MEET THE CAST OF MUSICAL 'LES MISÉRABLES'

‘Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular’ will be staged at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena from tomorrow

- By Enid Parker

It was first introduced to Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Misérables, by way of a television programme broadcast on Dubai's Channel 33 in the 1980s, an experience that left me profoundly moved as a young teenager.

A tragic tale of love, struggle, and redemption set in 19th century Paris, Les Misérables chronicles the journey of former convict Jean Valjean, whose life intertwines with that of Fantine, a poverty-stricken young mother struggling to raise her daughter, Cosette, and the obsessive, relentless Javert, a police inspector who vows to bring Valjean to justice for an old crime.

Les Misérables has inspired many adaptations, one of the most popular being a London West End musical that marks its 40th anniversary this year.

UAE fans can experience this beloved musical phenomenon in the form of a new production, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, which is coming to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena this month as part of a world tour.

Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular has been specially designed for larger venues, boasts a talented cast and orchestra of over 65 people and, will, of course, feature memorable songs like I Dreamed a Dream, One Day More, and Bring Him Home.

Gulf News chatted with three of Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular's lead cast members, including Irish tenor singer and actor Killian Donnelly, who plays Jean Valjean.

'GROWN UP WITH IT'

Donnelly, who has almost 20 years of experience with Les Misérables' London troupe and even played a role in the 2012 film, vividly recalled how seeing the musical for the first time was "life changing."