Expert Review: Why Les Misérables Is An Epic Masterpiece

4.7
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

Les Misérables stands as one of musical theatre's greatest achievements - an epic story of love, sacrifice, and redemption that has moved audiences to tears for over 35 years. This sweeping musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece combines powerful storytelling with unforgettable music to create an experience that is both emotionally devastating and ultimately uplifting.

What Makes It Epic

  • Iconic Score: Claude-Michel Schönberg's music features some of theatre's most powerful songs, from "I Dreamed a Dream" to "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
  • Sweeping Storytelling: The musical spans decades, following characters through love, loss, revolution, and redemption with operatic grandeur.
  • Emotional Powerhouse: Few musicals can match the emotional impact of Les Mis, with moments that will leave you breathless and moved to tears.
  • Revolutionary Staging: The famous revolving stage and barricade create spectacular theatrical moments that have become iconic.

Perfect For

Lovers of epic storytelling, fans of powerful music, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeply moving theatrical experience. The universal themes of justice, love, and redemption resonate across all ages and backgrounds.

Everything You Need to Know

An Epic Tale of Redemption

Set in 19th-century France, Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread who breaks parole to start a new life. Pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert, Valjean's journey intertwines with the stories of the tragic Fantine, her daughter Cosette, and the student revolutionaries led by Marius and Enjolras during the 1832 Paris uprising.

What to Expect

  • An epic story spanning decades with multiple interconnected storylines
  • Spectacular staging including the famous revolving stage and barricade
  • Themes of justice, mercy, love, sacrifice, and the struggle for social change
  • Historical events including the June Rebellion brought to dramatic life
  • Character arcs that explore the full spectrum of human experience
  • A sung-through musical with virtually no spoken dialogue

Iconic Songs That Define Musical Theatre

  • "I Dreamed a Dream" - Fantine's devastating ballad about lost hopes and dreams
  • "Do You Hear the People Sing?" - The revolutionary anthem that builds to soaring climax
  • "On My Own" - Éponine's heartbreaking song of unrequited love
  • "Stars" - Javert's complex soliloquy about duty and divine order
  • "Bring Him Home" - Valjean's tender prayer for Marius's safety
  • "One Day More" - The Act I finale bringing all storylines together
  • "At the End of the Day" - Opening number setting the harsh world of the story
  • "Master of the House" - The Thénardiers' comedic tavern number

Musical Fact: The original concept album was recorded in French before being adapted for the English-speaking stage, and the musical has now been translated into dozens of languages worldwide.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Monday - Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 3:00pm

Getting There

  • Underground: Piccadilly Circus (3 min walk), Leicester Square (5 min)
  • Bus: Multiple routes to Shaftesbury Avenue
  • Train: Charing Cross (8 minutes walk)
  • Location: Heart of London's West End on Shaftesbury Avenue
  • Parking: Limited - use public transport recommended

Sondheim Theatre Information

  • Renamed from Queen's Theatre in 2019 to honor Stephen Sondheim
  • Capacity: 1,099 seats
  • Opened in 1907
  • Home to Les Misérables since 2004
  • Fully accessible venue
  • Audio described and captioned performances available