Les Miserables

As it celebrates its 25th year, the show's popularity has no doubt been buoyed by a certain talent show contestant's performance of its showstopper I Dreamed a Dream.

However, it's another reality show veteran who stars in this tour. Gareth Gates - yes, him with the stammer and spikey hair from Pop Idol - plays dashing leading man Marius. And he's surprisingly good. His version of poignant number Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is one of the highlights of what is a flawless show.

The show tells the story of Jean Valjean, a convict who turns his life around after breaking his parole. From the haunting melodies of Stars, Drink With Me and Bring Him Home to the anthem Do You Hear the People Sing, it's a case of spine tingles all the way.

Even the two kids involved avoid the usual cringing stage school performances and are rather brilliant.

West End musicals on tour are usually lacking in production values and scale compared with their London counterparts, but this version actually sees some improvements, such as the high tech moving backdrops.

It's epic in both story and length, lasting three hours and spanning decades. The tale might be difficult for first-timers to follow - especially as there are no indicators as to where or when the action is taking place - but it’s worth just letting it all wash over you.

Also worth a mention are the cheeky Inn Keeper and his long-suffering wife for providing the comic relief - not to mention some eye-popping cleavage.

The old adage certainliy applies to Les Mis: if you haven't seen it, go; if you have, go again. Don't miss it.