Les Miserables - Original London Cast - song segments

[@broadwaymike92]

Francis Rufelle is so talented and she will always be known as Eponine!!!

[@Len1977gt]

Is that who played her? I remember watching a performance near where I live in New York USA back in 1990.

[@dasteufelhund]

Rufelle's lonely voice is what made me fall in love with Les Miserable. Wilkinson's voice is a reminder of altruism and Michael Ball, love.

[@chiralityraven337]

Same. It was her singing this song that made me love Les Mis

[@billny33]

i loved Frances Ruffelle's voice for Eponine. It seemed like her voice was more fit for 80s pop music than Broadway, very sultry and breathy. It always sounded like she was about to cry. And that's basically where Eponine's at during the whole show so it fits.

[@HistoryTeacherSteve]

80s pop music vibe for sure. So special and great to listen to

[@taketothehill5975]

Frances is easily my favourite Eponine. Lea Salonga is a better technical singer but I think that detracts a little from the performance. The enunciation is so precise that I feel it loses touch with the actual character. Eponine in the novel is far more complex. She is somewhat broken from a life of trauma and is on the edges of sanity. I feel that come through far more clearly in Frances Ruffelle’s version. The lost child who is slightly unhinged. It’s brilliant.

[@billny33]

@@taketothehill5975 I wholeheartedly agree. I wish Frances had been in the dream cast but Lea is also so talented that it would be wrong of me to say she doesn't deserve it. However, Frances also originated the role like so many others in there.

[@BrendanJSmith]

Linzi Hateley had a very similar sound in her version of On My Own.

[@jmw939]

Her voice sounds a bit like Eponine’s voice as described in book. Only prettier of course.

[@Pretendkid]

I have no idea how human beings can possess such incredible voices as those of the original London cast....

[@ladyanne97]

Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle, Colm Wilkinson - adore them!

[@haneefjames2676]

well I met Frances and she is beatiful and can sing. she was the orignal characterin London and broadway and has made history for the character. Her voice was raw and didn't need training like others. She did a fantastic Job and won the first Tony for the role. when people listen to the song on my own ( real singers) go to the orignal song because it's sung correctly.

[@RandomNEGuy]

I saw Les Mis with my grandmother when it opened in London - one of the greatest shows ever.

[@caleb1413]

I’m jealous!

[@mskimyu]

No matter how many Eponines come and go, Frances will be the sweetest and greatest of them of all. The Original London is indeed EPIC.

[@katiehanna90]

Colm + Patti + Michael + Frances = awesomeness.

[@jelloh0530]

I saw them in New York in the 80s when I was about 8 years old, and they were perfection. As an adult, I can hear the flaws in Frances' voice, but she's still my favorite Eponine. She played her with such passion and pain and it doesn't matter whether her singing had technical issues. She embodied Eponine's sorrow and hope perfectly.

[@chiralityraven337]

Colm always stirs emotion in me. Michael, Francis.... classic cast!!

[@HeWhistledAtMe]

I do believe that the first person you see play a part is usually the one that you end up preferring. Not always, of course. Stephanie Lawrence was by far my favourite Evita but she was the third one I saw. With Frances though - as with all of the OLC of Les Mis - she (and they) will always be the benchmark for me. I had seen her in Starlight Express prior to Les Mis anyway and she was adorable in that.

[@ErinLovegood]

Frances will always be the Eponine of my heart

[@Pretendkid]

From the novel: "It was a dull, broken, hoarse, strangled voice, the voice of an old man, roughened with brandy and liquor." "And she hummed scraps of vaudevilles, as though she had been alone, frolicsome refrains which her hoarse and guttural voice rendered lugubrious.An indescribable constraint, weariness, and humiliation were perceptible beneath this hardihood. Effrontery is a disgrace."

[@rulerofthebog]

Les Mis came to Broadway just a couple months before I was born. I've literally grown up with this musical my entire life - my sisters listened to a couple different recordings of it all the time when I was small, first on tape and later on CD, and I developed a love for it at a very early age. I have a special fondness for the Original London Cast - they just knock it out of the park. Michael Ball just makes me swoon - I love seeing him so young here, with that long curly hair. What a hottie!

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

Something about Frances Ruffelle always reminded me of Edith Piaf. She had such pluck and singular character.

