Les Miserables School Edition - Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre, The Point, Eastleigh

LES Miserables is a musical of many themes likely to challenge any director.

However, this well-designed production from Pete Harding was warmly received and its intense chorus scenes stole the show.

Valjean, strongly played by Mike Sprawson, escapes the injustice of the chain gangs.

A generous act enables him to become mayor and factory owner, then protector of the abused Fantine and her daughter Cosette, and finally a heroic rescuer.

All the cast performed well. Felicity Bell (Eponine) captivated the audience with her voice, while Hayden Lloyd charmed as urchin Gavroche.

The stage design was highly creative, enabling complex changes to be made quickly, and the lighting heightened the dark atmosphere that is so characteristic of this musical.

Sometimes the orchestra was a little loud for the soloists and the smoke machine was a distraction, but otherwise it was a good evening's entertainment.