N
The Daily Insight

Is Les Miserables the musical in French?

Author

James Olson

Updated on June 03, 2026

Les Misérables was originally written and performed in French. It premiered in Paris in 1980 but only for three months. Three years later, Cameron Mackintosh heard a recording of the concept album and decided to make an English-language musical.

People also ask, is there a French version of Les Miserables?

Ladj Ly's 2019 film Les Misérables opens on an ecstatic scene — France has just won the World Cup and happy Parisians are celebrating in the streets. The new film, Les Misérables, is not another adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel and it's definitely not a musical.

Also, who turned Les Miserables into a musical? French songwriter, Alain Boublil, had the inspiration to adapt Hugo's novel into a musical while at a performance of the musical, Oliver!, in London. When the Artful Dodger appeared on stage, the idea of Gavroche narrating the story of Les Misérables came to mind.

Furthermore, what is the story of Les Miserables musical?

Set in early 19th-century France, Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption, after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child.

Is Les Miserables appropriate for an 8 year old?

I really recommend it for kids 11 and up. We're mature enough to handle some of the scenes. The only thing I would say is that its an amazing movie, not as sappy as most people think it is. Watch out for prostitution, inappropriate people, and brutally sad parts.

Related Question Answers

Did Anne Hathaway sing in Les Miserables?

She told a story working on long "Les Miserables" rehearsals with director Tom Hooper. Jackman (Jean Valjean) and Hathaway (Fantine) sang every take live in the film, which would go on to win three Oscars (including best supporting actress for Hathaway, while Jackman was nominated for best actor).

Is Les Miserables an opera?

Operas also tend to be continuous singing, although some musicals are sung through (eg Les Misérables). These are often acknowledged for their opera-like qualities by being called "popular" or "rock" operas.

What year is Les Mis set in?

1815

Does Netflix have Les Miserables?

Beginning August 16, the 2012 adaptation of the international hit musical, Les Miserables is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. Directed by Tom Hooper, this musical is an epic historical period musical and is based on the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo.

Where was Les Miserables filmed?

Filming took place on locations in Greenwich, London, Chatham, Winchester, Bath, and Portsmouth, England; in Gourdon, France; and on soundstages in Pinewood Studios.

Why did Victor Hugo write Les Miserables?

It is thought that Victor Hugo, the author of the original novel, began to consider writing a novel about social injustice as early as 1829. [Les Misérables was not published until 1862 and was an immediate sensation.] In 1845, on the streets of Paris, he observed the same incident that triggers the novel's action.

Does Amazon Prime have Les Miserables?

Watch Les Misérables | Prime Video.

How long is the unabridged version of Les Miserables?

In many ways, I understand this. The book is LONG. The audiobook version is over 60 hours, and most print versions are well into the 1,100+ page range.

What are they fighting for in Les Miserables?

Les Misérables (2012)

The June rebellion of 1832 was an uprising in Paris against the rule of King Louis-Philippe, fuelled by economic hardship and a cholera epidemic. It was quashed, and is remembered mainly for its inclusion in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, Les Misérables.

When was Les Miserables first staged?

October 8, 1985

How did Jean Valjean get rich?

In late 1815, Jean Valjean, now using the name Madeleine, arrives in Montreuil-sur-Mer. He revolutionizes the town's manufacturing and earns a fortune, which he spends mostly for the town's good, paying for the maintenance (including required staff) of hospital beds, orphanages and schools.

Who has played Jean Valjean on stage?

Alfie Boe

Who played Jean Valjean in the original London cast?

Colm Wilkinson

Who is the cast of Les Miserables London cast?

CAST
  • Ciaran Bowling. Grantaire. Gerard Carey.
  • Richard Carson. Factory Foreman / Combeferre. Cellen Chugg Jones.
  • Matthew Dale. Swing. Matt Dempsey.
  • Harry Dunnett. Joly. Josefina Gabrielle.
  • Bradley Jaden. Javert. Jessica Joslin.
  • Lily Kerhoas. Cosette. Sarah Lark.
  • Sam Peggs. Swing / Assistant Dance Captain. Jon Robyns.
  • Mared Williams. Ensemble.

Why did Jean Valjean steal bread?

Jean Valjean, after spending nineteen years in jail and in the galleys for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family (and for several attempts to escape) is finally released, but his past keeps haunting him. At Digne, he is repeatedly refused shelter for the night.

When did Les Miserables open in London?

8 October 1985

Who wrote Les Miserables novel?

Victor Hugo

Who is the father of Fantine's baby?

Tholomyès

What was the longest running Broadway show?

The Phantom of the Opera

Who is currently in Les Miserables?

Jon Robyns will play Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden will play Javert, Gerard Carey will play Thenardier, Carrie Hope Fletcher will play Fantine, Shan Ako will play Eponine, Josefina Gabrielle will play Madame Thénardier, Ashley Gilmour will play Enjolras and and Lily Kerhoas will play Cosette.

Who was the original Eponine on Broadway?

Frances Ruffelle

What is the setting of Hamilton the musical?

In New York in 1776, Hamilton meets Aaron Burr, John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan ("Aaron Burr, Sir"), and impresses them with his rhetorical skills ("My Shot").

Who wrote Miss Saigon?

Claude-Michel Schönberg Alain Boublil

Who wrote cats?

T. S. Eliot

What is Les Miserables rated?

PG-13

How old is Les Miserables?

It premiered in Paris in 1980 but only for three months. Three years later, Cameron Mackintosh heard a recording of the concept album and decided to make an English-language musical. With the Royal Shakespeare Company, Mackintosh created the musical we know and love and staged it at the Barbican Centre in 1985.