Unauthorised Performances of Les Misérables

Few musicals have achieved the global impact of Les Misérables. Since its premiere in 1985, Cameron Mackintosh’s production has become one of the longest running shows in the world, staged in over 40 countries and translated into more than 20 languages. Its soaring score and timeless story have made it a favourite not only for West End and Broadway audiences but also for schools and amateur dramatic societies.

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Yet the popularity of Les Misérables has also led to one of the most common legal issues in musical theatre: unauthorised performances. From schools putting on the full show without a licence to amateur groups staging productions without proper rights, the story of Les Mis highlight show copyright law applies even at the community level, and how seriously producers take enforcement.

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The Background: A Global Phenomenon

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Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer, Les Misérables quickly became a global sensation. With its emotional depth and iconic songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” it became a staple of musical theatre worldwide.

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Its commercial success depended not only on professional productions but also on licensing. The rights to perform Les Misérables are controlled by Music Theatre International (MTI) and Cameron Mackintosh Limited. While a specially adapted “school edition” was created to allow younger performers to stage the show under licence, the full professional version remains tightly protected.

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The Dispute: Unauthorised School and Amateur Productions

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Despite these licensing structures, unauthorised productions have been a recurring problem. Schools and amateur dramatic societies, inspired by the popularity of the show, sometimes stage Les Misérables without obtaining the necessary performance rights.

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In several high profile cases, Cameron Mackintosh’s team has intervened to shut down such productions. One well known example came in 2009, when a school in Florida staged Les Mis without permission. The producers quickly issued a cease and desist order, and the performance was cancelled. Similar incidents have occurred in the UK, where amateur groups attempted to put on the full show without a licence.

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The issue is not simply about money. For rights holders, unauthorised productions risk damaging the brand by presenting substandard performances that do not meet professional standards. They also undermine licensed productions that have paid for the right to stage the musical.

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The Legal Principles

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The law is clear: musicals are protected by copyright, which covers both the script(the “book”)and the score. Any public performance requires a licence from the rightsholder. Performing a musical without such a licence is an infringement, regardless of whether tickets are sold or whether the performers are amateurs or students.

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Licensing companies such as MTI enforce these rights vigorously. Schools are offered adapted editions precisely so that they can stage shows legally. When groups attempt to bypass this, they expose themselves to legal action and reputational harm.

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The Outcome

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Inmost cases, unauthorised productions are stopped before they can proceed. Rights holders usually begin with a cease and desist letter, and in the vast majority of cases, schools or amateur groups comply. While few cases escalate to full legal proceedings, the threat of litigation is real, and producers have made clear that they will defend their works.

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At the same time, the creation of official school editions has provided a compromise. By offering adapted versions under licence, rights holders allow schools to participate in the cultural phenomenon while maintaining control over the full work. Les Misérables School Edition has become one of the most popular licensed shows for schools worldwide.

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The Impact on the Industry

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The Les Misérables disputes underline how important licensing is in musical theatre. Even the most beloved shows are not free to perform without permission. For rights holders, strict enforcement protects both artistic integrity and commercial value.

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The cases also serve as a warning to schools and community groups. While enthusiasm for theatre is welcome, ignoring copyright law can result in embarrassment, wasted effort, and potential legal consequences.

For the wider industry, the disputes demonstrate the balance between accessibility and protection. Licensing structures allow works to be shared broadly, but they also remind us that creativity is a form of intellectual property that deserves respect.

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Lessons for Musicians and Theatre Makers Today

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The Les Misérables case offers clear lessons:

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• Always obtain a licence. No matter the size of the production, a public performance of a musical requires rights.

• School editions exist for a reason. They provide legal access while protecting the integrity of the full work.

• Copyright applies to everyone. Amateur status does not exempt groups from the law.

• Protecting rights preserves value. Strict enforcement ensures that musicals maintain their reputation and financial sustainability.