Doncaster youth theatre school takes on stage classic Les Miserables

Tickhill-based youth theatre group CATS are all set to be the first group to perform the hit musical Les Misérables (school edition) in a Doncaster Theatre for many years.

CATS (The Carr-nival Academy of Theatre Skills), led by the highly experienced Simon Carr, meet on Saturdays at the Pavilion in Tickhill and they have recently stepped up their rehearsal times to include Sundays in preparation for this high profile production.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

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Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. CATS welcomes children aged between five and 18-years-old with many of the older members moving on to also perform with SCAR a group for young adults, also run by Simon.

Some of the CATS graduates have been disappointed to discover that they cannot be part of this show however, as the strict rules connected to the rights for the schools’ version of the show allows only performers under the age of 20 to take part.

Nevertheless, Simon has pulled together a very strong cast for the production, many who have been performing with the group since they were five, and he has been able to split cast some of the lead roles to enable as many young people as possible to enjoy the experience of a singing role in the production.

It is an expensive venture for the group however, with the many costs, including theatre hire and rehearsal space, costumes, scenery, scores and royalties expected to be in excess of £4,500.

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The group have been fundraising for some time, and are now hoping that the ticket sale revenue for the seven performances and programme advertising will ensure that the production is a financial success.

Tickets for the performances, which run between May 9–14, including two matinée performances, are now on sale from 01302 340422 or doncasterlittletheatre.co.uk