You might have noticed that earlier on today we published a review of the Les Miserables 25th anniversary concert at the O2. You might have noticed we quite liked it. The BBC very kindly showed a documentary of Matt Lucas' journey as he prepared for the role of Monsieur Thernardier at the concert. Jolly good he was in the role as well, and seems like such a lovely guy. The documentary itself could have had a bit more behind the scenes stuff, but other than that it was fab. We still quite didn't get caught by the camera, then again it would be wrong of us to hog the limelight. Once seen never forgotten, dontcha know, and we weren't the stars this time.
So, good programme, one to save and rewatch. However, we do have an issue with one aspect which keeps coming up time and again within the context of these wonderful celebrations. Susan bloody Boyle. Why should we have an issue with her, you ask? It's not HER as a person we have an issue with. It's how she is, for whatever reason, now inextricably linked to this amazing musical, just because she sang a song from it as an audition piece. Badly, if you ask our opinion.
It's a weird irony that, just because of the way she looks and her personal history, she is considered better than she is. We have honestly heard better in any average community choir. She is untrained and can hold a note. But she is always half a beat or more ahead of the music, her phrasing and breathing is appalling and she does not emote songs in a believable way. Simon Cowell simply saw pound signs the moment she set foot on stage; a sob story to cash in on and a slightly unstable person to capitalise on. She's a cheap option. she can sell millions of records, especially in the USA where a sob story sells more. Lonely virgin from the remote Scottish isles? Pure gold. But as she can never sustain a full tour schedule - no self respecting doctor would allow it - she's never going to cost much to 'operate'. And the gen pop are far too ready to accept - or be brainwashed into believing - that this woman is something special. She isn't. She should be very proud of herself and she has achieved more than the average person could dream of. But lets face it; if she was in a 'more acceptable' package, with a stable job and a good set of teeth, her voice would not be considered that of 'an angel'.
It may well be a positive thing that she has brought new audiences to Les Mis - whether that is true or not is debatable - but the fact she is now linked to this musical for posterity is wrong! She is not, and never will be in the same league as the likes of Ruthie Henshall, Rebecca Caine, Michael Ball, Colm Wilkinson et al, she's just a little footnote that has been made big...and used, unfortunately, to sell the musical as well as earn Syco megabucks.
We wish her well. But don't like to see anyone taken advantage of. Also, we don't like being patronised into thinking she is marvellous and an undiscovered gem. She isn't - and we have heard the best, the ones who have worked hard for and deserve all the accolades that accompany being part of this great production.
Rant over.
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