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Les Miserables

Published Friday 22 August 2008 at 11:00 by Paul Vale

Nearly 23 years into its record-breaking run, this musical reworking of Victor Hugo’s epic novel still packs a punch, with its breathtaking score, emotionally charged lyrics and ground-breaking theatrical effects.

The new cast slide into place perfectly with a mix of seasoned veterans and relative newcomers, each bringing a renewed vigour to the roles they play.

Drew Sarich continues as Jean Valjean and is joined by Earl Carpenter as his nemesis Javert.

The element of the chase between these two protagonists binds the story together and pinpoints its moral tone, that of Old Testament vengeance versus New Testament forgiveness.

Sarich and Carpenter play this beautifully throughout, combining rich characterisation with strong singing voices.

At the other end of the scale, Jimmy Johnston and Jackie Marks provide most of the humour of the evening, with their frighteningly comic turns as the Thenardiers.

The love triangle that provides the romance behind the barricades features Jon Robyns as Marius, Leanne Dobinson as Cosette and Nancy Sullivan as Eponine.

These three really work well together and whilst Robyns and Dobinson may win our hearts with their soaring harmonies, it is Sullivan, as the boyish waif Eponine, who really brings the house down with her rendition of On My Own.

David Thaxton makes a fine and noble Enjolras, leading the male chorus through the rousing Red and Black to an untimely death at the barricades.

Les Miserables is not the show to go and see if you fancy a singalong, or require knockabout comedy, but for sheer musical theatre spectacle and an emotional roller coaster, it quite rightly remains the best show in town.

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