ON this day (March 9) in 1991, ‘Les Miserables’ opened at Lyric Theatre, Brisbane.

The performance in Queensland’s capital came four years after the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel was first performed Down Under and six years after Cameron Mackintosh brought the show from France to London.

The musical tells the story of prisoner Jean Valjean who, while being hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion of 1832.

As well as the cat and mouse chase between the two leads throughout the show, there is also a focus on a group of young revolutionist group known as the ‘Friends of the ABC’ who are plotting against the monarchy in the midst of the rebellion. The group is led by Marius, a student who falls Cosette, the young girl who has grown up in Valjean’s care. He sends friend Epionine, daughter of greedy inn owners the Thenardiers, to find her.

When it arrived in the UK, critics panned the show. 21 years later and it became the longest-running musical in the capital. The show is currently the third longest running in the West End and celebrated its 10,000th show back in 2010.

In 2012, a film adaptation of the musical was finally released, with London-born director Tom Hooper at the helm. Australian Hugh Jackman took the lead role of Valjean, with New Zealander Russell Crowe starring alongside him as Javert. English trio Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Redmayne also appeared in the movie, with a cameo from Colm Wilkinson, the first man to play Valjean in the West End.

With Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor for Jackman, the film did pick up two Oscars, one for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Anne Hathaway winning the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her portrayal of Fantine.

In today’s nostalgia section, we look back at those from north Cumbria who crossed the barricades and dreamed for one day more with audiences throughout the years. Have a look to see if you recognise anybody.