I saw the original RSC about six weeks after it had transferred to the Cambridge Circus theatre. I saw it again twice more about four years ago, and then directed the schools version with some utterly fabulous young performers (and made half the costumes myself in my "spare" time.) The idea of a film thrills and frightens me in equal measure, because nothing could ever be as good as that first time I saw it or as moving as when "my" kids did it. Gawd but that music brings it all back, razor-sharp.

ETA Alun Armstrong is Thénardier and must do that part, whatever age he is. I HAVE SPOKEN, SO MOTE IT BE,