ONE of the world’s biggest shows - Les Miserables - is heading for Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre, the Telegraph & Argus exclusively announces today.

Tickets go on sale later this month for Sir Cameron Mackintosh’’s acclaimed production of the Boublil and Schönberg musical, which will be at the Alhambra for a month in summer, 2019 - the only Yorkshire date on its UK and Ireland tour.

It is the first time in 20 years that the smash hit show has been at the Alhambra.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this new production of Les Misérables in 2009, to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, it has taken the world by storm. Originally touring the UK throughout 2009/10, concluding with 22 performances at the Barbican, it was hailed by both audiences and critics.

This production, embraced by modern audiences as a ‘Les Mis’ for the 21st century, inspired the hit 2012 movie version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne.

The smash hit musical is centred on convict Jean Valjean, released from a French prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, then trying to escape from prison.

Initially no one is willing to give Valjean shelter because he is an ex-convict, but a kindly bishop treats Valjean with kindness, covering for him when he is caught stealing his silverware. From then, Valjean vows to become an honest man and, masking his identity, goes on to become a wealthy factory owner.

Encountering an orphaned young factory worker, Fantine, forced to turn to prostitution to survive when she loses her job, Valjean promises to take care of her child, Cosette, and later adopts her.

What follows is a love affair between the adult Cosette and Marius, a student and part of the rebellion, as with ruthless police chief Javert on his trail, Valjean embarks on an epic journey of redemption, taking him to the barricades of post-revolutionary Paris.

This new staging features scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, who wrote the 1862 novel on which the show is based.

Boublil and Schönberg’s memorable score includes much loved songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and Master Of The House.

Seen by more than 120 million people worldwide, in 22 languages, Les Miserable is one of the world’s most popular musicals. It has to date been seen in North America, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, Manila, Singapore and Dubai.

Cameron Mackintosh’s smash hit production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, projections by Fifty-Nine Productions and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman.

The London Production of Les Miserables continues to play at London’s Queen’s Theatre where it is currently booking until June 29, 2019.

* Les Miserables runs at the Alhambra from July 9 to August 10, 2019.

* Tickets go on sale on Friday, November 30 (priority on sale to Bradford Theatres Friends, November 23).

* For tickets call (01274) 432000 or go to Bradford-theatres.co.uk