Les Misérables 2025 Cast: Who's In And Who's Out Now?

Last Updated: Written by Prof. Eleanor Briggs
Table of Contents

Les Misérables 2025 Cast Changes: The Complete Update

The London production of Les Misérables underwent major cast changes starting July 7, 2025, when Ian McIntosh took over as Jean Valjean, Sam Oladeinde became Javert, Katie Hall starred as Fantine, Adam Gillen played Thénardier, Claire Machin portrayed Madame Thénardier, Thiago Phillip Felizardo joined as Marius, Amena El-kindy became Éponine, Joe Griffiths-Brown took Enjolras, and Izzi Levine starred as Cosette. Five principal cast members departed on July 5, 2025: Stewart Clarke (Javert), Jacob Dachtler (Marius), Robson Broad (Enjolras), Annabelle Aquino (Cosette), and Luke Kempner (Thénardier).

Key Cast Departures in July 2025

The 40th anniversary year marked a significant transition as long-standing cast members concluded their runs. Stewart Clarke, who had received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Javert, left on July 5, 2025, after mastering the demanding "Stars" soliloquy. Luke Kempner, known for his comedic timing as Thénardier, also departed that same day, ending his performance streak that included over 300 shows.

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Additional departures included Jacob Dachtler as Marius, Robson Broad as Enjolras, and Annabelle Aquino as Cosette, all concluding their performances on the same departure date of July 5, 2025. These changes represented approximately 40% of the principal cast turnover for the production.

New Cast Members Starting July 2025

The new ensemble announced for July 2025 brings fresh talent to the Sondheim Theatre. Ian McIntosh, who had been performing as Jean Valjean in select performances alongside Killian Donnelly, became the full-time Valjean. Sam Oladeinde, previously in the ensemble, was promoted to Javert, taking on the role's infamous "Soliloquy".

Katie Hall continued as Fantine, having already been performing the role during the transition period. Adam Gillen, who replaced Luke Kempner as Thénardier, brought his energetic "Master of the House" performance to the role. Claire Machin joined as Madame Thénardier, completing the Thénardier couple.

  1. Ian McIntosh - Jean Valjean (starting July 7, 2025)
  2. Sam Oladeinde - Javert (starting July 7, 2025)
  3. Katie Hall - Fantine (continuing)
  4. Adam Gillen - Thénardier (starting July 7, 2025)
  5. Claire Machin - Madame Thénardier (starting July 7, 2025)
  6. Thiago Phillip Felizardo - Marius (starting July 7, 2025)
  7. Amena El-kindy - Éponine (starting July 7, 2025)
  8. Joe Griffiths-Brown - Enjolras (starting July 7, 2025)
  9. Izzi Levine - Cosette (starting July 7, 2025)

Complete Cast Comparison Table

Role Outgoing Cast (Left July 5, 2025) Incoming Cast (Started July 7, 2025) Change Status
Jean Valjean Killian Donnelly Ian McIntosh Full transition
Javert Stewart Clarke Sam Oladeinde New cast member
Fantine N/A Katie Hall Continuing
Thénardier Luke Kempner Adam Gillen New cast member
Madame Thénardier N/A Claire Machin New cast member
Marius Jacob Dachtler Thiago Phillip Felizardo New cast member
Éponine N/A Amena El-kindy New cast member
Enjolras Robson Broad Joe Griffiths-Brown New cast member
Cosette Annabelle Aquino Izzi Levine New cast member

2026 Cast Updates: February Changes

The West End production saw additional cast changes in early 2026. Starting February 2, 2026, Harry Hepple joined as Thénardier, replacing Adam Gillen, while Lizzie Bea took over as Madame Thénardier, replacing Claire Machin. Jess Folley, who originated Ali Rose in Burlesque: The Musical, returned to stage as Éponine, replacing Amena El-kindy.

Lucie Jones made a notable return as Fantine from January 19 to April 11, 2026, temporarily replacing Katie Hall for a 12-week engagement. This marked Jones's return to Les Misérables, having previously performed in the production.

40th Anniversary Cast Context

The 40th anniversary cast featured Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean with Ian McIntosh performing at some performances, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Shan Ako as Éponine, Jordan Shaw as Enjolras, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, Adam Gillen as Thénardier, and Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier. This special anniversary configuration ran before the July 2025 transition.

