Pupils of the Chase Technology College in Malvern are taking to the stage to perform the West End classic Les Miserables.

More than 70 youngsters, including actors, chorus and stage crew, will be involved in the production, which runs from November 26-29.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and transformed into a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, Les Miserables has had a hugely successful run in London, becoming the third longest running musical in British theatre history.

Ann Peach, of The Chase, said: "The pupils have been pestering us to do Les Miserables since its first production but this is the first year that it's been available for schools to perform."

Set in France in 1815, the musical follows Jean Valjean, a convict on the run. He is spared arrest by the kindness of the Bishop of Digne and decides to start his life anew.

Eight years later, he has changed his name and is a respectable factory owner and mayor. All is going well until he rescues Fantine, a disgraced single mother forced into prostitution. His actions bring him to the attention of Javert, a police officer who has been trying to track him down for years. A tale of love, mercy and brutality follows.

Tomos Coles takes the lead role of Valjean, Simon Puttick is the eager detective Javert, while Katy Pitt plays the tragic Fantine.

Mrs Peach said: "We've been rehearsing since September. This is a very difficult show but rehearsals have been a real pleasure. The pupils have been very keen to offer ideas on the performance and add their own personalities to the show.

"Much of the directing and stage management has been done by senior students and the whole production has been a genuine collaboration."

The show, directed by Mike Kent-Davies, will be performed at The Chase at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 (concs £3), from The Chase, Geraldine Road, on 01684 891961.