Les Miserables

[MyNameIsAlexDrake]

Did anyone watch the staged concert tonight screened at cinemas? Or indeed was anyone lucky enough to watch it in the flesh?

This was my first encounter of Les Mis I had no idea what it was about had only ever heard Susan Boyle sing 'I dreamed a dream' on BGT but OMG it was amazing!

Such an epic cast tonight too with Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas. I loved Katy Secombe and Matt together. Hard to imagine anyone else in their place.

My local cinema was sold out with two main screens showing it. Never seen a cinema so busy. I only found out it was showing today and there were only a few single seats left so I did a first and went on my own. Luckily I was sat next to a lady and her (reluctant) husband so I had someone to chat to during the interval.

Seeing this actually live is now going on my bucket list.

I might have just added the DVD of the 10th Anniversary show to my Christmas list ...

Oh, and it looks like we were lucky to see Michael Ball and Matt Lucas last Monday - it was Ball's first show back and it looks like Matt Lucas was off the week before as well.

Have to confess had the most magical evening. Had a Mums catch up a month ago and a couple of us talked about West End Shows, not knowing the other loved them. Heard about the cinema screening and we booked to go. Then at lunchtime, my friends friend rang her and said they couldn’t get into London - would we take her theatre tickets. Unbeknown to us, we witnessed, applauded, cheered and were completely wowed by this filmed event, live in the theatre, as an extra performance as the current staged show finished on 30th November (before the new cast start again next door, in The Sondheim Theatre). I was told it was being made into a DVD. We wondered if the cinemas also watched the official retirement of Michael Ball and his handing over of Javert’s coat to the next ace. When Michael Boe showed the four others how strong his voice was - having just finished his epic performance, words fail me. I remember seeing an unheard of Michael Ball as Marius at The Barbican before it hit the West End - and the show was then doomed as no good. Every time I have seen the show, all the casts have poured their heart and soul into this poignant story. Even Sir Cameron Macintosh appeared lost for words last night. I can only say thank you to all the hundreds of cast members over the past 30-odd years, not to mention all those who work behind the scenes from wardrobes to make-up, theatre attendants and transport staff as they move from one theatre to another. If you can get a cinema ticket for any of the “Encore” performances, make sure you go. A night to remember for the rest of my life.

Thank you All star
I can’t see how the stage production Is any different bearing in mind the story line...but am pleased that is is
Does it differ much?

The 10th Anniversary is definitely the best, Colm Wilkinson as JVJ is amazing.

Used to work on the show a loooong time ago.
Haven't been able to watch the film as the singing is so bad. Please don't let the film put you off. Professional singers sound much better.

Wow @TheatreFan that sounds like an amazing night. The stars must have aligned to get you and your friend there.

Yes we saw all the extra bits you mentioned at the cinema, including the speeches. Must have been an unforgettable night.

I'm going to take the tips and add the 10th anniversary dvd to my Xmas list.

Just to add to my last post, have now read on the internet that there are more cinema screenings available at 400 cinemas on Sat 7th & Sun 8th. An album and DVD will be released of last night’s screened performance early 2020. The concert production will tour the UK and overseas later in 2020/21. Perhaps they should offer a performance to MumsNet fans!

The tenth anniversary soundtrack was the backing track to my teenage years. I even read the book ages about 16. I’ve seen it several times live, though not for at least a decade, and took the plunge (and the £70 hit - ouch!) for a single ticket at a recent touring production. Still wow.

Didn’t see last night but might get the dvd and have a sing a long session with my friend. Classy like that we are.

I first saw Les Miserables with the original cast. Michael Ball played Marius.

I’ve seen the stage show 19 times.
Saw the concert a few weeks ago and met the cast.
Went to the cinema with ds 15.

Blown away every single time.
Absolutely love it.

I watched it last night. It really was amazing. I loved Michael handing over the Javert role to young actor Bradley Jayden. I though he was great!

What is the difference between last nights version and the normal stage show? Was last nights just some songs from the show?

I'd love to see it, anyone know where you get cheap tickets? I'd love to buy some for my DP and me but £100+ is a bit much for me ...

Bandit - the theatre where Les Mis plays was being refurbished so whilst that was happening they did a concert version. It’s the full score but not fully staged

I went to the theatre and Matt Lucas, Michael ball and Alfie were all off sick!!!! So upset

So did you get to see the wonderful John Owen Jones? I’d see him over and above those three any day?

@comefromaway seeing that on 4th January!

We saw John OJ at the concert as Alfie was ill and I must say I preferred JOJ......

I love both JOJ and Alfie Boe. Saw JOJ at West End Live and West End Proms and also his Bring Him Home in Welsh is simply beautiful

Just booked tickets for the encore showing on 7th. Very excited.

Have seen the actual show 4 times, twice in London and twice when touring

Have seen it in London several times. My favourite. Haven't seen it for years, now that I've got the soundtrack.

Dh really really wants to see this but it's so expensive.

I still have the 10th anniversary on video (recorded when it was broadcast) and also have 25th anniversary on DVD. And the CD.
Saw in the West End just before the 10th and again probably not long before the 25th.
None of the touring shows was near to me.
Did see the young person's version locally a couple of years ago.

And thanks to this thread I've just booked tickets for the cinema in Saturday night, hadn't even known it was showing.
£12.45 per adult ticket at the local Cineworld, which is standard pricing here. And paid wkth Clubcard vouchers.

Chasing that’s a similar price to what I have paid

I've seen the stage show in the west end 4 times and went to the live concert back in October. Absolutely phenomenal show, I didn't want to see it the first time, I got dragged along as someone had a spare ticket, then I took my DH, then my mum, then anyone else who expressed any kind of interest just so I could see it again