Celebs walk the red carpet for Les Mis
Stars of stage and screen have joined politicians on the red carpet for the national premiere of Les Miserables at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne.
Sir Cameron Mackintosh, regarded as the most powerful theatre producer in the world, was also in Melbourne for the occasion.
"I just said (to the performers) you're a brilliant cast, sing your hearts out and, you know, they are just marvellous actors," he told AAP.
"It's just a great group who have taken these characters and made them their own."
Noeline Brown, who is rehearsing for Mother & Son, said she saw the show many years ago in Sydney.
"I cried buckets so I'm probably going to do the same tonight," she said.
House of Representatives Speaker Bronwyn Bishop said she loved the film and was looking forward to seeing the stage show again.
"It's something that stays in your mind. I first saw it just after it opened in London all those years ago."
Seasoned Australian performer Simon Gleeson stars as Jean Valjean.
He has previously had roles in the popular BBC soap Eastenders, as well as as numerous local TV shows including Rake, Blue Heelers and Neighbours.
It is an extra special night for Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts graduate Kerrie Anne Greenland, who is playing Eponine in her first professional musical.
The last time Les Miserables was in Australia was the 10th anniversary tour, which opened in Sydney in 1997 and wrapped in Brisbane two years later.