[@freesiaoriental]

That's exactly what the creators had in mind when they cast her for the role, actually. She supposed to sound like a street singer. Fits the character better

[@DarthxErik]

Les Mis is not just a musical. It is... one of the biggest loves of my life.

[@kamwrites]

Going through Les Miz vids and comments: I'll never understand why people expect perfection. Frances was everything Eponine was supposed to be. She wasn't the beauty who won hearts, she was the street rat, still very much a child, with a raspy voice from a hard life who fell in love with someone above her station. Good grief, she was a Thenardier! She's not supposed to be the standout, she's supposed to be someone we can relate to and have sympathy for...unlike Cossette, who is quite dull IMO.

[@holden6104]

Thank you. I personally think Lea Salonga was a horrible casting decision for all the reasons you've stated in support of Frances. The original London cast was flawless.

[@bookemdano7567]

And Thank You! I always felt that I am in the minority about Lea Salonga as Eponine. She has a great voice and is wonderful as Kim, but, she’s just not Eponine to me ( and she’s even worse as Fantine) She’s too “perfect” with no emotion. She tries to show emotion with her face, but, it comes off fake to me. Frances IS Eponine. She has so much emotion in every single word she sings. And her voice is unique, where as other Eponine’s are a dime a dozen. There was a time, back, in the first 5 years or so of the show, that every girl playing Eponine would try to imitate Frances. Now it’s sad that On My Own and many other songs from Les Mis are sung as power ballads like they are auditioning for American Idol. The youth of today feel that if you aren’t belting/ yelling to the rafters, you’re not a good singer.

[@melizmatea]

I agree, except I think she was a stand-out! She was so adorable, and really evoked pathos.I gotta say, I think she was beautiful - I don't know how anyone could say otherwise - almost too beautiful for Eponine - much prettier than Cosette.

[@chinatipodeesamer2776]

Nathan Topik You shut up.

[@mikekaraoke]

Kamwrites you said: Frances was everything Eponine was supposed to be. She wasn't the beauty who won hearts! I hope you are joking but if not, I totally disagree with you Frances to me and many many others think she rather pretty.

[@24morgy]

I've just had the pleasure of seeing Frances Ruffelle playing Edith Piaf in the play 'Piaf'. She was well suited to the character and her acting and singing were PERFECTION! pretty hot too!

[@Klskcs1]

It made my day to see Michael Ball and Frances Ruffelle singing One Day More!

[@cloudbusting.heights]

I totally agree. Roger Allam is my favorite Javert. But it is so hard to find earlier video footage of Roger Allam as Javert. It's so frustrating!

[@soulfuldreamer03]

In awe. What I'd give to see a full recording of the original production!

[@HeWhistledAtMe]

Oh I absolutely love David Burt (OLC Enjolras). I first saw him as Magaldi in Evita, then Munkustrap in Cats. Michael Maguire was awesome and very good looking (and tall) but Burty will always be my absolute favourite :)

[@DoveCalderwood]

I think it's nice that a few members of this particular cast are getting cameos in the film version (Colm Wilkinson as The Bishop, Frances Ruffelle as one of the "Lovely Ladies")

[@missbroadfoot]

frances' version is by far the best i have heard! lea salonga is good but frances sings like an angel! beautiful song :)

[@richpaulfive]

I was in New York at one of the original showings, it was amazing!!! After the play they auctioned off a white robe which they wear in between scenes which I bought and have to this day! I also had the opportunity to meet some of that amazing cast at that time as well. Amazing!! Can't wait till Christmas Day to see the movie.

[@Reverend_Kane]

After watching clips from the upcoming film of the musical which I've waited my entire life for and being disappointed in the singing, I am relieved to be able to come here and find this which I have never seen on YT before. Thank you for posting it.

[@annflanders5618]

love love love colm's voice

[@Euroviking86]

Three members of the original cast of Les Miserables took part in Eurovision! Two for the UK and one for Ireland.

[@Sundybell777]

No film nor skating can do justice to one of the greatest classic novels like the Les Miz the musical can. Thanks MUCH for this video 'cause I've always wanted to watch the original cast performing this epic musical and wasn't able to find it until now.

[@zagm9621]

Eponine

[@AngelLittleMerman]

Frances Ruffelle is the original and will always be Eponine! Haters shut up!

