This is my blog post/review of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, which I saw on its UK tour at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, 12th October 2024.

It was absolutely unbelievable, with outstanding performances from Michael Ball as Javert, Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Bonnie Langford as Madame Thénardier, Gavin Lee as Thénardier, and Jac Yarrow as Marius. The cast also included fantastic performances by those who played Fantine, Éponine, Enjolras, and Gavroche.
I really liked the set, which reminded me of the one used in The Staged Concert in London in 2019 and during 2020–2021. The songs were incredible, including One Day More, Bring Him Home, Master of the House, Stars, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Do You Hear the People Sing?, and the soliloquies of both Valjean and Javert.

I sat in Block 211 upstairs, where I had a great view of the stage, although I did use my binoculars at times. During the show, I gave two standing ovations—one after One Day More and another at the end of the show during the curtain call.

Before the performance, I visited the merchandise stand and got a shirt with the tour dates, a jumper, a canvas bag, and the souvenir brochure. I had planned to go to the stage door afterward, but the rain made me decide against it.

Overall, I’d give this production/concert version 5 stars and a solid 10 out of 10. It’s now one of my favourite versions of Les Misérables and one of the best shows I’ve seen this year.
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