'Les Miserables' to hit big screens

A sell-out, one-off performance of West End hit 'Les Miserables' starring Matt Lucas is to be seen across the world - after a deal to beam it into cinemas.

The 25th anniversary performance, which also features heartthrob singer Nick Jonas, will be broadcast via satellite from London's O2 Arena next month.

'Les Miserables', the world's longest running musical, will be seen in more than 130 cinemas across the globe. It will be seen as far afield as Japan and Australia.

Other names who will appear in the O2 show on October 3 include opera star and Broadway performer Alfie Boe, Gary Barlow's protege Camilla Kerslake and a cast of 300.

The show - which features the song 'I Dreamed A Dream', now Susan Boyle's signature tune - opened in October 1985 at London's Barbican.

Grant Calton, of Omniverse Vision which is distributing the broadcast to cinemas internationally, said: "We are delighted to be working with Cameron Mackintosh on this hugely exciting event.

"Fans who may not be able to see such events live can now take a great seat in the house and enjoy the spectacle on the big screen with full surround sound."

Lucas takes the role of Thenardier, while Jonas - best known as one of the Jonas Brothers - plays Marius.

The O2 spectacular will also feature members of the original cast, including Lea Salonga, as well as others who have made their names in the show such as Norm Lewis, who appeared in the Broadway run.

As well as the original production which is running at the Queen's Theatre, there is also a 25th anniversary production which is being staged at its original home, the Barbican, for a 20-night run.

It became the world's longest running musical in 2006 - two years after moving to the Queen's Theatre from the Palace Theatre, its home since December 1985.

Earlier this year it celebrated its 10,000th performance, and worldwide it has been seen by 56 million people.