Michael Ball and Alfie Boe to star in Les Miserables concert version

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will both return to Les Miserables in the West End later this year for a concert version of the musical that will play while the show’s current home undergoes a renovation.

Ball will play Javert alongside Boe as Jean Valjean, while Matt Lucas will reprise the role of Thenardier and Carrie Hope Fletcher will also rejoin the cast, playing Fantine.

The concert version will run at the Gielgud Theatre for 16 weeks – between August 10 and November 30 – while the Queen’s Theatre, home to the fully-staged production, is renovated.

A newer, touring production of the musical will replace the original when the Queen’s reopens in December, meaning the original version will close in the West End after 34 years.

The concert version will feature a cast of more than 65 performers, which will also include Katy Secombe as Madame Thenardier and John Owen-Jones, who will play Valjean for three performances each week.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “Les Miserables’ spectacular staged concerts are legendary successes, just as popular as the stage show.

“I am thrilled that the plan to keep Les Miserables running in London with a staged concert version on Shaftesbury Avenue during the enforced closure period has attracted such a stellar cast, with Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, John Owen Jones, Matt Lucas and Katy Secombe, who all have a very close personal connection to the history of the show.”

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