West End and Broadway performer, Alfie Boe, returns to Australia in an intimate concert tour that promises no glitz or glamour, but a raw, earthy and unique shared experience with the Les Miserables star.
When Alfie Boe takes to the stage, there’s no mistaking that you’re in the presence of a performer who sings not just to you, but with you. As one of the most recognisable musical theatre and classical voices – having played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables for over ten years – Boe has lead stages and international concert tours from the West End to Broadway. Now he’s bringing that same magnetic energy to Australian audiences once more in a highly anticipated national tour alongside Australia’s own Amy Manford.
Performing Jean Valjean and touring Les Miserables
Boe’s most recent visit to Australia was part of the Les Miserables Arena Spectacular World Tour alongside his long-time friend and collaborator, Michael Ball as Jean Valjean’s nemesis, Javert. Speaking of the most recent tour to Australia, he recalls the vibrancy of Australian audiences and shows a deep appreciation they have for Les Mis and live performances. “None of us – myself and Michael included – didn’t know the sort of reaction to expect. So we were shocked, surprised, and blown away by how wild the Australian audiences are. It was incredible the response we got.”
Having played Jean Valjean for hundreds of performances, I questioned how he continues to bring a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the role of one of the musical world’s most loved protagonists. “It’s been quite a ride,” he says of playing the role since debuting Valjean in 2010. “Every time I’ve readdressed and reconnected with the role of Valjean, I’ve been at a different stage in my life. I’ve gone from being a young guy in my 30’s, new father to my daughter at the time, then to my son. Going through all the stages in my life, it’s changed how I’ve addressed the role and how I’ve performed the role”
When we spoke about the ingredient that is the success to the longevity of Les Mis, Boe says of the show, and the role that, “it’s affected me in so many different ways in so many different stages of my life. It’s leant itself to getting through difficult times.” In regards to what he thinks is the key to any performer stepping into the role of Valjean in the production, Boe believes that, “having respect for the character, respect for the music, respect for the story, an element of humility about it, that’s what will keep you doing it for a long time – knowing you’re not bigger than the character, not bigger than the role, or the music, or the show of Les Miserables.”
Facing Myself: Music Without Boundaries
Boe’s upcoming tour promises to be more than a concert. It’s an evening designed to immerse audiences in storytelling, emotion, and laughter — hallmarks of his artistry. He says that audiences shouldn’t expect glitz, glamour and moments of grandeur, but instead that this is a concert he hopes is more tender, stripped-back reflections on his life and music that resonates.
“The inspiration behind the actual name [of the album Facing Myself], it was something I wanted to try to connect personally behind who I am as an artist, who I am as a real person, as Alfie Boe the real guy – all the good, all the bad and everything that’s gone on in my life. There’s original songs on there telling of my story and telling people of how I’m feeling and my emotions. There’s cover songs on there of songs I’ve connected with over the years and that I’ve wanted to sing that’s touched my heart.
The reflection of that in the stage performance and the concert tour is something quite similar. I want the audience to connect with, firstly myself as an artist, as Alfie Boe the guy from the north of England. But I also want the music that I perform to influence their thoughts on themselves, on everyone as an individual. So I want every audience member to experience that too. I want them to connect with the performance, there’s no glitz or glamour about the show. It’s raw, it’s rich, it’s earthy and it’s real. The house lights will be left up so we can see each other’s faces and I want people to fire questions at me and to have a real fun, and unique experience”
I felt the need then to warn Boe about the most recent – unfortunate in my opinion – tradition that audiences at concerts request of international artists when visiting Australia – the Shoey. “I’m not sure I want to ask what that is,” Boe jokes when I warned him to move on to the next question if it ever arises, “I’m going to have to Google that afterwards, you’ve kept me in suspense.”
Beyond Jean Valjean
When looking outside of Jean Valjean and beyond Les Mis, Boe says that he doesn’t go looking for the next big thing. “I don’t have a bucket list. The thing that I find wonderful about my job is how surprising it is.” He speaks with an element of humility and reverance when it comes to his artistry, explaining that he enjoys sitting in the element of the unknown when it comes to his career. “You never know what’s around the corner, who’s going to come knocking at your door. And I like that element of surprise. So I don’t plan, I don’t put it out there about who I want to play, or who I want to perform because I find that sometimes that characters find you”
Catch Alfie Boe as he tours Australia in 2026. Expect Boe’s unique and incredible vocals, intimate storytelling, and a night of music that proves why Alfie Boe remains one of theatre’s most magnetic and soulful performers.
Alfie Boe’s Australian tour will commence on Thursday 4 June, 2026 at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, followed by Brisbane’s QPAC Concert Hall on Monday 8 June, before heading to Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on Friday 12 June, and concluding in Adelaide on Monday 15 June at Festival Theatre, part of Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