[@MegaTaraNator]

That Eponine's voice is perfect. As an 11 year old I wanted to sing like her. As a 35 year old I want the same thing. Frances Ruffelle is perfection in my opinion just like her counterpoint, Michael Ball. No one can even come close to his Marius.

[@melizmatea]

Frances was the best Eponine, I don't care with anyone else says!

[@copielover]

frances is beautiful both apperance and voice

[@mreffen1]

@321rayofsunshine123 As I recall it's: - Drink With Me with Peter Polycarpou - On My Own - Frances Ruffelle - Bring Him Home - Colm Wilkinson in Broadway rehearsal - One Day More - Michael Ball and cast from London

[@james14joe]

i like eponine on the symphonic recording best and that has been the best recording so far also the second look down is now called paris and has word changes when gavroche sings plus some songs where rushed

[@gustavomatias4870]

They could record a commemorative studio album as a new symphonic recording complete with the Original 1985 British cast (audio only)

[@kennethdavies5598]

That would be nice! After all these years I still prefer the original London cast.

[@gustavomatias4870]

@@kennethdavies5598 i too I love the drums in On my own in the original version

[@KlaineHummelson]

Oh my gosh, I went to see Les Mis on the west end two years ago, it still rotates now! x

[@HeWhistledAtMe]

Thank you so much for not judging me. It means a lot.

[@NelenaLoveForever95]

I love it!!! Frances, Lea and Samantha for me are the BEST EPONINE that I've ever hear in Les Miz

[@lloydchristmas4547]

Never gets old. Amazing.

[@lora0494]

amazing Colm Wilkinson :o

[@mikekaraoke]

Ahhhh the decade of the Mega Musicals. love the 80's! Others comes to mind like: Cats, Starlight Express, Mutiny, Dave Clark's "Time", Chess, Miss Saigon....etc + ones that were not Mega Musicals which were/are hits from the 80's like: Blood Brothers, Little Shop of Horrors, Bugsy Malone, Sunday in the Park with George.....etc

[@cardamom7]

his jewel headband and les mis sweatshirt outfit was also amazing.

[@ladyanne97]

I love this cast.

[@sunrazor33]

That was a good video!

[@Fula101]

I like the original london cast.

[@amangkalikasan]

i love frances voice for the role of eponine. Frances really did gave justice to the song and to the role of eponine. It's perfect because she sounds and acts like a naive girl...

[@321rayofsunshine123]

Can anybody give me the order of songs and singers?? PLEASE?!?!?!

[@dietayler8350]

I’m just tryna see the original gavroche man why is it so hard to find it

[@justtim]

Colm looks SO young!

[@kategirdlestone50]

Roger Allam is such an underrated Javert

[@mjjago]

Kate Girdlestone Agreed. Cliver Carter in the video here though.

[@katiehanna90]

This is magical.

[@artiewalker2660]

Michael Ball IS older in some videos cos he was filmed years later.

[@billny33]

its Frances Ruffelle, the girl in this video. She was the best too.

[@SingPlayWrite999]

What I want to see is a performance where there's a Eponine like Frances Ruffelle and a Cosette like Katie Hall. Both these actresses took the characters to a new level; Frances completely played Eponine like the miserable street urchin she is, and Katie plays Cosette as a love-struck teenager, rather than a stiff, perfect child.

[@molblargio]

Drink with me to days gone by.....and yet Les Mis has yet to die

[@georgevalco215]

Colm and Michael ....still the best!!

[@PaulTheillusionist]

Awesome!

[@mishael53]

Completely agree. She is the best.

[@JavertRA]

Anyone know Javert is here in the One Day More segment? Think it's Clive Carter, but I'm not sure.

[@shaybean54]

Colm is fucking awesome.

[@KatThePuppyGirl]

I still do want to see it... :)

[@BrendanJSmith]

Okay, how come bootleg footage of Les Mis in the '80s is so hard to find??

[@caleb1413]

It would have much harder back then to find good recording equipment that you could sneak into a theatre, sadly.

[@BrendanJSmith]

@@caleb1413 but we have footage of Into the Woods, Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, and many more of its contemporaries.

[@macy2nene]

actually i jst saw the movie and it was so good! i loved it! i ♥ the song "castle on the clouds" :)

[@Gailbert11]

I wish i saw them live! but i didnt :O so i guess your right because it matters in live more..

