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Meet the cast of 'Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular'

Five lead actors from the blockbuster production at Radio City Music Hall discuss their histories with the revolutionary show, highlights of the tour, and more.

Gillian Russo
Written byGillian Russo

Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular could also be called Les Mis: All Stars. The concert staging at Radio City Music Hall — the last stop on a major 40th-anniversary world tour — boasts an onstage company of over 65, including orchestra players, ensemble members, and a main cast stacked with veterans of Les Mis productions from across the world.

The full principal cast includes Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, and Gerónimo Rauch alternating as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden and Jeremy Secomb alternating as Javert, Samantha Barks as Fantine, Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, Shan Ako as Éponine, Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras, Philip Quast as the Bishop of Digne, and Rob Madge as Bamatabois.

Many of these alums have grown into various Les Mis roles over years and even decades. Quast, for example, is one of the musical's all-time great Javerts, having first played the part in 1997. Jaden started out as Enjolras in 2015 before stepping into Javert's shoes. And in 2012, Barks gained widespread fame for playing Éponine in the movie adaptation after making her West End debut in the role.

The list goes on, and many of the actors' histories with Les Mis began long before they ever performed in the show themselves. Countless theatre kids cite Les Mis as a "gateway musical" — one that got them into theatre at large — and cherish its story and songs throughout their own lives. This cast comprises the lucky few who've gone from singing along with a Les Mis cast album to singing at Radio City, but they represent a global fanbase that ensures the musical will always live on for one day more.

Before The Arena Concert Spectacular closes August 9, five of its leads shared via email their favorite Les Mis experiences, their own gateway shows, and which mega-musical they want to see on the Radio City stage next.

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Gerónimo Rauch

Samantha Barks

Matt Lucas

Jeremy Secomb

Christian Mark Gibbs

Gerónimo Rauch

First Les Mis experience: The first time I saw Les Mis was watching the VHS of the 10th anniversary concert and that changed my life completely.

Gateway musical: My first show as a professional performer was 26 years ago at Les Misérables in Buenos Aires.

Favorite Les Mis song: "Bring Him Home" is that song that changed my life forever, but also I enjoy a lot "[Valjean's] Soliloquy."

Co-star you're starstruck by: Having the chance to be sharing the stage with Philip Quast is a proper treat for this journey.

Radio City's next musical should be: The Phantom of the Opera

Gerónimo Rauch

Samantha Barks

First Les Mis experience: The first time I saw Les Mis was in the West End; I was 16 and I had never seen anything like it, I just remember the great depth of the stories and I was so deeply moved!

Gateway musical: Wicked was the show I heard and made me think I wanted to be in musical theatre!!

Favorite Les Mis song: "On My Own" will always be my favourite Les Mis song because it’s so special to me personally as it’s the role that changed my life!!

Co-star you're starstruck by: I was most starstruck by Patti LuPone [the original Fantine, who made a guest appearance on opening night]. Getting to sing "I Dreamed a Dream" with her was such a moment, she is the OG!!

Radio City's next musical should be: On the topic of Patti, I would love to hear Evita in that space, I just love that score so much!!

Samantha Barks

Matt Lucas

First Les Mis experience: My mum saw the original production at the Barbican in London in 1985, and had a cassette which would be played repeatedly in the car on long journeys. I learned the songs and then went with some friends to see the show at the Palace Theatre in 1987 for my 13th birthday. I remember enjoying it, though I was slightly disappointed that "Little People" — Gavroche’s jolly, catchy song — had been cut. I was also mystified that Gavroche, that night, was played by an adult woman. I still loved it.

Gateway musical: Oliver!, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Les Mis

Favorite Les Mis song: I think it’s a tie between "The People's Song" and "One Day More." Both so rousing and passionate.

Co-star you're starstruck by: Philip Quast. And I bet everyone else in the cast says the same! Earlier in the tour Peter Polycarpou — who was in the original production — played the Bishop, and I felt the same way.

Radio City's next musical should be: Jesus Christ Superstar

Matt Lucas

Jeremy Secomb

First Les Mis experience: I was about 18 or 19. My parents went to Brisbane to see the 1st Australian tour. They didn’t take me but they [bought] the album there and I started listening to it from then on.

Gateway musical: Mine was Sweeney Todd, my older brother worked backstage on his high school production. It made an impression on me but I wanted to be ON STAGE.

Favorite Les Mis song: It has to be "Epilogue." It’s an amazing number.

Co-star you're starstruck by: Philip Quast. He was the person that I looked up to the most. I’ve been lucky enough to work with him a few times, but to work on this with him is very special. Legend.

Radio City's next musical should be: I would love to see a concert version of West Side Story with a full symphony orchestra and an all-star cast.

Jeremy Secomb

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Christian Mark Gibbs

First Les Mis experience: The first version of Les Mis I experienced was the musical movie. I didn't grow up going to Broadway musicals. In 2015, I was speaking with a friend when the topic of Les Mis came up. I said I'd heard of the musical, but never seen it. She bought me the DVD of the movie for my birthday that year.

After watching it, I instantly understood why the musical was loved so much. I was able to put into context some of the songs I had heard before and realized why my friend reacted the way they did. I am grateful they took a moment to bring me that experience!

Gateway musical: I can only answer this question by naming two musicals. In 3rd grade, my elementary school in Queens, NY put on a truncated version of Aida. I have always had a special relationship with that musical.

The first Broadway musical I ever experienced live was in high school. We received free tickets to see Wicked and that show changed something in me. I remember the experience of being in that audience and seeing this musical on stage for the first time. I knew the music from listening to the soundtrack so much. That day, I knew the path I chose to pursue was the right one.

Favorite Les Mis song: I feel like I'm supposed to say "Do You Hear the People Sing?," haha. The thing is, my "favorite" song changes all the time. That's what makes this musical so special. One moment it's "Stars," the next moment it's "Bring Him Home," etc.

I must say, the song I love performing the most is "One Day More". It is by far one of the best Act 1 closing moments ever written!

Co-star you're starstruck by: One of the greatest things about performing with these alums with such a vast history with this show is everyone is kind, and it feels like I'm performing with longtime friends though we just met. I often sit and take in the moment when watching my colleagues perform at the highest level.

It is an honor to watch Alfie Boe sing with such great force. In that same breath, Philip Quast sounds like a million bucks. I listened to Bradley Jaden's Enjolras when learning the role, and it has been a great honor to share this moment with him. He performs Javert with one of the most legendary Javerts in the cast, Philip Quast. It's one of those surreal moments where I won't fully grasp the magnitude until after it's done. This is a very, very special moment of my career!

Radio City's next musical should be: The Phantom of the Opera, Dreamgirls, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Aida, Candide, Sweeney Todd, Jekyll and Hyde

Get Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular tickets now.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Photo credit: Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular. (Photos by Daniel Boud, Danny Kaan, and Matthew Murphy)

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Christian Mark Gibbs

Frequently asked questions

When and what time are the performances?

Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 9th, 2026

Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, with select matinees in the afternoon.

What kind of show is this?

A fully sung-through concert version of Les Misérables, with theatrical lighting, projections, and live orchestration—presented on an arena-scale stage that fills the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Where is the venue located?

Radio City Music Hall sits at 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020, between 50th & 51st Streets, within Rockefeller Center.

How long is the performance?

Approximately 2hr 10min. – 2hr 30min. Incl. intermission.

Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility or hearing needs?

Yes. The venue offers ADA-compliant seating, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices.

What should I wear?

Smart-casual or theatre-ready evening attire. Think elegant but comfortable.

Is the show suitable for all ages?

Recommended for Ages 10+. Children aged 2 and above require a ticket.