Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Return to Les Misérables in Triumphant West End Reunion After 35 Years

Last night, West End audiences were treated to a night of musical theatre magic, as Michael Ball returned to the show that launched his illustrious career—Les Misérables—in a stunning performance that marked 35 years since he first stepped into the spotlight.

The beloved musical duo Ball and Boe—made up of Michael Ball and Alfie Boe—officially opened their much-anticipated 16-week limited run at London’s Gielgud Theatre on 21 August, to thunderous applause and standing ovations. Fans and critics alike hailed the production as a stirring revival of a timeless classic, with a cast that balances legacy, talent, and fresh energy.

This return marks a full-circle moment for Michael Ball, who famously originated the role of Marius Pontmercy in the 1985 world premiere of Les Misérables at the Barbican Centre, opposite Patti LuPone as Fantine. Now, decades later, he takes on the dramatically darker and vocally demanding role of Inspector Javert, showcasing not only his vocal evolution but his remarkable range as an actor.

Following the curtain call, composer Claude-Michel Schönberg joined the cast on stage, playfully wondering if Ball could still hit Marius’s iconic high notes—much to the crowd’s delight.

Alfie Boe, meanwhile, returns as Jean Valjean, the role that earned him international acclaim after his show-stopping performance of “Bring Him Home” at the 25th anniversary Les Mis concert at London’s O2 Arena in 2010. His rich tenor voice and powerful stage presence brought new depth to the beloved character, further cementing his reputation as one of musical theatre’s most captivating performers.

Carrie Hope Fletcher, no stranger to the world of Les Misérables, takes on the role of Fantine, following previous turns as Éponine in the 2014 production. Fletcher, who also dazzled audiences in Heathers: The Musical, brings both vulnerability and strength to the role, delivering a hauntingly beautiful “I Dreamed a Dream.”

Matt Lucas, another fan favorite, reprises his acclaimed portrayal of Thénardier, which he previously played in the musical’s 2011 season. His comedic timing and flair for character work once again lit up the stage, offering some much-needed levity in the midst of the show’s emotional weight.

Now officially the longest-running musical in West End history, Les Misérables is scheduled to run at the Gielgud Theatre from 10 August to 30 November 2024. A brand-new version of the show will reopen in December at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen’s Theatre).

This 16-week run isn’t just a revival — it’s a celebration of legacy, talent, and the enduring power of Victor Hugo’s timeless story. For fans old and new, it’s an unmissable opportunity to witness theatre legends revisiting the roles and the music that helped define modern musical theatre.