Les Misérables marks a spectacular 40 years as London’s longest-running musical with a star-studded charity gala on October 8 at the Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.
Original Cast Legends Return for Glitzy Gala
The night belonged to the original stars. Patti Lupone, the very first Fantine, shared the stage with Francis Ruffelle (Eponine) and Michael Ball, who first played Marius before becoming iconic Valjean and Javert. Love for the show burns as bright as ever, despite a shaky start.
From Paris to London: The Unlikely Smash Hit
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s 1832 novel about the Paris uprising, the musical debuted in Paris in 1980. The English version landed at the Barbican in 1985 under the helm of Trevor Nunn and John Caird, starring Alun Armstrong as Thenardier and Roger Allam as Javert.
- Originally too long, the show was cut down but kept legendary numbers like “One Day More,” “I Dreamed A Dream,” and “Do You Hear The People Sing?”
- Now a slick two hours and 50 minutes, it still packs theatres night after night.
Big Names Unite to Celebrate and Fundraise
The gala’s emotional finale saw Alfie Boe, Samantha Barks, Matt Lucas, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Bonnie Langford, and others belt out the timeless hits. All proceeds went to The Felix Project and UKHarvest, charities echoing Valjean’s battle against hunger.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh said, “It’s extraordinary to celebrate our 40th anniversary here on Shaftesbury Avenue, returning home after landmark shows at the Royal Albert Hall and O2 Arena. ‘Les Mis’ has proved it can triumph across mediums and cultures, winning Oscars, Olivier and Tony awards, and reaching 150 million fans worldwide.”
He added, “Victor Hugo’s story knows no bounds. Boublil and Schönberg’s score continues to inspire audiences globally – the same uplifting spirit Hugo wanted when he published the novel back in 1845.”
Book Now – Don’t Miss Out!
Les Misérables runs strong until October 2026 at the Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. Snap up your tickets now at www.lesmis.com and experience this legendary musical for yourself.
