Les Miserables Tickets

Rent
Daring and heartbreaking, Jonathan Larson’s tragic rock musical about impoverished artists struggling to survive in NYC was unlike anything else on stage at the time.

Rent was one of the first shows to portray people living with HIV in a positive light. The sung-through musical features the song Seasons of Love, which is often regarded as one of the top songs in musical history.

Rent’s history is laced with tragedy as the show’s creator suddenly passed the day before opening night. Sadly, he never knew his seminal work would be regarded as one of the best musicals of all time.

Into The Woods
Stephen Sondheim was the grandfather of musical theatre. He wrote some of the most highly regarded and best musicals in the world. Among his masterpieces is the twisted fairytale, Into The Woods.

Interweaving several Brothers Grimm stories, Into The Woods features characters and tales we all know well. The dark interpretation is accompanied by a haunting and beautiful score.

Written in collaboration with James Lapine, the dark twist on a classic won multiple Tony and Olivier Awards when it was first staged in the 80s and 90s.

Cabaret
In the 1960s, Kander & Ebb braved criticism and backlash when they invited theatregoers to the Kit Kat Club. Set in 1920s Berlin, Cabaret deals with themes of war, abortion, and discrimination — all set to a jazz-infused score.

It’s a show that keeps growing and showing. The most recent iteration (which is on in both London and New York) has had theatre lovers around the world debating the take. And it’s that constant discussion and discourse that keeps it fresh and earns its place as one of the best musicals of all time.

Guys and Dolls
Thanks to some of the most well-known and beloved songs in musical theatre history, Guys and Dolls has firmly won its spot on the top 10 musicals list.

The timeless tale of a gambler betting on love makes it a fun, fast-paced and glamorous musical that’s been loved since 1950.

The recent production at the Bridge Theatre has artfully shown that you don’t have to change much about a musical to update it. The incredible promenade version of Guys and Dolls has reminded West End audiences of the potential of musical theatre.

Disney’s The Lion King
When Disney’s The Lion King first hit the stage in 1997, audience members could not believe their eyes. Accompanying the award-winning score from Elton John and Tim Rice were life-size puppets that had never been seen before. Almost 30 years later, it’s still wowing both children and adults alike.

And if its longevity and wonder weren’t enough to earn The Lion King a place on the best musicals of all time list, its status as the highest-grossing Broadway production ever should.

Hamilton
It was the most talked about show of the 2010s. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi-award-winning retelling of Alexander Hamilton completely revolutionised musical theatre.

With a minimal set, diverse casting and a score comprised of predominantly rap music, Hamilton brought a new face and audience to Broadway and the West End.

It received a record-setting 16 nominations in 13 categories at the 2016 Tony Awards, winning 11.

Wicked
The enchanting reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz has cast its spell on theatregoers for over 20 years. It opened on Broadway in 2003 and flew over the pond to the West End in 2006.

With its glitzy costumes, grand set design, and some of the catchiest songs in musical theatre history, Wicked is a family favourite.

Telling the tale of the Wicked Witch of the West before she earned the moniker, Wicked explores the true meaning of good and evil.

Oklahoma!
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first Broadway show shifted the framework for musical theatre. Before Oklahoma!, most musicals featured songs purely for spectacle. But the legendary duo blended comedy, drama, dance and story-driven songs into one show.

The result was a cohesive story about a young farmer named Laurey who wants to pursue her feelings for Curly, a cowboy, but a new farmhand tries to win her over instead.

Full of fun numbers that have lasted the test of time, along with the fact that musicals wouldn’t be what they are today without it, Oklahoma! has made it into the top five of our best musicals of all time list.

West Side Story
Jerome Robbins, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein’s modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set the world ablaze when it opened on Broadway in 1957. And it’s still hot today.

Set in Manhattan in the mid-1950s, West Side Story is the familiar story of forbidden love. Despite belonging to rival gangs, Tony and Maria fall in love. But tension is rising between the foes and tragedy is awaiting the young couple.

The show received six Tony Award nominations and won two in 1958. The 1961 film adaptation was nominated for 11 Oscars and won 10. The 2021 Steven Spielberg film was nominated for seven Oscars and won one.

