Les Mis remains a massive hit

THE song of angry men is ringing out at The Mayflower where the 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables is playing for another 10 days.

Aside from the wonderful music and first-rate cast, this well-oiled production is spectacular for a touring show, with slick set changes and no expense spared.

It is fitting that John Owen-Jones – who has performed the role of Jean Valjean over 1,400 times, more than any other actor in the show’s West End history – should take the part for this production.

Naturally he has a fantastic voice but he is also a gifted actor, as he portrays convict 24601 through various emotional climaxes as a young, middle-aged and old man, filling the stage even when he is the only thing on it. His performance was faultless.

The rest of the cast are equally impressive. The diminutive stars, Toby Prynne as Gavroche and Doreen White as Little Cosette, were note-perfect, and Madalena Alberto, who is quite a breathy Fantine, has a lovely voice even when lying down on her deathbed.

Gareth Gates (pictured) has taken the role of Marius in his stride. The Pop Idol runner-up’s performance of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables, during which his dead friends reappear on stage with candles which they blow out, is one of the highlights of the production.

The show is heading back to the O2 Arena in London in October, before returning for a limited run at the Barbican Theatre, where it first opened in October 1985.

The are some differences from the West End production here to keep it fresh, but it is the same enthralling story with the same emotive score and an essential trip for any Les Mis fan.

The standing ovation from some members of the Mayflower audience was testament enough to a fantastic evening’s entertainment.