The Mayflower will play host to the 25th anniversary production of the world’s longest running musical Les Miserables this summer, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

Pop idol turned musical theatre star Gareth Gates will star as Marius, alongside West End and Broadway legends John Owen-Jones as Valjean and Hampshire’s own West End leading man Earl Carpenter as Javert.

Dennis Hall, The Mayflower’s Chief Executive, told the Daily Echo: “It is a great coup for the theatre as the show is one of the best loved productions in the world.

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“Following the success of the original production here 12 years ago, and Cameron’s other major shows, Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady, I am sure we will be packed to the rafters for the three week run.

“The theatre has made a huge investment in improving the backstage and front of house facilities to bring shows of this calibre to the people of the South.”

The magnificent score of Les Miserables includes the smash hit I Dreamed a Dream, which became the world’s most popular song after Susan Boyle’s audition on Britain’s Got Talent.

It tells the tale of of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who becomes a force for good in the world, but cannot escape his past.

Les Miserables opened in London in 1985 and continues to play to packed houses in the West End. It has been seen by more than 56 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages.

Earl Carpenter, who was born in Southampton, appeared in the West End production of the show as well as playing the lead in Phantom of the Opera and Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick.

John Owen-Jones is also an old hand at the show, both on Broadway and in the West End, while Gareth Gates makes his Les Miserables debut. The multimillion selling popstar recently played the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Les Miserables comes to The Mayflower from August 24 to September 11 with spectacular new designs inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

Tickets, priced £19 to £45, are on sale to theatre club members on Monday, February 15, online at mayflower.org.uk from Thursday February 18 and on general sale at the box office from Monday, February 22. Call 023 8071 1811.