Les Misérables
The record-breaking musical has left audiences weeping and breathless since its first staging in 1985. Cameron Mackintosh’s epic Les Misérables has been seen by 130 million people in 53 countries and 22 languages around the world. It’s the longest-running musical in the West End and the second longest-running musical in history.

The stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel follows ex-prisoner Jean Valjean attempting to become a good man despite his jailer’s pursuit. Encountering tragedy and living through the French Revolution tests his morals, and the fate of others is left in his hands.

New cast members are set to join the West End company of Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh’s celebrated production of Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic musical, currently playing at the Sondheim Theatre.

From Monday 2 February 2026, acclaimed performers Harry Hepple and Lizzie Bea will take on the roles of the infamous innkeepers Thénardier and Madame Thénardier. Hepple’s previous credits include Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium, Assassins at Chichester Festival Theatre and Hamilton in the West End, while Bea is well known for her performances in Sister Act and Hairspray.

Also joining the company is Jess Folley, who will play Éponine. Folley previously originated the role of Ali Rose in the world premiere of Burlesque: The Musical in Manchester and London.

It may be a new year, but an old favourite is returning to the revolution. Following a very special performance at Les Misérables’ 40th anniversary last year, it has today been confirmed that Lucie Jones (Wicked, Waitress: the Musical, 13 Going on 30 the Musical) will reprise her role of Fantine. The Welsh wonder will be dreaming dreams of time gone by from 19 January to 11 April 2026. 

This will mark Jones’ fourth turn in Boublil and Schönberg’s musical. The former Eurovision and X Factor contestant made her West End debut in Les Misérables back in 2010, playing Cosette. She then returned 11 years later to play Fantine, which she reprised in 2023.  

Since opening at the Barbican in 1985, the revolutionary musical has become a global phenomenon, playing in 55 countries, reaching 130 million theatregoers, and inspiring the Oscar-winning 2012 film. Now, Cameron Mackintosh presents a special eight-week 40th anniversary season at the Sondheim Theatre, with a powerhouse cast of Les Mis legends taking over from 8th September - 1st November 2025. Been a while since you've seen it? Here’s your guide to the anniversary company, from Éponine to Enjolras.

Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean

West End favorite Killian Donnelly leads the anniversary cast as Jean Valjean, the heart of Les Misérables. A veteran of the show since 2008, Donnelly has been around the barricades having played Enjolras, Courfeyrac, and Combeferre before becoming one of the most acclaimed Valjeans on stage and in the international tour. His commanding voice and emotional depth make him the perfect choice to headline this landmark production.

Ian McIntosh as Jean Valjean

Sharing performances with Donnelly, Ian McIntosh also takes on the demanding role of Valjean. Having joined the West End cast in 2024, McIntosh brings grit and humanity to the ex-prisoner’s journey from outcast to protector. He will continue as Valjean beyond the anniversary run, ensuring fans can see his powerful interpretation for years to come.

Bradley Jaden as Javert

Opposite Valjean, Bradley Jaden returns as Javert, the relentless inspector who embodies law and order. Since his debut in 2014, Jaden has become one of the definitive Javerts of his generation, commanding the stage with intensity and precision. His return for the 40th anniversary promises fiery showdowns with Donnelly’s Valjean.

Katie Hall as Fantine

Katie Hall, once a memorable Cosette, now shines as Fantine. She first played the role on the UK and Ireland tour in 2018 before joining the West End in 2023. Her moving performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” makes Fantine’s tragic arc unforgettable in this celebratory season.

Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette

Beatrice Penny-Touré takes on the role of Cosette, Valjean’s adopted daughter and the romantic heart of the story. After delivering stunning vocals as Cosette on the arena world tour, she now brings her voice and charm to the anniversary production.

A West End Legacy Since 1985
Since it first opened at the Barbican Centre in 1985, Les Misérables has become a cornerstone of London’s West End. The production transferred to the Palace Theatre shortly after its debut and later found a long-term home at the Queen’s Theatre (now the Sondheim Theatre). Over nearly four decades, the show has seen a host of remarkable performers take on its powerful roles, making stars of many and attracting household names along the way.

