Teenagers rise to the challenge (From Warrington Guardian)

Teenagers rise to the challenge

TEENAGERS are taking on the challenge of one of the top musicals of all time for their latest production.

A cast of 45 young people are to stage Les Miserables at the Daneside Theatre in Congleton next month.

The show is being performed by members of Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre, who are putting on a school edition of the musical work.

The production was suggested by the company's chairman Sue Beech, who has seen the show three times.

"It's wonderful we have been allowed to perform the show," said Mrs Beech.

"It's the most ambitious production we have staged, and is a major challenge.

"The members of the cast are loving every minute of it, and the show will appeal to everyone.

"It is based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, and is an epic saga that sweeps across three turbulent decades of 19th century French history."

The show is two hours long, is all singing with no dialogue, and is being directed by Richard Innes, with musical direction by Ian Pickford and choreography by Mrs Beech.

Jean Valjean is played by Craig Young, Tom Sargeant is Javert, Laura Matthews is Fantine and Luke Gray is Marius.

Cosette is played by Alison Beech, Heather Taylor is Eponine, Josh Cartlidge is Thernardier, and Lianne Jennings is Madame Thernardier.

Dane Swindells is Gavroche, Christopher Worrall is Enjolras and Jack Thompson is Grantaire.

The show runs from November 29 to December 4, and tickets are available from Congleton Information Centre or by ringing 277502.