Who Played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables London?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the musical Les Miserables, you may be wondering who played the iconic character Jean Valjean in the London production. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the actors who have taken on this challenging role and left their mark on audiences.

The Original Jean Valjean

The first actor to play Jean Valjean in the London production of Les Miserables was Colm Wilkinson. He originated the role in 1985 and went on to play it for over 1000 performances. Wilkinson’s powerful voice and emotional performances helped to make Les Miserables one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

The Longest-Running Jean Valjean

After Colm Wilkinson left the London production, John Owen-Jones took over as Jean Valjean in 2001. He played the role for over three years and became the longest-running actor to play Jean Valjean in London. Owen-Jones is known for his incredible vocal range and his ability to convey deep emotion through song.

The Most Recent Jean Valjean

In 2018, Alfie Boe took on the role of Jean Valjean in the London production of Les Miserables. Boe is a renowned classical tenor with a powerful voice that has earned him critical acclaim. His portrayal of Jean Valjean is both powerful and poignant, making him a fan favorite among audiences.

Other Notable Actors Who Have Played Jean Valjean

While Colm Wilkinson, John Owen-Jones, and Alfie Boe are perhaps some of the most well-known actors to play Jean Valjean in London, they are certainly not the only ones. Other notable actors who have taken on this challenging role include:

  • Michael Ball
  • Simon Bowman
  • Hans Peter Janssens
  • Earl Carpenter
  • Ramin Karimloo

In Conclusion

Jean Valjean is one of the most iconic characters in musical theater, and the actors who have played him in London have all left their mark on audiences. From Colm Wilkinson’s original portrayal to Alfie Boe’s recent performance, each actor brings something unique and special to the role. Whoever takes on the role next will have big shoes to fill, but we can’t wait to see what they bring to this timeless character.