X I AM not normally an anorak! I don't collect train numbers, fill my garden with gnomes or wait for hours in the rain for a soap star's autograph. But I have to admit when it comes to Les Mis I am a bit of a nut.

Ever since I stood in line for a return ticket at London's Palace Theatre on July 22, 1986, to see the original production with Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, Roger Allam as Javert and Michael Ball as Marius, I have been hooked.

My total of 50-plus performances is a long way short of the record but takes in shows in New York, Dublin, Edinburgh and a host of other cities including, of course, Bristol.

I even got drenched at an open-air concert at Cardiff Castle.

I have reviewed Les Mis many times – including outstanding youth productions in Bath and Keynsham – and was among the privileged at the legendary 10th anniversary Dream Cast concert at the Albert Hall in 1995.

If you look closely at the video you can see me standing up and cheering as an army of Gavroches and Valjeans from all around the world march to the stage.

I've got the book, the score, the programmes, the videos, all the recordings, the T-shirt, the mug, the pen, the fridge magnet, the key-ring and even a Les Mis champagne flute given by Sir Cameron Mackintosh himself.

On my retirement as managing editor of the Evening Post, Peter Corry, then appearing as Javert at the Bristol Hippodrome, came to Markwick's restaurant in Corn Street and sang Stars – just for me and my guests.

So what makes this Victor Hugo tale set to song by another Frenchman live up to the ad-man's promotional claim to be The World's Greatest Musical?

Well, it has it all – a classic story, memorable music, 10 demanding individual roles, a powerful chorus and scenery which has never been bettered.

The first time I saw the barricades come together they got a standing ovation!

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Les Mis, which started out at London's Barbican and now runs at the Queen's in Shaftesbury Avenue.

Bristol will be part of those celebrations and I plan to be there for number 60!

ALAN KING