Spend the afternoon visiting St Martin’s Lane, where you can see the beautiful architecture of the London Coliseum before strolling past the Duke of York’s Theatre and Noël Coward Theatre. Venture onto The Strand, where The Vaudeville Theatre, The Savoy Theatre, and Adelphi Theatre sit. Get the full West End experience by walking up Shaftesbury Avenue to see the glittering lights of the Lyric Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Shaftesbury Theatre. And that's just three streets. The West End is home to approximately 40 theatres, so why not see if you can visit them all? For a theatre lover, it’s one of the best things to do in London for free.

And, while your wandering theatreland, keep an eye out for West End plays that sometimes offer standing tickets or discounted previews, allowing you to experience top-tier theatre for less. As you enjoy these free adventures, you may just find yourself drawn to discover more about London's bustling stage scene.

Shakespeare’s London Walking Tour

Thanks to the power of the internet, you can access countless free, self-guided walking tours of London. But for the theatrically inclined, a walking tour of Shakespeare’s London could be perfect. 

Discover the history of London and Shakespeare’s Globe as you journey down the Thames. Discover where the original Globe Theatre lived and all the local haunts the Bard frequented.

Free written and GPS tours are available to download. Free guided tours are available to book (usually subject to tipping) if you want a more in-depth experience.

Visit Sherling Backstage Walkway

Peek behind the curtain at the Sherling Backstage Walkway. The busy production workshops allow you to see how sets are constructed and assembled. Explore the workshops for free Monday to Saturday, one hour before performances at the Dorfman Theatre commence. Guided tours are available for £18.

Wander the South Bank

If you’ve visited the Sherling Backstage Walkway, take the time to wander around the South Bank. Peruse the brutalist architecture of the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall before visiting the shops, bars, and restaurants on the riverbank. During the colder months, you can find stalls and markets offering festive cheer, and the summer brings free child-friendly entertainment. 

Take a trip to the Barbican

Another Brutalist building that offers plenty to see and do is the Barbican. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but the arts hub often has free exhibitions, too. Along with an eclectic schedule of events, the Barbican is home to the conservatory - a beautiful, urban, tropical oasis that’ll transport you from the concrete jungle into a plant covered concrete jungle. Visiting is one of the best things to do in London for free. And if you’re already there to see Mathew Baynton in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we’ve just helped you kill another couple of hours. You’re welcome. 

Pop to a museum

London is full of free museums. From the British Museum to the Natural History Museum, the Young V&A to the National Maritime Museum. There’s a free museum to suit everyone’s interests in London. You can even glimpse the inner workings of animals at the Grant Museum of Zoology or humans at the Wellcome Collection.

Get an eyeful at a gallery

Just like museums, London is full of incredible, free art galleries. Experience a spectrum of art styles at institutions such as the Tate Modern, National Gallery, and God’s Own Junkyard. 

Step into a virtual space

Before heading to @sohoplace to see A Christmas Carol(ish) or Kyoto, be sure to check out Outernet.  

The digital art space offers free exhibitions and virtual experiences on giant screens. Step into immersive visual scapes for free and enjoy seasonal displays, pop culture references and more. Since opening in November 2022, it's fast become one of the best things to do in London for free. 

Les Misérables is one of the longest-running musicals in the West End and has been impressing audiences across the globe with its heart-wrenching story. Meet the cast that has been breaking audiences' hearts and taking them on an emotional journey through the French Revolution. Check out the cast below. 

Who plays Jean Valjean in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Ian Mcintosh plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean in the West End. Before taking on this iconic role, Mcintosh embarked on the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, playing the titular role. He previously won an Olivier Award for his role in Beautiful: The Carole King for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, portraying Barry Mann

Who plays Javert in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Sam Oladeinde plays the stubborn Javert in the West End. Oladeinde previously played Aaron Burr in the Original UK & Ireland Tour of Hamilton, and the original West End cast of The Prince of Egypt .

Who plays Marius in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Thiago Phillip Felizardo plays love-struck Marius in the West End. This marks his West End debut!

Who plays Cosette in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Izzi Levine plays Fantine’s innocent and kind-hearted daughter, Cosette. Les Misérables is her West End debut.

Who plays Fantine in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Martha Kirby plays the strong-willed and resilient Fantine in the West End. Hall’s previous credits include Evita and The Last Five Years.

Who plays Eponine in the West End cast of Les Misérables?

