Theatre Review: Les Misérables at the Bristol Hippodrome

The Show: The UK Amateur Premiere of Les Misérables

Dates: Wednesday 13th August – Saturday 16th August 2025

Timing: 2 hours 50 minutes (including interval)

Rating: ★★★★½

Les Misérables reigns triumphantly over the Bristol Hippodrome

This week, the Bristol Hippodrome raises its curtain for Let The People Sing!, an ambitious amateur theatre project celebrating the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables. It’s a landmark occasion, a rare chance to experience one of the most beloved and enduring musicals of all time in a local setting. With performance rights to Les Misérables only recently made available to non-professional groups, this Hippodrome production is among the very first to take to the stage, offering audiences the opportunity to see this powerful story through a fresh lens.

Bringing Les Misérables to life in this way is no small feat, but with the award-winning BLOC Productions joining forces with some of the region’s most accomplished operatic societies, anticipation was running high. Having followed the production’s journey on Instagram (@ltpsbristol), and with this being my first time experiencing Les Misérables, I couldn’t wait to see how they would rise to the challenge.

And rise to it they did. From the opening note to the final, poignant chorus, the evening was extraordinary. So accomplished in fact, that you could easily forget it was an amateur production. The sheer scale of the show, from the staging and music to emotional demands required, was met with a level of precision and passion that rivalled many professional performances I’ve seen.

For a first-time audience member like myself, the story was told with clarity, pace and deep emotional resonance. It’s a tale of power and defiance, of resilience and redemption, reminding us of the importance of love, hope and goodwill.

Vocally, the production was packed with powerhouse performances. David Bryan’s Jean Valjean was a force to be reckoned with. His rich, emotive voice carried each note with precision and passion. Every moment carried genuine feeling, resonating deeply with the audience. Bryan’s portrayal evolved seamlessly from hardened ex-convict to a weary yet selfless guardian, a transformation enhanced by the meticulous work of the costume department.

Luke Whitechurch brought a dynamic ferocity to Javert, capturing the character’s intense sense of duty and inner turmoil. Zoe Farrow’s Éponine was heartbreakingly raw, while Anna Townhill’s Cosette soared with outstanding operatic notes. Ryan McKenzie and Emma Griffiths as the Thénardiers injected much-needed humour and charisma, and the younger cast members were nothing short of remarkable. Belle Barker’s sweet and assured Young Cosette made it hard to believe this was her first performance in the theatre, while Finlay Blackman’s cheeky and fearless act of Gavroche was quite outstanding – I anticipate great things for these young performers.

With regards to the staging and design, no corners were cut here. The set was striking, with seamless transitions that carried the audience effortlessly from Parisian streets to the barricades and beyond. The Act II barricade scenes were particularly impactful, the combination of multi-level staging, precise lighting, and tense choreography created a completely immersive experience. The atmospheric lighting added emotional weight throughout, from the warmth of quiet moments to the shadows of revolution.

The orchestra matched the emotional power of the score with vigour, bringing these well-loved songs to life. “Master of the House” had the audience grinning and tapping their feet, while “One Day More” was an emotional highlight, sending us into the interval with goosebumps. If there was one structural quibble, it’s that Act I runs at around 90 minutes, an earlier break might have been appreciated. Also, there were a few minor microphone issues on the odd solo line in group chorus, but this did little to detract from the overall impact of the show. By the final “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, with the entire cast pouring their hearts into this last song, I was completely choked up.

Les Misérables is famously demanding, vocally, emotionally and technically, and this amateur premiere proved that passion, dedication and local talent can deliver something truly outstanding. Whether you’ve known every lyric for decades or, like me, are discovering it for the first time, this is a landmark theatrical event not to be missed.

Head to www.atgtickets.com to book tickets and explore what’s on.

For those wanting an extra special evening out, you can book your early dinner at The Square Club, nested away on leafy Berkeley Square before heading down Park Street for your evening at the theatre. Needing to stay the night? The Berkeley Suites offer the ultimate luxury night away, having recently won the Conde-Naste award of excellence.