Les Misérables, known as one of the world’s favourite musicals, has been running in London’s West End since 1985. Since then, it has been seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages.

If you’re fanatic about Fantine or mad for Marius, here’s some facts, figures and ways to enjoy the hit musical from home…

Barricades in Birmingham

Did you know that the hit production has currently only played at Birmingham Hippodrome three times in its 35-year history? The original Trevor Nunn/RSC production played over three months of performances from June to October in 1997, then Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘reimagined’ production directed by Laurence Connor played a season in 2010, returning nine years later in 2019.

This reimagined staging replaced the original production in London’s West End this summer after a total refurbishment and rename of its home venue, the Queen’s Theatre, now The Sondheim.

The remiagined production of Les Miz – credit Helen Maybanks

Bring Miz Home

Rewinding back to 1998, Les Miz celebrated its 10th anniversary at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall with a special concert featuring the likes of Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall – catch the entire concert on YouTube here.

In 2010, London’s colossal O2 Arena hosted the 25th anniversary concert, making Alfie Boe a household name in the role of Jean Valjean. You can stream the concert online here.

Then, in 2012, came the Oscar-winning blockbuster move directed by Tom Hooper featuring big Hollywood names such as Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway – the great news is you can watch it on Netflix here.

Finally, during the refurbishment of the Queen’s Theatre this summer, Les Misérables moved into the neighbouring Gielgud Theatre for a special 35th anniversary concert version starring Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and Carrie Hope Fletcher. Excitingly, a DVD and Blu-ray release of the concert is coming this April, you can pre-order your copy here.

One-Man Miz

If you haven’t already seen Nick Pitera’s one man Les Misérables, the time is now, the day is here.

This fantastic version sees Nick take on every major role and song from the show in one 13-minute video – the prefect idea for time in self-isolation!

Victorious Valjean?

There’s hot debate as to who is the definitive Jean Valjean, from Colm Wilkinson to Alfie Boe, John Owen-Jones to Ramin Karimloo – we’re undecided and frankly love them all.

This latest collaboration of previous West End and Broadway leading men, plus the Barricade Boys may help you to choose your favourite…

One Parody More

In the past few hours, the Marsh family from Kent have become an internet sensation with their version of One Day More (in Isolation) with lines such as “one more day all on my phone” and “one more day of online school”…watch the full video below.

Miz Motivation

Finally, there’s no question that Les Misérables features some of the most rousing and motivational scores in musical theatre – begin or end your day with One Day More or Do you Hear The People Sing – after all, “even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise”.