Les Misérables
The sweeping musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's great novel that became one of the most popular musicals of all time. The setting is 19th-century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father - violating his parole in the process. He is consequently pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed. The show's original production, which opened in 1985 at the Barbican, continues its unbroken run now at London's Queen's Theatre after many years at The Palace Theatre. Photography by Steve MacLuskie.