SUPERLATIVES are a must when describing this large-scale production of the longest-running and most flamboyant West End musical of all time, commonly known as Les Mis, based on Victor Hugo's sprawling 19th-century novel. Try stupendous, sensational and magnificent for starters.

Michael Burnip, who recently completed a decade in this company, has the fine voice and stage presence for the leading role of Jean Valjean, the ex-convict who spends a lifetime trying to atone for his crime of stealing bread to feed his starving sister. His nemesis, the remorseless Chief of Police, Javert, done full justice by Dan Craig, is hot on his trail, however.

Valjean's chief act of expiation is to befriend the dying Fantine (Georgina Hudson) and dedicate the rest of his life to taking care of her daughter, Cosette, whose fragile beauty is portrayed perfectly by Georgia Lomax-Thorpe.

David Burnip excels in the role of Marius, the student who loves Cosette and owes his life to Valjean after being wounded while manning the revolutionary barricades, in a scene which must be as spectacular as any ever staged at the Playhouse.

James Sykes and Clara Collett bring welcome comedy to the proceedings as the unscrupulous innkeeper and his wife, at the heart of the Parisian underworld.

As one thrilling tableau follows another, and the large and youthful cast give splendid voice to Claude-Michel Schonberg's score, redolent of the passion, poetry and tragedy of the times, we are amazed and exhilarated.

You won't want to miss this one.

The show runs until tomorrow when there will also be a matinee at 1.15pm.