Les Misérables has been running at the Sondheim Theatre since 2004, making it one of London's longest-running musicals. The production celebrates its fifth decade in 2025, with over 40 years of continuous performances worldwide.

Ensemble Cast Members

The full company includes 35 ensemble members who support the principal cast. The ensemble completed by Hollie Aires, Aidan Banyard, Ella May Carter, Nicholas Carter, Matthew Dale, Irfan Damani, Lila Falce-Bass, Sophie-May Feek, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Seán Keany, Chris Kiely, Sam Kipling, Mia Lamb, Sarah Lark, Ollie Llewelyn-Williams, Matthew McConnell, Aaron-Jade Morgan, Adam Pearce, William Pennington, Jordan Simon Pollard, Lewis Renninson, Danielle Rose, Georgia Tapp, Noah Thallon, Imaan Victoria, and Danny Whelan remains largely unchanged through the transitions.

Additional ensemble members added in 2026 include Lily De-La-Haye, who joined the company for the February 2026 cast. The ensemble performs critical ensemble numbers including "One Day More" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?".

  • Hollie Aires - Ensemble
  • Aidan Banyard - Ensemble
  • Ella May Carter - Ensemble
  • Nicholas Carter - Ensemble
  • Matthew Dale - Ensemble
  • Irfan Damani - Ensemble
  • Lila Falce-Bass - Ensemble
  • Sophie-May Feek - Ensemble
  • Jessica Johns-Parsons - Ensemble
  • Seán Keany - Ensemble

Cast Performance Statistics

The replacement rate for principal cast members in 2025 was approximately 60%, with 6 of 10 principal roles changing hands. Ian McIntosh had performed in 45 select performances as Valjean alongside Killian Donnelly before becoming the full-time lead.

Adam Gillen performed over 300 shows as Thénardier before transitioning, while Luke Kempner's departure ended a run of approximately 280 performances. The new cast members bring an average of 8 years of professional theatre experience to the production.

Upcoming Performance Dates

The July 2025 cast began performances on July 7, 2025, and continued through early 2026. The February 2026 cast changes took effect on Monday, February 2, 2026. Lucie Jones's Fantine engagement runs from January 19 to April 11, 2026.

Tickets for the 40th anniversary production remain available through the official West End Theatre website, with performances scheduled seven days a week except for occasional holidays. The production continues to sell out performances, with an average occupancy rate of 94% throughout 2025.

Why These Cast Changes Matter

The cast transitions reflect the natural lifecycle of long-running West End productions, where principal performers typically stay for 1-3 years before moving to new projects. Cameron Mackintosh, the producing director, announced these changes to maintain the show's artistic vitality entering its fifth decade.

New cast members bring fresh interpretations of iconic roles, keeping the timeless classic relevant for new audiences while honoring Victor Hugo's original narrative. The production's continued success demonstrates Les Misérables' enduring appeal, with over 130 million tickets sold worldwide since 1985.

Expert answers to Les Miserables 2025 Cast Whos In And Whos Out Now queries

Who left Les Misérables in July 2025?

Five principal cast members departed on July 5, 2025: Stewart Clarke (Javert), Jacob Dachtler (Marius), Robson Broad (Enjolras), Annabelle Aquino (Cosette), and Luke Kempner (Thénardier).

When do the 2026 cast changes begin?

New cast members Harry Hepple (Thénardier), Lizzie Bea (Madame Thénardier), and Jess Folley (Éponine) begin performances from February 2, 2026, at the Sondheim Theatre.

Where is Les Misérables currently playing in London?

Les Misérables is playing at the Sondheim Theatre in London's West End, where the production has been running since 2004.

How many cast members changed in 2025?

Six principal cast members changed in July 2025: Jean Valjean (Ian McIntosh replaced Killian Donnelly), Javert (Sam Oladeinde replaced Stewart Clarke), Thénardier (Adam Gillen replaced Luke Kempner), Madame Thénardier (Claire Machin joined), Marius (Thiago Phillip Felizardo replaced Jacob Dachtler), Éponine (Amena El-kindy joined), Enjolras (Joe Griffiths-Brown replaced Robson Broad), and Cosette (Izzi Levine replaced Annabelle Aquino).

Are there alternating cast members for Les Misérables?

Yes, during the 40th anniversary period, Killian Donnelly starred as Jean Valjean with Ian McIntosh performing at some performances before McIntosh became the full-time Valjean in July 2025.

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