Les Misérables, the global musical phenomenon, has arrived in Brisbane, the last stop in Australia as part of its 40th anniversary, first ever Arena Spectacular World Tour. It is here for just seven performances at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it short season.
Quite simply, if you love Les Miz, you would be missing out not to flock to this extraordinary production. If you have ever wondered what the fuss is all about, now is the perfect chance to get along and see for yourself. Just be sure to read up on the storyline ahead of time. This is a concert spectacular, performed in a stand and deliver style, in a slightly trimmed down version, as opposed to the traditional, full length theatrical performance. (A more practical format for grand touring productions such as this one.) The moving projector screen at the back helps denote time and place and assists in the storytelling.
But is there anyone who isn’t at least familiar with the semi-recent film version starring our own Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe?
The statistics speak for themselves. More than 75 million people have seen Les Misérables in 54 countries since it premiered 40 years ago. This even includes the late Queen, who invited the show to Windsor Castle in 2004. Michael Ball, playing Javert in this latest production, was on hand at the time to play Jean Valjean. He originated the role of Marius in the 1985 London premiere production.
Such is the pedigree of this World Tour cast. Almost all the leads have performed in Les Miz professionally somewhere around the world. Producer Cameron Mackintosh has gathered some of the world’s best performers for this special anniversary tour. A breakdown of each of the leads’ history with Les Miz can be found in our Newsroom article about the show. (And of course, in the gorgeous souvenir program.)
From the opening number, as the Company steps on stage to deliver Look Down as part of the Prologue, it is clear this is an exceptional group of singers. Shaun Dalton played our Bishop of Digne on opening night in a small but memorable Prologue role. His vocals were seriously impressive.
Anchoring the show is Jean Valjean and his longstanding battle with Inspector Javert. The dream duo of Alfie Boe and Michael Ball performed on opening night, alternating on the tour with Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden. It is a treat to watch these stage legends excel in their roles. Valjean’s solo, Bring Him Home, is sung with tenderness and an exceptionally high range tenor voice and is a show highlight. Javert’s solo Stars is another spectacular moment.
It was the smaller, lesser known moments that stood out at the Brisbane opening night. (All the favourites still hit the mark, in particular the Act One closing number, One Day More.) The ABC Gang’s Red and Black was a notable highlight, led by James D. Gish as Enjolras. James’ presence and talent on stage in this production cannot go unnoticed or unrecognised. Keep an eye on this man, he is a star. It’s hard to believe this tour is the first time he’s left North America.
A Heart Full of Love was another highlight, sung by Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette and Emily Bautista as Éponine. I dare anyone to sit through Les Misérables and not shed a tear, and it was Bautista who finally set me off, during her Act Two death scene A Little Fall Of Rain. More tears came when Yarrow delivered his heart wrenching version of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables.
By contrast, it was so much fun to see Matt Lucas perform live as Thénardier. His solo, Dog Eats Dog, was particularly good. Watching the evil sparkling in his eyes was captivating. (Two big projector screens either side of the stage ensure a great view no matter where you are sitting. But I recommend splurging and getting as close to the front as you can.)
Lucas meets his match with our own Marina Prior playing opposite him as Madame Thénardier. The crowd actually cheered when she first appeared, and rightly so. Prior played Cosette and covered Fantine in the 1987 Australian premiere. She is fabulous in this role.
Children always add something special to a production, and as Gavroche, young Orlando Steiner almost steals the show. He perfectly encapsulates the pint sized tour de force that is this character. While his death scene is cut short in this version, he still leaves an impression.
Violet Massingham makes her professional debut as Little Cosette. While this concert version role feels more like a cameo, she makes her presence count with a perfectly haunting rendition of Castle On A Cloud.
Our opening night Fantine was played by Mary-Jean Caldwell, billed in the program as Factory Girl and Fantine Understudy. Caldwell’s ghostly return in the Finale reduced me to tears for the third and final time. Her delivery alongside Bautista’s Éponine as they welcomed Valjean in his moment of death was a truly emotional moment. Bring tissues, you will be using them.
A stunning live, on-stage orchestra led by Adrian Kirk brings the emotional score to life with precision and heart. Lighting by Paule Constable and Warren Letton heightens the drama, while Matt Kinley’s set and image design beautifully evoke the grit and grandeur of 19th-century France.
Mick Potter’s sound design ensures every note and lyric resonates powerfully throughout the arena. Under the assured direction of James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, this production strikes a fine balance between spectacle and soul.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is not just a musical. It’s an event, a celebration, and a triumph of storytelling through song. With its world-class cast, rich musicality, and powerful staging, this touring production delivers everything fans love about the show on a grander scale than ever before. The raw emotion, the iconic music, and the timeless themes of love, justice, and redemption feel even more impactful in this sweeping arena format.
