Les Miserables - A Radio Theatre Production
Les Misérables, Victor Hugo’s beloved masterpiece, comes to life through Radio Theatre. As you listen to the audio dramatization by a cast of some of Britain's best voice actors, you become completely absorbed in the story of Jean Valjean, a man who survives the law and experiences the full extent of grace.
When we first encounter Jean Valjean, he is a criminal being released after nineteen years of penal servitude.
Or is he a criminal? True, he did steal some bread to feed his sister's starving children. For this he was sentenced to four years. True, he did try to escape three times. For this he received five more years for each attempt. Nineteen years.
The Beginning and the Turning Point
First Despair, Then Hope for Jean Valjean
If that wasn’t enough to break a man's spirit, Jean Valjean now carries identification papers that brand him as a convict, a shame from which he can never be free. His release from prison only condemns him to a life of more misery. This he soon experiences as no one will rent him a room for the night, or sell him some food. So when he is given shelter and a meal by the compassionate priest, it seems too good to be true. All that God talk. Pah.
The next morning, Jean Valjean is gone, and so is the silver. But not for long. The gendarmes bring him back to the priest with the silver and the charge of theft. He will go back to prison for life. But the priest denies that the silver is stolen. It was God's and it was freely given to this man to help him get a new start in his life. Jean Valjean can hardly believe what he hears. The priest also gives him the silver candle holders and sends him on his way with the admonition to build a new life for himself as an honest man.
The Jean Valjean that we first encounter is not likeable, but when we see him six years later, he is honest and compassionate. The priest's investment of mercy and grace has borne fruit. He is also wealthy and well-respected. His past seems to be deeply hidden. But law does not understand mercy or grace. Inspector Javert begins to suspect, and Javert is a bulldog when it comes to the law. Will he undermine all the good that has been accomplished? Will he let the letter of the law destroy lives that could be saved?
Do You Know the Story of Les Miserables?
The Perfect Present for Someone on Your Gift List
Or for Your Family Collection
The carefully crafted dramatization, powerful acting, beautiful music, and cinema quality sound make this an audio theater production to cherish. If you don't know the story of Les Miserables, do yourself a favor and listen to this. You will cry, and you will be uplifted.
Then buy it for the people on your list. It's a gift they will enjoy over and over again.
The set contains 3 CDs for a total runtime of 169 minutes. Recommended for adults, teens and children over age 8.
"Family entertainment at its best!"
Voice Talent Credits
Brian Blessed –Jean Valjean
Geoffrey Palmer – Inspector Javert
Tony Robinson – Thenardier
Toyah Willcox – Fantine Toyah
Leo McKern – M. Gillenormand
Timothy West – the Bishop of Digne
Orlando Seale – Marius
Gina Beck – Cosette
Les Misérables was directed by Philip Glassborow and produced by David Arnold. Dramatization by Philip Glassborow and Paul McCusker. A production of Focus on the Family.
