Les Misérables colloquially known as Les Mis, is one of the most famous an most performed musicals worldwide. It is based on the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, which follows the struggles of a cast of characters as they seek redemption and revolution in 19th Century France. French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg composed the Tony award-winning score in 1980, with a libretto by Alain Boublil. It was staged in London's West End in 1985, with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. On October 8, 2006, the show celebrated its 21st anniversary and became the longest-running West End musical in history. The show has since repeated its success on Broadway and in many other countries around the world.