Review: Les Miserables at The Bristol Hippodrome by BLOC Productions
Posted on: 14 Aug 2025Les Misérables is currenty being performed at The Bristol Hippodrome by BLOC Productions and 365Bristol sent along mega-fan Joanna Bridgwater to review the show. It continues until Saturday 16 August 2025.
From the moment the curtain lifted to the standing ovation 3 hours later my whole being was totally transfixed and transported to the streets of Paris. The journey that unfolded produced goosebumps and watery eyes in equal measure.
Where do I start, probably the beginning, at Act One however I have to remember now at half past midnight whilst fresh in my memory the line that struck a chord for me was this one uttered by Valjean, “to love another person is to see the face of God”.
Anyone who doesn’t know the story will be in for a real treat as you will wonder why Javert has this more than jobs worth desire to pursue Valjean at whatever cost to bring him to justice, the tale of unrequitied love at the back drop of the French Revolution and all the horror and reality that war ultimately brings. The staging, props and costumes in the barricade scenes along with the bangs and lights were well thought through. I’m not a historian, but the depiction of the French revolution and the love story that unfolds during this time with Cosette and Marius is without doubt a work of a creative writing, educated genius.
My firm favourites, “Master of the House”, “One day more” and “Bring him home“ were exquisitely sung and by this time I had just about managed to stay strong without the need to dive into my tissues. Then it happened, during the Second Act when sure enough, the inevitable. In the moving scene when Eponine dies in the arms of Marius, the unrequited love for him that he would never know, the sniffles came.
This 2nd Act had a more sombre tone with the additional demise of the young boy, then Javert and then curtains for Valjean as he is beckoned to his heavenly home by Fantine who makes a welcome end of performance appearance.
This play has it all, the duty by Javert to relentless pursue Jean Valjean for justice, the grace and mercy first shown by the priest to Javert then propels him to show forgiveness and mercy to his adversary when revenge could have been his. There is so much to say about what we can learn from the characters in this story, but that is for another time. What we all want and yearn for in life is for good to triumph and how our hearts ache when love is not shown or when love is stolen from us when loved ones are snatched away.
The staging was incredible and the transition of props went effortlessly. The simple white drapes that hung in the hospital scene and the 3 beds, one containing the dying Fantine was very moving. We must mention, well more than mention and applaud, those sat out of eye sight creating the music, the backbone to the whole performance.
There is one scene that you will find quite spectacular at the end of Javert’s rant to find his number 1 enemy but you’ll have to go to see what that is!
Dani Coppersone, the actor who played Fantine gave my twin and I goosebumps when she opened with “I dreamed a dream”, with what sounded like operatic tones in her voice it was completely flawless. I closed my eyes (no, I’m not thinking of Joseph) and let her voice wash over me wishing I had a talent that give others so much joy.
Bring him home, an incredibly difficult song to get right, well David Bryan, aka Valjean you nailed it. Brilliant!
My takeaway from tonight is that this so called amateur production is right up there with the professionals. I’d happily pay West End prices for these guys. My bike lock is now 24601 and at the next karoke I’m going for a solo of “Do you hear the people sing”, followed by a “Drink with me” chaser.
“You will keep me safe, that’s all I need to know, and rain will make the flowers grow.”
Thank you and good night.
Joanna Bridgwater
Les Mis mega fan
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Jo Bridgwater was born in Bristol in the same year the Vietnam War ended, making her part of Generation X. She spends her days managing Raw Space Coworking and, in her spare time, enjoys doing what everyone lists on their dating profiles—hiking, swimming, and more. She has a mild addiction to charity shopping, a fondness for The Ned, and a passion for organising street parties.
