Special Sub-Topic: "Master Of The House" : "Les Mis" DVD Act One Click Here To Play: "Master Of The House" : "Les Mis" DVD Act One

What year does the "Prologue" begin with "Look Down"?

1815. The story focuses on a convict, Jean Valjean. He is released from the chain gang after nineteen years, for stealing a loaf of bread. We are also introduced to Inspector Javert. Colm Wilkinson, in the DVD, played Jean Valjean.

In "Valjean's soliloquy", how does he describe his heart?

Stone. Valjean had difficulty finding work, and was taken in by the Bishop of Digne. He tried to run away with the Bishop's candlesticks but was caught. But instead of telling the police to jail Valjean, the Bishop lied and said he had given them to Valjean. He told Valjean he must make a new life for himself. Valjean becomes Monsieur Madeleine.

In "At the End of the Day", what are the workers counting?

Their blessings. Monsieur Madeleine now owns many factories and has become Mayor. One of his workers, Fantine, has a secret illegitimate child, whom she is hiding from the other workers. The other workers demand Fantine's dismissal when they discover this. In the DVD, Ruthie Henshall plays Fantine.

In "I Dreamed a Dream", how did Fantine dream God would be?

Forgiving. Fantine remembers a time when she was in love with her child's father. Her child is called Cosette. Cosette's father soon left Fantine. In desperation, Fantine goes to work on the streets, selling herself.

In "Lovely Ladies", what profession of men sing first?

Sailors. Fantine sells her hair and her locket. She gets into a fight with a prospective customer, and is about to be taken to prison.

In "Fantine's Arrest", for how long does Javert say he has heard protestations from the likes of Fantine?

Twenty years. Javert appears to sort out the argument. He, of course, is on the side of the prospective customer. Fantine pleads forgiveness, and tells him about her child. Monsieur Madeleine arrives on the scene and demands Fantine be taken to hospital instead. The mayor also rescues a man, who is trapped under a runaway cart. Philip Quast plays Javert in the DVD.

In "The Runaway Cart", how many years does Javert say Valjean, the convict, has been on the run?

Ten years. When Javert sees Monsieur Madeleine release the trapped man, he is reminded of Jean Valjean - prisoner 24601 - who has escaped justice for many years. He sets a trap for the Mayor by saying that Valjean has recently been caught.

In "Who am I?", if Valjean speaks the truth, what is he?

Condemned. Valjean cannot let another be jailed for his crime. He tells Javert his real name before he escapes his clutches yet again. I think the way Colm Wilkinson finishes the last lines of the song - "Who am I? 24601!" - is brilliant!

In "Fantine's Death", Fantine is dying, and dreams she is with her beloved daughter again. Which star does Fantine say is appearing?

Evening star. Valjean promises that he will take care of Cosette; he is with Fantine until she dies. Javert enters again; at last he has caught Valjean.

In "The Confrontation", how many days does Valjean ask Javert for, then he will return?

Three days. Javert is unforgiving; he is determained to see Valjean back in the chain gang, where he belongs. He knows what Valjean is - Javert was also born in a jail and brought up with scum like Valjean.

In "Castle on a Cloud", in Cosette's dreams, what colour does the lady wear, who sings her a lullaby?

White. Hannah Chick plays young Cosette in the DVD. She lives with the Thénardiers, as a drudge. She is not treated well by them. In the DVD, a balloon pops between the lines: "I know a place where no one cries, Crying at all is not allowed, not in my castle on a cloud." You can see Hannah jump visibly but she carries on with the song.

In "Master of the house", which line DOES NOT appear in the song?

"Jesus! Won't we see you all in hell!". This line appears in "Beggars at the Feast", in act two. Alun Armstrong plays Thénardier, while Jenny Galloway plays Mme. Thénardier in the DVD. In my opinion, they are fantastic characters - maybe not nice characters but they bring a comic element into the show! Valjean buys Cosette off them for fifteen hundred francs, and takes her home with him.

In "Look Down", what is the name of Gavroche's patch?

Saint Michele. Adam Searles plays Gavroche in the DVD. He is part of a street gang. There is great unrest in Paris, as General Lamarque, the only man left in the Government who shows any feeling for the poor, is dying.

In "Stars", which angel does Javert mention?

Lucifer. This is one of Javert's big solo numbers. He swears by the stars that he will bring Valjean to justice, and behind bars again.

In "ABC Café/Red and Black", where does Combeferre say the sections are prepared?

At Notre Dame. At the ABC café, a group of idealistic students prepare for the revolution, which is sure to happen when Lamarque dies. The leader is Enjolras. There is also Marius, who is late for the meeting. Marius seems distracted with thoughts of the mysterious Cosette. Gavroche enters the café, and announces Larmarque's death.

In "Do you Hear the People Sing?" who sang the line "Will you stand up and take your chance?"?

Feuilly. This is a fighting song, to rally the people of Paris to join in the revolution. I think it is one of my favourite songs in the show, with "One More Day".

In "In my Life", which line does not appear?

"Why regret what could not be?". Michael Ball plays Marius Pontmercy in the DVD. This song features Marius, an older Cosette (played by Judy Kuhn) and Eponine. Eponine is the Thénardier's daughter, and secretly in love with Marius. But, as soon as Marius and Cosette meet, they fall in love.

In "A Heart Full of Love", who does not sing?

Valjean. Valjean does sing this song in the reprise, in act two. This is where Marius and Cosette declare their love to each other, and Eponine realises that Marius will never be hers.

In "The attack on Rue Plumet", who sings "Don't you know your own kid"?

Babet. Rue Plumet is the home of Valjean and Cosette. Thénardier and his gang come rob the house. Eponine, who is hanging around, pining for Marius, screams, and the gang run away. When Valjean comes to see what the matter is, Cosette says it was she who screamed, she saw three men beyond the wall. Valjean guesses that Javert has found him again, and plans to go to Calais with Cosette.

Finally, in "One Day More", who sings the line "What a life I might have known"?

Eponine. On the eve of the revolution, this song shows people's different points of view. Marius and Cosette are upset that they will be parted while Eponine mourns the loss of Marius. Javert plans to pretend to fight with the students, but really he is on the side of justice while Valjean looks forward to the security of exile. Even the Thénardiers dream of rich pickings amongst the chaos. Look out for act two of "Les Misérables" soon!