Bromsgrove School made its debut performance at the town's new Artrix theatre with a spectacular production of the schools' edition of Les Miserables.

Playing to packed houses on four nights (with an afternoon performance for local prep schools), the cast did full justice to the world's most popular musical.

Talented

The huge range of emotions in Hugo's sprawling novel were fully explored and captured by a talented company. James Hubbard was an outstanding Jean Valjean; as was his dogged enemy Javert, played by William Fisher.

Millie Hayward was an excellent young Cosette; Rose Lake splendid as Fantine. Nathan Stone and Dalia Jaffar were excellent as the two young lovers; Beth Rawstron captured the poignancy of Epnine. Tom Hayward and Sarah Hullah were extremely funny as the Thenardiers and Avinash Kalra led the revolutionaries with great panache.

Mike Perry, director, and Andrew Bird, musical director, created a show that held its own with adult theatre; costumes, lighting, the run away cart, the barricade and deft and subtle touches throughout made this a memorable production, no less so than in the great set-piece finales to both acts.

In between, the powerful melodies and emotions moved the audience throughout. It was hard to believe this was performed by school pupils; the production never faltered and everyone is to be congratulated on such a professionally accomplished production.

stage presence: Rose Lake was splendid as Fantine.

Give it everything you've got: The cast of Les Miserables on stage.