Stunning production of Les Misérables

After the through-composed rock opera production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and last year's entry into the fantasy world of The Wiz, the musical of 2009 was perhaps the most ambitious of any at King's, the full-scale telling of the compelling and powerful drama that is Les Misérables. This award-winning West End musical by Alan Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg is at times intensely moving, even depressingly sombre, and yet is ultimately uplifting with its aspiration of justice for all, and its underlying selfless heroism.

These complex layers were subtly and intelligently drawn in the King's production, no mean feat for performers of this age. Central to the story is Jean Valjean, brought to life in a virtuoso performance by Sam Merriweather. For months he lived and breathed the part, and his handling of the epic size of the role was hugely impressive. This is a voice of surprising maturity and sophistication - a sheer delight all evening.

The police inspector Javert, who tracks and hunts Valjean throughout, yet ultimately realises that the courses of action he thought right are actually indefensible, was given a suitably complex and multi-layered portrayal by Freddie Barker. Turmoil and confusion of conviction combined tellingly with powerful singing. Hannah Cartwright gave a subtly fragile performance as the tragic Fantine, with some truly haunting vocal moments.

Cosette in her earlier years was beautifully portrayed by Emily Albery, and then in later life given greater depth and maturity by Bryony House. Greg Albery was a most convincing Marius: his tender duets with Bryony were intensely touching. The complex Eponine, blindly in love with Marius, was a perfect role for Tamar Dewbery, intelligent yet full of conflicting forces within. Her death at the barricades was one of several heart-stopping moments.

Toby Catton was an ideal choice for Enjolras, full of idealistic liberalism and an inspirational leader of his men, all expressed in some powerful vocal scenes. Joe Merriweather too deserves special mention as Gavroche: this was a really touching performance - his end was another chilling moment.

The innkeeper Thénardier and his wife were a real highlight, outlandish and larger than life, brought to life by Jordan Webb and Ruth Canham with impressive comic timing and wonderfully characterised singing. They were accompanied in many of their scenes by a magnificent chorus, full of life and energy, and superbly trained by vocal coach Jennie Morris - you would have paid money in a professional theatre for their multi-part singing at the end of each half.

And it was this sheer professionalism that ran throughout the production. The driving force behind this was new head of drama at King's, Alastair Wood. His imaginative vision and eye for colour and design provided the audience with a feast for the eye - the production was visually stunning. Alongside him were the musicians, expertly brought together yet again by musical director Colin Albery. They must draw huge satisfaction from the production - the audience certainly did.

11.12.09