In pictures: Les Miserables legends through the years

As Les Miserables turns 30 and celebrates with a special gala at the Queen's Theatre tonight, to raise money for Save the Children, we pay homage to a few of the famous faces that have been in the iconic production over the years.

Frances Ruffelle – Eponine

Frances Ruffelle originated the iconic role of Eponine in the original Les Mis production in 1985 with composers Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil writing the legendary number "On My Own" especially to suit her voice. Ruffelle has since won a Tony award, Helen Hayes award, Theatre World award and Outer Circle Critics award for her performance in the Broadway production.

Performing in Les Mis Gala tonight? Yes

Colm Wilkinson – Valjean

Colm Wilkinson originated the role of Jean Valjean in the 1985 production. Cameron Mackintosh is quoted as describing his voice as "a voice from God" and Les Mis composers wrote a new song "Bring Him Home" into the production especially for Wilkinson's falsetto voice. Wilkinson was offered the role for the debut West End show Phantom but turned it down to play Valjean (Hooray!)

Performing in Les Mis Gala tonight? Yes

Patti LuPone – Fantine

Patti LuPone played Fantine in the original London cast of Les Mis back in '85. A quote from LuPone's website says "many people have asked why I didn't reprise my role in the Broadway production. Two weeks into my London run I knew I wouldn't do this any other place because it was the perfect theatrical experience. A perfect play with a perfect cast."

Performing in Les Mis Gala tonight? No

Matt Lucas – Thenardier

Matt Lucas took on the role of Thenardier in the Les Mis 25th anniversary concert at the O2 in 2010. Lucas reprised the role in the West End a year later and has since collaborated with Alfie Boe, who played Jean Valjean, to record a duet of "The Impossible Dream" on Boe's debut album.

Performing in Les Mis Gala tonight? No

The company at the curtain call for Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary

The cast for the 2010 concert included Alfie Boe, Norm Lewis, Nick Jonas, Jenny Galloway and Earl Carpenter. The concert was shown live in cinemas around the world.

Carrie Hope Fletcher – Eponine

Carrie Hope Fletcher is currently playing Eponine in Les Mis. Fletcher is known for her series of videos on her YouTube channel itswaypastmybedtime which has gained her a dedicated following of over 500,000 subscribers. She has been playing Eponine since 2013. In 2014, Fletcher won the WhatsOnStage award for 'Best takeover in a Role'.

Performing in Les Mis Gala tonight? Yes