Prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean (John Owen-Jones) is released from imprisonment on licence by the merciless Inspector Javert (Earl Carpenter).

Their two paths are to be intertwined forever more.

Valjean is desperate to start a new life, to make a name for himself and seek redemption. But the criminal’s licence holds him back; every employer he meets discovers his past. The ex-convict cannot escape it.

So Valjean changes his name and begins a new life, a life of honesty. He becomes Major of a small town. He is respected by all, especially his factory workers.

One of those workers, Fantine (Madalena Alberto) is sacked after the Foreman discovers she has a child and no husband.

Fantine is forced to work the streets to provide for her daughter. But after a run in with an unwanted customer, she ends up in bad way. Valjean saves her from the police and takes her to a hospital.

On her deathbed the young mother begs Valjean to bring up her daughter Cosette (Doreen White).

He becomes a father to the child and as the years pass they become inseparable.

Nine years later and in the midst of the French Revolution Enjolras (Jon Robyns) and his gang of students are plotting.

Whilst his friend Marius (Gareth Gates), is distracted. His mind is on a girl he met and fell in love with, all in one day. That girl is Cosette (Katie Hall), all grown up.

Cosette and her father live a life of solitude, always at risk from being found out and falling from grace.

The time comes for those who believe in the cause to stand up and fight. Some become victims of the Revolution, whilst others struggle through.

The magnificent score includes the songs, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ and ‘Master of the House’.

At the end of the performance on 26 August, the cast received a well deserved standing ovation. What a perfect ending to such a spectacular show.

The quality of the singing and acting was nearly outshone by the amazing backdrop effects. Nearly, but not quite.

What an array of talented actors. Les Misérables is indisputably breathtaking.

Les Misérables is showing at The Mayflower until 11 September. For more information visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the Box Office on 02380 711811.