🎭 Guest Speaker – David Price

Talk Title: The Truth Behind Les Misérables

The phenomenally successful musical Les Misérables is based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, written while he was living in political exile on Guernsey. Set during one of France’s most turbulent periods, the story culminates in the July Rebellion of 1832, a short-lived but brutal uprising in Paris.

In this fascinating talk, David Price explores the real history behind Hugo’s masterpiece. Why did people rebel – and what were they fighting for? How closely do the famous characters – Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Javert, Éponine, and Marius – reflect real lives and real struggles of the time?

Illustrated with slides and musical extracts, this talk offers a captivating blend of history, literature, and music that brings fresh insight into one of the world’s most beloved stories.