Les Miserables at Bingley Arts Centre

Based on Victor Hugo’s novel set in 19th century France, Les Miserables is a challenging show to perform, not least because it is entirely sung – but this terrific young Stage 84 cast, aged three to 19, did it proud.

From the despair of impoverished factory workers in opening number At The End Of The Day to the moving lament of fallen comrades in Empty Chairs At Empty Tables, this is a soul-stirring production that lingers after the curtain has fallen.

It’s a scaled-down schools’ version, but Craig Winward’s impressive direction retains the original dramatic impact, with the action racing along to a rousing score sweeping from epic numbers like Do You Hear The People Sing? and One Day More to beautiful melodies like Bring Him Home.

Les Miserables relies heavily on central character Jean Valjean, and Zak Derler was mesmerising as the redemption-seeking fugitive. Talented Zak gave a remarkable performance, taking Valjean from angry young convict to weary middle-aged father.

What struck me during this performance was that these demanding roles are played by children and teenagers.

Elliot Matthews was an excellent Javert, the embittered inspector relentlessly pursuing Valjean, and Lauren Whiteley gave a gentle, moving performance as tragic Fantine. Her delivery of showstopper I Dreamed A Dream was a haunting highlight, along with On My Own by Emily Wright, equally as impressive as heartbroken Eponine.

Strong performances too from Billy Bryant as idealistic Marius and Grace Tattersall as sweet Cosette, and great comic relief from Oliver Lovett and Jenni Etherington as the obnoxious Thenardiers.

Freddie Butterfield was a scene-stealing Gavroche, the street boy who ends up the wrong side of the barricades, and Lara Firth was a delightful young Cosette.

The show is beautifully staged, with effective lighting and a striking set flanked by huge barricades. The battle scene, with the young revolutionaries making their last stand against the authorities, was a highlight in a show full of highlights.

Runs until Saturday.