Brisbane audiences are lucky to witness this rare spectacle, one that truly honours four decades of Les Miz magic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first time viewer, don’t let this breathtaking moment in musical theatre history pass you by. Tickets may be limited, or a tad on the pricey side, but the memories will last a lifetime.
I have some handy tips about the venue which I’ll leave for the notes at the bottom of this review. It’s important that the logistics of the venue don’t derail your night! See below.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular runs until 1 June at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, 1 Melaleuca Drive Boondall Qld 4034.
Tickets: https://lesmisarenatour.com.au/tickets/brisbane/
Website: https://lesmisarenatour.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/lesmisarenatourau/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
Handy tips for navigating the Brisbane Entertainment Centre:
Allow plenty of time to travel to the venue, the location is in Boondall (near Nudgee).
Parking costs $18 flat rate – payment is by credit card (not cash) via the roving car park attendants on arrival.
Bag checks and body scanning occurs upon entry. All bags larger than an A4 sized piece of paper will need to go into the cloakroom. This can cause further delays getting in as you’ll need to leave the line to go to the cloakroom. Opt for a small bag to be safe.
The person in the line in front of me was asked to put their chewing gum in the bin before they were allowed entry. Yes, really.
The lines for the women’s toilets are ridiculously long. Even at the outdoor toilet before entering the venue. I’ll never understand why it’s not the same for men!
Latecomers will be locked out for the first twelve minutes and miss the Prologue.
Share your thoughts
9 responses to “Review: Les Misérables Rocks Brisbane in a Spectacular Arena Concert”
This would be the best performance of Les Miserables I have ever seen just outstanding! Michael and Alfie were exceptional!
It was brilliant. My heart sang and of course the tears flowed too. Both Alfie and Michael’s voices are second to none. Best show I have ever seen and every artist shone in this remarkable world event ♥️
It was just like a dream for me ..still in a whirl from it .Just so incredible ,I feel so happy I was able to see this fantastic event in Brisbane .I wish I could see it all over again .
Carry on Les Mis .xx you truly Rock .
Brilliant performance. The combined voices were incredible. Lighting and special effects were outstanding. And extra kudos to the amazing orchestra.
Over the years I have seen a number of Les Miz productions. This one is superlative!! Michael and Alfie are true stars. The supporting cast, orchestra, lighting, set etc were amazing. The tour is advertised to run for 2 years. So we may even see it return in the future. Fingers crossed!
PS: the entry scan, toilet queues etc are a minor inconvenience and in a venue this size should be expected.
I saw the show yesterday at Brisbane and I’m still buzzing with adrenaline and emotion. The very best performance of Les Mis I’ve ever seen! The commitment and passion from all the performers, the incredible voices! At the close of the 3 hour performance I could simply have hit rewind immediately!
This performance was everything that I had hoped for. Wonderful voices, great orchestra. Worth the problems of Brisbane Entertainment Centre. To all concerned. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It was such a special privilege to see such an incredible cast in this performance. Some of the best performers in the world. So glad it came to Brisbane.
We flew from Vanuatu to see the show and 6 days later are still luxuriating in the incredible performances. A once in a lifetime experience. We attended on Saturday night and at first were disappointed that Michael Ball was not playing Javert.
Every single lead character gave stand out performances. Jo Stephenson as Cosette gave a spine tingling opening song. Emily Bautista as Eponine was heartfelt and combined with Marius (Jac Yarrow) gave an emotionally charged duet that left the audience in tears. Jac Yarrow’s rendition of Empty Chairs and Empty tables had the audience spellbound as he channelled his obvious heartbreak.
Alfie Boe is from another world. His voice transcends time and when he sang Bring Him Home the universe stopped to listen. There are short periods in life when you are fully immersed in the moment. When nothing else matters. When your whole being and inner consciousness is fully engaged with all your senses. Time stood still as Alfie sang Bring Him Home, and 6 days later the universe is still grudgingly trying to move forward.
I said that we were at first disappointed that Michael Ball was not playing Javert. Leaving Alfie’s other worldly performance aside, Bradley Jaden’s performance of Javert was astonishing! His portrayal of Javert’s descent into madness and despair was an example of an actor turning himself inside out for his craft. It didn’t quite make the universe stand still, but I suspect the universe was ready to fast forward through the pain and confusion that left the audience gasping. A performance I will never forget.
A once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.