Few singers balance quiet humility with powerhouse vocals quite like Alfie Boe. Now more than 25 years into a career that has taken him from Lancashire to the world’s biggest stages, the 50-year-old tenor has little left to prove — yet he still speaks with the passion of someone who can’t quite believe where life has taken him.
“When I was first asked to do Les Misérables, I didn’t think it was something I could do or was my sort of thing,” he tells the Standard. “I came from the Royal Opera House, working in the opera world, so I approached it that way. But when I listened to the music and got involved in the character, did my homework, it just grew on me. I fell into the role and wanted to play him to the best of my ability.”
That leap of faith became the making of him. His turn as Jean Valjean at the 25th-anniversary concert at The London O2 Arena made him a household name, and he later took the role to Broadway in 2015, earning rave reviews for his goosebumps-inducing performance. His partnership with Michael Ball — as the hugely successful Ball & Boe — then turned him into one of Britain’s best-loved performers, with a string of chart-topping albums and sold-out arena tours.
Earlier this year, Boe wrapped the UK leg of the Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular world tour before returning to the West End for the show’s 40th-anniversary gala. “My passion, my devotion to the show has been everything,” he says warmly. “It’s changed my life considerably, so getting the chance to do it again and with the people I get to work with is an absolute blessing. It’s nice to be a veteran of the piece now.”
Next month, he will reprise his iconic role once again as part of the production’s world tour in China. When asked whether he will be performing in English or Mandarin, Boe lets out a laugh, mock horror flashing across his face. “Singing in English, yes, absolutely,” he exclaims. “If I had to do it in Mandarin it would be very difficult. But I’d love to sing the role in French; I think that would be quite unique, to perform it somewhere like Paris.”
Between Les Mis appearances, Boe has been back in the studio crafting new material for his forthcoming solo record Facing Myself — his first in seven years. “We’re creating some really beautiful, heartfelt melodies,” he says. “It’s going to be a very emotional record, one that comes straight from the heart. I wanted to make something genuine and reflective, no hiding behind anything. I think people will feel that when they hear it.”
The album will be supported by a major 35-date UK tour next spring, kicking off in Dundee on April 14 and visiting cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Nottingham, before concluding in Cardiff on May 31. The run also includes a night at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 26, ahead of dates in Australia and Asia later in the year.
He laughs when asked what his favourite part about performing is. “The home time?” he teases, before grinning. “No, I’m joking. The anticipation of getting out to do my own concert is incredible. Walking out on stage with my family and friends in the audience — that’s when I feel most alive. The vibe I get from my fans, how supportive and loving they are, really gets me through my life. They’re like family.”
Boe’s gratitude to his supporters runs deep. “I owe everything to my fans — the people who have supported me through Les Misérables, through my solo career, my albums. I’ve been very, very fortunate, and I’ll never forget that.”
Reflecting on the state of the industry, he becomes earnest again. “I think everybody has taken a beating through Covid and the world has changed. Our industry has definitely changed, but theatre and live performance keep surviving,” he says. “If you’re passionate about something, you’re not going to let anything get in your way. You continue your journey, your mission, your goals in life — and your goal is to entertain and bring happiness.
“Music brings people together. We are servants to the public,” he continues. “I’m a servant to the public. I want to provide a good service and do what I was born to do.”
Tickets for Alfie Boe’s Facing Myself UK tour go on general sale October 24 at 10am and will be available from www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. VIP Packages are also available www.sjm-vip.com.
