Watch Michael Ball's spine-tingling return to Les Miserables 35 years on in London

22 August 2019, 17:24 | Updated: 23 August 2019, 11:50

Michael Ball wowed theatre-goers in London last night, as he made a return to the musical that started his career 35 years ago.

The legendary singer first found fans as romantic lead Marius in Les Miserables back in the 1980s, and Ball is now playing baddie Javert in a new concert staged version, which opened at London's Gielgud Theatre last night (August 21).

Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg spoke on stage after the show, and wondered whether Michael was still able to reach the high notes for Marius. 

Watch the amazing moment that Michael proved he could indeed still do it and then some, while his old pal Alfie Boe joined him.

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert stars Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Michael Ball as Javert, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, and Matt Lucas as Thenardier.

The staging of the musical—previously seen in London at the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena—started performances on August 10, and will run through to November 30.

For three performances a week, the role of Jean Valjean will also be played by John Owen-Jones, while the artists will be backed by an orchestra of over 65 players.

The original London production temporarily finished performances on July 13, when the theatre closed for four months for restoration work.

The restored Queen’s Theatre will reopen as the Sondheim Theatre in December, with a new staging of Les Misérables.