Theatre

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, this version of Les Misérables focuses on Jean Valjean as he is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving nephew.

Jean Valjean is helped by the kind Bishop and is determined to lead a good life. Unfortunately whilst in prison he has been marked by a ruthless policeman, Inspector Javert who believes in the strict authority of the law and is determined that Valjean should pay for his crime. The drama is focused on how Valjean tries to run away from Javert to build a new life and how he is thwarted by Javert at every stage.

The turning point is when Valjean promises to look after Cosette, the daughter of a woman who has been forced to turn to prostitution to bring up her child. This changes Valjean’s life forever as Cosette grows up to fall in love with Marius who leads them all into a revolution against the government. All these culminate in the final confrontation between Valjean and Javert, and the ultimate debate on what justice means.