THE term epic is much overused and is slipped into everyday conversation so often about matters mundane it almost renders it useless.

However, there is no more succinct way to sum up the latest incarnation of the record-breaking, award-winning musical which has returned to Manchester.

Les Mis is a triumph in every way. If all you have seen is the movie or the recent TV series, forget them; the stage is where this brilliant re-working of Victor Hugo’s novel belongs.

When it was first performed in the West End some 34 years ago it was seen as revolutionary (if you’ll pardon the pun) and it remains a show to which all others must aspire.

The current production is an immersive, emotional rollercoaster that will draw you in and leave you spellbound.

It’s a tale of love and redemption in Nineteenth Century Paris on an epic scale (that word again) in and at its heart has a tour de force performance from Killian Donnelly as the piece’s anti-hero Jean Valjean. He’s a captivating presence on stage – the opening prologue and soliloquy leaves you breathless and thinking that he can’t possibly keep up those standards and that emotion for the whole piece. But he does – and how.

If you’re new to the show don’t bother trying to read the synopsis in the programme which takes up a full page. Just open your eyes and ears and let the whole thing engulf you.

Sung throughout it’s as near a hit musical will ever get to opera and so much more rewarding for it.

There isn’t a weakness in this production with notable performances from the towering Nic Greenshields as the tormented Javert and Martin Ball as the louche inn-keeper Tenardier and Sophie-Louise Dann as his wife who provide moments of high comedy.

Contributing just as much as this flawless cast are the staging and lighting effects. At times the show is like a Breughel painting brought to life, the scenes on the barricade as the idealist French revolutionaries take on the forces of law are stunning.

The use of a screen to transport you from the sewers of Paris one moment to a crowded square the next are impressive and the scene with Juvert on the bridge (Les Mis regulars will know it, I don’t want to spoil it for newbies) is a work of genius.

It’s a long piece – the first act lasts 90 minutes – but not for one moment will you be looking at your watch.

From the rousing chorus of Do You Hear the People Sing? to Eponine’s heartrending On My Own you’ll be moved.

Les Miserables is a show which plays with your emotions and ultimately rewards you with one of the great nights at the theatre.

Vive la Revolution!

Les Misérables, Palace Theatre, Manchester, until March 30. Details from www.atgtickets.com. The show returns to Greater Manchester in May 2020 when it will be at The Lowry, Salford Quays, from Tuesday, May 12 to Saturday, May 30. On sale from March 1. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com.