Powerfully perfect production of one of the world's favourite musicals lifts the roof off the Hydro

dailyrecord.co.uk:

THERE are simply times you know you are in the presence of greatness . . . and this is one of them.When it comes to duos Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean and Michael Ball as Javert are right up there the other greats - Lennon & McCartney, Laurel & Hardy, Morecambe & Wise or bacon and eggs.It is fitting that in the opening number each begins from an elevated platform because these are true giants of musical theatre.This arena tour is a bit different to the normal Les Mis staging.

There is virtually no set nor curtain; the show rises and falls by its actors aided by the most incredible lighting.Paule Constable and Warren Letton’s lighting vision is sublime.The lighting rigs come down to give the impression of the barricade, although none actually exists in this incarnation.And the subtle lighting changes to signify death, rapid rifle rattle and stars are an absolute triumph.For 40 years the show has played out in theatres, community centres and schools around the world since Boublil and Schonberg formed the idea of a musical based on the somewhat turgid Victor Hugo novel.And it simply never gets old.This time round it is stripped back for a staged version but there is never a point at which you feel cheated.And that is down to the incredible talent on stage.Boe’s Bring Him Home and Ball’s Stars are obvious standouts but Ball’s tortured Soliloquy shows the master at his acting best.However, this is far from a two-man show.

There is an entire cast of stars.James D Gish’s Enjolras, Jac Yarrow’s Marius and Emily Bautista’s Eponine are captivating. And even relatively small parts like the Bishop of Digne, sung so wonderfully by Jeremy Secomb, had a huge impact.The show was nearly stolen though by the hilarious Thenardiers, Gavin Lee