Les Miserables, Mayflower, Southampton (From Bournemouth Echo)

Les Miserables, Mayflower, Southampton

9:23am Friday 27th August 2010 in

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THE old girl might be the longest running musical in the world, but this magnificent 25th anniversary production proves that there's plenty of life left in her yet.

The statistics are always impressive. Almost 100 professional companies performing to 57 million people in 42 countries and 310 cities in 21 different languages.

But despite its scale, its grandeur and its reputation, it's just another stirring love story, albeit one peppered with redemption, sacrifice, betrayal and hope.

If this dark tale truly is the greatest ever musical, then it is down to a marriage of passionate drama and wonderful music, with songs that stir the soul and melt the hardest heart.

But each production needs the voices and the actors to transmit that passion and this production simply seethes with talent and, in its two leads, immense experience.

John Owen-Jones is the acknowledged Colossus of the role of Jean Valjean, the former convict whose post-captivity atonement dictates the lives of so many others. He set the bar to the highest level possible and his fellow cast members followed his example, with a spine-tingling Bring Him Home just one of his many highlights.

Alongside him, local hero Earl Carpenter was a brooding, intimidating Javert, the nemesis of Valjean and along with Owen-Jones was in outstanding voice, the state-of-the-art back lighting effects melding with his own dramatic talent to make his demise truly memorable.

Rosalind James threatened to steal the show as the tragic, lovelorn Eponine and her heart-wrenching On My Own and A Little Fall Of Rain prompted a rustle of tissues around the theatre.

Gareth Gates may have initially raised a few eyebrows when he took on the role of Marius, but he's clearly worked hard at the role and it pays off with a convincing, heartfelt performance.

That's matched by the soaring voices of Madalena Alberto as Fantine and Katie Hall as Cosette, both note perfect, while Ashley Artus and Lynne Wilmot give their all as the vile, but hilarious Thenardiers, providing standout moments in both acts.

It's an inspirational production that looks, sounds and feels as fresh as the first London show all those years ago, with a cast that's as committed and professional.

You've got until September 11 to beg, borrow or steal one of the remaining tickets for this unforgettable birthday party.