Aaron Wilkinson, son of Les Miserables star Colm, was pictured with Mary Mannion, Glasnevin, at the opening of the show in the Point in Dublin last night


Prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean, captivated the sold out audience at the opening night of Les Miserables in Dublin's Point Theatre last night.

Hero of Victor Hugo's novel of 19th century war torn Paris, the convict made good, performed by Colm Wilkinson, was the star everyone was there to see. And the Dubliner didn't disappoint although the show was flat and laboured at times.

Wilkinson's voice slipped beautifully from dramatic, depthless power to haunting gentleness. With flowing red tresses, Carmen Cusack's cameo performance as the dying Fantine equalled him for strength and delicate beauty.


They were supported by a strong cast some of them Irish.

LITTLE URCHIN

Little Cossette played by 12-year-old Niamh Maher from Portimarnock gave the performance of her show biz life to date. With her solo Castle on A Cloud, the dirty little urchin won the hearts of the 6,000 strong crowd.

Certainly appealing to the Irish sense of humour was the money-grabbing inn keeper, Thenardier, played by John Cavanagh and his foul mouth wife performed brilliantly by Anita Reeves.

Wilkinson's adversary Javert performed by Peter Corry from Northern Ireland was also particularly strong and impressive in a dueling duet with Valjean called Stars.

The story line slowly emerged and was carried by the fullness of the characters.

The show, three hours long, at times appeared over long but it has everything - poverty, kindness, sex, depravity, honour and love.

The chorus of rallying voices at the battlements balanced with delicate solos could not fail to touch the most cynical of hearts.

Colm Wilkinson has come home at last. The Dublin singer (54) was toasted by personalities from the worlds of show business, music, and politics, at a champagne reception in the Burlington Hotel after the enormous success of his first night.

By Niamh Hooper