Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular opens at ICC Sydney this month

Cameron Mackintosh’s record-breaking West End musical been turned into an arena production, Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular.
It will play in Australia for five weeks only, showing at ICC Sydney Theatre in April.
Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, Michael Ball and Matt Lucas are among the cast.
READ MORE: Things to do in Sydney in April 2025

Cameron Mackintosh’s London production of Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical and still plays to sell-out audiences to this day—even as it enters its record-breaking 40th year. In celebration of this milestone, the British theatre producer created a spectacular arena production of the musical, which has played to sold-out arenas across the UK and other major cities in Europe.

This month, it arrives in Australia, playing in Sydney before transferring to Melbourne and Brisbane. Here are all the details.

What is Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular?

The world-famous musical, which has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide, has been reimagined for larger venues so even more people can experience the excitement of this beloved production. If you’re one of the few who haven’t yet seen it, however, here’s what you need to know.

The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 classic and is a timeless testament to human spirit and endurance. Set in early 19th-century France, Les Mis follows Jean Valjean, a French peasant who is released in 1815 after 19 years imprisonment. He starts a new life in disguise but is followed by a police inspector, Javert, as well as his criminal past for decades. Alongside his tumultuous tale, characters are swept into a revolutionary time in France. It’s an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption.

You’ll know the songs, no doubt. I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own and One More Day are just some of the titles on the epic soundtrack. They had another revival in 2012 following the release of the epic film, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anna Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne and many others.

*Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular will play at ICC Sydney Theatre in April. (Image supplied).*

An all-star cast

Taking to the stage at ICC Sydney’s theatre, the extraordinary arena production boasts a similarly star-studded cast with international Les Mis stars and an orchestra of more than 65 musicians.

Tony Award-winner and international recording artist Alfie Boe became an overnight star when he played Jean Valjean in the 25th anniversary concert at the O2 in London in 2010, establishing his reputation as one of Britain’s best leading men. He’s led the West End and Broadway productions, and will share the role of Valjean with Killian Donnelly, one of Britain’s top musical theatre stars. Donnelly has worked with Cameron Mackintosh before as Valjean in Les Mis and the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. He even starred in the Les Misérables movie alongside Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.

Michael Ball, meanwhile, made his West End debut as Marius in the original 1985 London production—and again in the 10th anniversary concert. He played the role of Javert in 2019, starring opposite Alfie Boe in the stage and concert versions. He is one of Britain’s undisputed musical theatre legends, as well as a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist.

Comedian, author, presenter and TV presenter, Matt Lucas, is best known for his appearances on Little Britain, but he triumphed in the role of Thénardier in the 25th anniversary concert at London’s O2. He reprises his role in the Australian arena spectacular. He’ll star opposite Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior, as Madame Thénardier. Early in her career, she appeared in Cameron’s landmark Australian production of Cats in 1985, followed by Cosette in the original Australian production of Les Mis and Christine in the original Phantom of the Opera.

Fantine will be played by internationally-acclaimed theatre and music artist Rachelle Ann Go, who played it to critical acclaim in the West End and on tours across Asia, the UK and Ireland.

Years in the making

The idea for the Les Misérables World Arena Tour was first discussed more than 18 years ago by Cameron Mackintosh and Nick Grace after the success of a short European tour.

Grace is one of the world’s leading producers who has presented shows in 60 countries worldwide in the past 25 years. His shows include Batman Live – World Arena Tour, Blue Man Group World Tour and the ongoing Mamma Mia! UK and international tour. The concept, book, music and French lyrics are by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg who created the first musical stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic.

The critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables continues to play at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End, and will this October celebrate its 40^th revolutionary year.

FAQs

Where and when can I see Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular?

Making its Australian debut this autumn, you can see Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular in Sydney at the ICC Theatre from April 30 until May 11. It will then move to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from May 14 until May 25, and finish at Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre from May 28 until June 1.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available to buy at ticketek.com.au with prices starting from $79 for C Reserve seats with a partially obstructed view. Various prices are available, including $99 B Reserve, $159 A Reserve and $229 Premium seats. ‘Hot Seats’ are available for $323-$393 and hospitality packages come in at $535-$585. Depending on how much you want to splash the cash.

How do I travel to the ICC Sydney Theatre?

By train: the nearest station is Central Station. Take the Eddy Avenue exit and proceed down George Street, Hay Street and then turn right at Tumbalong Boulevard to find the ICC Sydney Theatre. Alternatively, alight at Town Hall and take the Bathhurst Street or Druitt Street exit, then walk down to Tumbalong Park which is adjacent to the theatre.

By light rail: the nearest stop is Exhibition Centre. You can take the Light Rail to and from Central Station.

By car: ICC Sydney has two car park facilities within the Exhibition Centre and ICC Sydney Theatre, the closest being Car Park 2. Additionally, there are secure car parks located in and around Darling Harbour, including Wilson Harbourside Car Park and Wilson Darling Square Car Park.