Sam EmanuelA brand new production of the world's longest running musical is on its way to Norwich Theatre Royal.Les Mis�rables will run for five weeks from February 16 to March 20 next year.Sam Emanuel

A new production of the world's longest running musical is on its way to Norwich Theatre Royal.

Les Mis�rables will run for five weeks from February 16 to March 20 next year.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh is taking the show on a world tour to mark its 25th anniversary. It has already been seen by more than 56 million people in 42 different countries and been performed in 21 languages.

The score includes the songs I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home and Do You Hear The People Sing.

Les Mis�rables opened at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985. When it celebrated its 21st birthday in 2006, it became the world's longest-running musical, beating the record held by Cats.

Sir Cameron said: "To celebrate 25 years of Les Mis�rables, I cannot think of a better gift to the show than to deliver a brand new production just like I did with my critically acclaimed national tours of Mary Poppins and Miss Saigon."

He said the production would feature some spectacular new sets.

John Bultitude, of the Theatre Royal, said: "We are really excited to have one of the world's best-known and longest-running musicals coming to the city. This brand new production also promises to be something really special.

"The tour is also only visiting a handful of British theatres so we are hoping people will travel quite a distance to come and see Les Mis�rables which will also have a knock-on economic benefit for hotels, restaurants and other attractions across Norfolk."

The musical is one of a number of new productions and shows just announced for the theatre. Also on the programme is the stage version of hit movie Rain Man from October 19 to 24.

It stars Neil Morrissey, who appeared in TV's Men Behaving Badly and is currently in BBC One's comprehensive school drama Waterloo Road, and Oliver Chris from Green Wing and The Office.

Rambert Dance Company return to Norwich on November 25 to 27 after last year's record-breaking visit. Their programme will include a new piece, Comedy Of Change by artistic director Mark Baldwin, which blends dance and science and is set to a specially commissioned score by renowned British composer Julian Anderson. The dancers will also be performing a new light-hearted piece called Hush and the samba-inspired A Linha Curva.

Comedian Michael McIntyre returns on July 23-24 after his last sell-out performances, Rob Brydon will take the stage on October 5 and 6, and Never Mind The Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell brings his brittle humour to Norwich on November 7.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show comes to the city on July 25, The Rat Pack Trio present their Vegas Spectacular on September 21, and double-Grammy winners the Soweto Gospel Choir stop off at the Theatre Royal as part of their latest world tour on October 7.

Legendary rock 'n' roller Bill Wyman appears with his Rhythm Kings on November 3 with a band including Albert Lee and Georgie Fame.

Also just confirmed is three-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading who appears on April 8, 2010.

Box office: 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.