[@musicalmaniac1000]

Me too!!!! Such a wonderful character. :')

[@TheLadyjazzy1]

Best Version Ever!! Nothing like the original!!

[@ts1228uki]

I love that Colm's wearing Les mis jumper :)

[@SparksfromtheAnvil]

I enjoyed the movie interpretation on its own terms; but I agree that there is a raw magic to the stage version that can't be duplicated. Also loved the revolving turntable stage (which they dispensed with in the 25th anniversary tour, sadly) and the innovative use of it to great effect.

[@TheKatHan101]

I like Frances Ruffelle...

[@108chaitea]

where can I see the whole thing??

[@reneliciouss]

Colm

[@SingitHosking]

The biggest dream of my life is to play Eponine. Even on a small stage

[@Gracie0918]

I really love "Les Mis"

[@lesmizfanatic90]

shame on anyone who says lea michele does the best on my own. she has a fantastic voice but in no way compares to the pain and sorrow in frances' voice. frances is eponine. lea salonga and samantha barks (i adore both) will always have to live in that shadow

[@Vongaro]

Good lord, Colm Wilkinson! Great voice but what is going on with his hair and what is that string thing he has tied around his head?!

[@EpoRose1]

@Vongaro I think it's his mike.

[@amyclarke41]

Despite the title it's actually not too miserable

[@sav1472]

amy clarke Eponine was Miserable

[@WaterBottle1998]

Oh Colm Wilkinson bow to The Lord of Jean ValJean!

[@urwis76]

this "string thing" holds the small microphone he has on his forehead.... :)

[@yuehchiu16623]

Do anyone know who is the singer in 0:45? I'm fall in love with his voice!

[@mreffen1]

Ponie Chiu That is a young Peter Polycarpou who can also be heard as John in the original London Cast recording of Miss Saigon. He has also played the Phantom on the West End stage.

[@pqfan3608]

Who was playing Javert in this clip?

[@beccaw74]

i love the guy, who i think plays marius, hair.

[@Ambie1234Jade]

What's wrong with Francis Rufelle's accent?

[@Velizvalenzuela]

You are right. The original performers are somehow the bests because they put a part of them in their characters. However, I have to say that I prefer the originals Enjolras and Javert from Broadway. And I think both Rebecca Caine and Judy Kuhn are amazing Cosettes.

[@kiranaylor2865]

i love the song red and black

[@KatThePuppyGirl]

Really? Cool! :3 I want to see that for my birthday... :3 I wish I could go to london though.

[@Mistardmuster]

I used to have this fantasy Les Mis cast with Stevie Nicks as Eponine. After seeing Frances, I wish that had really happened.

[@mreffen1]

On the other hand I think Miss Saigon could make a great movie. It's filmable. All they have to do is cast it well and film it competently.

[@ReilaKun]

Well, as far as casting for something based on the book, it was perfect. Eponine's voice in the book was supposed to be that way. It isn't perfect, it isn't always pretty, and that's good because she isn't perfect or pretty. I believe they probably had that in mind in casting Frances as the first 'Ponine. Personally, she's my favorite for that very reason.

[@littlemissdipsy]

i know everyone is saying the movie cast are the perfect cast but to me the origional cast were always the best cast

[@HowDoYouDo87]

PBS had a recording of this whole show they broadcast and I had the VHS growing up. I hate that I can't seem to find it anywhere!

[@zigfried64]

I have a soundboard recording of the Original Broadway Cast that is quite amazing. It is better than the cast recording!

[@sharonjohnson1909]

Incredible! Couldn't DISAGREE WITH YOU MORE. (Lynn Ross).

[@andrephan96]

1:44 OMG, she is so cute *-*

[@baberuth2010]

ahh man i was hoping to see the original thernadiers. is there anywhere i can find this full version????

[@1288358]

The Bishop isn't a silent role. Plus, the film's plot is modified slightly so there are even more lines for the Bishop than in the stage production.

[@MajorNeirLex]

Hey, Clive Carter was already playing Javert and Peter Polycarpou was already playing Grantaire, so this was after first Cast Change in reality [s]which was still most of the original cast anyways xD[ /s]

[@mjjago]

And Dave Willetts has taken over from Colm in the stage footage so I assume that Bring Him Home is for Washington rehearsals