THE hit musical Les Miserables comes to The Point in Eastleigh courtesy of Centrestage Youth Productions. (CPYT).

This youth group, which operates a free membership scheme to help encourage children from all backgrounds to join, has been working hard for months to raise funds to stage this production, which is costing in the region of 25k.

Just like the London production, the show has a revolving stage and also boasts some excellent effects. Les Miserables combines moving music with a story, set in France in the 1800s, of Jean Valjean who was sentenced to 20 years on the chain gang for stealing a loaf of bread. A benevolent Bishop helps Valjean to rebuild his life but his past life of poverty and theft haunts him.

Director Peter Harding, who has been with CPYT since its inception 14 years ago, says: "We are hoping there won't be a dry eye in the house."

Centrestage Youth Productions (CPYT) The Point, Eastleigh

The Point, Eastleigh from Monday to Saturday, February 19 at 7.15pm plus Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets £5 to £7. Box office: 023 8064 1261.