Les Misérables - Sondheim Theatre

They'll definitely still make that claim. There was a week and a half gap between the Barbican and the Palace - and then almost a week between the Palace and the Queens (closed on a Saturday reopened the following Saturday). The Gielgud season has been announced as the vague - end of July - but I'd expect them to want to gap to be less than two weeks.

No surprise at all that he's using the 2009 version - for all the reasons mentioned above However, the most interesting thing, to me at least, is having said that the original will close on 13 July and the new will open in December with "a brilliant company" which is being assembled now - the press release says: "LES MISÉRABLES will continue in performance [no mention of which production] on Shaftesbury Avenue with exciting plans being announced shortly for a four-month season at the Gielgud Theatre". I'm sure that Mackintosh has a trick or two up his sleeve - perhaps some curious hybrid semi-staged production directed by himself (oh how he loves a co-creator credit) - I can see the PR spin now - "the only time you will ever be able to see this very special version". And rather than a revolving stage - a revolving cast of favourites from the last 35 years moving into new roles - I mean who doesn't want to see man of the moment Nick Jonas giving us his Javert? Let's start placing bets now.

How is the revolve these days? are they still using the double revolve or has that been faded out. Is the revolve still performing perfectly or is it that that needs retiring? The tour production does have it's moments but does not have any overall cohesive look or theatrical language. The original, love it or hate, was very clear.

But with the original production moving next door to the Gielgud, do I wait for the final performance there to say goodbye to the barricades?? I'm already going in February... that will be my 34th time seeing it, the first time was in 1986.

Does anyone know if Linzi Hateley replaced Frances Ruffelle or was there an Eponine inbetween?

So Phantom will become the longest running musical. You can't (although he will) redesign and redirect a show, make a fuss over how it's a new production then slot it in and claim it's the same show that's been running for 30 years.

Blimey Cam Mack you know how to make a long winded drama out of...well a long winded drama.

I for one won't miss the revolve, having discovered midway through act 1 from the Gods that it made me feel seasick. The tour was much more enjoyable for that reason at least.

I do of course want to see a Jonas triple bill now: Marius, Valjean and Javert.

I disagree. It's the same show, same producers. Running for over 30 years it's acceptable to move with the times and update mechanics etc. They aren't changing the story, the songs or characters.

but it's about the production not the piece itself. it's false advertising to say it's the same production that opened 30 years ago. no issue with restaging it, just don't try and claim it's the same show. it's noticeably different and the original creative's were not involved

I am personally disappointed that they will get rid of the revolve. I was kinda hoping that the version in Gielgud will still have the revolve (wanted to say goodbye in August). Sad.

I was being flippant!

it does seem a bit odd to me to lose one of the 'selling points' of the show (or at least an aspect it's known for!)

That saddens me, tbh.