This year sees Les Mis’ 20th year of performances in London’s West End. After all this time you would think that the show would be a just a little bit old and a little bit stale. To my pleasure it didn’t have that feel. With a new home (moving to The Queen’s Theatre from The Palace Theatre in April last year), updated sets, slight adjustments to the acts and of course an ever-changing cast this performance felt fresh and powerful.

The basic premise of the show (an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic novel) is the fight of the poor against the wealthy set against the backdrop of the Paris uprising in the French revolution. The audience should be warned that the story is not a simple one and at times I found myself having to give up on trying to follow the intricate story weaving and just sitting back to enjoy the performances – which I was happy to do. For the most part the tale is depressing but be assured that peace and happiness is found at the end.

The show definitely wowed me through the entire 3 hours (don’t worry – there is an intermission!). The singing was superb and heart-felt (even if a few songs did seem to go on and on at times) and was well supported by the orchestra. But mainly I was impressed with the ingenious sets and the great choreography that allowed scenes to meld seamlessly from one to the next.

If you are one of the few people in London who haven’t yet made it to a performance – get your skates on, get down to The Queen’s Theatre now and Hear The People Sing.