Jess Folley plays the dejected Eponine in the West End. Folley recently starred as Ali in the world premiere of Burlesque: The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. She won The Voice Kids UK before winning X Factor: The Band. 

It’s the longest-running musical in the West End, and it has almost as many actors on stage than its had years at the Sondheim Theatre! The epic tale of justice and redemption has wowed London audiences for four decades. At its heart, the Les Misérables characters are what makes it. To help you navigate the extensive name list, here is your definitive guide to the key players.

Who are the main Les Misérables characters?

There are a whopping 33 adult cast members in Les Mis. You need a cast that size for a revolution, but if we had to learn all those names within 180 minutes, we probably wouldn’t remember anything else. Luckily, we only have to think about eleven, with four driving the narrative.

Jean Valjean

Jean Valjean - also known as Prisoner 24601, Monsieur Madeleine and various other pseudonyms - is our main protagonist. The show opens with him labouring in a chain gang of prisoners. His crime? Stealing a loaf of bread. After serving 19 years, he is given parole and released. Marked as an ex-convict, he struggles to find work, housing and even food. A bishop offers him shelter and a meal. To repay his kindness, Valjean steals his silver. When captured, the bishop says the silver was gifted and insists Valjean uses it to become an honest man.

We jump forward to him running a successful factory. When one of his ex-workers dies, he is filled with guilt and adopts the orphaned daughter, striving to give her a good and peaceful life. While trying to become a good man, his past catches up with him in the form of a prison guard, Javert, who doesn’t want him to forget his past misdeeds.

Javert

Enraged by Jean Valjean’s release, Javert embarks on a lifelong mission to recapture Prisoner 24601. The most driven of the Les Misérables characters dedicates his life to tracking down the former inmate, spending almost 20 years in his quest. But why is Javert obsessed with Valjean? Javert is a lawful man. When Valjean breaks his parole, Javert desperately longs to bring him to justice. The elusiveness of the former prisoner fuels the desire to catch him and put him in his place. Along with pride, Javert is single-minded in his pursuit, which leads to a life of very little meaning.

Cosette

The orphaned girl adopted by Valjean, Cosette, is a key character in the story and the subject of many Les Miserable songs. The fair and definitively good daughter of the ill-fated Fantine, she is Jean Valjean’s reason for being kind, the object of desire for Marius, and the source of envy for Eponine. 

Marius

The main love interest in the show and our gateway into the revolution, Marius falls for Cosette and must choose his love or his country in the show’s climax. Young, misguided and giddy with infatuation, he is the depiction of youth and bravery during troubled times.

Sondheim Theatre is named after the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (the clue is literally in the name), and located in the heart of theatreland on Shaftesbury Avenue - an address also shared with The Lyric Theatre and The Apollo Theatre, Gielgud Theatre!

The Grade II listed building opened as the Queen's Theatre in 1907, as a twin to the neighbouring Hicks Theatre (now the Gielgud Theatre). Unsurprisingly for a theatre, it has a pretty dramatic history! In the 1940s a German bomb fell onto the building during a production of Rebecca, the space then stayed shut for the next 20 years before opening with a one man production of Shakespeare speeches and sonnets by its neighbours namesake John Gielgud. In 2019, after a 20 week refurbishment the theatre was reopened, and renamed. The one thing that didn’t change? The musical playing inside. Sondheim Theatre has been the home to Les Misérables for the past 20 years! 

What are the best seats at Sondheim Theatre?

Choosing the best seats at The Sondheim Theatre depends on your personal preference. If you like to feel fully immersed in the piece, and want to feel as close to the action as possible, then the Stalls, which sit on the ground floor, are your best bet. And, with no aisle in the large auditorium, this is the largest section of the theatre, so there are plenty of seats to choose from! The rake is subtle however, meaning that it may be difficult to avoid taller audience members if they sit in front of you. There is also an overhang from the Dress Circle, meaning that the upper half of the stage (and the top half of the Les Misérables barricade) is obstructed if you are at the very back of this section.

If you want to take in the entire spectacle, and with the huge ensemble and big set pieces, Les Miserables is a spectacle, then the Dress Circle is an excellent choice. One level above the Stalls, and overlooking the stage, you can see the entire stage in all its glory. If you’re looking for cheaper seats, the ‘slips’ in the Dress Circle are a great choice, they sit at an angle, but still provide a brilliant view if you don’t mind leaning forward.

