I had never seen this clip. It's a short version of Patti singing "I Dreamed A Dream" at the Olivier Awards. Patti in Les Miserables
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Even though "Dream" is the big solo for Fantine, I think it was Patti's weakest point in the show. She is much better in the other songs like "Lovely Ladies" and "Fantine's Death."
Like you all said, I think there is a disconnect in her earlier performances. I actually prefer the way she sings "Dream" now.
While I'm not too enthusiastic about Patti's "Dream," without her we probably wouldn't have the now iconic, almighty scale on "shame," so I'm thankful that she did originated the role. And I agree with gavyj, she sounds better on the other numbers.
I think part of the issue with the Olivier clip is that it is a truncated version of a song that doesn't lend itself well to medley. Without the full journey of the song, it just feels obligatory.