From the moment the overture begins, thunderous and precise under the expert baton of Adrian Kirk, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular sweeps you off your feet and never lets go. Staged at the ICC Sydney Theatre, this concert-style production proves the perfect format for one of the most iconic scores in musical theatre history. With a 26-piece orchestra that somehow sounds like 1,000, this arena-sized adaptation trades intricate blocking for breathtaking vocals, cinematic visuals, and emotional heft—and it’s a triumph.
The concert staging works brilliantly here. Les Misérables has always been a story told through music more than dialogue, and when every note is this meticulously delivered, the narrative feels richer than ever. Enhanced by massive LED screens, sweeping projections, and gorgeously designed lighting, the production doesn’t just present the story—it immerses you in it. You feel the rain on the streets of Paris, the heat of revolution, and the heartbreak of sacrifice.
At its heart is Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean. Sublime. His voice is pure velvet—soaring, nuanced, and purposeful in every phrase. “Bring Him Home” isn’t just a song here; it’s a prayer, hushed and heavenly. Opposite him, Michael Ball (returning to the Les Mis universe decades after originating Marius in London) is a solid Javert. While his voice has aged into a different register, he delivers “Stars” with emotional weight, even if it doesn’t quite reach the power of some past interpretations.
As Fantine, Rachelle Ann Go is both delicate and defiant, her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” capturing the quiet despair of a woman discarded by society. Shan Ako delivers a gutsy and grounded Éponine—her “On My Own” is a true heartbreaker, performed with grit rather than gloss. Jac Yarrow, with a voice like liquid gold, sings a glorious Marius, matched by Beatrice Penny-Touré’s gentle and sweet Cosette. Their duet is picture-perfect romance.
Young Alexandra Szewcow melts hearts as little Cosette, and Sebastian Sero is an absolute standout as Gavroche—full of spirit and cheek, commanding the stage with ease. But it’s James D. Gish who steals hearts as Enjolras. With movie-star looks and a voice that channels young Anthony Warlow, he leads “Do You Hear the People Sing?” with jaw-dropping intensity. Revolutionary and swoon-worthy in equal measure.
Comedy gold is delivered by the always-brilliant Matt Lucas as Thénardier and the scene-stealing Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, who stepped in for a voiceless Marina Prior. Their chemistry, comic timing, and adlibs had the audience in fits. “Master of the House” is a riot—and they know exactly how to work a crowd.
This Les Mis doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It refines it. It polishes it. And then it lets it roll over you with full force. It’s a concert, a spectacle, and an emotional gut-punch all in one. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer—and you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin.
Les Miserables runs for 2 hours 45 mins (with 20 min interval) and plays at The ICC Sydney Theatre through 11 May 2025. Tickets are available through Ticketek.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of Lucky Star Media.
Image credit: Daniel Boud and Danny Kaan