Sitting above the Dress Circle is the Upper Circle. This is the highest section in the theatre, and therefore can feel slightly distant from the action. However, the legroom is excellent and the views are unobstructed. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a budget friendly option. 

Sondheim Theatre seating plan

Les Misérables, the timeless West End musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, has enraptured audiences worldwide with its poignant story, memorable characters, and unforgettable music. Composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, the musical's songs evoke a range of emotions, from heartbreak to hope, as they follow the journey of redemption and revolution. Delve into the magic of Les Misérables' songs with this definitive guide and experience the power of the barricades at the Sondheim Theatre in London - one of the West End’s longest running musicals.

The Most Notable Les Misérables Songs

Les Misérables' songs, performed by a talented cast, have left an indelible mark on musical theatre, with each piece contributing to the narrative's depth and emotional resonance. Experience the grandeur of these songs firsthand as they unfold on stage.

Prologue: Work Song

Amidst fellow convicts, Jean Valjean, known as prisoner 24601, faces the consequences of stealing bread to save his family. Though he yearns for freedom, Javert, the prison guard, and society brand him a lifelong convict. This powerful opening sets the stage for the show's major themes and the looming clash between Valjean and Javert.

Prologue: Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven

In the throes of despair, Jean Valjean faces immediate arrest for stealing silver from the Bishop’s abode. Yet, amidst his darkest hour, an unexpected act of compassion unfolds. The Bishop, rather than condemn him, forgives Valjean and proclaims the silver a gift. 

Prologue: What Have I Done?

Valjean confronts his inner demons in 'Prologue: What Have I Done?' The Bishop's profound declaration, "I have bought your soul for God," resonates deeply within him. With poignant self-reflection, Valjean condemns his past actions, likening himself to a "thief in the night... a dog on the run." Determined to forge a new path, he embraces a fresh identity, a renewed narrative, and a transcendent purpose.

At the End of the Day

'At the End of the Day' is a powerful ensemble number that sets the tone for the hardships faced by the poor and downtrodden in 19th-century France. The song's stirring melodies and impassioned lyrics introduce the audience to the harsh realities of life for characters like Fantine, establishing the backdrop for the unfolding drama.

I Dreamed a Dream

Known as one of the most famous Les Misérables' songs, 'I Dreamed a Dream' is a haunting solo performed by Fantine, reflecting on her shattered dreams and lost innocence. The song's emotive lyrics and melody capture Fantine's despair and longing for a better life, making it one of the musical's most memorable moments.

In My Life

'In My Life' is a heartfelt duet between Cosette and Valjean, as they reflect on their shared past and the bond that unites them. The song's introspective lyrics capture the characters' love and gratitude, offering a moment of quiet intimacy.

Castle on a Cloud

'Castle on a Cloud' is a tender solo performed by young Cosette, as she dreams of a better life away from the cruelty of the Thénardiers. The song's gentle melody and innocent lyrics capture Cosette's longing for love and security.

A Heart Full of Love

'A Heart Full of Love' is a tender trio sung by Marius, Cosette, and Eponine, expressing their feelings of love and longing amidst the tumult of revolution. The song's beautiful harmonies and romantic melodies capture the complexities of their relationships, offering a moment of respite amidst the chaos of war.

One Day More

'One Day More' is a powerful ensemble number that serves as the climax of Act I, bringing together the major characters as they confront their destinies on the eve of the June Rebellion. The song's stirring melodies and overlapping harmonies build tension and anticipation, setting the stage for the revolution to come. It’s hard to think of a more iconic Les Misérables song!

On My Own

'On My Own' is a poignant solo sung by Eponine, expressing her unrequited love for Marius and her loneliness as she navigates the harsh realities of life on the streets of Paris. The song's emotive melody and heartfelt lyrics capture Eponine's resilience and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into her inner world as she longs for a love that can never be.

At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)

'At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)' is a stirring ensemble number performed by the revolutionaries as they prepare to defend their makeshift barricade against the forces of the French army. The song's defiant chorus and anthemic melody capture the characters' courage and determination in the face of oppression, setting the stage for the climactic battle to come.