Acclaimed Director and playwright Jonathan Holloway is bringing his adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables, to the Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans. This much-loved tale sees prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean, released from jail and beginning his bitter struggle for redemption. At his heels is his nemesis, the ruthless, uncompromising policeman Javert, whose life’s work is to recapture Valjean.
The production, launching on 6th June, will be the opening show of this summer’s Roman Theatre Open Air Festival produced by OVO and promises to be a gripping and timeless ensemble drama. Audiences will get to take in this epic story of love, injustice, and atonement in the stunning grounds of the UK’s oldest producing theatre, for a magical theatre experience under the stars.
Seen first at the Edinburgh Fringe almost 20 years ago, Jonathan said: “Now is the right time to bring back my adaptation of Les Misérables, and with a talented cast and outstanding crew I hope the audience have the same cathartic experience as their predecessors did two decades ago.” he continued “It’s a good story. Full of people at the rough end of society’s stick. There is a human impulse towards co-operation and happiness. It’s in our nature.”
Riot and revolution are in the air for a punchy and deeply moving performance. Jonathan founded multi-award-winning touring company Red Shift and reinvented classics, made crowd-embedded performances, pocket musicals and circuses, as well as writing numerous works for the BBC. Jonathan concluded, “The setting of the Roman Theatre adds so much to the production for both cast and audience. It needs a big setting to create a canvas of emotion and atmospherics.”
OVO’s Artistic Director, Adam Nichols said: “Jonathan’s directorial debut with OVO was in the stars and his renowned work is a fitting way to launch our summer festival.” The cast welcomes Cameron Robertson (Julius Caesar, UK Tour) who plays fugitive and hero Jean Valjean; while Graeme Rose (1984, Creation Theatre, Oxford) takes the role of hostile antagonist Inspector Javert.
Jacob Powell (Barflies Tales, The Cockpit) steps into the role of young student Marius and Paul; while Laura Anna-Mead (Call the Midwife, BBC) plays tragic Fantine and free-spirited Cosette. Ralph Bolland (Caligula, Donmar Warehouse) will be playing the nefarious Monsieur Thénardier, with Madeleine Joseph (Emmerdale, ITV) completing the ensemble as antagonist Madame Thénardier and her daughter Éponine – torn between criminality and respectability.
For the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival programme and to book tickets for Les Misérables,, which runs until 21st June, go to www.ovo.org.uk
An aerial view of the Roman Ampitheatre with modern day St Albans in the background
