Cast announced for Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular

The initial casting for the UK leg of the forthcoming world tour of Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular has been announced.

As Les Misérables embarks on its 40th year, the world tour promises to be a revolutionary celebration of the musical’s enduring legacy. It will tour the world with a cast and crew exceeding 110, including a core cast and celebrated guest stars.

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular

On the UK leg, renowned performers Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will alternate in the iconic role of Jean Valjean, while Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the character of Javert (see full schedule below).

Joining the cast are Bonnie Langford as Madame Thénardier, Gavin Lee as Thénardier, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, Channah Hewitt as Fantine, James D. Gish as Enjolras and Jeremy Secomb as Bishop of Digne, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65. Further casting to be announced soon.

Performance schedule

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will play the roles of Javert and Jean Valjean respectively at the following locations and dates:

Belfast: 19, 20 & 21 Sep at 7.30pm and 25, 26, 27 & 28 Sep at 7.30pm
Glasgow: 3 & 4 Oct at 7.30pm, 5 Oct at 2pm, 6 Oct at 6.30pm
Sheffield: 10 & 11 Oct at 7.30pm, 12 Oct at 2.30pm, 13 Oct at 6pm
Aberdeen: 17 & 18 Oct at 7.30pm, 19 Oct at 2pm
Manchester: 27 Dec at 7.30pm, 28 Dec at 2pm, 29 Dec at 1pm

Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden will play the roles of Jean Valjean and Javert respectively at the following locations and dates:
Belfast: 21 & 28 Sep at 2.30pm, 24 Sep at 7.30pm
Glasgow: 5 Oct at 7.30pm, 6 Oct at 1pm
Sheffield: 12 Oct at 7.30pm, 13 Oct at 1pm
Aberdeen: 19 Oct at 7.30pm, 20 Oct at 1pm
Manchester: 26 & 28 Dec at 7.30pm, 27 Dec at 2pm
Newcastle: 4 Jan at 7.30pm, 5 Jan at 12.30pm

Alfie Boe, celebrated for his powerful tenor and prestigious career, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Jean Valjean. With numerous awards and top-charting albums, Alfie’s journey from mechanic to musical theatre star is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

Killian Donnelly, known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in both the West End and on tour, brings his acclaimed interpretation back to the stage. His diverse career encompasses significant roles across major productions, showcasing his versatility and skill.

Michael Ball, a stalwart of British musical theatre, has received accolades for his performances and recording career over the past three decades. His role as Javert adds another distinguished part to his illustrious career.

Bradley Jaden, praised for his recent performance in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, returns to the role of Javert, continuing his successful trajectory in musical theatre.

Cameron Mackintosh said: “The spectacular world arena tour of the Les Misérables concert has been a dream of mine for many years. With Les Mis’ 40th phenomenal year starting this October, there couldn’t be a better time for it to happen.

“A dream concert deserves a dream cast and I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that the first UK leg of the tour, which opens in Belfast in September and is already more than two thirds sold out, will star Alfie Boe or Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Michael Ball or Bradley Jaden as Javert, heading a cast and orchestra of over 65. Many other favourite Les Misérables performers, chosen from all over the world, will be announced in a few weeks’ time.”