Les Miserables - Palace Theatre - 21/01/10 by Victoria Trafford

We’ve Dreamed the Dream and here it is, the musical that has it all, not least some of the most beautiful songs ever written. Les Miserables' much anticipated 25th Anniversary Tour hits the Palace Theatre for the first of two visits to our region this year, and doesn’t disappoint.

There is no doubt that the powerful and tragic story of poverty in a nation on the brink of revolution makes for very intense viewing. Humour, love and loyalty combine to provide a plot that isn’t as dull as it may appear and weaves a compelling story of self sacrifice and new beginnings.

Although the ability of this production to bring the complex novel and its many characters to life is astonishing, there’s certainly logic in providing a comprehensive synopsis in the programme. The twists and turns of the plot can easily be lost in the amazement of the most wonderful songs performed by such pure vocal talent. Combining Les Mis veterans with newcomers, the entire cast give their all, resulting in a knock-your-socks-off performance.

The crowd pleasers are that and more; On My Own and Dreamed a Dream are stunning. John Valjean’s (John Owen Jones) performance of Bring Him Home is breathtaking and he received and deserved the loudest applause of the night.

Gareth Gates portrays a younger, gentler Marius than I have seen previously, and the role demonstrates his incredible raw vocal talent, leaving me with my cynical tail well and truly between my legs. The purity of his voice harmonises beautifully with Eponine (Rosalind James) to form the show's most poignant moment, during “A Little Drop of Rain”, where she dies in his arms.

This certainly isn’t the same set that opened in London 24 years ago, it is both more extravagant and functional. The use of film is striking when Valjean carries a wounded Marius through the sewers and when Javert throws himself up into the air and into a misty Seine. The new effects got people whispering “that’s impressive”.

In a musical where every word is conveyed through song, the orchestra really are the unsung heroes and the audience appear to agree when the cast direct applause to them at the end.

Aside from the inevitable closing scene tears, it’s not hard to see why this is the world’s longest running musical.