Went to see The Grinning Man, a dark new musical based on a Victor Hugo's book The Man Who Laughs. This is at a small theatre called the Bristol Old Vic, the theatre that has been open the longest in the UK, opening its doors in 1766. The director of The Grinning Man is the same guy who directed War Horse
It was bewilderingly good - I am still reeling at the whole experience. It was the last night - and it has only been running for one month. But that will not be the end for a production that was several years from first concept to the stage. I would say it was certainly destined for the West End, and for Broadway - For me it had more impact than Les Miserables, and deserves real success. A standing ovation, and tears shed by the audience, and oddly by the cast - although that was probably final night blues.
There was a silent movie made of the book in 1928, and the story of facial disfigurement was the inspiration for The Joker.
http://www.bristololdvic.org.uk/grinningman.html