Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management and Live Nation Australia has announced that Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is coming to the ICC Theatre Sydney on 30 April 2025, to be followed by Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May 2025 and then Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May 2025 for strictly limited performances.
The London production of Les Misérables, the World’s longest-running musical, has just entered its incredible 40th record-breaking year, still playing to sell-out audiences.
To celebrate this extraordinary milestone, Cameron Mackintosh has put together the most spectacular Arena production of a musical ever staged which has just opened to rave reviews and sold-out Arenas in the UK and major European cities, before arriving in Australia, for five weeks only.
The World Arena Tour then heads to Japan, Taiwan, China, and several other Asian countries before it returns to Europe and now, after its rapturous reception, is planning to extend across America and Canada.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular has an extraordinary and exciting new design, specifically created for these venues, from the world class team of Matt Kinley, Paule Constable, Warren Letton and Finn Ross with sound by Mick Potter, featuring an international cast and orchestra of over 65 including many famous LES MIS stars, as well as several brilliant new ones.
Currently starring in the UK and soon to be in Australia, this Arena Spectacular features Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden sharing the role of Javert.
The cast also includes Matt Lucas as Thénardier. Starring alongside him is Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier. Rachelle Ann Go will join this all-star cast as Fantine.
Jac Yarrow will play Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré will play Cosette, while James D. Gish will play Enjolras. Further casting for the Australian leg of the World Tour will be announced soon.
The idea for this World Arena Tour of Les Misérables was first discussed over 18 years ago by Cameron Mackintosh and Nick Grace after the success of a short European tour.
“I have long dreamt of taking an Arena Tour of Les Misérables around the world, but I am especially thrilled to be bringing it back to Australia where the outrageous of idea of doing LES MIS as a concert began,” said Producer Cameron Mackintosh.
“When I first did the stage production of Les Misérables in Sydney in 1987 – with the wonderous Marina Prior as Cosette – (only two years after its London opening) we were invited to do a concert in Sydney’s Domain in January 1989 as part of the Sydney Festival.”
“It was very early in the life of Les Misérables, so we had no idea if anyone would turn up, let alone know the music, as the show had only been playing for a year in the 1000 seat Theatre Royal. But, to our astonishment, 135,000 people turned up and embraced the show with a mighty roar – it was a night I will never forget, and the Concert was born.”
“After we created the new 25th Anniversary stage production of Les Misérables, which was also an enormous success in Australia, we started seriously planning the World Arena Tour with the same brilliant production team, but then Covid put everything on hold for a few years.”
“However, serendipitously, we have now launched our production as part of LES MISÉRABLES’ extraordinary 40th Anniversary celebrations. The show remains as successful as ever, still breaking records in London and around the World.”
“Our timing has proved perfect as we have now been able to bring together an amazing international cast of both famous LES MIS stars, and several brilliant new ones, including a couple of my favourite Australians! Thrillingly, at last, this wonderful Company are bringing this unique fusion of musical theatre and rock and roll back home.”
“It will be over 10 years since Boublil and Schönberg’s timeless masterpiece was last seen in Australia, so I feel sure this quick blast of MIZ ROCKS! will delight fans until I can bring the stage production back One Time More!”
Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more.
Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. The critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables continues to play at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End, and will next year celebrate its 40th revolutionary year.
Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will play ICC Theatre Sydney from 30 April, to be followed by Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May and then Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May 2025 for strictly limited performances. Join the waitlist. Tickets on sale from 29 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.lesmisarenatour.com.au for details.
Images: The Ensemble in Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular – photo by Danny Kaan | James D. Gish as Enjolras and Ensemble in Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular – photo by Danny Kaan