Alfie Boe and Michael Ball will star in an arena spectacular of Les Miserables at the OVO Hydro

Initial casting announced for Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular with Alfie Boe and Michael Ball among those starring in World tour's stop at the OVO Hydro!

Article Source: OVO Hydro
Last Updated: 14 February 2024 13:57

As Victor Hugo’s beloved musical phenomenon enters its 39th year in London, producers have announced that Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro from 3-6 October 2024, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65 in the forthcoming World Tour of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR.

Tickets are on sale here, with further casting to be announced soon.

Producer 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. After the UK, the world tour will play many cities across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Korea, Japan and several other Asian cities before it returns to Europe and beyond.

“With the Les Misérables movie now being re-released in cinemas across the world in its completely remixed digital glory, sounding and looking better than ever, and with the London and North American productions still regularly breaking attendance records, Les Misérables is a true phenomenon – The People’s Musical – and the only musical ever to be simultaneously a hit on stage, screen and in concert arenas. Boublil and Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer and I owe our inspiration to the genius of Victor Hugo's masterpiece.”

Multi-award-winning artist, Alfie Boe OBE, has established a reputation as one of the most powerful and prestigious voices in the UK. ‘The Nations favourite tenor’ is often referred to as ‘West End and Broadway Royalty’, with an almost 3-decade recording career under his belt so far including numerous sold-out headline tours in the UK - as a solo artist and as part of his duo act with Michael Ball, ‘Ball and Boe’.

Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star. For over 30 years, he has been at the top of his game, starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career. Ball portrayed Javert in Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre)which he will reprise for the show’s Arena Spectacular this Autumn. He has previously taken on leading roles in Sweeney Todd and Hairspray, among others.

Killian Donnelly has just finished playing Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, having previously played the role to critical acclaim in both the West End production and the sell-out UK and Ireland tour. His theatre credits include the role of ‘The Phantom’ in The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre and ‘Charlie Price’ in Kinky Boots on Broadway. In 2010, he played the role of ‘Courfeyrac’ in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena, and also played the role of ‘Combeferre’ in the multi-award-winning film, which will be re-released in cinemas this month to mark its 10th Anniversary.

Bradley Jaden recently received rave reviews for his performance in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. He also appeared as Raoul in Broadway Italia's brand new production of The Phantom of the Opera in Trieste and most notably as Javert in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, a role he also played in the final cast of the musical at the Queen’s Theatre.

The World Tour begins as the stage musical enters its 40th revolutionary year and will run throughout the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations for the world’s longest running musical in 2025.

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR will be expanded from the hugely successful Les Misérables The Staged Concert which played for over 200 record-breaking performances in the West End. It will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for arenas (and large theatres) with audiences of between 3,000 and 5,000. This spectacular production will have a company of over 110 actors, musicians and crew featuring a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow.

Nick Grace is one of the World’s leading producers and general managers of international touring productions. In the last 25 years, they have presented shows in 59 countries worldwide including BATMAN LIVE – World Arena Tour, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, BLUE MAN GROUP World Tour and the ongoing MAMMA MIA! UK & International Tour.

The critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables continues to play at the Sondheim Theatre, and several other local language productions are currently on or in preparation around the world. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie, a remastered and remixed version will be released in cinemas Nationwide on 14th February.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.