The Brisbane Entertainment Centre was transformed into a cathedral of sound and emotion on opening night of Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular World Tour, a bold, electrifying concert-style retelling of the beloved musical. Though concert in format, this production offers a fully realised theatrical experience with emotional weight, narrative clarity, and powerhouse performances that demand your attention – and your tears.
It’s no small feat to fill such a cavernous venue with intimacy and nuance, but this production, directed by James Powell, rises to the occasion with glorious spectacle and meticulous attention to detail. The iconic barricade may be minimal and mobile, but it’s evocative – a clever interplay of staging, projection, and performance. Two towering screens flank the stage, capturing every tear, glare, and tremble in real time, ensuring that not even the back row misses the raw intensity on offer. Coupled with a full symphonic orchestra on stage, the result is an auditory and visual feast that keeps the soul stirring from overture to finale.
At the heart of this tour is a roster of international vocal firepower so impressive, it feels like a dream casting. Leading the charge is Alfie Boe, reprising his career-defining role as Jean Valjean. Boe’s voice soars with operatic grace, but it’s the emotional vulnerability he layers into “Bring Him Home” and “Who Am I?” that truly devastates. His Valjean is tender, weathered, and ultimately transcendent – a performance both definitive and revelatory.
Opposite him is Michael Ball, returning to the Les Mis universe as Javert – a role he embodies with chilling authority. Ball’s voice, darker and more brooding than fans of his Marius days may remember, lends “Stars” a gravity that commands silence. His final moments are delivered with aching precision, making his fall not just a death, but a philosophical reckoning.
Mary-Jean Caldwell brings a luminous fragility to Fantine, her operatic roots infusing “I Dreamed a Dream” with both grace and ferocity. Jac Yarrow’s Marius is a youthful, ardent presence with a voice like honey and heartbreak, perfectly matched by Beatrice Penny-Toure’s ethereal Cosette, whose crystalline soprano adds a sense of purity and poise.
As Éponine, Emily Bautista is a revelation. Her “On My Own” burns with longing and subtle strength, leaving the audience in silent awe. Comic relief comes in the form of the deviously entertaining Matt Lucas as Thénardier, whose timing is razor-sharp and antics hilarious without ever tipping into caricature. Lucas is matched beautifully by Marina Prior, a national treasure, who imbues Madame Thénardier with delicious malevolence and showstopping style – a true joy to watch.
James D. Gish delivers a commanding performance as Enjolras, his voice ringing with revolutionary fervour, while Shaun Dalton’s Bishop of Digne is a quiet but critical force of compassion in Valjean’s journey. Special mention must go to Orlando Steiner as a scene-stealing Gavroche, who brims with cheek and courage, and Violet Massingham’s angelic Little Cosette, whose “Castle on a Cloud” drips with innocence and quiet hope.
But this production is more than just its leads. The ensemble is a force unto itself – a tight, disciplined collective that moves with purpose and sings with unified might. Each performer brings distinct characterisation, from hardened factory workers to desperate students of the revolution, and their vocal blend is lush, balanced, and deeply human.
The costuming is period-authentic and textured, with each character distinctively dressed in a palette that mirrors their journey – muted greys and browns giving way to flashes of red and gold. It’s a subtle visual language that complements the minimalist set and keeps the focus on performance.
There’s no denying that Les Misérables is a story many know by heart, but this Arena Spectacular breathes fresh life into the material. It’s proof that even the most familiar of tales can be reborn through sheer artistic excellence. This is not just a concert. It’s not just a musical. It’s an experience – sweeping, heartbreaking, and utterly unmissable.
Running only until 1 June in Brisbane, this tour is a rare alignment of vocal brilliance, theatrical innovation, and emotional storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this Les Misérables is a must-see triumph. Book the ticket. Bring the tissues. Vive la révolution.
TICKETS
Now playing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre until 1 June
All images Danny Kaan
The Fame Reporter 