Misérables musical while watching Oliver! in London. Seeing the Artful Dodger made him envision Gavroche and the other characters from Victor Hugo’s classic novel, on stage. He partnered with composer Claude-Michel Schönberg to develop the show, eventually releasing a two-hour concept album in 1980.
The first stage production was then produced at the Palais des Sports later that year. In 1983, producer Cameron Mackintosh received the album and, though initially hesitant, agreed to create an English version. Working with the RSC, they developed the show that opened at London's Barbican Centre in 1985. The London production has since surpassed 15,000 performances, becoming the West End's longest-running musical. The 2010 25th anniversary was celebrated with three simultaneous London productions.
The 1987 Broadway premiere ran for 6,680 performances and won eight Tony Awards. More recently in 2012, the Les Misérables musical was developed into an epic period musical film. The film featured stars of stage and screen like Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, and Daniel Huttlestone.
Since its premiere, the Les Misérables musical has won over 100 major theatre awards worldwide, including an Olivier Award and Tony Award for Best Musical. The production has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide and performed in 52 countries and 22 languages.
What Is Les Misérables About?
Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, the Les Misérables musical follows Jean Valjean, a French peasant serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread.
When he breaks parole, he is pursued by relentless police inspector Javert. Along his journey, Valjean encounters unforgettable characters: the tragic factory worker Fantine, her young daughter Cosette, the scheming innkeeper Thénardier and his wife, the revolutionary Enjolras, and the romantic Marius. Their stories intertwine against the backdrop of revolutionary France, where young idealists rise up to challenge the government.
The Les Misérables musical features an iconic score including the beloved songs 'I Dreamed a Dream', 'On My Own', 'Stars', 'Bring Him Home', 'One Day More', and 'Do You Hear the People Sing?'
Les Misérables Cast And Creatives
To celebrate the show's 40th birthday, a special cast will play at the Sondheim Theatre until 1 November. This includes Killian Donnelly (The Phantom of the Opera) as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden (Wicked) as Javert, Katie Hall (The Phantom of the Opera) as Fantine, Shan Ako (Hamilton) as Éponine, Beatrice Penny-Touré (Mary Poppins) as Cosette, Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Marius, Jordan Shaw (Oklahoma) as Enjolras, Adam Gillen (Cabaret) as Thénardier, and Marina Prior (Camelot) as Madame Thénardier.
From 3 November, the cast of Les Misérables includes Ian McIntosh (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Jean Valjean, Sam Oladeinde (Hamilton) as Javert, Katie Hall (The Phantom of the Opera) as Fantine, Amena El-Kindy (Beautiful - The Carole King Musical) as Éponine, Izzi Levine as Cosette, Thiago Phillip Felizardo as Marius, Joe Griffiths-Brown (The Phantom of the Opera) as Enjolras, Adam Gillen (Cabaret) as Thénardier, and Claire Machin (Mary Poppins) as Madame Thénardier. They are joined by an incredible ensemble cast including 14 children who share the roles of Gavroche, Little Cosette, and Young Éponine.
The creative team includes producer Cameron Mackintosh, concept, book & original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, book & music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, direction by James Powell & Laurence Connor, set and image design by Matt Kinley, lighting design by Paule Constable, and sound design by Mick Potter.
Book Your Les Misérables West End Tickets Today
Experience the timeless story and unforgettable music that has moved audiences for generations. Book your tickets for London’s Les Misérables now, and we’ll see you at the Barricade…
Age Recommendation 8 and over (Under 3's will not be admitted, all under 16's must be accompanied by an adult)
Performance Dates Until 3 Oct 2026
Performance Times Mon - Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat 2.30pm
Run time 2 hrs 50 mins (incl. interval)
Venue Sondheim Theatre
