Les Misérables

Was in the audience at Queens Theatre the evening it was shown live (and filmed) around the country in cinemas. Amazing experience. I'd seen it 3 times previously in that short run with Alfie Boe, Michael Ball etc. And have seen it numerous times in the West End, at the Palace Theatre and at Queens Theatre.

The film with Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman is good, but that's because I can spot several of the actors who were in the West End show at the time (2012) and were given roles in the film .. (including Killian Donnelly as the student Combeferre and is currently Phantom of the Opera in London). And I attended a talk at the Barbican given by Eve Stewart, the Art Director who gave some background to the film, which was interesting. Hugh Jackman walking through the sewers - that was a special mud and very expensive ... And the women in the factory threading Rosary beads - the beads were too loud in the filming, and they had to get special beads.

Yeah, it's a great show. Most recently they've pared back the orchestra, which is a shame -

Russell Crowe singing makes him uncomfortable, apparently.
it is a growl rather than opera
And him with his Welsh ancestry too!

I’ve read the novel, seen it on stage and I love the film too.

My husband, however, cannot watch it. Russell Crowe singing makes him uncomfortable, apparently.

Saw it in New York, such an incredible experience, the songs affect me so much. I once rounded a corner in Stratford on Avon, and there was an opera singer singing 'Bring him home' just for the fun of it. I cried.

I saw Les Miserables on stage in Manchester years ago. I didn't enjoy the film, I only watched it once.

AuntieEleanorscat

I went to see it ages ago. It was a 3 hour coach ride there and back. Didn't enjoy it at all. I think it is wrong to call it a musical. There is not a spoken word in it. It is an opera.

@sodapop
I listen to the soundtrack whilst walking the dog. I only sing if I’m alone in the middle of a field though!

I love it - the music is so emotional, the story is so strong

We were fortunate that one of my best girlfriends had a theatre ticket company and we have seen Les Mis multiple times it’s my favourite west end show.
I had it on the kitchen today whilst preparing family dinner

Seen it once in London, would love to see it again.

Best musical I’ve ever seen. Three times in the west end, and other performances with just the songs. Fabulous.

My all time favourite musical, I often listen to the soundtrack at home.

Seen the film,the stage show, a youth version and the concert version on Sky arts. Also have tickets for a national tour at our local theatre postponed from 2020.
Love it and agree with you Mollygo the songs make your hair stand on end.

Interesting to hear different views.
Most people rave about ‘Lion King’ but I was totally underaged by it.

Yes, and yes, in the blink of an eye!

Seen it four times live and would go again and again.

I've only seen the TV series, I didn't think I would like it when I put it on, but I really enjoyed it

Didn't enjoy the musical, but loved the TV series. I've never seen the film.

I love musicals, but I absolutely hate Les Mis! I've watched it on stage and the film and both times I just felt my emotions were being manipulated. It's like a musical painting by numbers.

Love it. Seen it many times. Stage, anniversary versions and films.

Marvellous.

I thought the stage show was awful. Made the mistake of going to see the film as my husband wanted to see it. A couple of hours of my life I'll never get back.

Gawd, my phone!

My brother, on the other hand, watches it at any given opportunity.

I hated it! My brother, on the other, wat he's it at every given opportunity.

Just watched it again - wonderful