Let The People Sing! Les Misérables – Liverpool Empire

In 2025, Les Misérables, the world-famous Cameron Mackintosh musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel, celebrates its 40th anniversary. To mark this Ruby Anniversary, eleven amateur theatre groups across the UK were invited to stage their own productions, bringing the musical to life in their local communities.

This is the first time in four decades that Les Misérables has been licensed for production by amateur theatre groups in the UK, and what a wonderful job they did for this project at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Alongside Liverpool Empire Creative Learning, BOST Musicals, Romily Operatic Society and Tip Top Productions put on a truly professional performance at the Empire Theatre. It was better than some of the touring theatre shows I’ve seen, and the talent on display would not be out of place on a West End stage. As soon as the orchestra struck up under the direction of Paul Lawton the audience knew they were in for something special.

Set in an early 1800s France, Les Misérables tells the story of an ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey of redemption, whilst being hunted by the single-minded police inspector Javert. He eventually becomes wealthy and adopts an orphan child, and she then falls in love with the student Marius who is involved in an attempted revolution in Paris. Act One spans several decades, introducing all the characters and telling the story of Fantine’s downfall, that leaves her daughter Cosette in Valjean’s care.

The entire second act, which covers the attempted rebellion and the resulting deaths of several characters, was an emotional rollercoaster. It began with “On My Own” and “A Little Fall of Rain”, both of which brought tears to my eyes. The rest of the numbers produced a lump in the throat, and by the time the show finished, there was not a dry eye in the house. It is difficult to pick out one memorable song as most of them were simply terrific.

Gareth Smith’s portrayal of the lead character Jean Valjean was particularly impressive and worthy of a place in the West End especially when singing ‘Bring Him Home’, whilst Linzi Stefanov as Fantine rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ was simply perfect. Other standout performances included Gary Jones as Javert with the impressive ‘Stars’. Monsieur and Madame Thénardier played by Michael Pearson and Lou Steggals provided the cheeky comedy with Master of the House and star of the future Brodie Gene Robson was the perfect confident, cheeky French urchin, Gavroche.

The staging and lighting were expertly done and worthy of a professional performance, with versatile set pieces that transformed from one building to another. Of course, the infamous barricade made its appearance in the second act. The costumes were fantastic throughout the show, helping to beautifully illustrate Fantine’s fall from grace and Valjean’s rise from convict to wealthy gentleman.

Les Misérables is arguably one of the best musicals of all time. It’s filled with brilliant and emotional songs, including “One Day More,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Bring Him Home.” Comedy was provided by the amusing “Master of the House.” The timeless story of love, redemption, and conflict never fails to touch audiences around the world. Following in the footsteps of some massive West End names the cast, Liverpool Empire Creative Learning, BOST Musicals, Romily Operatic Society and Tip Top Productions have truly done themselves proud in putting on such a notable show.

Reviewer: Kevin Eccleston

Reviewed: 4^th July 2025

North West End UK Rating: