CityLife

I totally agree the latest version of Les Miserables at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre is a wonderful theatre experience. It must be nearly 20 years since we last saw the show at the Palace on the big circular moving stage so when the opportunity to see it again at a local venue arose, it was just too tempting to miss.<br /> <br /> Having booked good seats 6 months ago for the Wednesday matinee, our anticipation was heightened when we found out that the brilliant John Owen Jones was to play Jean Valjean - he was outstanding throughout in the most demanding of lead roles.<br /> <br /> The support cast was very strong without exception. Earl Carpenter's Javert was menacing, Gareth Gates was perfectly cast as love interest Marius and special mention must be made of the beautiful Katie Hall who plays Cosette, the object of his desires - she has the voice of an angel. Rosalind James plays a fiesty, yet love struck Eponine and performs some very moving songs too. <br /> <br /> The strength of this musical is of course the magnificent score including the famous I Dreamed A Dream performed theatrically by Madalena Alberto's Fantine that deservedly earned much applause. Other memorable songs including On My Own, Bring Him Home, One More Day and the rousing Do You Hear The People Sing will stay long in the memory.<br /> <br /> So what is different about this performance? Well, with no revolving stage at the Lowry, the new sets were still awesome. The backdrops and filmed effects, particularly when the wagon crashes on to a passer-by and in the sewers are most impressive. <br /> <br /> This is a magnificent show that fully earned numerous standing ovations at the end from a respectful and sold out audience. One of the best musicals to appear at the Lyric Theatre.<br />

We were lucky enough to get seats to see this at the Lowry on Friday night, having seen it 2 at the Palace I have to agree with your review, it has got better, slicker and some of the cast have really grown into their roles. We loved it again.<br />