Love, revenge and justice take centre stage in Les Misérables, one of the most successful musicals in London’s West End. An unforgettable show based on Victor Hugo’s great novel!
Les Misérables, London's Longest-Running West End Musical
The English-language version of the musical Les Misérables, produced by Cameron Mackintosh with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, has been running continuously in London since October 1985. As such, it holds the record for the longest-running musical in the West End, the great mecca of entertainment in the British capital.
Plot
Set in 19th-century France and based on Victor Hugo’s novel published in 1862, the musical Les Misérables explores the tragedies of its characters against the socio-political backdrop of the era.
After spending nearly 20 years in hard labour, Jean Valjean is finally granted parole, but discovers that the yellow card he is required by law to wear brands him as an outcast, someone undesirable and untrustworthy. Despite this hardship, he meets the Bishop of Digne, who offers him the chance to start afresh.
Meanwhile, police inspector Javert is determined to bring Valjean to justice. Whilst the ex-convict begins a new life under a different identity, the inspector is constantly lurking just round the corner, and, in the meantime, a revolutionary atmosphere spreads through the streets of Paris.
Music & Staging
The score for Les Misérables was written by the acclaimed composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, together with the lyricist Alain Boublil and the librettist Herbert Kretzmer. Their collaboration resulted in a unique musical featuring unforgettable songs such as ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’ and ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’.
What’s more, the spectacular staging will plunge you right into the era of revolutionary France.
Sondheim Theatre
The show is currently running at the Sondheim Theatre, one of the most famous theatres in the West End, London’s musical theatre district. The theatre is just a five-minute walk from the iconic Piccadilly Circus.
The performance lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes, including a short interval halfway through.
Seating Options
During the booking process, you'll be able to choose your seat on the theatre seating plan. The main areas and categories available include:
- Stalls:
- This is the theatre’s main ground floor, located directly at the same level as the stage and the orchestra pit.
- Proximity to the stage: very close (0 to 15 m or 0 to 50 ft).
- The front rows (A to H) are very close to the actors, allowing you to see their facial expressions and performance in great detail. In the rear rows (S to W), the Dress
- Circle roof protrudes over the stage, which may slightly restrict the view of the upper part of the stage.
- Dress Circle (first floor):
- This is the first tier or raised balcony, located directly above the stalls.
- Proximity to the stage: medium to high (12 to 25 m or 39 to 82 ft).
- It offers a direct, slightly elevated frontal view of the entire stage. It allows you to take in the full set design, whilst still being able to see the actors’ faces clearly.
- Grand Circle (second floor):
- This corresponds to the upper tier or highest section of the venue.
- Distance from the stage: medium to low (20 to 35 m or 65 to 114 ft).
- It's located at a greater height and has a steeper incline. It offers a complete panoramic view of the entire stage at a more affordable price, although the performers’ facial features are seen from a considerably greater distance.
- Boublil Loge (side boxes):
- Named after Alain Boublil, the co-creator and librettist of Les Misérables. These are raised side boxes located to the sides of the Stalls section.
- Proximity to the stage: close, but to the side (5 to 15 m or 16 to 50 ft).
- They offer plenty of privacy, excellent legroom and great proximity to the stage, although the view is at a diagonal angle (side view). Some corners of the stage may be out of sight.
- Judi's Box (box):
- A private box in honour of the celebrated actress Judi Dench. It's located to the side, at the same level as the Dress Circle.
- Proximity to the stage: close to medium, with a side angle (10 to 18 m or 32 to 59 ft).
- It offers an exclusive experience in a semi-private box. As it's located in the corner of the first floor, it has a diagonal viewing angle which may slightly cut off the rear side of the stage, but it offers plenty of comfort, extra space and a close-up view.