I WENT to see Les Miserables at Bishop Perowne College last week. To be honest, I went with a heavy heart - it was an extremely hot and oppressive night, schools' performances can sometimes be a `challenge' for audiences, and Portugal were playing France in the semi-final of the World Cup. However, I'd promised to go and go I did, and I'm so glad.

It was terrific and I enjoyed every moment. Despite handicaps like stifling heat, a very small stage and lots of staging problems including no wings at the side of the stage, the cast and crew ably demonstrated that in the end, none of those things really matter. What does matter with this musical is the ability of the actors to perform with conviction and style and to carry the story to the audience and of course the emotion. This they did with simplicity and with great energy. I can't believe there were many people in the audience who did not shed a tear or two at the climax - I shed a lot!

There were also two great events in our venues last weekend. Well over 100 young people aged 5-18 appeared in the Youth Theatre show Extravaganza for two nights, both times to packed audiences. It was great to see them up there performing to a high standard. At the hall last Saturday, Volcano, the Worcester community choir, hosted the Diamond Choir from South Africa. It was a wonderful night.